Uncategorized

My Reasonable Go To Brands

I have a few brands that I go to quite often, for what I call “reasonable” expenditures. Reasonable as in $100 or under (or a bit above, in the case of shoes). Since I’ve been turning to these favorites more during my maternity period, as I haven’t really wanted to spend knowing that I may never be the same size again (sob), I thought I’d share with you all – and I’d love to hear your “reasonable go to” brands too!

Shoes: Everlane, Cole Haan.

From Everlane, I have two go to winners: the Leather Street Shoe, and Leather Street Sandal. I feel like the sandals required more breaking in for some reason.

Over the years, I’ve had great experiences with Cole Haan. While some of their styles can veer too conservative for my taste (making them great work shoes), I’ve found quite a few gems. In the last few months, I know I’ve posted a few times about my favorite sandal of the summer, the Anica sandal. (also available in more colors, here). I’ve honestly gotten so many compliments on these, and they are my most comfortable sandals by far aside from my Birkenstocks. I tried for quite a while to find super comfortable designer sandals – and I really don’t know what the point was, since these are pretty much perfect!

Casual clothing: Caslon, Gap

I feel like Nordstrom created the Caslon brand for people who a) hate strapless bras, and b) want to be comfortable. That means of course, that there are the occasional dowdy/frumpy items, but I have gone through quite a few easy dresses and pants over the years from Caslon, and they all look great.

Currently, my favorites include these drawstring linen shorts, knit shift dress (love the pockets), and linen shirtdress. I’ve been looking for linen, and I can share that it can be hard to find this natural fabric at a decent price point.

As for Gap – basically my entire maternity wardrobe is from the Gap (mostly non maternity, just loose dresses). The site is usually at least 30% off everything, and I’ve already purchased the linen shirtdress since it’s breastfeeding friendly (sorry, too much information). I’m wearing a super old Gap dress in the photo above – as well as the Everlane Street Shoes I mentioned! And everything is usually machine washable (if not, then I don’t buy).

Small Leather Goods:  Comme de Garcons, Madewell

Commes de Garcons: Their leather wallets and pouches and fantastic and such great quality. I love mine and everyone I’ve ever gifted/recommended them to, has loved theirs as well. Right now I’m using a little Hermes Silk In, but I think I’ll swap back to the CDG soon.

By the way, if you’re looking to add a wallet, Net-A-Porter and  FWRD have a great selection right now. I always prefer Nordstrom for customer service but they seem sold out of a lot of styles.

Madewell: I love Madewell leather goods – the quality is decent, there is monogramming, and they’re quite functional. The prices are always friendly too. This leather pouch is in my opinion genius – love the little card slots inside so it doubles as a wallet, and it easily fits a phone, keys, lipstick, wallet, and more.

7 Comments

  • Reply
    Bunny
    June 12, 2017 at 9:19 am

    Please never apologize for highlighting nursing friendly items!!! In fact I would love to hear your thoughts on a nursing wardrobe, since I am very much struggling with that at the moment!

    • Reply
      Bee
      June 14, 2017 at 9:00 am

      I agree, would love thoughts on what to wear as a breastfeeding mom!

      • Reply
        Katherine
        June 15, 2017 at 7:47 am

        Thanks ladies! I’ll do a post once I start BFing then….man I’m dreading a little bit starting that cycle again!

  • Reply
    kristen
    June 12, 2017 at 9:41 am

    Hello! Thank you for the update on that great Veronica Beard Utility jacket…..I managed to order one in my size. It looks great.
    I just finished breastfeeding baby #2 after 15 months. As for nursing friendly items…..it’s tough!! I relied on button down and pullover shirts from Jcrew…..put together enough for work but not so delicate or expensive should there be a spill/leakage/spitup. Normally I wouldn’t suggest silk but I picked up a few of their silk buttondowns on clearance super cheap and that worked out well too.

  • Reply
    Wendy
    June 13, 2017 at 7:18 pm

    Hi Katherine! My inexpensive basics are from Uniqlo( thirst) and Kohl’s
    ( Bliss foundation powder and Levis). I agree that Cole Haan are affordable and nice. I like G.H Bass for sandals.

  • Reply
    Lesley
    June 20, 2017 at 10:46 am

    Love this post! Thanks for pointing me in the direction of Caslon (: I have some money on a gc left and will try to pick something up from that brand. As for the linen dress from Gap that was breastfeeding-friendly..I laughed when I read that. Almost every single item of clothing I’ve gotten since the kiddos has been..”is that BF-friendly..?” Can’t wait until I’m done so I never have to make that consideration again!! !!!!!!!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 20, 2017 at 11:46 am

      Yes…you’re lucky, you’re almost home stretch! I haven’t even begun yet. Everytime I see a high neck top/dress right now I want to buy, I just sigh. Haha.

    Leave a Reply to kristen Cancel Reply

    <

    /html>