As I write this post, it’s pouring rain and 50°F. Whoever started the rumor that New Mexico is a year-round blazing hot dry desert was a liar—much of the state gets snow, freezing temperatures all winter long, and rainy winds like you wouldn’t believe. No, it’s not New York, but it’s not Phoenix, either. Spring has been late to arrive here, and every time I think it’s finally spring for real, the temperature drops again.
That said, I’m trying to get my wardrobe in shape before the summer kicks in. The last time I made any real effort to lighten up in the sunshine was three years ago, and putting away the boots and cardigans still doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m trying!
1. Beams tunic, Moorea Seal
I bought this UZI NYC tunic (and the similar Broken Lines kimono top) a couple of weeks ago, and it’s PERFECT. I’m always a little bit worried about “one size” clothing, but the fit is great—I’m usually a medium in tops, and I can see these fitting up to an XL quite nicely. The cut is very forgiving, the fabric is light and breathable, and it’s just the right length. I’m really happy with both shirts!
2. Crinkle gauze scarf, Old Navy
3. Boleto necklace, Tiro Tiro
4. High-Rise Rockstar skinny jeans, Old Navy
THESE JEANS! I usually have to try on at least five pairs of Old Navy jeans before I figure out which cut is the right one, but somehow I nailed it on the first try this time. I bought two pairs (black and rinse) and they’re GREAT. Don’t be worried about the “high-rise” aspect, either—they’re not so high that they’ll cover your belly button or anything. They’re comfy, butt/hips-friendly…and I love spending less than 40 bucks for a great pair of jeans. Like most clothes from Old Navy, they run a bit large—something to keep in mind if you’re ordering online.
5. Geometric canvas tote, Oelwein
6. Pandora sunglasses, Urban Outfitters
7. Herringbone green clogs, Cape Clogs (also on sale at ShoeBuy.com)
I’ve had these clogs since 2013, and they still look new. I’m really impressed by how well they’ve held up, given how much cheaper they were than other Scandinavian clogs. (I wish I could say the same about my Hasbeens, but that’s another story…)
8. California Coral nail polish, Essie
Because when in doubt, match your toenails to your scarf.
I really need to find some comfy dresses that aren’t sleeveless, a good summer hat, and flat sandals. I’ve been looking for the right pair of well-made flat sandals for years now, and somehow they still elude me…
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Those rockstar jeans are great, but they don’t last. Unless you have a thigh gap (ha!), eventually the friction between your thighs kills the elastic in the fabric and they shred… and by eventually I mean within three months. That being said, I haven’t found anything better as far as inexpensive/comfortable/easy skinnies to wear with my dreaded work uniform.
Aw, that’s too bad! I’ve had such good luck with Old Navy jeans in the past—they’ve lasted for years. I’ll cross my fingers (but not my legs, hah) and hope for the best. At least they’re inexpensive—my $$$ Madewell jeans all wore out in that same spot after about six months. :/
The rockstar jeans I’ve bought have held up for years, and I do not have a thigh gap. I only wear them about once a week though.
I love the fit of these jeans too but mine are starting to get stretched out with wear. Maybe I’ll size down next time. Also- Gap makes a black high waisted jean with a very similar fit and the denim quality is better. Love your fashion posts (well, all posts)!
Welcome to the West! There are generally at least 3 false starts to spring. Yes, every year. Have you tried Saltwater sandals?
http://www.zappos.com/salt-water-sandal-by-hoy-shoes-the-original-sandal-big-kid-adult~1
I have, yes! Twice purchased and twice returned. I love how they look on other people, but on me they just look geriatric. In a bad way.
Boo. I was afraid of that and hoping it wouldn’t be true. Thanks for the confirmation (and saving me the return postage).
It may just be me, Tisha! They are super cute on other people (and kids), but I can’t pull them off. I have a hard time wearing flat shoes unless they’re tapered/slightly pointed.
Oh, those green clogs are gorgeous!! Hashtag Heart Eyes!
xox
Love those jeans too! I also think they wear out fast but since they’re so cheap, I don’t mind buying new ones every six months. As for sandals- I love Saltwater Sandals!! Mine have lasted forever (and I usually wear out sandals after a summer, I’m clumsy and always end up dragging the front) and they stretch or shrink by getting them wet and then drying so they fit perfect! Lots of colors to choose from too.
There are buds here in Boston! If only we can be done with snow. I’m still sticking to my avarcas as sandals. Otherwise I just have braided ones from Target circa 2009? Love the top.
Have you looked at Nisolo sandals? I love every pair of Nisolos I have purchased. Really well made, comfortable and reasonably priced. Downside is I don’t think they offer free returns.
Thanks, Erica, I’ll check them out!
I love those green clogs but am afraid they’d be too heavy or something (never worn clogs!) As for dresses, have you tried Boden? They have some nice simple styles with sleeves and they do have lots of sales if you sign up for their newsletter.
Hi Jeannette! Clogs don’t actually feel as heavy on the feet as you’d think. I have a hard time walking in lower-heeled clogs, though—my foot slides around too much. A little heel can make them very comfy. 🙂
https://www.everlane.com/collections/womens-shoes/products/womens-slingback-sandal-black-black
They also have new sandals coming May 19/23 in ‘coming soon’
😉
Cute!!
American Eagle jeans are also surprisingly good – simple, cheap and long wearing. I’ve had a ripped pair that get more compliments than you’d think. Lovely post, as usual Anna!
Thanks, Kate! I think I’m a little scared to go inside of teen mall stores, but maybe online… 😉
Hi! Have you ever tried http://www.pikolinos.com/us-en/women.html ?
They are super comfortable and good for narrow feet
I’ll take a look, Abbie, thanks!!
Were you hinting that your Hasbeens didn’t last, or that you wouldn’t buy them again? I’ve been coveting them ever since your original post. Well, now I know to buy Cape Clogs. As for sandals, Rachel of Heart of Light really like this alternative to Greek sandals. http://heart-of-light.blogspot.com/2013/02/greek-sandals.html
I’ve been meaning to buy those, too. Basically, I’m full of great intentions when it comes to online shopping. Then something else shiny catches my eye and forget.
Jules, my Hasbeens seemed great for the first couple of years, and then the staples started to pull out—a few at first (which I was able to have fixed), and then more and more. When I pay that kind of money for a pair of shoes (especially ones that I’m not going to be wearing for at least half the year), I expect to get at least 5 or 6 years out of them. I understand that shoes sometimes need repair, but this was ridiculous. Most Swedish-made clogs are nearly identical in design, and I personally prefer Cape Clogs—they’re easier to break in, much less expensive, and apparently they’re longer-wearing. And I love those sandals, but all I can think about is what kind of blister they’d leave around my big toe…
Thanks for the head’s up on the Hasbeens. Cape Clogs it is! I’ve never been able to wear sandals that wrap around the toe, but I figured I’d pass the link on to those who don’t have Fred Flintstone feet. Birkenstocks are also dicey. I can only wear certain styles (two) and only on days when I’m not retaining water. The flip-flop style that was popular the last couple of summers makes my feet look like water balloons!
I have those exact Greek style sandals and I love them! I’ve never been able to wear leather shoes on my bare feet but took a chance and ordered these and never even had a break-in period. They were comfy from the get-go.
One word of caution though – the sole is VERY flat. I wore them to NYC and the were totally fine that day but the next morning I woke up and felt like my heels were bruised!
City treks aside though, these have been my go-to summer sandals for 3 years now.
Great post! I know just what you mean about weather–I live in a vacation spot and am always SHOCKED when it rains (and we also get wind that makes the rain attack horizontally). A bright scarf helps a lot.
My Margaret Howell flats rule supreme. Sure, you’re looking at £395 new But they do turn up on eBay quite often and are superb quality, comfy and go with everything.
I’ll keep an eye out, thank you! 🙂
Camper has some sandals that I just brought that are really comfortable. I got the tan/black from Amazon but they have them at Nordstorms.com
I picked up these reef sandals last week in white and black. So far, so good. They are super comfortable, cute and I can wear them to workout on the weekend. http://www.reef.com/shop/womens-sandals/reef-rover-hi-rf008935?variationId=SIG
Unfortunately these types of “sporty” sandals look atrocious on me, but I know lots of people love Reefs!
Having likewise tried and failed with Saltwaters, I’ve been wearing Madewell Boardwalk sandals for the last few years. They’re a little narrower and neater than Saltwaters I think – https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHOESANDBOOTS/sandals/PRDOVR~E8248/E8248.jsp?color_name=english-saddle
Those are cute, Aoife! Madewell had a pair of sandals with buckles a few years back that I’m still kicking myself for not buying. I waited for them to go on sale, and by then my size was long gone. :\
I’m probably biased because I’m German but I love Birkenstock sandals. 🙂
As with the Saltwaters, they look cute on other people, but they make me look like a dumpy duck! This is my Flickr from 2008, hahaha:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/doorsixteen/2699577413
This is the style I was talking about above! So cute on everyone else, but on me they look like hovercrafts. :/
Whew! I finally caught up after back-reading your entire blog because I’m a lunatic.
Welcome to the crazy weather in the southern US. I’m in Oklahoma and our spring is always a back & forth of straight winter & summer with a shit ton of rain mixed in. I’m always that person that dresses way too hot for the weather & every year I say I’ll change but here I am again, 75 degrees, sweating in thick jeans, Dr. Martens, a long sleeve shirt & black cardigan. (I agree about Birkenstocks, I feel like a complete dumb ass in them. How do people pull those off??)
Side note: I give you huge props for your cross-country move & good call on New Mexico! We fell in love with New Mexico a couple of years ago & it’s on the list of potential moves when we finally get out of this bible belt we currently feel trapped in.
I hear you on the Hasbeens. I love mine – they are so CUTE – but they are the most fragile shoes I own. I only wear them a couple times every spring/summer. 🙁
Missed your fashion posts!
Make It Good has some cute boxy dresses with prints this year -I got their gray parachute solid one this season but I have 2 printed tanks from last spring. I also have my eye on an Uzi dress (but their one-sizing doesn’t usually fit me) and a Mary Meyer galaxy splatter dress as well but I have to see what the fits are. Otherwise I’m leaning on some Urban Renewal cotton sack dresses from last year.
I cannot do clogs but I’ve heard a lot of buzz about Mohop lately (the clogs, not the wrap sandals, which I don’t like visually). They’re not as cute as Hasbeens but I think they’re customizable?
That Tiro Tiro necklace is beautiful! I’d been on the hunt for black flat sandals for months, but it was hard to find a style I liked that was all black – upper, footbed, and sole. This past weekend I wandered into Aldo, tried on a sandal I wasn’t too sure about… and fell in love. I could see where the ankle strap might wear funny on some, but for me, they are so comfortable and there has been no breaking-in period: http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/en_US/women/sandals/flats/c/121/ERINA/p/44938965-97. Simple and sleek and I’m pleasantly surprised. As for pants, I’ve been a big fan of H&M skinnies, but will definitely check out the Old Navy ones you mention. Here’s hoping you get that lovely spring weather soon!
Clarks Originals ‘Dusty Soul’ http://www.clarks.co.uk/p/26107057 are very comfortable & easy on the feet. I wear Saltwaters and Birkenstock too, and these are not as round/wide. Incidentally, Saltwater have released a new ‘Classic’ style sandal in the UK this year, which is apparently narrower than the ‘Original’ style http://www.salt-watersandals.com/women/classic-black.html.
I was so excited to see black jeans on the round up..and then i realized they are the black rockstar jeans i wear (almost) daily! They really are great but, i do replace them every 3 months. Oh well! Great jeans/great pricepoint.
Love this post and your finds. I am about to order my fourth pair of my favorite sandals:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/franco-sarto-gia-sandal/3149395
They are the most comfortable flat shoes I have ever had.
Ok, now i NEED that tunic top, but the link won’t work for me 🙁
Sorry, it’s working now! It sold out, unfortunately, but you can sign up to be notified when it’s back in stock!
I have a similar pair to the ones they sell here: http://www.solillas.com, and they are great! Really comfy, soft leather that takes on the shape of your foot, and I think they look great too! Mine were bought a couple of years ago from another Spanish brand that I dont remember the name of…. but these ones look well made too!
Also just want to add that I love your blog and I have been reading it for years 🙂
I now own 5 UZI tops (including this tunic) and they are fantastic! The fabric wears and washes so well, and the cuts are flattering and comfortable. WIN.
Hi Anna,
For narrow feet, Ancient Greek Sandals (made in Greece) are great. I ordered a pair and they were too narrow for me but simple enough to wear with all kinds of styles. I recently ordered the Pons Avaracas from Moorea Seal and they are really nice quality. I like how they look, might be worth checking out. 🙂
hi. late response to this email. I have these jeans and the smell is quite overwhelming. I think it is something the fabric is treated with. did you have this with your jeans? do you have any tips? I have had some jeans in the past with this problem–sometimes the smell went away and sometimes I ended up giving up on them.
My jeans from Old Navy don’t have any discernible odor, Elizabeth! I’ve washed them a few times now, but I didn’t notice anything when they were brand new, either.