This slouchy sweater was a random lucky find from H&M; – it comes in several colors, and the cuffed 3/4 sleeves has to be my favorite detail! Material is a lmedium weight knit that will transition into spring/summer. The neckline isn’t too wide so can sit regularly on my shoulders, or can be shifted slightly for an asymmetrical off-shoulder look.
As promised, I got my Shopbop order in so wanted to do some quick reviews. First off, I had pointed out the J.Brand Alana jeans which look like an exact dupe for my beloved pair (that you guys see almost on a weekly basis!), except with a shorter inseam so petites don’t need to get a hem job like I did. I ordered them to try on before I could recommend them soundly, and they did not disappoint. The material composition and color (vanity = black) are exactly the same as the ones I have, but the length is awesome for shorter legs with a 26.5″ inseam. In the photo above, I have them cuffed a little. My second choice would be the mid-rise jeans also in the same material, with a 28″ inseam that may require a hem.
To me, this J.Brand Vanity denim series (since material composition can vary widely from style to style) is the perfect pair of black jeans – figure-flattering, slimming, holds in the tummy if you choose the higher waist style, and most importantly does NOT stretch out throughout the day. If for some reason yours do, a 15 minute dry in the machine dryer should bring them back down to size. There is a warning that the color rubs off on lighter materials but I have not noticed any issues yet after countless wears…just be careful, of course. Again, please note the Alana style I’m trying on above has the shortest inseam at 26.5,” while the other styles in the same material have inseams ranging from 28 to 29.5.”
On to the striped flats in the first photo – I’ve wanted a pair of Soludos espadrilles since last spring, but the striped ones were always sold out in my size. This is my first time trying on this brand and a size 5 fit me, so these might run a touch big. They are oh-so-cute (wish I had a picture showing the ankle ribbons!) and instantly made me wishful for warmer weather. The back of the heel part is not uncomfortable per se, but do rub a bit when I walked around in the house. I am keeping these but only time will tell how the backs will feel with long-term walking. Two other styles I was debating between are the classic leather platform espadrilles and the adorable striped smoking slippers, both with a closed back so maybe they won’t have the rubbing issue.
I was most excited to try these booties. I keep hearing from friends how they can walk miles in these after a slight break-in period. The quality and craftsmanship look really nice and sturdy coming out of the box, and a size 36 hugged my foot (they definitely run at least half a size small). I loved so many aspects about these but the color was a little lighter than what I expected. The darker Camel looks closer to what I want, but that color is in only suede versus nubuck leather which I loved. Am currently undecided on these.
These jeans fit like a glove true to most R&B; pairs I’ve tried on, but the knee distressing looked a little strange on me. In Nick’s words, they looked too neatly rectangular versus the haphazard look that I love for distressed denim. This Madewell shirt is a good, basic slouchy V-neck cotton tee…and I’ve tried on quite a few before getting this one. I also have the lighter gray heather marble from Nordstrom which is a different price, but I feel like it’s the same exact shirt! I originally had tried it on in xxs, but for the looser look I want an XS definitely fit best without being too low-cut. It’s great for pairing casually under moto jackets, blazers, and denim jackets alike.
A non-pictured keeper for me is the Hunter Tour foldable boots (my review) that I finally caved and got in black. I love my colored wellies, but black is and will always be the more conservative and professional-looking option for commuting on a rainy day. They’re also a no-brainer pairing with basic black tights. I already have a kids pair in black, but they feel so heavy in comparison to the Tour that I never reach for them anymore. I’m donating my prior pair to clear room for these (FYI, if you’re looking for a place to donate gently-worn, office-appropriate clothes I love Dress for Success). I also wanted to mention that I’ve been putting cushioned inserts inside all my boots for added comfort, and an unexpected benefit is they serve as a slight platform and raise your foot up. This way, boot shafts that are just marginally too tall can potentially fit better on shorter legs.
Love this sweater! I went to H&M; after seeing your post and bought the white color. It is super comfortable, easy to style and versatile. I plan on wearing this in the cooler weather but also taking it on vacation as a beach cover-up when the sun goes down. Thanks for the tip!
http://www.fizzandfade.com/
I love the sweater, but what kind of bra do you wear with this style that likes to slip off the shoulder? Are you wearing a strapless?
Chic outfits! Love your sweater!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Great Style ! http://iconoflash.com/
Love how you tucked in your t-shirt and sweatshirt – great looks!
xo, I
http://www.linandlin.com
I love that your reviews are so honest and really in depth. I was tempted to get those Hunter boots but I like the mid calf version best, since rainy days in NYC can get very hot and wearing high rain boots just make me super uncomfortable. But love all your other choices!
coffeeslag
COFFEESLAG Color Filled Spring
now those are the perfect black jeans!! and i love the pairing with the sweater! absolutely obsessed!!
xo
allie
http://www.pretaprovost.com
Jean I felt the same way about those striped espadrilles! I saw them all over Pinterest and I looked for them everywhere, so glad Nordstrom had them back in stock. I bought the 5 and the 6 since I'm usually a 5.5 I couldn't decide, can't wait till mine arrive even though it's so cold out!
the sweater suits your body type so well!
That sweater is so pretty! I am going to look for it next time I'm in H&M; 🙂 also I agree that the distressed denim look a little too neatly distressed.
xo
The Fashionista Bubble
Love the H&M; sweater!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
So soft and beautiful!
with ♥ by Masha | BRIGHT QUIETNESS
I'm gonna have to go hunt down that sweater at H&M; and love that this blog is catered to us gals of small stature because being petite definitely mandates different stylistic choices
I love that sweater! I'm always really surprised at the amazing finds I can stumble upon at H&M.;
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
I love slouchy sweaters! You are looking awesome in this outfit…
Xxx
Anytshirts.com
Amazing casual style.
http://dressmecasual.blogspot.com.eg/
Great review, Jean! Love that sweater, it's really cute.
Love this!
http://www.llindatt.com
I love slouchy sweaters! I usually wear them when I feel like staying in, but I love how incorporated them into a cute and polished outfit!
Phyllis | http://www.prettypleese.com
What kind of shoe inserts do you recommend?
Love that sweater. So adorable. 🙂
http://www.lifeofardor.com
Super cute! I have a T-shirt with a similar silhouette and it's so versatile!
a small bit | bloglovin | twitter
Love these sweaters!
The top is so cute! Love it<3
Shall We Sasa
I like this sweater! It has a nice color!
Raspberry Jam
Love your Rag & Bone jeans!
Abbie E.//abulouslife.blogspot.com
I can't believe this perfect slouchy sweater is from H&M;! Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Hi Jean! Great review! I wanted to buy the Alana jeans after you suggested it might be better for petites, but Shopbop was out of my size.
Where do you purchase your cushioned heels from?