Firstly—I’ve been away for a while due to sickness (some kind of flu or cold bug), and an intense chicken situation. Long story short, we may end up culling a hen who has become exceedingly mean to the flock.

Okay… back with a haul! I have a few more things coming.

Big takeaway if you don’t want to read a reaaaalllly long post: cut and fit really is everything. More expensive or heavier fabrics are also worth it. And, trying new pant leg widths that I once avoided turned out to be a huge happy surprise.

I have been craving to feel confident, and even to be a bit seen. Or at least to not feel like I need not hide quite as much. The old cheats sweats still offer comfort, but they don’t make me want to be seen by others.

I started looking again at City Chic, Avenue (same company, less trendy), and Eloquii. I wanted some special items for summer. Clothes to make me feel beautiful. Ran across some great sales and I took the plunge, with my husband’s blessing.

Eloquii: Leigh Jeans, linen-blend jumpsuit, earrings.

Leigh jeans are described as a not-quite-skinny slim cut. The jeans’ cut and line reminds me of a 50s/60s cigarette pant. They just fit remarkably well in the hips. The leg is slightly tapered or straight? Usually straight leg jeans feel sloppy and dowdy on me. But I think the ankle length inseam really really helps these. The denim is medium weight and loaded with spandex and another fiber; only 66% cotton. They are purported to be high stretch. I purposely did not size down; hoping that doesn’t bite me later with sloppy jeans. :/ I didn’t want the jeans to make me look or feel like a sausage.

The jumpsuit is heaven!! It makes me feel 10-20 lbs slimmer and like an Old Hollywood star prancing about. The leg line once again surprises me. It’s a wide leg which I normally skip for fear of looking wider. I feel this wide leg is surprisingly flattering on me. There’s something too about how the waist portion is cut through the lower stomach that glides over the stomach without being sloppy. The only failing is the torso is a good 1-2 inches too short. I could use more length tbh. Even though there is a bit of pulling at the seat and bust, I just don’t care. I won’t be wearing it for chicken chores. For church, play dates, and everything between, I just love it. I couldn’t send it back. The fabric is a medium weight linen-rayon blend. I admit I’m nervous about shrinkage… rayon can be unforgiving even in a cold water wash. So we will see what happens upon washing it. Otherwise, I love everything about it.

Earrings: can you say glam boho! I adore them. There must be 100+ tiny leaves per earring, all cascading down.

Chic City. Two dresses, ruffled top, and coat.

Amber dot wrap dress. Very boho. It’s tight through the shoulders and upper back if I try to stretch and bend forward. I don’t know why since their tops have always fit me well. I ordered the next size up to try, though fear the bust will be huge, as I’ve already got plenty of bust ease in the size 14. I feel a bit shy about the length at both my height and age; it’s a lot of leg. I just love the color and style though.

Navy polka dot maxi dress. Same issue as the previous dress: tight through the upper back and almost too big in the bust. The navy and white print feels too high contrast for me. I adore the sleeves!! I’m not sure if this flatters me as well as the amber boho dress though? A friend said sizing up will likely result in a swimming, flop-open bodice and huge waist on the dress. I agree. So not really sure what to do. I am likely going to return it and try the red polka dot color they offer it in. But no idea on size. The fabric actually has some stretch, so maybe staying with the size 14 would be okay. What do you all think? Keep or pass??

Moschino print top. Worn with new Eloquii jeans. The color and print is perfection!!! I also love the ruffle. The length is too long. It hits me right at my hip-thigh crease. So I will likely always wear it tucked. But I just love it with jeans and I would probably wear it tucked in anyway.

Coat. I bought it on sale for $40, down from $219. This was the only size left. It is my size but I would have preferred to size up. Once again… snug through the shoulders and upper back. The hip area is cut and meant to be worn open like you see in the photo. There’s only enough ease to wear with a chiffon blouse. Having said all of that, I may keep it tbh. I don’t have a dress coat. I love how it looks despite the lack of ease. I normally would pass but I’ve really wanted a dressier coat. For $40 I feel it’s worth trying.

Avenue: pajamas, some $3.99 clearance leggings, not pictured.

Stock photos only. The shorts are smaller than the size chart suggest. They fit but not much ease. They are final sale and CC and Ave do not offer exchanges, period. So I will just wear them and see if they work or if I hate them. I might buy next size larger for ease and donate these. Not sure.

I welcome your honest opinions and feedback as always, my dear Fab friends <3