We’re trying something new in these parts and I’m pretty excited about it. As you may or may not know, I am constantly ordering clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. Think of clothing in my business as machinery is to other businesses. In order for me to do what I do [which is bring you relevant, fresh and new outfit ideas] I have to be constantly stocking up on new arrivals. While I normally weed out the “ehhhh, don’t love this” pieces and immediately return, I thought it would be fun to share with you EVERYTHING – the good, the bad and the “WHAT IN THE ACTUAL HECK IS THIS?!” pieces that make their way to my doorstep each and every week. To do this, every weekend I’ll be recapping that weeks new arrivals with my honest thoughts, sizing tips and styling suggestions because let’s be real, sometimes shopping online can be hard, deceiving and leave you feeling flustered and confused when going to hit that “checkout” button. The goal is that these blog posts can help ease some of that pain and make your online shopping experience a fun and enjoyable experience [as it should be: wine in hand, pjs on your body and credit card stored on your computer so getting up to pay isn’t necessary].
Before we dive in, let’s get the logistics out of the way to make this process easier on you! For sizing reference, I am 5’4, 125 lbs on a good day, typically a 2 in tops/dresses and 26 in jeans/pants with a preferred inseam of 26-28 inches. Bra size is 30DDD [I get it from my momma]. Hopefully, this helps when determining what size you’d need. Also, feel free to follow along here for daily outfits and check out this Pinterest board where you can also get some ideas! Which reminds me, you can pin any of these looks below to save for future reference! Simply click on the links below and you will be taken directly to the retailer where you can shop! Alright, fellow “I like to get dressed” friends, let’s begin!
ps. You can see ALL previous weekly roundup blog posts in one easy spot now!
Amazon
This was my first time shopping Amazon fashion as I’ve always been a little bit hesitant and afraid of what the quality and fit of the items would be. I decided to give it a try because a) the prices are awesome b) Prime makes shipping FAST and FREE which is a double win in my book c) Thanks again to Prime, returns are super simple and free as well! I’m excited to keep ordering from Amazon to see which items make the cut and which don’t. Here’s this weeks lineup:
HIT: Imily Bella Waffle Knit Tunic Top [$21]
top [true to size, wearing in small] // jeans [50% off, size up if in between, wearing in regular length for 5’4] // booties [true to size]
VERDICT: I’m deeming this $20 top a hit as it’s a top I would keep and wear often. The fabric isn’t all that heavy and while the white color is a little sheer, I’d be anxious to try it again in additional colors. I will definitely wear this alone or as a layering piece this fall under vests and cardigans.
FIT TIPS: I found this top very true to size and I liked the overall fit and cut of it. The only slightly annoying thing to me is the length of the tie in the front, I wish those were shorter.
HIT: Daily Ritual Supersoft Terry Long Sleeve Hooded Pullover [$28]
pullover [size up if in between, wearing in XS but need in small] // jeans [size down]
VERDICT: Holy soft. I was super impressed with how good this pullover felt on. The quality seems great! I will throw this on with jeans and converse and be set for days on the go or football tailgates.
FIT TIPS: Size up. This piece is more form fitting and while I ordered it in an XS, I need to return it for a small. I do like the curve hem detail and the fit otherwise.
HIT: Daily Ritual Sleeveless V-Neck Dress [$20] 
dress [size up if in between, wearing in XS but need in small]
VERDICT: I’m deeming this dress a hit because at $20, it’s a great little black dress. I found this piece quite comfortable, flattering and quite versatile. You could wear this during many seasons – alone in the summer with sandals or heels or in the spring or fall with a denim jacket and booties.
FIT TIPS: Size up if in between for a more relaxed fit. I ordered in XS but need in a small, mostly due to my chest.
MISS: Just Quella Off the Shoulder Top [$19.50]
off the shoulder top [true to size, wearing in XS] // jeans [size down]
VERDICT: Miss. While the top was pretty cute on, I don’t know how I feel about the quality of it. As you can see, it can wrinkle quite easily and I didn’t want to have to worry about that as I wore it. While it isn’t sheer, the material did feel on the thin side.
FIT TIPS: I would order this top true to size as the XS fit great!
MISS: Daily Ritual Sleeveless Tunic [$25 for 2]
tank [size up if in between, wearing in XS but need in small] // jeans [size down]
VERDICT: No thank you. While these tunic tanks are very comfortable, I am not a fan of the giant side slit. Anything that requires me to wear a cami underneath to avoid showing half my stomach is a no in my book. If it wasn’t for the slit, I would highly recommend!
FIT TIPS: Size up if in between for a more relaxed fit. I ordered in an XS and it was quite tight across my chest. I do like the length of these tank tops!
Shopbop is an online retailer that I love to shop because like Amazon – FAST free shipping and returns [fun fact: Shopbop is owned by Amazon so it is prime eligible!] While a lot of their inventory can be on the expensive side, they do carry a variety of brands at lower price points [my favorites are BB Dakota, Z Supply, Madewell, Blank Denim, Sam Edelman] I’m always impressed the quality of the items I shop from there!
HIT: Z Supply Camo Overalls
overalls [true to size, wearing in small] // tee [true to size, wearing in small] // sandals [true to size] // jacket [true to size, wearing in small] // heels [true to size]
VERDICT: Yes, yes, yes! I recently fell back in love with overalls this summer and so when I found this pair that could work for fall, I knew I wanted to give them a shot. It turns out, I may never want to take them off. The material is very comparable to sweatpants and/or pjs yet you can dress these up with heels or go totally casual with a tee and sandals. These may end up being one of my favorite new arrivals this season!
FIT TIPS: I find these to run true to size. I am wearing in a small and love that the straps are adjustable so depending on your height you can make them shorter or longer. Being 5’4, I did have to push up the legs a little. Another bonus: the butt doesn’t go up your crack like many overalls have the tendency to do [I’m trusting some of you know what I’m talking about here].
MISS: BB Dakota Herringbone Jacket
Jacket [size down, wearing in XS] // henley [true to size, wearing in small] // jeans [size down] // booties [true to size]
VERDICT: I was so excited when I purchased this. Give me anything in ivory that looks like a literal ball of fluff and I’m a happy camper, however, when it arrived I felt like I was swimming in it. The herringbone detail and faux fur was perfection, but unfortunately I don’t think I can make it work due to its size. Somebody please order this and wear the heck out of it in my honor [the quality feels amazing and goodness, it’s soft].
FIT TIPS: Absolutely size down. Otherwise, the fit and cut are great!
American Eagle has become my number one spot to buy jeans over the past couple of years. Their jeans are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. We constantly receive so much positive feedback from women who say they would have never thought to give their jeans a try and now it’s all they wear! I love that they don’t stretch out ever, are so comfortable and come in a variety of lengths so whether you’re short or tall, you’re covered.
HIT: Supersoft Jeggings 
jeans [true to size, wearing in short for 5’4] // sandals [true to size] // sweater [true to size, wearing in small]
VERDICT: 100% yes! I love these for fall and winter as they have the distressed look, yet no air can make their way through thanks to the reinforced patches behind. A favorite denim purchase I’ve made in awhile!
FIT TIPS: If you go in between sizes, I would go up. I ordered them true to my regular size and they fit great. Again, they are offered in x-short, short, regular, long and x-long. For 5’4, the short fit perfectly at my ankle [you can hit the size chart to see all of the inseam lengths].
Abercrombie and Fitch is a retailer that I started shopping again recently [after my glory days of high school ;)] They have done an awesome job of rebranding themselves and no longer appeal to just teeny boppers who love to wear short shorts and massive loads of cologne. I have been so impressed with the quality of the items I’ve purchased from there and 99% of the time feel that the cuts are flattering and age appropriate. If you haven’t shopped there in the past 20 years, it may be time to try it again! Insider tip: they often run massive sales so if you see something you love and it’s not on sale, give it a week or two and you may get lucky!
HIT: Asymmetrical Snap Pullover
pullover [true to size, wearing in small] // high rise slim jeans [50% off, size up if in between, wearing in regular length for 5’4] // Nike metcon shoes [true to size]
VERDICT: If you know me, you know this is one of my favorite pullovers around. I own it now in three colors and want it in more. So soft, so warm and just overall, love the look of this!
FIT TIPS: If in between, I would go up. I wear this in a small and it fits comfortably.
HIT: Low Rise Ankle Skinny Jeans – 50% off! 
Jeans [50% off, size up if in between, wearing in regular length for 5’4] // sandals [size up .5]
VERDICT: At 50% off, you can’t beat these jeans! I love the raw release hem detail and they are quite comfortable!
FIT TIPS: If in between, I would go up. I ordered in my normal size but could have ordered the next size up. I am wearing in regular length here for 5’4. They are listed as low rise, however, they do fit more like a mid rise on me personally.
HIT: Button-Back Sweatshirt – on sale!
sweatshirt [true to size, wearing in small] // high rise jeans [50% off, size up if in between, wearing in regular for 5’4]
VERDICT: Another huge win in my opinion! This sweatshirt not only feels great but I love the button back detail [you can wear with a cami underneath if you don’t prefer to have your skin exposed]. I love the standing neck and simplicity of the front.
FIT TIPS: I found this true to size and am wearing in a small. I didn’t find it particularly boxy but overall a flattering cut.
MISS: Cozy Henley Sweater – on sale!
sweater [true to size, wearing in small] // jeans [size down]
VERDICT: Yikes, miss. While this looked like a cute option online, it was not good when I put it on my body. I’m not a big fan of anything that is cropped or runs short and this henley definitely does that. Sending back fast.
FIT TIPS: I found this true to size and am wearing in a small. I don’t think the cut is flattering at all on me and would prefer something longer.
Shop all other daily looks here:
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
