Instagram lately // lace-up sandals + summer fitting room reviews

Skirts: LOFT, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Pumps: J.Crew, Ann Taylor, M.Gemi
Hello hello! In today's post I'm answering some of your questions on pieces from Instagram, plus sharing a few quick fitting room reviews down below! This photo above encapsulates so much of what I love - a nice pop of bright color, an oversized print, or a soft all-neutral palette. Each of these pieces above can be mixed and matched with one another. Unfortunately, all the pieces are collected across past seasons, but I always keep my eyes peeled for similar items to post about.

INC lace-up sandals size 5, DVF dress c/o, Chanel flap, Theirry Lasry sunglasses
I first showed these lace-up sandals a while ago on Snapchat, and have been loving how they add a hint of boho to casual outfits. They take an extra minute to put on, but make such cute walking shoes! Please note they do not stay up laced this high in the photo above, so I usually wear them tied lower around the ankles, like in the next photo. This wrap dress is a few years old (see original post), but I still get excited to put it on each time. A knit wrap dress is not only timeless, but also very forgiving to accommodate to weight fluctuations over the years! I can't find anything similar available, but two other wrap dress options that look petite-friendly is this affordable longer one in either classic black or bright coral crepe, as well as this Ann Taylor one in their latest navy print.

Madewell purse, INC sandals, Boohoo dress (runs short!), Baublebar earrings

Here's another way I've been wearing the sandals for exploring around town. True to the reviews these shoes run narrow, both at the front strap as well as the overall width of the soles. I'm wearing my usual size 5. I thought these were pretty comfy as long as you don't tie the laces too tight around the ankles, and as another note, you do need to double knot the bows so the laces don't come undone.

Mimi Chica print romper sz XS, Soludos platforms sz 5, Mar Y Sol bag
I tried on this adorable romper recently and forgot to include it in a blog post! I would've gotten it if I didn't already own a very similar one. The sleeves are a tad long on short arms, but with flowy, flared sleeves I feel there's more leeway on proper length. There was one issue, and I'm not sure if it was just the one I tried on, but the pocket lining was a little longer than the hem of the shorts so it peeked out. This could be fixed with tiny stitches or safety pins securing them up from the inside. Also I see a reviewer mentioned the front gaped open on her - little safety pins come in very handy for that.

I popped into Banana Republic recently looking for this really pretty floral print they have out this season. It comes in both a light version with white and lilac flowers, and a darker black backdrop. I was specifically looking for this top in white but didn't see my size, so ordered it online with the extra 40% off promo. It's hard to see but one of my favorite details are the bows atop both shoulders! It looks like a versatile shorter blouse to pair with pants (I'd style with my blue or pink ankle pants) and top with a cardigan or blazer if needed.

BP moveover flats (I have both colors!), Banana Republic wrap dress 00p
I did get to try on this wrap dress in the darker floral, and my first thought was it felt well-made. There's a button on the inner waist to secure the wrap, and then a tie on the exterior side. Size 00p measures about 12" across the waist without stretch. The skirt has a fairly full shape, and I love that BR has been including pockets on most of their dresses! At midi length it has a retro feel which I typically like, however I felt this particular dress (given factors like the volume in the skirt and larger scale print) would be more classic at a shorter knee length. Or, if it had a demure leg slit! FYI the dress is full coverage and your leg normally would not show - I was just stepping forward and liked how it happened to look at the moment:

I also tried on this pleated floral dress which I felt indifferent about. It was feminine and had some movement, and the fit like most BR dresses in 00p was very good on me. I liked the twist detail at the shoulder straps and of course the pockets, but the overall dress didn't excite me personally like some other ones do.