Casual classics: Distressed jeans + Topshop petite drape blouse

Topshop Drape blouse in sz 2P (avail in petite/reg/maternity/tall; also sold at Nordstrom)

Treasure & Bond jeans (40% off!) in sz 24, Steve Madden sandals, Goyard tote

Today's post is a simple outfit of all casual basics - distressed skinny jeans, a draped white blouse (comes in several other colors & sleeve lengths), and minimalistic sandals. To add a little interest, I layered on delicate necklaces and a printed tote. I wear my long-sleeved white drape blouse to pieces and knew I'd get plenty of wear out of a short version. Topshop runs small compared to American sizing - 0P fit fine but I sized up to 2P for a looser fit. I think this is one of those pieces where regular sizing would work well also, because I wouldn't mind a longer length (you can casually tuck it in the front). I noticed they now have free shipping and returns for US customers which is awesome, esp. compared to before. While at the NYC store, I saw these distressed denim shorts in petite (suggest sizing up for a casual fit) and wanted to point them out as a very similar option to my sold-out Express ones.

When shopping for distressed jeans, an issue I often have is the knee hole placement (usually hits several inches below my actual knees). I was so pleasantly surprised at the overall fit of these Treasure & Bond jeans, plus they're currently 40% off! They are listed as crop jeans, which works nicely as regular jeans for someone my height (5 feet tall). The size 24 fits true to size on me with no waist gap, and the medium weight denim is stretchy and comfortable. If you have longer legs, I also tried on these distressed boyfriend jeans on sale at a bargain...

STS blue boyfriend jeans in size 00, BP V-neck tee (sized up to a S)

They are adorable casual jeans and the 00 was a slouchy but slim fit (unlike many boyfriend jeans which are too baggy on a petite frame), however the knee holes were 2" too low for me so I'll be returning. The length is longer but due to the cuffs, you can roll them up to your liking.

I finally got these Steve Madden sandals in a second color...my first pair in blush patent have truly proven to be the ultimate versatile sandal for me. They make shorter legs look long and the design is simple but elevated. Please note from my initial review on the blush ones that they run narrow! I'm usually between 5 and 5.5 and got the latter in these to accommodate my foot width both in the insole as well as the front toe strap.

Ray-ban clubmasters, Baublebar bar & pyramid necklaces c/o

If you're shopping for delicate necklaces, Baublebar has a "pick your pendants" option on their site that lets you pick three layering necklaces at a savings for $68 total. I'm wearing the slim bar short one, infinity medium one, and the longer pyramid spike Y (great for wearing with V-necklines) which are all part of the bundle pricing choices. The slim bar and pyramid Y chain are my favorites because of the sleek 14k gold-plated design, and add just a little something to the most basic outfits. From my Baublebar sale order last month, my favorite piece has to be the bowline cuff bracelet, also worn here. It appears to now be sold out on their site but I found it still available here - would recommend esp. for narrow wrists, since you can bend the metal slightly to adjust the fit.

Nordstrom Fall sale winners: Treasure & Bond jacket + sweater

Treasure & Bond jacket (so many useful features - read on below) and layered sweater 
*coat is an army green color in-person; my lighting makes it appear more yellow*

I cranked up my air conditioning to do a few reviews from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale! As mentioned before, this is a sale on new, Fall merchandise and prices go back up for the season on August 3rd. If you don't have a Nordstrom card to get early access, you can use the "save to wishlist" button and order later when the sale is public on July 17th.

Rag & Bone jeans (sz 24), Ivanka Trump flats, BP ankle booties (sale version)

First up, this Treasure & Bond utility coat looks lackluster in the stock photos, but turned out to be an unexpected gem in all senses: it fits without alterations, is super functional, is in a versatile style that you see year after year, is machine-washable, and is a very reasonable price for a piece that can convert from a fall jacket to a winter coat. Let's take a closer look...

Measurements of size XXS regular: 14" across the shoulders, 27" total length, and 22" sleeve length. I was especially thrilled that the sleeves were not too long. Material is a quality blend of 97% cotton / 3% spandex on the outer, and 100% poly on the liner. I wanted to point out that the jacket itself, without the removable liner, is already fully lined.

No, I don't think this sherpa liner was intended to be worn as a vest, but I just wanted to clearly show what the removable piece looks like : ) When I first picked up the box this came in, it felt like bricks and I was confused as to what I could've possibly ordered. Turns out this jacket with the liner can easily be heavy enough for late Fall / early winter (especially if you layer underneath). For those who live in mild climates, this can probably serve as a winter coat. The liner is comfy and cozy, and I liked that it was piped in a stylish olive trim.
Next, I wanted to point out that every pocket is functional - no decorative fluff here. In addition, the lower pockets have two ways of entry as shown above. I love the option on the right as it's the most comfortable way for me to rest my hands and keep them warm.

How cool is this - the hood rolls up into a small tube and zips in and out of the collar. It has a drawstring as well to cinch the opening to your head size.

While trying on this jacket, I thought to myself all it needed was a drawstring waist cincher. Lo and behold, when I took off the sherpa vest what do I see? The waist is cut straight, so you can use this drawstring to "shape" it to your body.

A small zip pocket for coins and valuables, in addition to the many snap pockets. The elbows are also reinforced with stitched patching.

On to this layered sweater, also from the same brand. I inadvertently ordered the exact outfit in their lookbook with this sweater and utility jacket, but hey it works. This is a "pre-styled" piece so you can throw it on over skinny bottoms and look ready for the day without a moment of thought. It's hard to gauge materials over the internet, but the knit of this sweater is very soft and comfortable, and not too thin. The blend of the sweater is 55% pima cotton, 25% viscose, 15% nylon, 5% cashmere sweater and the plaid shirt is 100% cotton. Please note the shirt does not actually go underneath the entire sweater - it's just a faux-layered look.

Fit on me in size XXS is a slouchy casual fit, long enough to wear with leggings in my opinion as it just covers the crotch. As you can see below, the sleeves are a little long on short arms but as with most casual sweaters, you can push them up for a scrunched look. Measurements of an XXS: 14" across shoulders, 26" approx. total length, and 22.5" sleeve length.

Closeup - sweater has a waffle-like texture and the plaid has a soft, broken-in finish. This is my first time buying from Treasure & Bond and I have to say I'm impressed by quality and fit. On every item listing it also says 5% of profits are donated to organizations that empower girls and women, which is a bonus.

 Rag & Bone jeans (sz 24), Halogen leopard mid heels (this year's sale version)

And unfortunately this one was a miss - the Soia & Kyo double face wool coat in size XXS. I got sent the wrong color, but that issue aside, the material was itchy on me and unlined. I do know that unlined is typical of "double face wool" construction but the overall piece just felt more like a thick cardigan / robe than a true coat to me. This will be going back. My orders were sent in piecemeal (also ended up pulling the trigger on these Cole Haan OTK boots with a very slender calf measurement) so I'll be updating with more hits and misses as they arrive!