Athleta Reviews: High Rise Capris, Sentry Sweatshirt, Cozy Karma Hoodie, and more!

I've been on the lookout for some new workout gear because I have worn mine to death and need a little refresh. My absolute favorite place to go is Athleta. Although they are still pretty expensive, they have decent sales and I really like all the fun prints. My Stripes Chaturanga Capri has been awesome - so soft and comfortable and unbelievably slimming even though it's horizontal stripes. Plus I wore them through my whole pregnancy and I can still wear them today - so they really retain their shape. I'm loving the multi-stripe sonar capri and really want to try that on as well but couldn't find it in store when I was there.

High Rise H20 Chaturanga Capri in Capri Blue (XS)

High rises are everywhere! At least I get it with workout wear - it's nice to not always have to think about making your tummy flat (although I guess theoretically I am supposed to be engaging my core at all times during class). I liked the pattern on these - fun but not overwhelming. I'm a big fan of prints on exercise tights because I actually think they hide lumps and bumps more than solid color tights. These are definitely high rise - that's my belly button barely poking over the top in the first pic. They are very comfy in my usual size XS. I don't love how high rises look from behind but besides that, they are great.

 Sentry Hoodie Sweatshirt (XXS) Capri Blue Heather

I don't know how it's possible for a hoodie to be flattering or slimming but this one is! I felt so great in it. Plus it has thumb holes which I am a total sucker for. The material is not typical hoodie material - it's a bit stiff and feels more like the material the use for their capris, but thicker. Hard to explain. So this is definitely an over workout gear type hoodie more than a cozy up type hoodie. LOVE it anyway.

 Cozy Karma Hoodie (XXS) Light Grey Heather

This is a cozy down and watch a movie and eat popcorn kind of hoodie. Great bum-covering length. The lining is almost like a velour so wearing this is the best feeling ever. Love the cowl - very similar to the sentry hoodie above. Again, this is a big yes for me. Definitely size down.

 High Rise Mystique Chaturanga Mesh Capri (XS) in Caspian Blue

I have no idea what that pose is in the 2nd picture. Sometimes I get weird after trying on too many clothes. I'm trying to show the mesh which I do not love. I think this print is great but the rise is REALLY high on this one.

 High Rise Superimpose Chaturanga Tight (XS)

I thought having the print blocked on the outside would be flattering but actually it definitely added some visual weight. That's about all I have to say about this one.

Energy Chaturanga Capri (XS) in Jasper Green
Retreat Sweater (XS) in Oatmeal Marl

These capris remind me of my other pair of Athleta capris which sadly they do not make any more. Nice thicker, textured material. Nothing exciting but standard workout fare. The sweater was also very cute but a little too cropped for me.

Overall, I really liked the items I tried on. I'd like to go back and try:
The Techie Sweat Hoodie which looks similar to what I tried on but a bit more relaxed
Inner Twist Hoodie - I think the wrap front would be very flattering and comfortable
Blissful Cowl Hoodie - look a bit shorter which I actually like for wearing while I warm up
Remix Revelation Capri which look closest to my old Athleta Capris that I love

What are your favorite styles at Athleta?

J. Crew Reviews: Some lingering sale...

Ok, so these aren't new arrivals... hopefully I will be getting to those soon... But here are some sale goodies in case J Crew offers a bigger percentage off sale soon:

Cap-Sleeve Sequin Dress (size 0)

 I previously reviewed this dress in a size 2 here. Hmmm. I would definitely need Spanx (although this pic is before my new carb-free diet which has definitely helped me de-puff) and a belt. I want to like it so badly because i love sequins, I love how easy it is and I think the color is really soft and unusual for a sequin dress. But, the fit is not doing me tons of favors. Elastic waist dresses rarely do. If you are less curvy it might hang a little better on the body. I found this cute little navy one at Macy's that looks it would work a lot better on my shape. Or this one with a little vintage flair by Betsey Johnson??

Drapey Side-Slit Dress in Floral Splash (size 0)

I have a review of the solid color version of this coming up. I own the first one that came out in black but the waist ran really high on that one so I don't reach for it as much as I would like. Really would love to grab the Sherwood Green on popback. This dress is made out of a totally different material that felt very static-y and very polyester to me. It just didn't feel great on. I find the new version of this dress has more length in the torso which I like. I want to belt it and have it drape a bit.

 Skinny Stretch Cargo (size 26) in Smoked Aubergine

Why oh why the butt flaps? Seriously, I do not need large flaps advertising my rear. Besides that these are nice stretchy standard fair cargo pants in a lovely color. The rise is slightly higher than the old cargo pants (hello trouper pants I wish you would come back) and the length is just at my ankle. Very nice, just beware the butt flaps. I'm tempted to try this nice army green version from Nordstrom - there are pockets on the bum but they button!

 Slim Cargo Pant in Stretch Chino (C6228 in size 2)

I liked the top part of these a lot but I don't think I feel awesome about the elastic bands at the ankle. If these were just normal at the bottom I would definitely think about purchasing them. There is a large waist gap so I would want to try the size 0 as well. I've never tried NYDJ but these look amazing with the little zippers at the ankle.

 Boyfriend Shirt in Ridge Plaid (size 0)

I keep on getting tempted by this flannel. I love the classic colors and the size 0 fits well - roomy but not humongous. I'm trying to wean myself off flannels shirts because I have way too many of them. You can take the smaller of your two sizes/probably size down in this one. Also love their Rockport plaid and am really loving the colors in this American Eagle version.

Are you stalking any winter sale items at this point?

J. Crew Review: Fine Striped V-Neck Cardigan, Floral Lace-Shoulder Top, Teddie Pant in Mirrored Floral

I won't lie, I'm excited to see this next rollout. With the weirdly warm winter, it's easier to look forward to spring dressing at this time of year. I stocked up on a few basic sweaters this winter (including this cardigan in several colors - I took XXS for a dressier look and XS for a slouchier casual look) and a few more fun ones (love the colors and sequins on this one with jeans or pencil skirt and this awesome fair isle sweater that I got for $15!) but feel like I am done with winter styles.

I see a lot of gingham coming out way and although I love gingham, I'm not sure I love it that much!

Collection Silk Top in Vibrant Wildflower (size 4) $119.99

 This top (which also comes in a beautiful sheath dress) was definitely striking. A bit out of my comfort zone but I was drawn to how the cobalt flowers really stood out against the red background. It's a size or 2 bigger than I usually take so it was  too big but it is really beautiful. I wish the pattern was more artfully placed but besides that I would consider it in my normal size.  

Fine-Striped V-Neck Cardigan Sweater (XS) in ivory navy

Stripes, cardigan, cute. I had never noticed this online but I really liked it. It has a nice fitted shape and the length hits at a flattering spot. Felt soft and slightly more fitted than a typical XS. I need another cardigan like I need a hole in the head but I'm still interested in checking out this Cotton Essential V-Neck Cardigan by the Gap for spring since it comes in some really nice light colors. Also LOVE this version with the contrasting stripes on the sleeve - adorable. And this one is a pretty good dupe but in cheery spring colors.

 Floral Lace-Shoulder Top (Size 2) in Pale Rose

I tried this one on before in a size 0 which is my usual size in these drapey tops. I think this top just isn't for me. I love the little lace shoulder panels but the neck is a bit too high and the 2 looks a little sloppy. Plus I need a good t-shirt bra. It's lovely though and easy to wear if you have a more proportionate chest.

 Maddie Pant in Bi-Stretch Cotton (Size 0)

I WISH they would make more of these pants. I really like the straight but slim style. I had tried the size 2 before and they were slightly too big but these are definitely too tight. Sorry for the butt shot but I wanted to show that they were definitely too tight. Especially in the white color. Please please please J Crew make these in more colors for spring. They are the perfect work pant - great length, slim but not legging tight (in the right size :) and a perfect amount of stretch. Wish I had found these before they sold out.

 Teddie Pant in Mirrored Floral (size 0)

I wasn't sure how I felt about ankle length flare pants. It sort of goes against everything I would think would be flattering. I was also a little disappointed in the colors - I thought they would be more vibrant. But.... these pants have really grown on me. I love the material - reviews talk about them having no stretch but they do just not as much as other pants - which makes me happy because maybe they won't be sagging everywhere by day's end. The length with flare takes some getting used to and I agree with others that they sort of require heels. I am wearing them with my Elsie Suede d'Orsay Pumps which are beautiful but not work wear for me.

In the last pic I am wearing them with my Cole Haan Highline Slingback Pump which I love. Great heel height, super comfortable, great color. I'm not sure what size I want in these pants. The 0 fits really well in the hips and thighs but the waist is ever so slightly tight. The size 2 feels awesome in the waist but has some extra fabric under my rear (I'll try to post pics later). Am on the fence about which way to go. I'm sort of sick of wearing everything super tight yet I don't want to buy the size 2 and then have them stretch out a bit and really look big.

What do you think of the Teddie Pant?

Loft Reviews: Marisa Pants and Lou & Grey

Right now Loft is offering 30% off everything which is great but I'm sure there is another crazier promo on the way. I always forget about Loft and then I see they are offering something tempting like extra 60% off sale and I think, hmmm, maybe I'll check it out. I do think they make cute workwear and I love the laid back style of Lou & Grey (sort of a lounge-ier version of Madewell, less edgy) but I'm always wary of how their clothes will wear. I've been burnt too many times by buying an adorable pair of pants there that fit perfectly only to have them be a droopy disaster by the end of the day. I have found some nice shirts there recently including the Tunic Softened Shirt (also in this version, I'm not sure there's any difference) which is a really lovely just long enough to cover the bum top in a crisp white. Lovey.

Tulip Essential Skinny Ankle Pants in Marisa Fit (size 0)

These are so cute and flattering. They are not super thick so I was afraid of the afore-mentioned stretching out syndrome. These pics are from a few weeks ago when I was in the process of seriously trying to lose those "last 5 pounds" so I passed but now that I am almost there I would like to revisit. There is a thick waistband that I loved because it helped hold in all my mommy bits. I'll take any help I can get.

Lou & Grey Spacedye Velour Top (XS)

Mmmm, mmm velour. It is so soft and yummy and I generally liked this top. What I didn't like was how it looked in the shoulders. Instead of any sort of shoulder seam (even a drop shoulder would have been nice), there is a seam that runs from the neckline down the center of the arm. I felt like it created an odd shape. Otherwise - yummy and soft! They also make pants, just sayin'.

Petalwork Essential Skinny Ankle Pants in Marisa Fit (size 0)

I LOVE this print. It's so adorable and just the right shade of red. These felt slightly thicker, stiffer and smaller than the tulip pants. Now that I have dropped a few I would like to try these again. Maybe I would go a size up? Hard to tell how they will wear. Perfect length for 5'4" me. They also come in a Mosaic pattern which is lovely and an adorable tuxedo style!

Lou & Grey Flecked Zip-Back Tunic (XS)

The shape of this was perfect - love the notch at the back and the length and drape were spot on (not too baggy). My only complaint was the color - it just does nothing for me. I think if you have darker skin it will look a lot better.

Lou & Grey V-Neck Tunic (XS) in Mood Indigo

The link is to the signature soft tunic. I think this is the same but it might be slightly different. It was just too big, I think I would need an XXS which is fairly typical for Lou & Grey for me. I twas SOOOO soft and I love the vee - perfect. Just felt a bit too shlumpy. Love this little stripy tunic by Splendid or this other cute stripy one also by Loft.

Overall some cute stuff. I might go back on try on some more things soon. What are you liking at Loft lately?

Anthropologie Reviews: Amadi Crosswrap Dress Siphon Midi Dress, Mixed Stripe Dress

Hello! Sorry for my absence - busy busy busy and I've been falling asleep after I put the kiddos to bed. Whoopsie. I have ben trying to get a little more active on instagram so if you have time check me out at #shoperarach.

Amadi Crosswrap Dress (XS)

I think this dress is quite flattering. The little keyhole at the neckline adds just enough sex appeal. The top is quite fitted so although I would keep the XS it is definitely form-fitting. My only complaint is the material - it's sort of sweater-y but almost feels like it has lurex or  something in it? Just a little odd. I saw this cute little polka dot number online and this Ralph Lauren one is similar but a little dressier. This dress by the same brand (Amadi) looks SUPER cute and flattering.

 Siphon Midi Dress (XS)

I'm always so drawn to midi dresses even though I know their length is challenging for me (5'4"). This is by Dolan - I really love this brand's dresses. The material is always soft and stretchy and so comfortable to wear. This could definitely use some spanx but overall it is like wearing a nightgown - in a good way! It has some nice seaming that creates a good silhouette and the neckline is just interesting enough. Love this less expensive one from Nordstrom that has a nice open back and this stripe tank version is also quite adorable. Here's another cute midi dress on sale from Dolan.

 Mixed Stripe Dress (XS)

I do love me some stripes. This is also quite cute. The skirt portion is a little funky. There was a little lump on the left side that I couldn't quite fix. Again, this is quite form-fitting but I would still stick with my usual XS. It does run a bit short with the tulip hem in the front. The material is stretchy, a little ribbed on top and not too thick. Look at this adorable summery version by French Connection. And loving this Loft version - work appropriate.

I like my recent Anthropologie try-ons but I can't help but feeling most of the sale items still need some 2nd cuts. Have you shopped Anthro's recent 30% off?