Madewell Reviews: Non Pregnant Style

I had my baby! I am no longer pregnant! Yahoo! Of course I totally forgot how much harder having a newborn is than being pregnant but oh well :) I had to be induced this time because my little munchkin just didn't want to come out, but overall it went really well. Beautiful baby girl came out at 8 lbs 4 oz and 21 inches, just a bit bigger than my other daughter. We are all so excited she is here and once I get a few more hours of sleep I might even begin to feel human.

I'm not used to being home quite so much, so the other day our family took a little outing to the mall to run some errands and walk around. I did a very quick stop at Madewell to see how things might fit postpartum.

Linen Swingline Tee (XS) in DarkCabernet

 This runs quite big but is very cute. The "swinginess" of it is not too exaggerated so I didn't feel it added unncessary bulk. Most of you will be able to size down on this one. The color is quite nice although the material feels more summer to me.

Cleanline Crop Sweatshirt (XS)

 I love this little sweatshirt. Would look so cute layered with a buttondown. The got the proportions right on this one. Right now, my boobs are so huge, I don't think the cropped look is one I'll be rockin' but I definitely recommend this little sweatshirt.

 Denim Downshift Top (XS)

 After seeing all the favorable reviews for this one I decided to try it. It's so cute! Has a really nice shape to it. My normal size XS would fit if I wasn't breastfeeding and would be very fitted and trim. I sized up to a small (sorry no pics) and that is the size I would take if I wanted a little more wiggle room. It's $34.99 in store and with the 30% and teacher discount it came to about $20.

 Jumpstart Sweatshirt Dress (XS)

I actually wanted to go to Madewell to purchase this dress. Weirdly, I think it looked cuter on when I was pregnant. The material is pretty thick and a little stiff and I think it makes me look like a linebacker. Again, when my chest goes back to normal I think it would look fine but I'm going to have to find a slightly different way of dressing while I breastfeed. Overall super cute - not too short and I love the contrast sleeves. For reference I am 5'4".

I do love me some Madewell. Thinking about biting on the current promo for some boots. What do you have your eye on?

Boden Review: Carnaby Cardigan

I rarely buy from Boden anymore. I love their clothes for my daughter but I always feel like their clothes on me look dowdy. The prints are a little too overwhelming and the fit in their bottoms is awkward and too high-rise on my frame. I love their clothes on other people, just not me. Nonetheless, when I placed a little back to school order for my daughter, I couldn't resist ordering this little cardigan for me.

Carnaby Cardigan (size 6)

I vascillate between a 4 and a 6 with Boden so I sized up on this one. I also ordered a 4 which I ended up keeping but looking at these pictures, I think I probably should have kept the 6! First of all, the colors are SO GORGEOUS. OMG. Just love love love the shades of blue and the little funky mustard colored trim.

The color on the back is yet another shade of blue - sort of like a turquoise. So beautiful... The only think I don't love is the fit. It is totally inoffensive, but it is not the fit I was going for. I was really hoping for more of a longer, boyfriend style cardigan and this fits just like a regular cardigan. Of course the 4 is even more so that way but I liked the way the arms fit better. I like my cardigan arms SLIM because I think it helps the cardigan look a bit more polished and helps slim the body. Just my 2 cents.

Overall this is an adorable sweater - yay color - just wish the fit were a bit more slouchy. Also, weirdly, I paid $39.20 for it and now it is back up to $78.40. Hmmm. There are only a few sizes left but I've often found that if I call there are more sizes available then are listed on the website.

We'll see how this wears, it will be good to see how it looks closed in (hopefully) a matter of days!

Brooks Brothers Review: Gingham Dress Shirt

So, recently this shirt was on sale for $40-something and some change. Now it is suddenly sold out. I'm not sure what happened. Anyway, it might turn up again so here is my review :)

Gingham Dress Shirt from Brooks Brothers

I ordered both a 4 and a 6 in this one. I own one other Brooks Brothers shirt and it is a size 2 but it is VERY fitted and sometimes a bit snug after an indulgent meal. Add that fact in with my pregnancy boob and I knew I'd have to go up at least 1-2 sizes. Anyway, the fit is lovely and slim, as is mostly the case with BB shirts, and the color is much more vibrant in person. Good length. Didn't love the teensy pocket on the chest - not a great look for a large busted gal.

My favorite part is the contrast cuffs and collar - pink!!! Makes the shirt feel like something special. The material is all cotton with no stretch so also consider that if you buy one. I prefer a little stretch just to accommodate monthly fluctuations and such.

Overall, it is a well-made, nicely shaped little gingham shirt with a few fun touches.

Do you own any Brooks Brothers shirts?