Weekly Shopping Update

I recently donated four boxes of old clothes to Goodwill, let my friends and relatives shop my closet, and packed away heavy winter items. For the first time in (what seems like) forever I actually have room to store new purchases. While I don’t think I can ever be someone with a super carefully curated and condensed closet, it does feel good to have a slimmer wardrobe.

But what’s newfound closet space if you can’t find something new to fill up that space? (I kid I kid). My biggest damage this week was made at Ann Taylor, a retailer I fall in and out of love with often.

Take 30% off your Ann Taylor purchase with code MAYCHIC. Lots of polyester blend tops on sale in small sizes: Ruched Long Sleeve Top ($9.88), Twist Knot Top ($9.88), Side Ruched Sleeveless Top ($9.88), Striped Pleated Shoulder Top ($9.88), Cross Drape Top ($19.88), Asymmetrical Drape Top ($14.88), Petal Sleeve Scoop Neck Top ($16.88), Twist Front Top ($19.88), Woven Back 3/4 Sleeve Top ($19.88).

The following styles are more limited in colors/sizes: Shoulder Button Striped Top ($19.88), Cotton Back Zip Tee ($19.88), Cotton Button Back Top ($19.99), Drape Neck Top ($19.99), Stretch Cotton Shirttail Hem Tee ($19.99), and Textured Crepe Cowl Neck Top ($19.88).

Of the new arrivals, I am most eager to try the Geo Print Drapey Front Pleat Shorts but sizes are starting to sell out online. Navy and white is an infallible combination and I can see these shorts in the closet of someone who owns tops and jackets in bright colors.

Geo Print Drapey Front Pleat Shorts

French Connection recently further marked down some of its sale merchandise and sizes are complete for most styles at the moment. The Spotlight Knits Dress that I own is available in purple, teal, intimate pink, red, and cupid for $59.99, a great price for the style.

French Connection jersey and bandage style dresses tend to run small. I sized up in the Jag Stripe Dress but it still felt a little too body-hugging. It is currently sold out on French Connection’s website but can be found at Last Call Neiman Marcus, Piperlime, Gilt, Amazon (additional colors here and here), and ebay.

Jag Stripe Dress | 2 | Noctural-Trouble Yellow
Length: 31.5″ / Underarm to Underarm: 14″ / Waist: 12″

In contrast, the Fast Lisella Lace Dress runs large to size. The dress in size 0 looked matronly on me and there was a lot of excess fabric everywhere.

Fast Lisella Lace Dress | 0 | Daisy White
Underarm to underarm: 17.5″ / Waist: 17″ / Length: 36″

ASOS‘s spring/summer items are full of surprises. I can’t get enough of their colorful prints and flirty designs. I ordered a few items to try last month and will review them thoroughly later this month: High Waisted Shorts In Bold Stripe, Midi Skirt in Geo Tile Print, Cut Out Front Skater Dress, Pleated Maxi Skirt, Only Stripe T-Shirt Dress, Pencil Skirt In Floral Print, and Peplum Frill Jacket.

Wiggle Dress In Border Wallpaper Print

Midi Skirt in Texture

Laser-cut Peplum Bandeau Swimsuit | Moulded Cup Swimsuit | River Island Solid Bustier Bikini | Caged Bow Back Swimsuit

For additional fun choices, consider the Midi Skirt In New Floral Print, Sister Jane Tweed Dress with Drop Waist, Coast Glamour Bow Dress, Pencil Skirt in Monochrome Check, Skater Dress With Peplum Skirt, and Lydia Bright Prom Dress with Wrap Front and Lace Trim.

My last J. Crew order was also not too successful. I had high hopes for the Candy Anchor Dress but the print was sort of lifeless in person. The dress in size 14 fits me loosely (I would say it’s the equivalent of a size 0 dress from the women’s department) but the length isn’t too infantile.

Candy Anchor Dress | 14 | Ivory
Underarm to underarm: 16.5″ / Waist: 15″ / Length: 33.5″

As much as I would love to own something in this brocade print, the cafe capri just isn’t a flattering style on me. The pants fit me tightly in the calves but loosely around my lower waist. The print is also a little too gaudy for my taste (although it does photograph well).

Capri in Gilded Brocade | 0P | Gilded Aqua Jacquard
Waist: 14″ / Hip: 18.5″ / Inseam; 23.5″

For those who are eying items from J. Crew’s sale section, you can use code SUNSHINE for 30% off sale purchases.

Gap is running a 30% off sale online (use code GAPMAY at checkout). I am intrigued by the striped options but reviews online are only lukewarm so I am going to check them out in stores before placing an order.

Striped 4-in-1 Dress

Striped Sleeveless Jersey Dress

Banana Republic cardholders can use code BRMONDAY for 35% off (non-cardholders get 30% off with the code). I would love to add a few maxi dresses to my closet this summer and all of the following look promising.