in addition to tacos, tuesdays have become synonymous with the release of new arrivals at some of my favorite stores. and this tuesday was no exception as my favorite brand added a half dozen pieces to their late spring collection that immediately made me swoon. during our girls day on friday, my mom and i ventured to madewell for a good old-fashioned try-on session. i had every intention of trying on a few things at j.crew as well, but unfortunately there just wasn’t anything worth modeling (womp, womp). so we stuck to madewell and found a few goodies to come home with me. really this post should be called “what i recently purchased at madewell” instead of a fitting room fables because i took home everything except for the white eyelet dress and striped shorts (whoopsies but not whoopsies), but to humor y’all, i’ll do my usual commentary on style and fit! enjoy (and run don’t walk to madewell right now, they’re killing it this season, guys!).
eyelet tiered midi dress (0) || admittedly i spotted this style dress in the striped version first, but noticed that dress was only available online, so i figured i could at least try on the eyelet style for sizing reference. turns out, i might like the white dress just as much! it’s a perfect midi length and fits true to size in the bust. it would no doubt get a lot of wear this summer, especially when paired with a denim jacket and sandals. i only wish it had pockets! brides to be -it would make a great option for a bridal shower, too. ultimately i ordered the striped version just because i feel like the white dress washed me out a bit. fingers crossed it’s also a winner!
size verdict: true to size. i’m wearing a 0 since my usual 2 wasn’t available, but i think either would fit well.
emmett button-front shorts in stripe (26) || other than my regular and white denim styles, i don’t wear a lot of shorts. but i was intrigued by this button-front style since i’m obsessed with a button detail these days. plus stripes, duh. while the fit was great, there was something about length that seemed off, at least on me. they have a generous high-rise which give them that fun retro feel and make them perfect for pairing with cropped tees. you could also tuck a blouse into them (as styled) and pair with a leather belt. if they had worked, i would have styled them with a short-sleeve or sleeveless chambray, mules, and a bandana in my hair.
sizing verdict: true to size. these fit perfectly!
button-front wide-leg jeans (26) || after spotting these button-front wide-leg jeans on a few of my favorite bloggers, and given my love for silhouette, i knew i wanted to try them on for myself. as expected, i loved them the minute i slipped them on. the button-front detail gives them a bit of a retro vibe and the high-waist really shows off a toned mid-section. as with the shorts, there are a few ways to style these jeans with a blouse -either opt for a cropped hem, front tuck just the front portion of the hem into the waistband and leave the rest loose, or tuck it in altogether. it just kind of depends on what kind of vibe you want to convey. i think the first two options give off a more casual vibe while the third is a bit more polished. personally, i’d style them the way i am wearing them above -with a feminine blouse and sandals. but i think they’d be cute with a striped tee and tennis shoes, too. for date night, try them with a sleek body suit and lace-up espadrilles. honestly, the possibilities are endless and for that reason, these were the first of many things i put in my “yes!” pile.
size verdict: true to size.
story top in fan floral mix (0) || this top kind of took me by surprise. i was originally drawn to it for its sleeve detail (can’t resist a ruffled sleeve), but once i had it on, i fell in love with the floral print as well. i love the blue, mauve, and even mustard tones of the pattern, making it versatile to pair with a plethora of items already in my current wardrobe (items like these pants, these shorts, and even layered beneath this jumpsuit). if you’re looking for a fun and feminine top to wear all spring/summer long, this is a great one and it’s under $75. it’s also machine washable because ain’t nobody got time for dry clean only!
size verdict: fits blousy, size down (especially if you’re small-chested).
boardwalk ankle strap sandal (9.5) || after wearing out the soles of a similar target pair on our honeymoon last summer, i’ve been on the hunt for another ankle-strap sandal. this time without the glitter because maybe at age 32 i should retire glitter-adorned things? anyway, i tend to have good luck with madewell shoes, so i sampled their updated version of the boardwalk sandal in the “natural buff” color and found them to be both comfortable and dare i say it, quite flattering on my foot (i have fairly wide feet so sometimes sandals look awkward on them). normally i opt for a cognac shade, but i really love the lighter hue for summer and considering how much i wear sandals once the temperatures heat up, i’m now contemplating going back for a black pair, too.
sizing verdict: true to size. i’m always a 9.5 at madewell and these were no exception.
texture and thread gathered sleeve top (xs) || so the reviews are definitely mixed on this top, and i can see why. it does fit quite boxy, with a generously cropped hem. HOWEVER, i think when styled appropriately, it can be flattering. i loved how it looked with the wide-leg jeans and would imagine it would be just as cute with a high-waisted skirt. though the fit may be controversial, the quality of the fabric is undeniable. it’s constructed from a thick and sturdy cotton fabric with subtle ribbing, making its sub-$50 price tag a steal! i tried on both the black and the antique coral versions but ultimately opted for the black since the former washed me out. i’m constantly reaching for black tops to pair with work pants and skirts so this one will be a great option for me when i’m putting together outfits during the week!
sizing verdict: size down. i’m usually between an xs and a small at madewell and definitely opted for the former. it runs big!
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