SUMMER TRY ON HAUL: EXPRESS

I caught the online shopping bug last weekend, especially when I saw “Extra 50% Off Clearance” on Express’ email subject line! I was iffy whether or not to look, but also remembered since gaining a little weight, I’ve been rotating the same frumpy & unflattering outfits that I’ve grown to hate this summer. But, I needn’t worry with Express having a great range of fashion, sizing & good prices.

PRICE

I only shopped the Extra 50% Off Clearance section of the site. Since I wasn’t looking for anything specific & this was definitely an impulse buy, I wanted to keep costs as low as possible.

LOOKING FOR ANYTHING SPECIFIC?

Nope! This was a total impulse move – I looked for form fitting dresses, fun prints, things I wouldn’t normally wear, knowing I would probably return some of it.

END RESULT

It was okay, not my best haul, but I also went in with ZERO expectations! There were a few surprises that I loved, but everything else is going to go back. No shade to Express, I went out of my comfort zone and just know I’m more of a classic shapes kinda gal.

LET’S DIVE IN, SHALL WE: 

DRESSES

I love these! Everything about them – the midi shape, the bodycon, the colors. I do wish they had solids colors (I feel like these won’t transition that well to winter.) I don’t want to keep all 3 since they’re so alike, but I can’t choose! What’re your fav colors?

STRIPED ASYMMETRICAL BUTTON FRONT MIDI BODYCON DRESS – Pink

STRIPED ASYMMETRICAL BUTTON FRONT MIDI BODYCON DRESS – Blue/Red

STRIPED ASYMMETRICAL BUTTON UP BODYCON MIDI DRESS – Black & Neon Yellow

RIBBED CUT-OUT BACK MIDI SHEATH DRESS – I LOVE this dress. The red POP of color, comfortable ribbed cotton material & cute cut-out detailing in the back. Definitely a keeper!

DOTTED VELVET CROSS BACK SHEATH DRESS – Granted, I did order this dress 2 sizes too big so not much to say. There wasn’t much shape to the dress, but I loved the deep V cut. However, still too big & not worth tailoring for me. It’s a return.

LACE SHEATH DRESS – As you can tell from the 3 different pictures, I was feeling myself in this dress! I have a wedding in December & I think this could be the winner. Throw over a really cute faux fur cropped jacket? LOVE.

SHORTS

Let me start by saying I am VERY picky about shorts. I have big thighs, a big behind, and a (not really, but kinda) smaller waist. So while I love high-rise, I don’t like that the inseam (essentially the length of the short) is usually so short. And that’s what happened here. The white were by far my favorite of the three, but still too large (again, I sized up) but they had stretch & longer inseam. The other two were cute, but way to short in the front for my liking.

HIGH WAISTED WHITE RAW HEM STRETCH BERMUDA SHORTS

HIGH WAISTED VINTAGE LACE-UP CUTOFF ORIGINAL DENIM SHORTS

HIGH WAISTED EMBROIDERED DENIM SHORTS

Paired with EXPRESS ONE ELEVEN LEOPARD SMOCKED TUBE TOP– Super cute easy to throw on crop top, I also got in white. Still trying to decide whether to keep or not. I love leopard, but wondering if this is too ‘teenager’ for me.

BOTTOMS

RUCHED MINI PENCIL SKIRT– Very cute, but a little too ruched for me! I still think it’s so versatile though & may exchange and size down.

HIGH WAISTED CLEAN A-LINE MINI SKIRT– I love this skirt! It’s a little shorter side, but so flattering and can be dressed up or down. Think it’ll  be perfect for a night out in NYC.

SUPER HIGH WAISTED CULOTTES– Ohhh yes. The culottes. Not a good look. I did size up, however ran into tightness around my hip area. If you’re very curvy, would probably need to go up 2-3 sizes. I actually recommended the more fabric/flowy culottes as they sit on the body nicely.

EXPRESS ONE ELEVEN HIGH WAISTED WIDE LEG PANT– I really like these! I don’t have anything like them, and when I put them on (will wear with a back or white bodysuit) I felt instantly sexy!

BODYSUITS

EXPRESS ONE ELEVEN MODERN RIB STRAPPY FRONT TANK THONG BODYSUIT– Another one in my collection. So comfortable, so cute. Express has the BEST bodysuits.

EXPRESS ONE ELEVEN STRIPED RIBBED CAMI THONG BODYSUIT– Super fun & colorful bodysuit for summer! I am going to keep and wear if I’m going out to brunch or the beach for the weekend. Would look great paired with blue jean shorts, white high rise jeans or classic Levi’s Mom Jeans!

Paired with: HIGH WAISTED WHITE RAW HEM STRETCH BERMUDA SHORTS

MISCELLANEOUS

DEEP V ULTRA HIGH LEG ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT– MEHHH. Didn’t love, but I’m super picky about bathing suits too. Granted, it did pass the ‘jumping test’ so for you bigger chested ladies – you should check it out!

STRIPED STRETCH BELT– I didn’t know if I was going to like this belt, but it was such a great price (literally under $5) I had to throw it in my cart. Turns out, I love it! Especially for Fall, it’s going to add a great pop against black jeans, a cute merlot sweater, or even an off white top.

TUBE STRAP SLIDE SANDALS– Have been looking everywhere for inexpensive slides. Love love love these. Amazing & can already tell they won’t be giving me blisters! My new ‘walk to yoga’ shoes.

EXPRESS ONE ELEVEN SNAKE PRINT CREW NECK TEE– Ending on a high note! My favorite item out of the whole haul. It’s sexy, comfortable, lightweight, and trendy all at the same time. No bad things to say!