A Few Product Reviews – Everlane, J.Crew, Madewell

Lately I’ve added quite a few items to my wardrobe and wanted to gather up some reviews. None of these are particularly “designer” – actually everything is under $200, and mostly under $100.

First up – almost every item I’m wearing below!

Madewell Brady booties: I recommended these booties in an earlier Weekend Update – here you can see them on me. These are also available in all sizes on the Madewell site, but backordered until mid June (I ended up finding my tan ones in store).

They are so comfortable (theres a great padded footbed), and I find that the lower cut in front and the cut out on the sides help with not cutting off the leg. And they look great with both pants and dresses. I can walk for a mile in these (but not too much more).

I also have the white, but need to return them because they are too big (you can kind of see in the photo, the gap behind the heel).

Old Navy tee dress. I am a huge t-shirt dress person. I have tons. But my favorite are ones I bought almost a decade ago from C&C California (remember them)? and they are basically on their last legs. Yes, that’s how long I’ve been looking for replacements! I’ve tried high, low and medium and finally found my goodie in these Old Navy ones. As soon as I received the gray in the mail, I placed an order for three more.  By the way, I took an XS Petite, but it does run short so keep that in mind, taller people.

JCrew Open Sweater Blazer: I have had a few requests for a review of this one. This is one of my favorite “nicer but still bumming” items. I wore it all the time over a shirt and leggings in the fall, and I was pleasantly surprised that it’s a nice length over dresses. So comfortable and I find the merino to be excellent quality with very little pilling. One of J.Crew’s best items they’ve done in recent history which is probably why they keep bringing this back season after season.

Everlane Cropped Anorak: I’ve had a few mixed experiences with Everlane lately – it’s been up and down. But I have to say that I really love this anorak. I tried a few different ones and this is by FAR the best. It doesn’t wrinkle easily, is a nice substantial weight, doesn’t make that weird “rustling” sound certain raincoats make, has nice pockets, a good hood to protect from the rain..and has a nice cut, especially for petites. Need I say more? A total utilitarian purchase. I took an XXS and there’s enough room to layer a shirt and sweater underneath and move comfortably.

Adidas Ultra Boost sneakers: Caveat: these are $180. This is the most I have ever paid for sneakers.  I’m really not an athletic person so I don’t spend in that arena. But I walk a lot, often with a baby strapped to me, and really wanted comfort. I was a little iffy on paying so much for sneakers but then I thought about the utterly crazy amounts I pay for designer shoes that I really wouldn’t utilize as much as a pair of trainers. And they have been sooo worth it. Crazy comfortable!! In case any of you are in the market for shoes.

Sephora Lip Balm: No photo, but I bought this on a whim and have been very pleased. I have the Goji Berry, which smells yummy and not artificial and plus it leaves a nice pink tint on the lips (it’s the only one that will leave color I think). Great price as well.

Also, if you’re shopping the Rouge sale – I finally tried Good Genes by Sunday Riley and it’s really excellent.

Madewell Noelle sandals ($98): Full disclosure: these are going to get  returned, but I wanted to share a photo in case any of you were considering. I actually quite like these but my husband really hates them so I decided to make my life easy on this one since I have many other items in my wardrobe he objects to.

Zara linen strappy dress: Also no photo my child (see below) was starting to get impatient. This dress belongs in a class of items I would describe as “Reformation Lite”. I will always love Reformation because they have great items, but I’ve been very happy with the many inspired styles I’ve seen because they are often a) longer b) looser and c) cheaper. This qualifies for the last two, its a bit short but not obscene and probably still longer than many Ref styles. One note – the straps were a little long, so I had to bring them up a bit through alterations.

And finally – my little girl, who lay and played patiently while I rustled with the self timer function on the camera for quite some time. Can you see why I cut off my head on my photographs? Tons of baby hair growing in! And my skin is crazy lately! Also, that’s why everything was taken with the same gray dress on. I am a one woman (and two babies) operation.