Disclosure: This post is sponsored by . As always, all words and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
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We moved into our house almost a year ago! Can you believe that? We still have things in boxes and areas that have remained largely untouched since we first settled in. When I see those areas, I feel a little frustrated with myself, but I have to remember how much upheaval and many major renovations have happened since we moved in. I also had to remind myself that it took two-to-three years to really get settled when we moved to our house in Minnesota. Even though this house is much smaller than our last one, there is so much stuff to organize and so many projects to do. Since it feels overwhelming, I’ve been approaching organizing in small bites.
This week, I started working on my clothes. I got rid of a lot as we were packing to move, but once I broke my foot, I had to scale back my ambitions to try on every article and I made some guesses of what I would want to keep. Now that I know what I wear most often (and I have two good feet), I have been going through one or two small sections each day. I try everything on. If it’s paint-splattered, faded, or has holes, I throw it away or add it to the rag bin. If it’s in good shape but I don’t love or wear it, it goes in the donate pile.
(Can you see a theme?!)
As a part of organizing and cleaning out my closet and wardrobe, I have been adding in a few new pieces for fall to complement what I am keeping and fill in any holes. And I found some wonderful pieces on . It is fun to go shopping in person, but I often run into the issue of my size being sold out in that store or I get a little overwhelmed and distracted. When I can shop online at home, I can take my time and really think about the things I’ve added to my cart before I check out. I often leave the cart for a little while and then come back to it to see if I still want everything. It helps me be more deliberate and avoid impulsive buys.
The downside to shopping online used to be trying things on and returning what didn’t fit. Well, has addressed that beautifully for their Walmart+ members. First of all, delivery is free and fast on most items and returns are as easy as they can be. You can return purchases at your local Walmart store, which is easy if you’re going there anyway, but if you’re not planning on venturing out, you can schedule a pick-up at your house! I just did this with a couple of jeans that didn’t quite fit right and it was glorious to just put them in a bag on my doorstep and have them picked up. I guess it doesn’t take much to get me excited, but it makes me far less hesitant to buy things to try.
I also like trying clothes on at home, so I can pair them with pieces I already have and see how many outfits I can create with one or two new pieces. I also tend to buy the same sort of things over and over again because I am drawn to them, so I can make sure I’m not buying something very similar to what I already have.
When I last shared about , I did a little photo shoot in the studio and one blog reader observed that it looked like I was hiding. I thought it was very observant of her because I absolutely was! I was trying to figure out how I could pose and model clothes without having to be the focus! I have never been comfortable being in front of the camera when the occasion has arisen over the years through my work. And trying on clothes for a few thousand people isn’t in my wheelhouse. I much prefer to be behind the camera or at the easel. But, I also know that it helps so much to see clothes on a human body. So, here’s a little mirror selfie.
First of all, yes, I got my hair cut! It was so long that I hated washing and drying it, so it was time to let go of about eight inches. Second, I am wearing a couple of my favorite things from my most recent online shopping haul.
The jeans are the and, I have to say, I am so impressed with these jeans. I love them so much that I bought a second pair. First of all, these jeans are $10.38! I don’t know if I’ve ever bought a pair of jeans that were so inexpensive. Not only that, but they are real jeans. They are thick, soft, and comfortable. They aren’t some strange scratchy fabric blend that you usually get with cheap jeans. These jeans rival any $50 pair I’ve bought in the past. These jeans do run slightly small, though, and they aren’t very stretchy, so I had to size up.
As you can see, the jeans are long and I need to cuff them, which I actually like. I am 5’6 and tend to fit right in the middle of regular and petite/short pants. and do have some short jean options and I’ve ordered a couple more pairs to try them out since I liked these jeans so much.
The is a thin, cotton/polyester blend sweater that is great for transition seasons or to layer under a jacket. I was able to get the olive and cream striped one as well as the navy and they are both great closet staples. The fabric is soft, washed well (I put it through the washer on cold and dryer on low), and it’s not see-through, as some thin sweaters can be. The scarf is a recent vintage find.
The are a sweet, easy shoe to throw on with jeans and a sweater to make them look a little sharper.
Oh, and speaking of seeing clothes on a human body, Walmart has a feature available for you to select your model when you’re shopping online. Of course, the clothes are superimposed on the model you chose in some cases (they can’t try on everything), but it’s great if you’re not 6′ tall and a size 4. I can get a rough idea of how clothes will look on someone close to my size, height, and body shape.
Here are a few other things I purchased and what I like about them…
Clockwise from the top left – . I bought these in the short size and they look cute worn as-is or cuffed. I ordered a second pair because I liked them so much! . This is a great staple shirt to wear under jackets, sweaters, or sweatshirts or as a piece layered over a light t-shirt. It’s 100% cotton and washed well. – I love this sweatshirt to wear through the fall when it’s not quite cold enough for a thick hoodie. This is super soft and comfortable, so I ordered it in olive green as well. I will wear this a lot! High Rise Skinny Jeans. First of all, these jeans are only $10! They are a comfortable material and really fit well. Tennis Sweatshirt – Of course, I liked the colors, but I thought this was a cute sweatshirt. It’s soft, comfortable, and a nice weight to wear on morning walks when it’s a little chilly. Athletic Works Slide on Shoes. I wanted to try a pair of these sleeker-looking tennis shoes. They aren’t the kind of shoe you would wear for hardcore exercise, but they are cute and comfortable for wearing out and about or on walks.
I will be sharing a video of all of these clothes on my Instagram Stories today if you want to get a closer look at some of the fabrics.
You look adorable and stylish! I love navy.
Thank you! I do, too. I don’t think you can go wrong with navy!
Thanks Marion! Can you tell me how the navy hooded sweatshirt runs. I’m a size 14 so do I go large or x-large?
I would say it runs pretty true to size. If you like it oversized, I would probably go with XL. If you want it more fitted, than a large would probably do. It’s a blend, so it doesn’t shrink.
Hello Betsy,
I have bought 3 sweatshirts from Walmart in the past. I bought “L” the first time and boy did it shrink. Had to give it away. I wash in warm water and put in the dryer on regular. Next time I bought “XL” and all worked out fine. I am a size 12. I do have broad shoulders. I don’t care for a tight fit OR real baggy. The third one I wanted a bit more baggy for wearing a thermal under it for dog walking. So I bought “XXL” . Before I washed it…I thought I was crazy ( it looked REAL big) BUT it works out perfect!!! I think the more you wash it, it tightens a bit. Hope this helps you.
When Marian speaks, people listen. Most things are sold out. I will have to check in stores. Love all the selections – true to your classic pieces. I have been surprised by some of Walmarts fashion over the past couple years.
Also…….I never get the pull over type. I like a zipper front. maybe that makes a difference…???
Whoops, me again. You are a girl after my own heart with the being in front of the camera thing. I’m never comfortable with it. I really appreciate your doing these clothing updates. Last year you did one on a J Jill shopping trip you did with your mom and I ended up getting some great pieces. If it’s navy blue sign me up : )
If you decide you don’t want the cuffs on those jeans, just take a pair of scissors and cut off the hem where you want it. You can make it as straight or as frayed/chewed as you like it. At 5’5”, I’m in the same boat as you are, and I almost always have to do this to my denim. I used to send them to the tailor, but I like the look of a frayed, dropped, or distressed hem.
This is helpful, thank you for venturing out of your comfort zone. Also you look great! We’ve used Walmart subscription since COVID lockdown and because I get migraines from fragranced products I hate to shop in stores. They are very good about quickly refunding any damaged food or unwanted items, returns, etc. and when a family member or friend in another state or county becomes ill we can send groceries straight to them. They have a lot shoes that run wide for my post surgery feet that have hardware in them.
I love how your love for blue even shows in your wardrobe! Thank you for sharing as I am your same height and have trouble with pants being too long. So glad you’re experiencing fall. We are still in the upper 80’s in the South.