i contemplated even writing this post because a majority of this month’s purchases have been duds. however, there have been a few diamonds in the rough so i figured why not share everything? plus if i’ve learned anything with sharing my picks, it’s that sometimes my “miss” just may be your “homerun” and for that reason, i’m always happy to give an inside peek into my online shopping orders! here’s what turned up at casa de rivera over the past 31 days:

the homeruns:

zara fine-waled corduroy full sleeve top (small) || i wouldn’t say i’m really a “purple person,” but something intrigued me about this top as soon as i saw it. the billowy sleeves, the corduroy material, the cropped silhouette. it felt very “un-me” and yet a version of me i’d like to explore more. the version that goes on date nights with her husband more than once every year and a half, lol. in fact that above photo was taken before our second date night since the twins were born! while zara sizing can always be hit or miss, i did find this top to fit TTS. it has a zipper at the bottom hem to make getting into it a little easier, though i do recommend putting it on before applying makeup. overall it’s cropped but not too cropped and looks chic with high-waisted pants. i wore it with my slim wide-leg jeans on this occasion but plan on pairing it with my white wide-leg cropped pants for a future ensemble.

zara leather ballet flats (10 –sized up 1/2 size in camel) || since these currently sit atop my wish list, i was happy to find an affordable alternative. after assessing my current flats collection, i decided i could use another pair of throw-on-and-go shoes that were comfortable, weather-resistant, and suitable for chasing around small children. i’ve had good luck with zara shoes in the past and this pair was no exception. i sized up 1/2 size (zara doesn’t offer a 9.5) and they fit comfortably. they have a quilted insole and come in two additional colors. i will say they’ve taken a couple wears to break-in, but now they feel like buttah. i love how ladylike they look juxtaposed against my favorite pair of distressed jeans.

the misses:

madewell balloon jeans in corson wash (25) || after trying on the balloon silhouette a number of times in the store, i finally purchased a pair to take home and style to once and for all determine if the tapered leg style was indeed right for me. while i LOVED the darker wash (especially for fall/winter), ultimately, the excess fabric in the hips/thigh area didn’t do anything to flatter my figure. even in taking them on and off while putting together outfits, i could tell they were already starting to stretch out (after i had already sized down one size) and feared they would become too baggy after only a few wears. while the balloon style has elements i appreciate (a tapered leg, a cropped hem, and a higher-rise), i have ultimately concluded it’s not quite right for my shape. the search continues for a darker jean to add to my collection for the upcoming season. i have my sights set on trying out abercrombie next.

j.crew slouchy boyfriend overalls (small) || while we’re on the subject of denim… after falling in love with my vintage overalls (with a slouchier fit), i was on an overalls high and decided to order this pair in ecru in hopes they would be a great “winter white” option. when they arrived, they sadly did not meet expectations. given my long torso (i’m 5’7″), overalls can always be a bit tricky. even when i slid the strap adjustments all the way down, the rise was still a bit too high to be worn comfortably. i did appreciate the gold hardware which i feel elevates them in a way, but at the end of the day, they did also appear a little too “i’m here to paint your house” for which my husband did indeed warn me. oh well, live and learn and be thankful for return policies.

amazon pink queen women’s 2 piece outfit set (small in beige) || after lusting over this free people set for two winters now, i was thrilled when an influencer i follow shared this amazon dupe. it was a THIRD of the price and had good reviews so i threw caution to the wind and ordered it in the beige color. i will say that it arrived in nice packaging and the quality felt much more lux than its reduced price tag. however, the fit of the pants weren’t quite what i had in mind. i had originally thought they’d fit more like a wide leg, but their silhouette was more bodycon with a slight flare at the ankle. when i shared my thoughts via my instagram stories, a sweet follower mentioned that since they’re a knit fabric, they would stretch out with wear, but since my instant reaction wasn’t that of “omg these are amazing!” i figured i should do the responsible thing and send them back. i will say, though the pants weren’t my favorite, the top was quite cute and flowy with functional buttons for any nursing mamas.

amazon easy usa mary jane shoes (10 in black) || every year around this time, it seems, velvet comes back into play as a trend for the holidays. after seeing the cutest velvet mary janes on julia (i’m convinced she makes anything look good), i decided i’d like to try a pair to wear with denim and sweaters for festive season. before committing to a more expensive pair, i figured i’d first try out an affordable option. while i LIVE for a good dupe, after receiving said thrifty version, i think some things are worth the splurge. this amazon pair was poorly crafted and had an overwhelming odor of gasoline. i returned them immediately! verdict is still out if i’ll invest in a higher quality pair. since velvet is such a precious fabric, i might wait until the babies are a bit older to take the plunge.

and what has yet to arrive:

shopbop opt classic smocked maxi dress (xs in salmon and black floral) || after seeing this gorgeous dress on natalie, i immediately fell in love. as you may know, i’ve been in search of some fall/winter appropriate frocks and this one seemed like the perfect option. while i was initially drawn to the dark colors of the black floral version, i also became quite smitten with the feminine palette of the salmon style. so i ordered BOTH dresses and will try them on in person to determine which color is the right one for me! i plan on bringing one to our upcoming trip to the desert to wear with my cowboy boots and/or my converse sneakers.

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