Madewell Try-On: Early Fall

*This has been updated to include a few more pieces! Plus, Insiders (a free rewards program) get 15% off EVERYTHING!

It's no surprise that I looked forward to getting to see the first of the Fall collection at Madewell! Yes, I think I might have been more excited about this than the Nordstrom Sale. While I always pre-shop online before going, it's good to know that not all the items I hoped to try-on in store were available. So here are the pieces that I loved or caught my eye:

Gingham Ruffle Dress $98 (ON SALE $34.99!) // Size 0 

Well I can say I picked this up to try-on on a complete whim! I think gingham is so cute on other people, but never feels right on me. There wasn't many new things at my store, so I tried it on just for fun. And there was just something that felt right about this dress. It's loose in the right way, but the ruffles make it flattering. There aren't any pockets, but that probably is good for the hips (no extra bulk). For the fit, I would pick your size to fit your hips since it has a straight cut.

Windowpane Ruffle-Side Shirt $72 (ON SALE $39.99) // Size XXS

The second I saw this top online, I was obsessed! I mean look at those ruffles! Yes, I have enough oversized shirts, but not with ruffles. So when they had this the second time I came, I was so excited to try it on. In theory, it seems cute and looks cute online. The ruffles down the side just didn't sit right on me. It gave me a dinosaur vibe, which I'm so sad about. And you definitely want to size down with this one! It also comes in a denim version that's on major sale, too.

Embroidered Courier Side-Button Shirt in Stripe $80 (ON SALE $39.99) // Size XXSI'm no stranger to Madewell's Courier shirts (see this post), but this version has all the details. Sadly, I didn't take a picture of the sides where the buttons are. This style has all the right oversized fit while not having sleeves that are too oversized. I always size down and if it came in a smaller size I know I could fit that. It's just an easy shirt to toss on and go, but the extra details make it that more special.

Modern Tie-Front Top In White $39.50 // Size Small

I cannot speak enough good things about this knot front top! They brought it back this season after selling out during the early Summer. When I tried it on several months ago, I didn't buy it and regretted it and it sold out in the white. However, I did snatch it up in the stripe version (seen here). After how much use the stripe one has gotten, I knew I wouldn't leave without the white version this time. 

I will say that I feel like this season's version runs a tiny bit smaller, but true to size. Depending if you like a more fitted or oversized fit, you can stick to your normal size or go up one size. Just see the black version below in a smaller size.

Modern Tie-Front Top In Black $39.50 // Size XS

Still love the fit in the smaller size, but tend to love things less fitted. The shirt has a thicker texture in all the colors, which is what makes it a slightly higher price than what you see on cheaper versions.

Silk Ruffle-Sleeve Top in Cactus Flower $98 (ON SALE $54.99) // Size XS

This top was not on my radar, but once I saw it in person it was a must-try on. It has a fun, modern cactus print that's not your standard cactus print. Since it's silk, it can easily be dressed up or down. The fit is loose and I know I could have gone down a size, I really loved the fit and length. It was perfect to tuck in. The back has a subtle V-shape that's appropriate for work. And the sleeve is a nice spin on ruffles and the bell-shape that's been trendy.

Wrap Shirt in Star Scatter $75 // Size XS
Another top I would have passed up if I just looked at it online, but that star print is adorable in person. It truly is a wrap shirt with an inside tie and snap closure at the bust. I am fairly short waisted and found this to be short. I do feel you need to go for the size that fits the bottom of the shirt and wouldn't wear it without high-waisted jeans. 

As more comes to store, I will be sure to try them on and report back or better yet if anything goes on sale. Is there anything you love from their collection so far?

Now & Later: Madewell Dress (Part 2)

moto jacket // dress // booties // hat // sunglasses

cardigan // dress (as a top) // jeans // booties // hat // sunglasses

When I shop, I think of ALL the ways I can wear something. It's something that I've learned the hard way. My mind goes back to the time I thought white leggings were a good idea. Anyway, this is what I like to call smart shopping and applied it to the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. All my shopping was done in one trip in under an hour and right before work. Yes, I need a time limit or else. This is the second part to the #nsale (see the first post here). But you'll see that it created a mini capsule wardrobe that worked with each other and you can bet these pieces fit my current closet. We're basically a day away from the sale opening to the public, but all I can say is have a game plan.

Here's what worked for me:

1. Know what you actually need in your closet

2. Take inventory of the items you wore to death last fall (maybe it's in actual shreds and should be replaced)

3. Have a budget. Yes, really.

4. Take what you listed in 1, 2, and 3 shopping. 

5. Give yourself a time limit shopping. 

Now & Later: Madewell Dress

dress // sandals // hat // sunglasses

Not going to lie, I got into the Nordstrom sale hype mainly because I was curious to see for myself. I've never started shopping there till I started blogging and that's been more of a recent thing. However, I wanted to go into this differently and get the most versatile pieces that already worked together and with what's in my closet. And no surprise I figured starting with my favorite brand, Madewell, it would be a safe bet when I shopped the sale. So the day of the sale I went in straight and tried on everything Madewell that was part of Nordstrom sale and this dress, which I would say is underrated, happened to be a star. The fit is shift like and would go with size best for your hips. It's perfect to wear now just with simple sandals and look put together for a warm Summer day.

dress (worn as a top) // jeans (size 26) // booties (go up 1/2 size) // sweater // hat // sunglasses

BUT it's also the perfect shaped dress to turn into a top! Can you tell I'm going to have fun playing around with this dress?! This makes for an easy transition into the Fall when paired with jeans and booties. Oh, and the hat-can't forget that! Now, let me talk to you for a minute about these jeans. There part of the #nsale and I've been wearing them non-stop because they simply are almost too good to be true. They are so comfy and that's coming from me who can't really stand high waisted jeans. They have a lot of stretch to them that you don't feel that added pressure on your stomach, but still hold their shape. Oh, and they're under $60! I really think I need another pair for back up. 

I'll be showing you a couple more ways on how to wear this dress on Thursday, so stay tuned! 

Have you picked up anything from the Nordstrom Sale? It opens up to everyone July 21st.

Simple Summer Outfit

top (runs large) // jeans // espadrilles (go up 1/2 size) // hat // purse (love this version too) // rings c/o mejuri

So I kept going back to this shirt trying to decide if it was me or not. But it grew on me and my love for cactus has been a it's peak. The oversized fit is just spot on and makes for a great summer piece. Plus, if you know me, you know I'm mostly a tee and jeans kinda gal. I have to say I just picked up a newer version of these jeans and it's the first high waisted pair that I actually feel like I can eat in. This girl needs all the stretch. And you guys I've slowly been adding to my jewelry collection with these rings. When it comes to rings, the daintier the better, which is why I'm obsessed with Mejuri. They go with everything and each piece works seamlessly together! That's exactly how I like my clothes, so makes sense why I love their pieces.

And I know Jessica and I typically have our Flashback Friday Linkup today, but Jessica is in the home stretch of her pregnancy so she's taking some time off. Really can't believe how fast that went! But she nailed making her bump look so easy to dress, riiight?

Anyway, what's everyone doing this weekend? 

Little Denim Dress

dress (old, similar, under $50) // purse (option under $60) // handkerchief // sunglasses // espadrilles 

Not to say I don't like short weeks, but this whole week feels like a blur. Holidays shouldn't be allowed to fall on a Tuesday, riiight? How was your 4th? Our 4th was really low-key. We had zero plans and I always find those can be some of the best days. If you can't tell, I'm not that person who likes to buy something just to wear on that one day. Truthfully, I thought I would end up wearing stripes. But found some time to dig through my closet and realized I have so many denim dresses from last year that I've forgotten about. It's also stopping me from buying more denim dresses (like this one!) and start rewearing my clothes. Do you ever feel like your old clothes never see the light of day? 

Anyway, let's take a look at last year's look here. It pretty hilarious that it's featuring denim. Maybe it's the LA girl in me, can't live without it! And this just made me remember I have this top. Another piece I need to wear asap.

Thanks for all your lovely posts from last week! You guys have some of the best outfits! Our picks are Tif from Bright on a Budget and Nicole from What Nicole Wore! And just FYI this might be the last linkup for the month, but all depends on if Jessica's little bundle decides to show up in the next week. How fast has her pregnancy gone?! Okay, we should probably ask her.

An InLinkz Link-up