Readers Favorites

Usually our Reader’s Favorite post is a round up of the top 12 items for the month. However, this month I pared it down to the top 5, that feel appropriate for this current season of our lives. 

March’s Reader Top 5 Favorites 

Remember, in the spirit of maintaining normalcy, we’re trying to get up and get dressed. It doesn’t have to be every day.

But by know we now that it does make a big difference in our mood and productivity. And since many of us feel busier than ever, every little bit helps in keeping us on track. 

LOFT Puff Sleeve Sweatshirt 

1. Puff Sleeve Sweatshirt, $49.50

I featured this sweet top on Monday and it immediately jumped to the top of our favorites list. It’s cut like a sweatshirt and feels just slightly heavier than a tee. I love the subtle puff sleeve detail, and 3/4 sleeve with a band finish. It’s sort of box, but doesn’t feel oversized. 

Below I’m wearing it in a large. I decided to sized up from my usual medium for a little more room. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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🌈This month we have to do everything we can to stay positive and grateful. . We know the news is devastating. . So we need to protect our mental health for the well-being of ourselves and our families. . After two days of feeling dark I got up, got dressed and headed into my sun filled office. . Today I feel ready to take on everything being thrown at us and more. . Some days are going to be better than others. So let’s just give ourselves and everyone we know grace and assume we are doing the very best they can. . Today I’m wear the @loft top I featured on Monday’s blog post. It’s like a tee shirt and a sweatshirt combined. . ❤️I ordered it in white and gray. . 👇🏼for all of my outfit details follow the link in my profile and click “Shop My Outfits” . Hang in there friends, we got this💕

A post shared by The Well Dressed Life (@thewelldressedlife) on Apr 1, 2020 at 9:42am PDT

 Old Navy Rockstar Skinny Jean

Super Skinny Jeans, $30

These fan favorites make our list almost every month. They are just an easy jean that fit well and feel great. As much as I love a designer jean, these are my next round picks for our time at home. Right now, they are an additional 30% off, putting them at around $20. They are available in all sizes including regular, petite and tall up to a size 20. 

Sam Edelman Bootie

Ankle Booties, $60

Do you “need” these right now? No. Will you be happy you have them in the fall? Yes. 

So do yourself a favorite and if you have it in your budget, scooped them up while they are  still on sale. You want to get them in the Whisky Leather. And maybe when all this is over we’ll pick a day and all wear our boots at the same time because we all have these! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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🎉What’s the biggest void in your wardrobe? . For many of my readers it’s the “in between” pieces. . Like a simple yet pretty top to throw on with jeans and boots. . Today on the blog I’m featuring this spring-ready floral blouse because: . 1️⃣ it looks perfect with dark jeans. . 2️⃣it’s under $60! . 3️⃣it’s available in ALL SIZES. That means there are petite and plus options! . ☝🏼For all the outfit details follow the link in my profile and click “New on the Blog”

A post shared by The Well Dressed Life (@thewelldressedlife) on Mar 6, 2020 at 8:44am PST

 Old Navy Utility Jacket

Utility Jacket, $42 

Good weather right now is a gift. So go take the family for a walk around the neighborhood or turn off the T.V. and sit outside with a glass of wine. Keep this inexpensive utility jacket from Old Navy on hand to keep the chill off while looking pulled together and chic. 

Adidas Running Shoe

Running Shoe: $64.00

These are one of my favorite sneakers that have bee getting plenty of use around here. They are super lightweight, but still supportive. I run, walk and work out in them. I like that they feel slim on my feet (which are a size 10 so that’s important!). We are making family walks a priority, especially when the weather is nice. 

I can’t believe how much better I feel after some fresh air and a few hellos to neighbors – from a very safe distance. 🙂 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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🌟Our Reader Favorites series is a round up of your top picks from the past month. . Typically, February is the worst month to write about fashion. . We’re stuck in between winter and spring so I usually struggle with content. . 🤗But this February the retail gods gave me lots to feature and you loved the mix of better basics and trendy outfit builders. . So head over to the blog to see this months collection, with size inclusive options included. . And today, every piece I’m wearing is a Reader Favorite. . I have a couple hours scheduled in the office and then I’m swapping out my moto for a hoodie so I can coach my daughters running team. 🏃🏼‍♀️ . 👆🏼for details follow the link in my profile and click “Shop my Outfit” or “New on the Blog”

A post shared by The Well Dressed Life (@thewelldressedlife) on Mar 5, 2020 at 7:56am PST

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Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist View Postand wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

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As we wrap up 2019, our last Readers’ Favorites post roundups your top items from the entire year.

At the end of every month, I study our analytics. I look at our most popular posts and best selling items. Doing so helps me get to know you more and plan out future content.

My goal with all of our style posts is to highlight items that will help you build out your wardrobe, or, at the very least, provide inspiration for how to wear pieces you already have.

I share these top picks with you since we are all looking for practical yet chic, wearable clothes. Think of these posts like a collective thumbs up from other like minded women, with similar needs and lifestyles.

In 2020, we’ll be launching a new way to navigate the site, so you can easily find the specific items on your shopping list. I don’t want to give too much away, but I’m excited to start rolling it out in January.

You can read more about our 2020 plan here. 

Today’s post is filled with practical, stylish items that cover almost every category. These are real workhorse items that you’ll turn to over and again in virtually any season and any occasion.

Readers’ Top Favorites of 2019

Ponte Sheath, $35  |  Reversible Tote, $50 |  Notch Collar Blazer, $98  |  Knee High Boot, $135  |  Everyday Trouser Pants, $50  |  Ruched Sleeve Blazer, $78  |  Faux Leather Leggings, $98  |  Wireless Bra, $49  |  Denim Jacket, $79 |  Sweater Dress, $138  |  Slip On Sneaker, $50  

Ponte Sheath

Hands down the most popular dress of 2019 and I love you all for it. Why? Because it’s perfect for a busy woman. It has stretch, sleeves, a reasonable length for most heights (and is easy to alter if you need it shortened). You can wear it to work with tights and boots, or with sneakers and a denim jacket. And it’s $35.  Done. 

Shop: Missy, Tall and Petite | Plus

Reversible Tote

Not only did this tote make the favorites list for every month of 2019, but it also made the best of the list for all of 2018. I originally purchased this for a trip to Europe, to have an extra, casual tote on hand. I ended up using it all the time. It’s durable and functional without bringing down your look.

Shop: Assorted Colors

Related: The Best Tote Organizer 

Notch Collar Blazer

For that in between place where you want something more elevated than a cardigan but less formal than a traditional blazer, pick up this cotton blazer by Gibson (a Nordstrom in-house brand). It’s ideal for casual work places, for making jeans work on a Friday in a more traditional office setting, or for layering over sleeveless sheath dresses. 

And if that’s not exciting enough, it’s available in petites, missy, and plus in an array of colors. 

Shop: Missy and Petite | Plus

Knee High Boot

These are gorgeous, sleek boots you can wear with everything from jeans and leggings or with tights and skirts and dresses. The Sienna brown is so pretty and versatile. They are timeless so you don’t have to worry about them going out of style any time soon. 

Shop: Brown or Black

Everyday Trouser Pants

You may have discovered my little slice of the internet with my post “Why I Hate Capris and What to Wear Instead.” Since that was published, I learned a valuable lesson; you are either team capris or team anything else.

I still hate them, but these pants by NYDJ (they are calling them “ankle” pants – they are not) are an excellent option. They are a little longer than a traditional Capri, are crisp, and don’t have any pocket detail or loops other ridiculous extra on them.

Most important, the leg opening is straight instead of flared. So you can get the look and feel you like without ruining the line of an outfit. 

They are limited in sizes and colors but they always bring them back in the warmer months in better neutrals so keep your eye out for them. 

Shop: Limited Sizes and Colors

Ruched Sleeve Blazer

Another casual blazer option, this one, though, is more appropriate for the warmer weather. I’ve worked with it for so many years – all the way back when I personally shopped for clients. It works well with lightweight dresses and skirts and casual bottoms.

Shop: Missy | Plus

Faux Leather Leggings

What else can I say about these that I haven’t said already? They are fantastic. You can see how to wear them three different ways in this post. 

Shop: Missy | Plus

Wireless Bra

I love this bra by True & Co. It’s soft and seamless. It doesn’t work with everything, but if you live in tees or sweaters, you’ll love it. 

Shop: Assorted Neutral Tones

Related: Every Undergarment You Will Ever Need 

Denim Jacket

Talk about a classic. If you still don’t have a denim jacket, pick up this one from KUT from the Kloth. It’s just the right blend of modern and lived in, for under $80.

Shop: Missy (Up to size 16)

Sweater Dress

I was pleasantly surprised to see how many readers loved this sweater dress. Eliza J makes a great dress that works for a mature body type without being or feeling frumpy. You can wear this to work or a brunch event on the weekends – think showers, other parties. 

Shop: Sizes 0 – 20

Slip On Sneaker

These slip on sneakers are on sale for $50, in three colors. I opted for black, which is the most limited. Scoop them up now for the spring. I almost always wear them with leggings and fleece half zip for early morning drop off, or for running errands. 

Shop: Three Colors

Every December, I look back over the past 12 months and round up the best things I purchased over the course of the year. Then, I separate them into two posts, today’s Best Buys of 2019 and tomorrow’s Best of Beauty. 

This year, was a little bit different from years past. My daughter Vivian was born at the very end of December so for the first half of 2019 I focused on her, adjusting to life as a family of five and recovering from my third c-section. 

It’s only been since the fall that I’ve started to feel more like myself. But! I did manage to find some pretty awesome items that helped me feel good while recovering and made easing back into work more manageable. 

Many of these are perfect for gifts, especially if you’re still on the hunt for the woman in your life who has everything. Others will help you round out your wardrobe or create outfits for the holidays.  

So, what makes these “the best”?

Well, these are the items I use on a daily basis, I reach for them constantly, and every time I use them, or wear them, I think – I’m so happy I bought this! 

From my favorite morning gadget, to the clothes I added to my wardrobe and even the best buy I made for the baby, these are my top TEN purchases of 2019. 

My Favorite Buys of 2019

Ember Mug

I splurged on this in January, a few weeks after I had Vivian. It’s an electronic mug that keeps your coffee (or tea, etc.) at your preferred temperature for 1.5 hours.
All moms know what it’s like to pour your coffee, get distracted, and come back to an ice-cold mug. With this, you can enjoy your entire cup, at that freshly poured temp, no matter how many times you walk away from it. The mug doesn’t get warm, but the coffee stays hot. How clever is that? 

Shop: White or Black

J. Crew Pajamas 

Pajamas feel like such an indulgence, especially when the price of one set could buy you an entire outfit for work. But J. Crew Factory has crisp, soft, perfectly preppy jammies at affordable prices and I love them.  

Above is my favorite menswear inspired set on sale for $35. They would make a lovely under $40 gift this season. I’m wearing the medium.

Shop: Light Blue Menswear / Light Grey Knit 

Barefoot Dreams Bathrobe

I spent the winter at home with a newborn, so for a while I was focused entirely on comfort. Early in the year, I went through my closet and realized I had no less than six robes, and I didn’t like any of them.

So I decided to ditch them and pick up a beautiful one that I would enjoy wearing all year long. I bought this perfect piece from none other than Barefoot Dreams. It’s indulgent, but it’s just what I want to curl up in to transition from busy day to quiet night.

If you have an under $100 budget for a gift, pick this up (and if you order for Nordstrom get the gift box kit so you have a box the perfect size). I bought the ivory, but you have eight other neutral colors to choose from. 

Shop: Assorted Colors 

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings 

After having Vivi last December, I started 2019 feeling detached and uncomfortable with my body. These faux leather leggings by Spanx were the first thing I put on postpartum, and they made me feel felt fabulous. I’ve worn them on repeat ever since. If you’re still on the fence about them, stay tuned. I’m featuring them in How to Wear Three Ways later this week, just in time for full-on holiday dressing.

Shop: Missy / Plus

Suede Knee Boots

Now and then, I buy a shoe and wonder how I got dressed without them. Such is the case with these Nine West boots. I love them, and wear them so much, I just ordered a second pair so I have them for a long time. 

If you need a pair of clean, dressy-ish knee high boots to wear with tights and dresses or skinny paints, these are it. They are amazingly comfortable and work with everything, from lighter weight wrap dresses, to a heavy sweater dress, over thick tights or even jeans and pants. 

Shop: Black Suede 

Oversized Knit Turtleneck Sweater

I know these kinds of bulky sweaters aren’t for everyone (and I’m working on sourcing some alternatives!), but this sweater has been my favorite. I wear it all the time, and it’s wildly versatile. I wear it with everything from my jeans and boots, or leggings (even the faux leather ones) and booties, to over my pajamas (my house is always freezing). 

Shop: Three colors, I have the heather grey, runs true to size, size down if in between.  

True & Co V Neck Wireless Bra

I live in True & Co’s V Neck Bra. It’s like an everyday tee shirt bra, but better. It’s crazy comfortable, gives you just enough support and is seamless. You can’t wear it under everything, because the cut is limiting. I wear it under sweaters, sweatshirts, long sleeve tees, etc. I even keep it on under pajamas while I’m walking around the house, and sometimes end up sleeping in it.  

Shop: Assorted Neutral Colors ( I wear Dulce). 

Black Jumpsuit

One of my most favorite pieces is this black jumpsuit by Vince Camuto (so many of you bought it too!). I wore it like crazy over the summer, and I am going to pair it later this month with a simple black blazer for a Christmas dinner at a restaurant with friends.

You can see me in it this past summer here. 

Shop: Missy / Plus

Dress for Work 

You know I love a dress for work because you can simply zip up and be ready in seconds. This one by Tahari was my favorite addition to my  own collection this year. You look polished and professional, it’s well tailored and you can throw it in your suitcase for quick business trips. 

Shop: Missy / Plus (similar and in black)

Lovevery Play Mat and Box Subscription

Vivi is our third, so when it comes to buying her toys and baby gear, we take a quality over quantity approach. Right after she was born, I purchased this play mat and the additional box subscription by Lovevery.

Now that she is about to turn one, I am astounded by the quality and usefulness of these products.

Related: My Favorite Baby Products

These are her only toys. She is completely engrossed with them, never bores, and learns so much. They are also so beautifully designed and don’t look like clutter in your home.

I purchased the play mat, which has grown with her. We now have it in our family room like a little tent where she plays peak a boo like a pro. 

And every other month we receive a box containing about five age-appropriate, milestone focused toys. I can’t recommend them enough. So if you have a new baby or grand baby on the way, this is the perfect gift for baby and parents. If you shop via this link you’ll get $10 off your first purchase. 

Our monthly series, Reader Favorites, is a round-up of the best selling items from the blog. At the end of each month, I run several reports; one is analytics on all the items we featured to see the most popular. 

This helps me a few ways. First, I can map out future content and build off of pieces I know you already have. 

It also helps me visualize our collective style, so I stay on track with what I recommend. From day one, I’ve focused on classic and modern style with a bit of a twist, so I’m always so thrilled to see that you love what I love.

Once I have a report of top sellers, I then go through comments and emails with your feedback. So these items are not only top sellers, but the most loved. 

My goal for 2020 is to organize our site so you come here first if are looking for something: a dress, pair of shoes for work, a great fitting pair of jeans.  I’m currently spending hours figuring out how to create a user friendly navigation.  (More on all this soon!) 

This month, our Reader Favorites are really the best of the best. From an incredible $40 dress you can wear pretty much anywhere, and hard to find knee high boots, to the pair of leggings three of us wore to my birthday party, be sure to check out the entire list, with many items on sale, in an inclusive size range. 

November 2019 Reader Favorites

Sheath Dress Misses and Plus, On sale $35  |  Brown Boots, $135  |  Sweater Dress, $118  |  Slip On Sneaker, $50  |  Pendant Necklace, $80  |  Faux Leather Leggings, $80  |  Crystal Flower Sweater, $69  |  Velvet Pant, $98  |  Flannel Scarf, $20  |  Merino Sweater, $69

Dress

This dress is fabulous and currently on sale at Old Navy for $35 in all sizes. You can wear it all year (maybe skip the super hot weather) with everything from block heel sandals to tights and boots. The ponte knit makes it a dream to pack or travel in as well. For this time of year, the festive red would make it the ideal piece for an office holiday party or casual afternoon event.

Shop: Missy / Petite / Tall / Plus 

Boots

Finding classic, sleek pair of knee-high boots, without distracting buckles or cheesy logos, is tough, so I was delighted to stumble on these beauties from Sam Edelman on sale for up to 40% off. They have the perfect pointed toe that helps elongate your leg and make our outfit look elegant, and the heel is totally manageable. Wear them over leggings, skinny jeans or with tights and a dress or skirt. 

Shop: Black / Tan 

Sweater Dress

Here’s the thing with sweater dresses, they are not for everyone. They have to fit just right or you’ll look like the before picture of a Spanx ad. When they do fit well, like this one by Eliza J. , they are lovely providing texture and a bit of warmth.  This dress was a hit in the “spruce” color – another wonderful seasonal color. 

For inspiration check out our Wear to Work post where we paired it here with the Sam Edelman boots. 

Shop: Missy (xs -xxl) / Plus

Slip on Sneakers 

I love, love, love these sneakers. For under $40 you can have a sleek and most important, comfortable casual shoe that isn’t your gym sneaker. If you live in your black leggings during the week or on the weekends, pick them up on black.

Shop: Black / Grey

Necklace

Kendra Scott is by far the most popular jewelry brand on the blog this year. Her pieces are modern and versatile, like this long pendant necklace. 

We paired it last month with the $40 Old Navy Dress for an easy outfit to wear to the office. 

Shop: Black and Gold

Faux Leather Leggings

I know the image looks severe, but before you dismiss them, hear me out.  There were three (3!) of us at my birthday party last weekend wearing these.  I wore them with a sparkly sweater, my sister-in-law wore them with a silky blouse, and another friend wore it with a tank and blazer.

They are one of my most favorite purchases of the year (that list is coming out next week) so it’s nice to see that so many of you are giving them a try. They are a great way to add a little texture to your look with all the comfort of wearing a pair of leggings and the extra bonus of them being Spanx.  I plan on wearing them all month long. Give them a try, I promise you won’t be disappointed. 

Shop: Missy / Plus

Embellished Sweater

Sizes are limited in the gorgeous sweater and for good reason. It’s so pretty, especially for this time of year when you want something special but still casual. You can wear it with jeans, a pair of black ankle pants, a simple black pencil skirt – anything. Right now it’s an additional 40% off. 

Shop: Limited Sizes

Velvet Pant

One of the things I love about holiday dressing is the excuse to add formal fabric to otherwise simple outfits, like these velvet skinny pants from Banana Republic. They are another great option if you are looking to create some outfits for holiday entertaining at home, or more low key functions. The key to incorporating them is to pair them with your better basics, like a classic white silk blouse or a thin knit sweater so the specialness of the fabric stands out. 

Shop: Regular/ Petite 

Scarf

This scarf, another gem from Old Navy, is only $10 (available in ten color options). I featured it here last month, and I could not believe how many of you scooped it up. It would also make a wonderful, affordable gift for the holidays. 

Shop: Assorted Patterns 

Sweater

Finally, this lightweight merino wool sweater from Banana Republic is under $70 and washable. Not like it says dry clean only but you wash it anyway, this is made to be washed at home. 

It’s the ideal piece that you can wear on it’s own or layer under a jacket or blazer. Available in eight super wearable colors, in sizes xxs – xxl.  My top color picks are the black (wear it with everything), camel, and if you feel a little preppy, grab the kelly green. 

Shop: Assorted Colors xxs – xxl

We had to take an unintended “break” over the past week. Our site crashed last Tuesday morning. We’ve been having on-and-off issues since the beginning of the year, each time we think we have it fixed, and then each subsequent crash is worse than the last.

If you were wondering why our posts have been feeling sporadic lately, it isn’t because we didn’t have content, it’s because I couldn’t get our posts published. Or, worse, our final proofed articles weren’t saving and old error-filled articles were going up without me knowing until after they were live. Basically, our backend was a mess.

When I woke up early Tuesday morning and couldn’t even access the site, it took all my discipline not toss my laptop and consider it a sign from the heavens that it was time for a new career.

Instead, I started the process of switching to a new host, something that was on my to-do list for some time.  I’d been putting it off since it meant down time and I didn’t want another big expense this year.

Thankfully, it wasn’t as intrusive as I thought it would be, we shouldn’t have any more issues, and our site speed should increase significantly.

So I’m picking up where we left off, with our October Reader Favorites. Thanks for your patience!

Reader Favorites is a series that highlights the most popular items on the blog from the last month. Think of it as a round-up of highly recommended items from your friends. You’ll see these incorporated different ways in upcoming style posts to help you get the most out of what you’re buying and ideas on how and where to wear them. 

Last month’s favorites feature a fantastic mix of sale pieces, daily basics, and pieces you can zhush up for the holidays. . 

October Reader Favorites 

Bag: $50 | Sneaker: ON SALE $60 | Sweater: $60 | Dress: ON SALE $40 | Leggings: $98 | Jacket: $168 | Bag: $40

Bag: $50: I don’t think there has been a month in 2019 that this bag hasn’t made our favorites list. It’s just a straightforward, durable bag. I bought it a few years back for a trip to Europe, thinking it would be easy to pack and carry items we picked up along the way. It was, AND I’ve used it weekly back home ever since.

Sneaker: ON SALE $60: The biggest issue with these sneakers is deciding between grey and black. Black, I like with leggings and athleisure pieces, but grey is pretty with jeans and other casual bottoms. Either way, they are chic and comfortable at a can’t beat price. 

Sweater: $60: We featured this sweater a few different ways in October. I love the versatility of it, but now that the weather is freezing on the east coast I’m dreaming of wearing it by a fire after a day of watching the kids ski. 

Dress: ON SALE $40: This is a “hero” dress. It’s what you wear when you have nothing to wear. You can dress it up with jewelry, and pumps and a sparkly bag, or wear a more sensible heel, add a blazer, and head to the office. Available in sizes 0 – 16 in six gorgeous colors for only $40.

Leggings: $98: When I first suggested faux leather leggings, I thought I would get the same response I did when I introduced us to distressed jeans: you either love them or hate them, with a passion. To my surprise, almost everyone loved the idea. These work best with an oversized sweater or a longish cardigan or blazer and a high heel boot or pump. I tend to keep them for dress-up occasions when I want to feel like I’m still relatively young and hip. But I’ve seen them worn with sneakers and sweatshirts and they look infinitely cooler than I’ll ever be.

Jacket: $168: If you live in a region with mild temperatures, a mid-weight jacket may be just the thing you need. This is that ideal piece to throw on to run errands, meet the school bus, or walk the dog. Love it in navy (above), army green, and my favorite, off white. If you live in a region with mild temperatures, a mid-weight jacket may be just the thing you need. This is that ideal piece to throw on to run errands, meet the school bus, or walk the dog. Love it in navy (above), army green, and my favorite, off white.  

Bag: $40: Sole Society kills it with high style bags at low prices.  A crossbody bag is ideal for keeping you hands free, especially at this time of year.