5 Recent Purchases + Pre-Fall Favorites from Madewell

Over the past few weeks, I’ve placed orders at Nordstrom, Everlane, and Quince (among others, including Summersalt). I’ve been sharing all of the try-on fun over in Instagram stories and decided that the blog should be a part of the fun too! I took these photos primarily for myself to reference when making a decision on whether to keep something or not, so they aren’t the best quality mirror photos you’ll ever see, but at least Rosie made an appearance.

At the end of the post, I shared a few items I have my eyes on in Madewell’s pre-fall new arrivals. Plus, you can get 25% off a selection of pre-fall favorites now through 8/15!

5 Recent Purchases (August 2022): Marc Fisher Yarita boot, Hunter short rain boot, Everlane baseball cap, Quince tencel swing dress, Quince linen swing dress | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

5 Recent Purchases | August 2022


Marc Fisher Yarita pointed toe bootie review | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Marc Fisher Yarita pointed toe bootie review | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Marc Fisher Yarita Pointed Toe Bootie (ivory, size 7.5)

Out of all of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale purchases, I was most excited about the Yarita ankle boot. This was the first white-colored boot I was REALLY excited about and could see myself wearing. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked them, but I had tried them on with the wrong outfit (a super casual WFH outfit that I would never wear out/with boots, haha). Once I tried them on with this outfit, I really liked them.

I purchased these boots in size 7.5 (a half size up from my usual size 7) because my other pointed-toe Marc Fisher ankle boots (purchased in the Anniversary Sale a few years ago) are a 7.5. These were just a bit too loose at the back of my foot, and I felt like my heel was lifting too much when I walked around the house. However, they felt comfortable around the toes and balls of my feet.

I ended up returning them; I was planning to exchange them for a 7 when I visited a Nordstrom store in SLC, but I read some reviews (some not positive) and many of them had mentioned that the top of the boot rubs on your leg when you walk and I did notice that as well. I wonder if that would get better with time/wear?

I’m keeping an eye on these boots. If they go on deeper sale later this fall, I may end up buying them again. We’ll see! They were 44% off during the Anniversary Sale. I should’ve at least tried on a 7 in store to make sure that size would work for me, oh well.

Hunter original short back adjustable rain boot review | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Hunter original short back adjustable rain boot review | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Hunter Original Short Back Adjustable Rain Boot (Ismarken Olive, size 7)

I also purchased these Hunter rain boots in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I was really just drawn to the color; I’m a sucker for olive (though I’ve always wanted a pair of their iconic green boots). I don’t have a pair of Hunter boots in this style and thought these would work better for everyday life than my tall yellow Hunters (which are currently damaged) and my really short navy chelsea boots (these require taller socks or else they rub my legs).

Out of all of my Anniversary Sale purchases, this was probably my most impulsive. Did I need a new pair of rain boots? Absolutely not. I stuck the boots in my wish list and decided to go for it once the sale opened. I was very tempted to keep them, but ultimately I couldn’t get over how much space there was between the boot and my leg. They fit TTS in the foot but felt too loose over my legs. This is probably normal for Hunter but not something I’m used to.

These boots feature an adjustable back, which is a great option if you need the extra room in the calf. They were still too roomy even with the back not extended, and it was kind of a pain in the butt to adjust.

Everlane unisex baseball cap review | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Everlane unisex baseball cap review | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Everlane The Baseball Cap (black)

I added this baseball cap to an order to get free shipping. I’ve been on a hunt for a basic black cap and thought I’d try this one since I have two other Everlane baseball caps and wear them all of the time!

Unfortunately, Everlane changed the fabric from the two caps I own. The ones I already own (a light olive green and off-white) are made from a lightweight, smooth cotton, and they’re super easy to care for. The new baseball caps are made of a thicker, more textured fabric (sorry, it’s basically impossible to tell with these photos; I didn’t realize my mirror was so dirty lol).

The real reason why I returned this cap is because the edges hit the top of my ears! I’ve decided to pass on caps that hit my ears. It’s not comfortable for me, and life is too short to wear uncomfortable things. (Ha, gotta remind myself of that daily!!!)

Quince tencel jersey mini swing dress review | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Quince European linen sleeveless swing dress review | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Quince Tencel Jersey Mini Swing Dress (brown, size S)
Quince European Linen Sleeveless Swing Dress (terracotta, size S)

I JUMPED when Quince launched the linen sleeveless swing dress (on the right) and decided to order the tencel jersey swing dress at the same time. I had high hopes for both but I’m not loving them on me as much as I was hoping I would.

First up: I absolutely love the brown color of the tencel swing dress. I’m having a brown moment, and this color is perfection. I also love the fabric; it’s so lightweight and really comfy. I don’t like that the shoulders are sort of “cut in”, making it impossible to wear with a regular bra (you can see my bra straps in the photo). I also wish it had pockets.

I ordered the linen swing dress in the rust orange terracotta color because that looked fun (it’s also available in black and white), but I wasn’t sure if I would like the color on my skin tone. I love that it’s 100% linen (the best summer fabric), and the pintucking/button detail is cute and adds interest. There’s also pockets! I don’t like that it’s super difficult to get the wrinkles out, and the color is not my favorite on me, which is what I was worried about (I think it photographs better/different than it looks in person).

As of writing this post, I still own both dresses. But I’m really leaning towards returning both, unfortunately. Siiigh. I’m sad!


Pre-Fall Favorites from Madewell

New arrivals for FALL are starting to pop up on retailers’ websites, and Madewell is always one of my favorite brands to shop for fall clothing! They just do fall and winter so well. It also helps that my birthday is in September, so I get to spend my birthday coupon on fun fall things every year! Right now, they’re currently offering 25% off a selection of pre-fall favorites. Here’s what I have my eyes on for the coming season…

  • Seersucker striped shirt (25% off through 8/15)
    This shirt is a great late summer/early fall option that you can wear next year too! I love the light green color and stripes. It looks really similar in style to another Madewell shirt I have except this one is seersucker! The reviews suggest that it fits snug in the bust so might think about sizing up one for that relaxed, beach-y look.

  • Lugsole loafers (25% off through 8/15)
    I think I need more lugsole in my life, but I already have a couple of pairs of lugsole boots. I’m intrigued by these lugsole loafers. The reviews are super positive as far as fit and comfort goes! The brown color is so rich and luxe.

  • Wide-leg jeans (not on sale)
    I’m surprising myself by even being tempted by a pair of wide leg jeans! I do like wide leg pants now, but I tend to prefer my denim fitted. Is it time to take the plunge? I’m still holding onto my skinny jeans for dear life. These will probably sell out and/or never be included in a promo, but I’ve got my eyes peeled for the right pair. (I do like this wash!)

P.S. A couple of items I already own are also included in the sale: the coin necklace set and tank thong bodysuit.

What is on your wardrobe wish list for late summer/pre-fall/fall?