Greetings on this last day of September! Today I’ve got Part 2 of my Premium Denim Try-On Haul from last week. If you missed it, PAIGE and Bloomingdale’s are still doing 25% off, and a lot of the jeans I featured in that post are available at one or both of those sites.
As for this Part 2, I found a bunch of good tops and jackets, as well as one dress. I’ve got styles from Talbots, LOFT, Nordstrom, Frank & Eileen, and Evereve — so hopefully there’s a little something for everyone!
As usual, I will provide measurements and fabric content on each item when I can find it, and I’ll share whether I plan to keep it or not. Just remember, even when I decide not to keep something, it doesn’t mean it isn’t worth checking out. I just may not need it, or it may not work for my body type or lifestyle.
New Fall Arrivals from Talbots, LOFT, Nordstrom, Frank & Eileen, and Evereve
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.
KUT from the Kloth Julia Coated Crop Denim Trucker Jacket in Red
at Nordstrom and Evereve (S) // J.Crew sweater tee (M) // Pistola Lennon Crop Boot (29) // Franco Sarto flats (8)
DETAILS: Coated for an elevated casual look, this slightly cropped trucker jacket is made from lightweight stretch denim in a versatile solid hue.
- Machine wash, tumble dry
- 20 1/2″ length
- 59% modal, 39% polyester, 2% Lycra® spandex
I was so excited when I saw this jacket pop up on the Nordstrom website that I literally squealed out loud. In my defense, I was on a Zoom call with Sydney, and we were discussing blog post topics and our fall content strategy. I have and love a raw hem version of this jacket, the KUT from the Kloth Kara (which apparently they have restocked this year, YAY!)
Anyway, when I saw this deep red version with the more current-looking finished hem, I was super excited. Red is a hot color trend for fall, and I love the contrasting black hardware and the peep of black lining when you cuff the sleeves.
I will say, this Julia style is very cropped. The 20 1/2″ length is probably going to be a deal breaker for some, but I think I can work with it. (The Kara is 21″ long, in case you’re interested in the comparison.)
I styled this jacket over a simple black crewneck sweater tee (more on that below) with cropped bootcut jeans, and I added a narrow black belt to bring definition to the waist and make it look more complete.
These ladylike black slingback flats add a nice element of juxtaposition to the look against the edgier jacket and casual faded denim.
I also tried the outfit with my croc embossed Matisse McCarthy Mules*, mainly so I could see how I like these cropped bootcut jeans with other shoes. I think this works, although I like these jeans better with full length bootcut or wide leg jeans.
* By the way, you can get $15 off these mules with code WELCOMEQ15 at QVC (first time customers only).
And then I was curious how these cropped bootcut jeans would work with ankle boots, so I pulled out my rag & bone Walker Chelsea Boots, which are 50% off right now!
These boots are a great option for those wanting a casual, low-heeled boot to wear with jeans this fall. They’re a nice update to the lug sole Chelsea boots we’ve been wearing for the past few seasons.
VERDICT: Definitely keeping the jacket. I ordered the small and the medium, and this is the small, and I think it’s fine. I’m always a little in-between sizes in the KUT from the Kloth Kara, which is very similar to this Julia style. Also, this jacket also comes in chocolate brown and black, if red is not your thing.
J.Crew Sweater Tee in Premium Ultrafine Cotton
at J.Crew (M) // Pistola Lennon Crop Boot (29) // Franco Sarto flats (8)
DETAILS: Introducing our latest T-shirt invention, crafted in ultrafine 100 percent Egyptian cotton that’s renowned all over the world for its durability and softness. In other words, it’s a closet classic that’s definitely worth adding to your tee collection.
- 100% cotton.
- Hand wash.
- Fitted.
- Body length: 20 1/4″.
- Sleeve length: 15″.
- Hits at hip.
This is the top I was wearing under the red jacket above, and I thought it would be more of a sweater, but it’s definitely a t-shirt. The cropped, boxy style is trending right now, and I thought it might be a nice basic to have to layer under jackets, as shown above.
Here’s how it looks with a little side tuck. I’m not crazy about it on its own, but I do like the way it looks with the jacket. I did more of a wide front tuck when I had the jacket on, so it looks almost like a full tuck, but since it’s not stretchy and tight, it doesn’t cling to any of the lumps and bumps.
VERDICT: I’m going to go ahead and keep this one. I think it will be useful, for the reasons described above. It does run small, in my opinion, although it says it’s supposed to be fitted, so maybe not. At any rate, I only ordered the medium, and that’s what I’m keeping. (Oh, it’s also on sale in the black.)
Nation Ltd. Jeanne Top
at Evereve (S) // MOTHER Weekender (29) (petite option) (ON SALE, LAST DAY!) // Dolce Vita pumps (8)
DETAILS: Elevate your night-out look with the Jeanne Top from Nation LTD, featuring a mock neckline with a keyhole button closure and a relaxed silhouette.
- Length from Shoulder to Hem: 24 1/2″
- Material: 56% Viscose, 44% Rayon Woven
- Care: Dry Clean Only
If you’re thinking I already showed this top, you would be right. But I was trying on outfits to go out with Paul one night, and I put this on, all excited to wear it, and quickly realized that whomever suggested in that try-on haul that it was too small was right.
I think it looks okay from the front, but you can really tell that it’s too small in that back view.
Blergh. How did I miss that in-store? And even when looking at those try-on haul pix? It’s super soft inside and comfortable with a bit of stretch, so it felt good on, so I guess that’s why. And I DID try on the medium in store and I thought it was too big.
VERDICT: I’ve ordered that medium again to revisit the option, and I still have this small with the tags on. I probably should just take it back to the store and try on both there with the help of the sales associate and make a decision with someone else’s help. It’s possible that it looks okay in person and not so good in the pictures, but I usually trust pictures, so… I’ll report back.
Also, I love these pumps, and today is the last day to grab these MOTHER Weekenders for 25% off.
Belfast English Peacoat
at Frank & Eileen c/o (S) // AllSaints Stevie Tee (M) // MOTHER denim (29) // Matisse McCarthy Mule (8.5) // necklace
DETAILS: Meet Belfast, our English-peacoat-meets-California-cool jacket designed to toss over a tee and go! Luxurious horn buttons, scrunchable sleeves, a stretchy fit, and statement collar add a pop of California cool to this year-round piece.
- Triple Fleece, 100% Cotton
- Machine wash on cold; tumble dry on low
- Made in Sunny California
This jacket is equal parts cozy and polished. The design is inspired by the English-peacoat, but it’s made with Frank & Eileen’s signature 100% cotton triple fleece fabric, so it’s super cozy and comfortable and easy to layer over your favorite tees and button-up shirts.
I was surprised by how much I like this jacket, to be honest. I’m not usually a fan of double-breasted styles, but in Frank & Eileen’s inimitable fashion, they’ve managed to take a classic menswear wardrobe basic and make it into a women’s version that is flattering and highly versatile.
Here’s how it looks unbuttoned, and this is probably how I’ll usually wear it, but it’s nice to know it can be worn buttoned-up, as well. I just threw it on over this white crewneck t-shirt with the same jeans and mules I had worn that day with a different top and jacket combo, but I will probably wear it more often in a dressed-down look with straight ankle jeans and sneakers. It’s nice that it works both ways.
VERDICT: Keeping, for sure. This will make a nice travel jacket when the weather cools down. I didn’t bring it with me on this trip because I needed a raincoat instead.
LOFT Shirt Sweater Jacket
at LOFT (S) // AllSaints Stevie Tee (M) // MOTHER denim (29) // Matisse McCarthy Mule (8.5)
DETAILS: All the classic details of your fave shirt meet a soft sweater knit for a fresh twist on a forever essential.
- 22″ length
- 42% Acrylic; 27% Polyeste;r 26% Nylon; 5% Wool
- Machine Washable
Tons of you loved the burgundy collared sweater jacket that I have, so I was thrilled to see this similar style in the olive green. It also comes in a seasonal rust. I love the 22″ length and boxy fit, and the collar and contrasting buttons are a nice touch. It’s more of a modern cardigan than a jacket.
Also, the burgundy sweater jacket has been restocked!
Collared Pocket Sweater Jacket in Deep Burgundy (S) // MOTHER Weekender in Teaming Up (ON SALE, LAST DAY! // Matisse McCarthy Mule (8.5)
VERDICT: I’m not sure if I’ll keep this; I have a lot of olive toppers, and I also have the burgundy one. But I love it. I would definitely keep it if I didn’t have the burgundy.
Caslon Collar Organic Cotton Blend Cardigan in Navy Peacoat
at Nordstrom (S) // AllSaints Stevie Tee (M) // MOTHER denim (29) // Matisse McCarthy Mule (8.5)
DETAILS: Love to layer in this ribbed cardi knit with a polished collar and front patch pockets.
- 23″ length
- 56% organic cotton, 36% acrylic, 7% nylon, 1% spandex
- Machine wash, dry flat
This is a slightly longer version of the collared sweater jacket, and it has a high cotton content, which I appreciate. I would say the quality is a smidge higher than the LOFT one, but I like the fit of the LOFT one better for me personally.
VERDICT: I’m not sure I’ll keep this, although I do like the navy. I just prefer the cut and fit (and burgundy color) of the LOFT, one and I don’t need more than one. See below for the Tan Doe Heather, and it also comes in
Caslon Collar Organic Cotton Blend Cardigan in Tan Doe Heather
at Nordstrom (S) // AllSaints Stevie Tee (M) // MOTHER Dazzler (30) // MOTHER Rider (29) (similar wash, on sale) // Dolce Vita mules (7.5)
DETAILS: Love to layer in this ribbed cardi knit with a polished collar and front patch pockets.
- 23″ length
- 56% organic cotton, 36% acrylic, 7% nylon, 1% spandex
- Machine wash, dry flat
I ordered both colors of this, so I could show you. I like how the contrasting buttons show up better on the tan, and the color might be more versatile. Sadly, it’s also sold out in several sizes, but I wanted to include it anyway. Hopefully they’ll restock!
VERDICT: Not sure, I may keep this. I know I said I don’t need two, but this color could come in handy. I’ll probably hold onto it with tags on for a while and see if I reach for it.
1.STATE Diagonal Rib V-neck Sweater in Currant Red
at Nordstrom (S) // MOTHER denim (29) // Matisse McCarthy Mule (8.5)
DETAILS: Chunky diagonal rib stitches meet at the center seam of this slouchy cotton-blend sweater that amps up the ease with dropped shoulders and a classic V-neck.
- 23″ length
- 60% cotton, 40% acrylic
- Hand wash, dry flat
This is an easy pullover, in the trending color of the season. It also comes in black, taupe, navy, and ivory. I like the 23″ length and relaxed fit, and the multi-directional stitching is a nice detail. It’s got a good bit of cotton content, which is nice. I feel like it might be handy to have when the weather cools down, which may be happening this week.
VERDICT: I’m probably going to hold onto this one. I love an easy pullover with jeans for my casual days working from home, and it can be machine washed. (It says hand wash, but in my world, that means wash on the delicate cycle and lay flat to dry.)
LOFT Ribbed Mini Dress
at LOFT (S) // Franco Sarto flats (8)
DETAILS: Styled with a flattering side twist at the waist, this super soft ribbed knit dress wraps up your look – effortlessly.
- 33 1/8″ from center back neck to hem, measured from a size 8/M
- 77% Polyester 19% Rayon 4% Spandex
- Machine Washable
I was hoping to love this dress; the twist tie side thing tends to work well for me, but this one doesn’t fit great, and the fabric is quite thin. It looks cheap to me, and yes, it’s probably too small, as well, but I tried the medium, and it looked too big, and the waist was too long. It didn’t flatter either. (I should have taken pix for you to see, but I was in a rush.)
VERDICT: This one is going back.
Quilted Barn Jacket
40% off at Talbots (S) // J.Crew sweater tee (M) // Frank & Eileen jeans c/o (30) // Paul Green sneakers (39)
DETAILS: Bring style and warmth to your wardrobe with this chic quilted jacket. Detailed with plush corduroy trim at the collar.
- Misses: 26″ long; Petite: 24 1/2″; Plus: 28 1/2″; Plus Petite: 26 1/2″
- 100% Polyester; Lining: 100% Polyester
- Machine Wash Cold; Tumble Dry Low
Barn jackets are trending this season, and I like the quilted details and contrast trim on this one. It also comes in ivory. This is more of an outerwear piece than an outfit topper, so it’s great for outdoor activities when you want to look chic and put together.
Here’s how it looks buttoned-up (or snapped, rather.) It’s a little bulky, but I don’t think it’s a deal breaker. I would usually wear it unsnapped, anyway.
VERDICT: I may keep this, but I have the J.Crew Short Barn Jacket, and I don’t need both.
Brushed Wool Blend Bomber Jacket
40% off at Talbots (S) // J.Crew sweater tee (M) // Frank & Eileen jeans c/o (30) // Paul Green sneakers (39)
DETAILS: Effortless styling is easy with our classic bomber jacket. Crafted from a brushed wool blend with button flap pockets.
- Misses: 21″ long; Petite: 20 1/2″; Plus: 23 1/2″; Plus Petite: 22″
- 70% Wool, 30% Polyester
- Dry Clean
Okay, finally! This wool bomber is similar to the Rails Easton, so I don’t need it, but I ordered it to show you all, and I was curious to compare. This Talbots version is just a smidge longer, and it zips rather than buttons. It’s also a little more of a murky shade of olive, but I like both a lot.
Here’s the Rails Easton, if you want to see it on to compare. Both are available right now, and 40% off. It looks quite a bit shorter than the Talbots bomber, if you ask me, but I am also wearing lower rise jeans, so it’s hard to say for sure. I can try them both on with the same jeans when I get home.
RAILS Easton Wool Blend Crop Jacket (S) // MOTHER Fray Flare – 40% off (30) // Blondo Emmalyn Waterproof Boots – 40% off (8.5)
VERDICT: If I didn’t have the Rails Easton, I would definitely keep this. Highly recommend, if you need something like this. At 40% off, it comes down to $125.40.
