Everlane Cotton/Linen sleeveless top | $40 (size small, purchased with credits from Everlane)
Eileen Fisher harem pants | sold out, plus-size at Nordstrom
Robert Clergerie Frazzia sandals | some sizes on sale at La Garconne
Admonish curved zipper tote
Margot Wolf necklace
So, this Everlane cotton/linen top isn’t one of their new arrivals, but I just now ordered it with my large modern backpack (which is amazing, BTW). I’m making an effort to add in more “blouses” & “shirts” to my wardrobe FULL of t-shirts and v-necks lately, so I decided to give this one a try. I’ve tried all the other Everlane shirts with not-so-great results (too big up top and too small around my hips), so I had mixed expectations for this one. I ordered a small, and am very pleased with it.
However. I will have to take it to my new BFF (my tailor) and get the underarms/sides taken in a bit because it’s still too big there. But since this one fits well around my hips (as opposed to the other Everlane shirts I’ve tried), I think it’s worth it to make that small alteration; it should make a big difference in the fit.
Finally. A couple of hits for Everlane. I’ll write a separate post on the backpack, but at first glance I like it a lot. I was worried the large would be much too big on me, but it’s not. The slimmer silhouette makes it not so bulky looking, while still able to hold a ton. I will primarily use it as a carry-on for traveling, but I’m not averse to using it to carry my laptop & extras when I go work at my local coffeeshop.
And in case you didn’t see, Everlane launched new “micro-rib” tees today. Eh. I was intrigued, but honestly, I can’t think of why I would need one of these right now. They look nice and lightweight, and I appreciate the longer length, but I am really concerned about how well they’d hold up to wash/wear.
Which leads me to another point I’ll also elaborate on later, but I’ve been thinking a lot about reviews, and my responsibilities as a “reviewer.” I use online reviews all the time to make decisions, and I know that one of the most important services I provide here is giving my honest opinion of items I buy or have been given to review. BUT. I am frustrated that it seems like most of the “reviews” I read are posted in the euphoric moments after a person has just tried their piece on for the first time. You know that moment; when you try something on and you’re convinced you’ve found THE ONE. Finally. Everything is perfect.
And don’t even get me started on bloggers who receive things and review/wear them once and use phrases like “the perfect ________” Or roundups of the top five best whatevers according to whoever based mostly on initial fit and or just seeing a piece online. How do we know how the item holds up to wear? How long will it last? Do we ever see those items again?
I know I’ve done it too. I’m not immune to getting caught up in the euphoria of the “find.”
I’d like to do better though. To that end, I’m going to be posting “year-later” reviews, or years later, in some circumstances, of some of my favorite things and not-so-favorite things, featuring honest looks at fit, wear, and how they hold up to washing. Coming soon 🙂
Incidentally, if you’re interested in more Everlane reviews, this post has a LOT of reader comments on what they’ve bought and quite a few comments on how pieces have held up to wear, etc., It’s a WEALTH of Everlane information! Please read through them and add your own if you have any.
Happy Monday!! Hope you have a beautiful week!!!
I LOVE your “Year Later Review” idea, and I can’t wait to read them. I do understand that bloggers have to earn their livings, and one of the ways it is done is through sponsored “reviews,” but it is very refreshing when the reviews are actually honest. Bloggers definitely influence my purchases, so I very much appreciate when a blogger is thoughtful about her reviews. Thanks for being thoughtful.
Hello Grechen! I second that reviewer’s comment! I think that people have come to trust you a lot when it comes to reviewing products, so thank you!
On another note, are you transitioning out of posting sales and online coupons? I haven’t seen many lately but that’s been the case on other sites that I’ve used as well.
Best,
Samra
hi samra! i took a break last week over on grechenscodes.com – so i didn’t post any. and yes, i’ve been posting fewer lately…trying to figure out where i’m going there, honestly. i love to do it, but get overwhelmed sometimes with what to post, etc., etc…
so, no, i’m not really transitioning out, just less maybe? or trying to get on a schedule?
thanks for your comment 🙂
Thank you Grechen, love your site!
This will be a cool future series to read because it’s good to know how an item comes out of the wash/dryer .. does it need ironing, does the fabric pill, discolor etc.
Monica
MonicaP´s last blog post ..A blazer, jeans shorts and heels
Lovely idea for the “year later” assessment, especially for basics that don’t change a lot from season to season.
I share that frustration about website reviews posted too hastily. Unfortunately many retailers encourage this by sending “review your purchase!” emails and promising sweepstakes entries in exchange. The only time I ever review something before wearing and washing at least several times is if it really doesn’t meet my expectations based on the website description and photos and I can say something that I think might truly help a potential buyer make a decision.
And re: Everlane. My wallet is thankful that I have zero interest in any of the newest additions to the line. I was looking forward to seeing the wide-leg pants because I reeeeeeeeeeely have wanted a wide-leg pant for a few seasons now, but these look awful. There’s maybe one among the “real women” that the pants don’t look terrible on. And I was disappointed to see that the range of sizes represented with the models was much smaller (and centered on the smallest sizes) than with the first pant styles (which I haven’t bought and don’t intend to). I have a small collection of Everlane things that I’m happy I purchased, but they need to do a lot better before they get any more of my money. An Italian-made oxford or sharp Chelsea-type bootie would get my attention 😉
I think doing year later reviews is a GREAT idea. So, SO often I buy things that seem great before they are washed, but then washing them changes them in ways I don’t like, or that ruins the fit, etc. Or the thing falls apart prematurely. So yeah I think this is a fantastic idea to give people a longer view of things. And it doesn’t seem like anybody else is really doing this so it’s a real service if you would!!!
Love this top on you with your harem pants (2.5 yrs later? I can’t believe it!). The woven top just has a way of “elevating” the look a little. It takes it out of “casual realm,” I think.
Please do the “year later” reviews! I think it’s a fab idea.
Pilling….GRRR!!! If a woman comes up with a solution to that one, I say we nominate her for a Nobel Prize!
I also love the “Year Later Review” idea, as I expect my clothes to look good and last a while, not just one season (or one week). Partly for this reason I don’t get those new tees from Everlane: when most t-shirts in stores are so thin, do we really need even thinner shirts? Why these cost more than their regular shirts is a mystery to me. I wish they went back to making good basics, and making them in the US.
Love your blog! I am a very regular reader, although I hardly ever comment. 🙂
Waiting (im)patiently for your Everlane backpack review. I have one in my cart but I’m a little unsure… looking forward to hearing your detailed thoughts.
oh man!! pressure!!!
i’m going to use it today and will report back with my impressions. maybe a full review up tomorrow 🙂
i think it’s going to be good!
Awesome! No pressure, I just respect your opinion.
Thanks for all you do!