Well, I promised a Pants Post and I did start working on it 2 weeks ago….
I’m finally getting this put together. Sorry for the delay, but not having WiFi in the new house yet has meant we’ve been commuting for internet and it’s made everything extra crazy!
I’m going to jump right in, and share brief reviews of the Wool pants I’ve tried and loved, with affiliate links. If you have any questions, please share them, I’ll do my best to answer them! Woolx Lola Joggers: These are, by far, my favorite pants and I wear them everywhere from a business meeting to errands, to going out to a casual dinner or hiking through the woods.
I was looking for some pants that were comfortable like leggings but would work in a more church/office casual type vibe since my style is pretty girly. I wanted these to be sort of a multipurpose travel pant that would go with anything, and I could wear from shopping to travel to church to a casual dinner out any time of year.
They can basically do anything and everything! My Lola Joggers have held up great and I am still wearing them several times a week. They are so comfortable, they are the first thing I put into my suitcase if I am packing for a trip. I own three pairs. I have removed the drawstring in one of the pairs so that it doesn’t show when I’m wearing slim cut shirts. I don’t need to tighten them, so it works just fine. I wear a size Medium in Lola for the slim fit I like for these!
wool& Frame Culotte Pants: I have always loved a cropped pant and the wool& Frame Culotte Pants are my perfect fit. The first thing I noticed about these pants is that the Ponte Fabric is amazing. It’s a nice, substantial ribbed texture with some thickness and stretch. Yes, they feel as comfortable as all my other Wool& favorites, but it also has a little bit more of a business casual texture. I have always loved culotte style pants and I know these will be perfect for my weather year round. A note about fit. The size medium fits me well, and I know it is my correct size. (I am 5’6″, 175 pounds, and about a size 10 in pants). I’m very much a pear shape and I felt they fit a little snug around my hips and thighs on first try. However, having worn Wool& clothing quite a bit I know that these will relax slightly after a bit of wear, which should allow for the perfect fit. These are a great spring/summer/fall option for my wardrobe and I have also seen folks pair them up with the wool& Moto Jacket for a matching set! Click here for more pics of wool& frame Culotte Pants.
Wool& Summit Midweight Pocket Legging:These are probably my most flattering leggings out of the bunch. Wool& Summit truly feels like butter. The fabric is soft and stretchy and the waist is higher rise than the Axis leggings I already own (for comparison, the waist is also higher on the Summit Leggings compared to the Woolx Piper and Woolx McKenna Leggings that I wear all the time). So if you are looking for a high waisted legging, this is the pair for you! At first I felt like they were a little snug around my not-so-small stomach, but once I wore them around for awhile they felt fantastic. They are also really slimming, which is a bonus. The pockets are also HUGE. To me, they feel thinner than my go to Woolx Piper Legging, so I wear them more like leggings, and less like pants (I will wear the Pipers like pants). So that might be something to consider. Find more pics by clicking here.
Unbound Merino Travel Pants: These pants definitely exceeded my expectations. They are the most traditional fit and feel and have held up really well. These high-waisted pants stay up, fit snug but not too tight, and are really comfy. They have a wide, stretchy elastic waist. There are no back pockets, but the front pockets are generous. They are extremely lightweight. I experimented with folding them very messily, stuffing them into their box, and trying them on again the next day. I am happy to report that the wrinkles fell out quite easily and the pants still looked great. So I think they would truly make an excellent travel pant. Although I have yet to wash them, I believe the light fabric would be very easy to machine or handwash and they would hang dry super quickly. Like all merino, they are odor-resistant making them ideal for wearing and re-wearing! These are really flattering and, honestly, I love them! Sadly they have been out of stock for awhile but I was told they will be restocked soonish!
COUPON CODE!
I’m excited to offer a rare coupon code so that you can save on your first Unbound Merino purchase. Use code WOOLOBSESSED to save 15% off your first purchase!
Woolly’s Wide Haul Wide Leg Pants: I ordered the Woolly Longhaul Wide Leg Pants because I thought they would be a great alternative to jeans when I go into work and that they would be nice for the summer/fall transition season. I decided to order my true size, Medium, and they fit perfectly. The fabric on these pants feels very high quality. They are a nice substantial fabric with enough stiffness so that they hold their own shape well. They are comfy, though not terribly soft. I like that they seem just a little more structured and the double stitched side seams are a nice design detail. The only thing I am not wild about is the white drawstring. The contrast is a little distracting for most of my outfits, so I tucked it in for some of my outfits. I later ended up removing it and I like the pants much better. Find more pics by clicking here.
Woolx Piper Leggings: These are my go-to when I want a substantial, warm legging. They are nice and thick, feel amazing, and a perfect base for my new Woolx Shacket! The cut is just like the McKenna, and they fit exactly the same (I wear a Medium). However, the wool content is a lot higher and the outer fabric is more of a soft knit with less sheen than the McKennas. These are amazing, super versatile, feel wonderful on and DO NOT stretch and get all loose like so many leggings I’ve had before. Nice big pockets, and the glorious benefits of wool. I love these and I’m wearing them like pants with no regrets!
Unbound Merino Leggings in Charcoal: I am wearing these leggings in a size Large. They fit beautifully and feel absolutely amazing. They are a lower wool content than some of my other leggings at 68% and I feel they run a little smaller than some of the other brands I often share, such as Woolx or wool& (I wear a medium in both of those brands). (Perhaps that is due to the “Slim Fit” in the product guide?) These leggings did not sag or slide down after wearing them most of the day, so I do think that the size Large was my best size.
I do feel that these leggings look a little bit more athletic than some of my others but that might be more because of the color than the cut. I do really like the darker grey color. My one negative to share from all of these pieces from Unbound Merino is that I dislike the vertical seam going up the front of the leggings. I would not feel comfortable wearing these leggings with a short top because of that design feature. However, with longer tops or layered looks I think they are fantastic. You can see what I’m talking about with the product photos and maybe it wouldn’t bother you at all, but I did want to mention it!
Hopefully this guide helps you figure out your perfect Wool Pants match! Looking for more great Wool Looks? I’ve got a whole lot of that! Click the “Wool” category at the top and explore! For even more daily content join my Facebook group: Wool Obsessed.
I have been so excited about this collab with Not Perfect Linen, and it’s been about six months in the works! As much as I adore wool, I wanted to dip my toe into the pool of linen clothing this year and it has been a lovely journey so far! As a brand, Not Perfect Linen has a wonderful reputation in the natural fiber world, for being high quality, sustainable, family-run, and customer-forward. I love their brand focus:
Sneak peek shot, because I just can’t resist! “Why ‘not perfect’? The beauty of linen is that it is not perfect. You will definitely miss its beauty if you keep trying to iron it. However, linen needs to be used and gets better with age. We are inspired by linen simplicity and imperfection and are glad to share something perfectly imperfect with you.”
Not Perfect Linen also has an incredible library of styles and colors that is almost overwhelming in its depth! Just take a look at the stunning color collection offered by Not Perfect Linen: I want to say a heartfelt “thank you” to Not Perfect Linen for gifting me the items in this review! As always, it’s a joy to work with a quality brand like this, on a project that is so delightful. Every interaction I have had with the company has been a pleasure, and I would love to continue our partnership going forward. After sharing my photos and reviews, I will have a coupon code for anyone interested in ordering, so hang in until the end for the discount!
Per my usual style, this is going to be a long detailed, photo-heavy post, so get comfy! For size reference, I am 5’6″ and 175 pounds. Definitely a pear shape, and about a 10 or 12 in pants, but more like a 36B in the chest.
I was invited to choose four pieces from Not Perfect Linen and after much deliberation on styles and colors, I chose four items that I knew I would be able to mix and match and wear throughout the year. I am pretty intensely obsessed with the results of my first order and LOVE the colors and styles I chose. Here they are with the links for your reference!
The Porto 2 front snap linen tank in Deepest Black The Marseille linen front snap skirt in Deepest Black The Sydney Dress in Deep Burgundy The Menorca Lounge Wear Linen Set in Emerald Green
I’m going to share details on each of these items along with a ton of photos. Before I do, I want to point out that Not Perfect Linen offers quite a bit of customization for free (look in each item description for details on the customization possibilities). That allows you to get nearly a custom fit for your items, especially for those who might find it tricky to get a great fit. I also really love the size options that are already offered, especially as an “in between” person who is really in between Medium and Large for many brands. So having M/L as a size option is great! Here’s the size chart for your reference. Since I hadn’t owned much linen in the past, I was looking for items that would have a lot of versatility and could be used across all seasons. I also wanted to be able to mix and match as much as possible. With all the color and style options, it was so hard to narrow down my favorites. I knew I wanted a tank top and skirt that could be worn together as a set so I decided to pair up the The Porto 2 front snap linen tank in Deepest Black and The Marseille linen front snap skirt in Deepest Black to be worn together. I love the way they look together as a set!
If you are afraid to wear black in the summer, I just got to say, this lightweight linen set is just as cool and breezy as it can be and I think black is perfectly chic all year round.
I also so love the snaps on this skirt and tank. They are super thick and sturdy to snap and unsnap and I like the look of them, too. The linen is soft, and fairly thick, without being stuffy at all. The breezy feel is absolutely lovely.
Here is the tank top from the Menorca Lounge set paired up with the Marseille Skirt. I love this combo as well.
The Porto 2 is quite wide set in the back, which I do think gives it a dressy look. My bra straps do tend to show once in awhile, but I’m not too worried about it. If you are looking for less of a scoop, you might try one of the other tank options they offer with more coverage. I will also be able to match up this tank top with all kinds of other outfits. Here is the Porto 2 paired up with the shorts from the Menorca Lounge Set. I think they look great together.
Speaking of Menorca, I think The Menorca Lounge Wear Linen Set in Emerald Green is such a great deal for a two piece mix and match set! I was worried that these would look a little too lounge-y or like PJs for daywear, but I will 100% wear this set out and about, as well as mix it with other pieces. This is the only item that I asked for a customization; I got an extra 2 inches in length. Also, let’s talk about his Emerald Green color. I ADORE IT! Something else I wanted to point out, Not Perfect Linen does create your items on order, so there will be a wait for them. It might depend on the time of year for how long the wait will be. However, they do have a Ready-to-Ship section if you are in too much of a rush.
One more quick pic from this morning’s outing. My husband and I got coffee and walked around this gorgeous neighborhood on the river that reminds me of a Hallmark movie. It’s so beautiful and these trees looked almost like a painting. Next up, the The Sydney Dress in Deep Burgundy. I had seen this dress on several people and thought it looked so pretty. I decided to go for a not-subtle color with this Deep Burgundy. The color is gorgeous in real life and absolutely dreamy in feel and function. I am really happy with the color!
Another tip, This dress is really a showstopper and I think it’s totally appropriate for a dressier function. I think I could have easily worn this to my recent summer wedding that was cocktail dress code. The sash is built into this dress and attached at the back of the dress. Beneath the tie, the waist has a thick elastic that is similar to the waist on the skirt. I absolutely love my haul from Not Perfect Linen. Are you ready to place an order? You can use the code OBSESSED to save 10% off your purchase. Let me know what you order!
I hope you enjoyed my photos and reviews. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments or join my Facebook Group, Wool Obsessed. We talk about other natural fibers, like Linen, a lot! Also, you might like to check out my review of Pyne & Smith for more linen!
This post is going to be SO much shorter than my last one. If you haven’t checked out my recent new & updatedWool& Ultimate Dress Guide, you might want to take a look to see some of the features and fit of each dress. This specific post is focusing in on a summer dress getting a lot of buzz, the Audrey so keep reading!
If you’d like to check these products out in detail, I appreciate you using my affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I would also like to say “Thank you” to Wool& for gifting me several items for my review, including the gorgeous Audrey maxi dress in this post. Wool& is truly a remarkable company and I’m thrilled to be an affiliate partner with them.
Audrey is the longest Wool& style available to date and made from their yummy jersey knit fabric. It’s sleeveless with generous pockets and side slits for a comfortable, easy fit. It’s super helpful to take note of how the company describes each dress when it comes to fit and size. This dress is more fitted at the top and more generous going down. That’s pretty much how my body is made, also, so Audrey and I were a match made in heaven. I went with my “top size” (a small) and I love the fit of this dress! It’s soft, forgiving, long-but-not-too-long and the heather black is my new favorite black of all the blacks.
For this outfit, I’m wearing Audrey with a thrifted Lularoe Lindsay Cardigan (you can find oodles of them cheap on Posh!), and my Vionic Kira Sandals. Audrey is currently offered in four colors and here is the fabric break down:
Speaking of fabric, did you know that you could shop by fabric also? That way you can compare the style with the weight of the fabric for the perfect dress. Some of the Wool& fabric is like a lightweight tshirt while others feel a little more like a sweatshirt and this page desmystifies the different fabric weights for the consumer.
Honestly, there are so many ways you can style and layer this dress for every season of the year, but in my hot and humid climate, I tend to be “team basic” when it comes to Audrey! How would you style this maxi dress?
If you’d like to check these products out in detail, I appreciate you using my affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I would also like to say “Thank you” to wool& for gifting me several items for my review. It is a joy to work with a company like wool&
If you are trying to decide which dress is for you, you aren’t alone. It’s definitely a hard call since you can’t try them all on in the store. (Unless you are lucky enough to live near their HQ). And if you are planning on completing the 100 day challenge, you will want a dress that fits great, is versatile, and makes you feel like yourself, right? These are investment pieces so they aren’t cheap….. and sizing can be a bit tricky, but remember, you are building a sustainable wardrobe and finding a dress that will last you a long time. So taking a little extra time to choose it, isn’t so crazy in my book.
I will tell you that I am getting more wear out of my wool& dresses than I have any other dresses in years, and that’s saying a lot because I have always been a fan of dresses, even as a child. I keep hearing that women who don’t typically wear dresses, are converting to them when they find wool&, so it’s really quite the phenomena!
Are you ready for a super photo-heavy post? Here we go:
My Stats Because I know people can benefit from size, measurement, weight stats, I’m sharing my details even though I don’t love my current weight. I’m currently 5’6″, and about 175 lbs. In my skinny-state, I’m a rectangle shape, but when I am over-weight, I’m more in the pear category, carrying my weight in my stomach and thighs.
The Penny I have been curious about the Penny since I first saw it. I’m a person who in the past relentlessly tried different versions of denim dresses, skirts, and jackets because I was always looking for the perfect ones. The perfect denim pieces are hard to find! After trying the Penny (and the Greta), I am in love with the fit, fabric, and finishing details of both. They are beautifully made and the wrap style is excellent, even on my less than hourglass self. I got it in a Large and I am quite happy with the fit.
I love the wool& Penny so much and it has absolutely exceeded my expectations. The material is soft but structured and the fit is absolutely perfect and customizable with the sash. I worried it would flare out too much and not be quite as trim as I liked, but it isn’t an issue at all. I love the way it fits and feel like it’s super flattering and gives me that hourglass shape! I was also concerned it would look too big for me at the shoulders because in a size large but it really doesn’t at all. The wrap style lets you basically customize your fit. I find the dress to be adjustable enough for modesty and also comfortable to wear while sitting with minimal gapping. I absolutely love the fit of this dress and I feel very put together and confident when wearing it! For more info on the Penny, check out my wool& Spring Haul post!
Pros: The professional cut and denim fabric blended with wool make this dress such a stand-out!
Cons: The only thing to note is that the sleeves do not push up very far, which is kind of a downside for those of us who love to push them up! Also, take note of the fabric break down, there is less wool in this dress!
Favorite Look: As shown above, worn as designed with a statement necklace and wedge sandals!
Fabric: 69% cotton, 31% merino wool denim
The Norah
The wool& Norah is so beautiful and I love the styling that is unique and eye-catching. I have always loved dramatic sleeves of any kind and the batwing style of this dress gives a little extra “something” and I find it very flattering! For size, I went with medium since the waist seemed to hit a little bit higher and it looked pretty flowy in the bottom. It’s definitely not clingy and has relaxed a bit as I’ve worn it. I think this size is perfect. I love where the waist hits me, the loose sleeves are really flattering and I think it really balances out my not-hourglass figure.
The seaming in the front gives lovely shape and the length hits me at mid calf. One thing to note is the sleeves look a bit long on me but I do have short arms. (My grandmother said that every time she made me a dress). They are almost bracelet length on me, which I don’t mind. I like the look of the dress with the arms pushed up slightly, anyway.
I will probably wear it forward the most, but I do think the neckline is very elegant backwards, I really like it with the necklace. The back is pretty with the V-swoop. The cobalt is a little “softer” in color than I expected, but it’s very pretty! As always the dress is crazy comfy and I love this soft Cobalt color.
Pros: The design for this dress is so much fun, I especially love the seaming on the front and the elegant batwing sleeves. The length is also perfect and the color options are both really gorgeous. I would also love to see this in Marionberry, I think it would be so beautiful. Another pro is that this dress is truly reversible and actually looks good both ways!
Cons: Nothing comes to mind as a con for this dress, but I do think the sleeves might be a bit of an acquired taste in fashion. I love sleeving details (like I’ve said before) but it’s not always everyone’s cup of tea.
Favorite Look: I will be trying this one many ways once Fall rolls around, but for now, my favorite way is actually backwards with the necklace! I think it gives a really beautiful style option and the back is just the right dramatic cut without being too low!
Fabric: 78% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 22% Nylon
The Milena
I had my concerns about wool& Milena, mostly because I wasn’t sure if the more straight cut would be good for me (I am also rather a straight cut myself or a rectangle shape morphing into a pear as I have gained more weight!). I decided to go with a Large in Milena to make sure it wasn’t too tight and I am glad I did!
It turns out, I’m obsessed with this dress and I keep grabbing it again and again! I love the vneck, the length is perfect and this is actually one of the most easy-to-layer dresses I’ve ever owned. It actually looks good with shirts over or under it and it layers perfectly with the Greta skirt over it. It’s cool in the summer but the length will take me right into fall. I also love grey as a casual neutral and feel like this particular Charcoal Grey is such a sophisticated shade! Check out more details and photos in my wool& Spring Haul post!
Pros: I think the design itself is really perfect, particularly the length, slitted hem and v-neck cut. It turns out I really love the straighter cut to the skirt.
Cons: I guess my only con is that there is a little bit of relaxing around the arms after several wears. It’s not as much as some of the other styles, though.
Favorite Look: I love it with this Julahas Beltand wedge sandals, but I also really love it layered with the wool& Greta skirt over it!
The Sierra The wool& Sierra is one of the most popular dresses that wool& makes, and when you try it you will understand why. The thicker fabric is super forgiving, glides right over any problem areas and is just as comfy as your favorite sweatpants. It’s versatile tank styling is idea for layering both over and under and the thicker fabric means it’s even more sturdy than you’d expect.
I actually didn’t love Sierra from the first moment. Once I tried layering, however, I became a huge fan. And now I’ve been wearing it alone and definitely have come to appreciate it! Sierra is one that most people size down for, going by bust size as the best guide for a good fit. I wear a size small and my black Sierra is regular length. I just bought a Forest Night Sierra in size small long, which gives a little more length for wearing solo. I find that I like shorter dresses for layering, and longer dresses for wearing alone.
Pros: The thicker fabric is absolutely fantastic. Comfy, soft, and crazy forgiving. In fact, the shirt above is actually very thick and ruffly but the plush fabric of Sierra totally hides it making layering so easy! Wearing Sierra as a jumper is actually my favorite way.
Cons: My only con for Sierra is probably that it does feel a little hot in the humidity of a South Carolina summer. I know lots of Woollies who wear Sierra all year round but when we have a record high day, it’s not the one I will grab (I would probably grab Camellia, instead.)
Favorite Look: Layering gives Sierra so many fantastic looks, it’s hard to pic just one. I especially loved it layered over floral, like I shared in this blog post.
The Charlie Jumpsuit Is it correct to put the Jumpsuit in a post about dresses? I guess we could debate it, but I decided to include it because it’s the comfort of pants plus the ease of a one-piece which makes it wonderful and comfy. I wore the Charlie Jumpsuit this week for my 20th anniversary. It was a crazy busy week and so we went out for a casual dinner at a hole-in-the-wall Indian restaurant and then grabbed some delicious dessert at a riverside restaurant. I put on the Charlie Jumpsuit because I wasn’t sure where we’d be going but I knew it could pull off casual and dressy so very easily, plus I would be so comfortable at the same time!
I could not wait to try the Charlie Tank Jumpsuit from Wool&. I knew the moment I heard that there was a Jumpsuit coming that it would be a winner. One piece simplicity, the incredible benefits of wool, plus Wool& signature soft easy-care blend? I was totally all-in and went with a size Large, which has been perfect.
Pros: One piece construction, soft, comfy fabric and flattering cut.
Cons: I have heard a lot of people don’t love the length of this jumpsuit. I think it’s so hard to fit people correctly but I honestly love the length and the fit of this for me. I will say, the arm holes do droop a little for me (probably because my top half is smaller than a large). I was going to have it altered but now I just wear a black bra and hope for the best.
Favorite Look: I love it with Julahas capes and Kimonos! It’s so easy to dress up this way, and yet you still feel like you are wearing pajamas. Shown above with Julahas Daria Ganges cape. Remember you can save 10% on Julahas with this code: LEAH.
The Willow I don’t know why Willow initially did not appeal to me because I wore it approximately a zillion times this fall and winter. I love the 3/4 sleeves because they seem to really hit me perfectly, love the vneck and I love the looseness. This dress seems a little shorter than others which I initially was concerned about. Then I realized that I actually much prefer shorter dresses when I am wearing them with leggings. The Willow became my go-to layering option through the fall and winter months.
Here’s an example of how I wore Willow all winter, with leggings, boots, a long necklace and one of my Julahas capes (this one is Daria Danube).
Pros: For me, Willow is the perfect blank canvas, 3/4 sleeves and the vneck style is very flattering!
Cons: For me the length is too short to wear as a dress alone but I love the length as is for layering, so I’m not mad about it!
The Rowena The Rowena is the Original 100 Day dress. It’s a beautiful, classic swing dress and still one of the most popular wool& designs. At one point I tried a Small and the arms were a bit too tight for me. I decided I wanted a loose and swingy silhouette and went with a size Large. I love the way this dress fits me even though it’s on the big side. (the Pine color and Marine Blue Rowenas below are size Medium). Bonus: it has pockets and is currently available in regular or long lengths, plus the choice of 18 different colors!
Pros: I love the clean lines and simple design of the Rowena (or Ro, as wool& fans call it). It’s so comfortable and looks amazing with leggings and boots. This dress is a blank slate for winter layers!
Cons: This isn’t really a con but I tend to avoid long sleeves because I get hot. Since wool is temperature regulating, though, it’s still great for me. In this photo, I’ve pushed up the sleeves, which is the norm for me!
Favorite Look: Rowena+Leggings + boots. In this photo, I’m wearing it with my Sash Bag, suede boots from forever ago (similar here), and a thrifted leaf necklace(similar here).
Fabric: 78% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 22% Nylon 160gsm, 17.5 Micron Wool
Wool& Rowena in Pine shown here with Julahas Celestial Neptune Cape
wool& Marine Blue Rowena worn here with Julahas Celestial Neptune and Julahas Danube
The Brooklyn This faux wrap dress was one I originally avoided. I felt quite sure that it wouldn’t work for me with my pear-shaped body and smaller chest. I was so wrong and I actually adore my Brooklyn dress now that I’ve tried it. (I should confess, I own it in two colors). It’s an elegant, feminine look and it even has a reversible design. I wear a small in Brooklyn. I have also tried a medium and it’s a little too loose. This popular dress is now available in long as well.
Pros: I love the looser top. comfy elastic waist, and reversible style. The dolman-ish sleeves are so flattering and perfect for those of us who aren’t feeling fab about our upper arms. This dress would be the perfect breastfeeding dress, also. For me, it’s a date night dress!
Cons: The faux wrap is a bit loose for me, and sometimes shows a little too much. Could be solved by a couple of stitches but I haven’t bothered pulling out the needle and thread. A tank top underneath also solves the problem. Some people really miss that there aren’t pockets in this dress, but I don’t mind at all.
Favorite Look: Black Brooklyn with a statement necklace and ballet flats. In this photo I’m wearing my Marine Blue Brooklyn with olive green Allbirds flats and an olive cardigan (similar here) from Stitch Fix.
The Camellia The Camellia is a more flowy, lighter-weight tank dress and is super soft. For my intense summers, I prefer the Camellia’s weight to Sierra but it’s just personal preference. For more details on this dress, check out my original post. A lot of people ask the differences in Sierra and Camellia. The Sierra has patch pockets, a wider skirt, and a more substantial fabric. Although I love Camellia’s flowy style, that does make the fabric a little more delicate and therefore it’s a smidge less sturdy than Sierra. I feel I have to be a bit more careful with Camellia. Like many of the other styles, Camellia is a generous size, and I wear a small long. For the swing styles, it’s easiest to decide your size based on your shoulders and bust.
Pros: Lightweight, flowy, and pockets! Easy to layer, works well for all seasons (at least in my warm climate).
Cons: The fabric is a little more delicate. (The fabric breakdown shows the differences in thickness between all the dresses).
Favorite Look: I love my black camellia layered with a light, summer kimono and birkenstocks. In this photo I’m wearing with Birkenstocks and a salt and pepper hat from a local boutique (similar style here).
The Maggie I suspected I would love the Maggie because it’s cut very much like the Stella Tee (and I was correct). This swing dress is a perfect base for accessories and just a nice all around basic to have in your wardrobe. The cut is a little slimmer than some of the other styles and it has pockets plus the scoop neck is very flattering. As I’ve gained a good bit of weight (thanks, Zoloft) I am gravitating more to sleeved styles rather than sleeveless ones. The Maggie is a generous size; I currently own a Small Long and I love it but the medium also works for me (this Marionberry Maggie in the photo is a Medium). One thing to note about Wool& dresses is that you should check the size chart to decide on lengths. I don’t consider myself tall, but I often prefer the long lengths.
Pros: This dress has pockets and is a blank slate for layers and accessories. A slimmer cut than the swing dresses , so less fabric and very lightweight.
Cons: Some women don’t like that the pockets may add a smidge of bulk to the hipline. My black Maggie dress has actually had the pockets removed!
Favorite Look: I just love this dress by itself, but I also love to add on one of my Julahas Kimonos. This one is Julahas Jiva Wool Silk Kimono Fire and it’s so gorgeous.
The Renata The Renata is my dressiest Wool& dress! I have always loved bell sleeves and these are the perfect length and size to stay out of the way but still add a little extra drama to the silhouette. The fit and flare cut is really flattering , rides easily over my problem areas, and the waist and sleeves add some structure. Plus, pockets! I can’t wait to wear this dress to dinner or parties. I think it would be the perfect holiday dress as well and I’m really excited that they also released it in Marionberry which is a gorgeous purple.
Pros: A dressier option, Renata gives a little more structure with a nice a-line classic design. The pockets are beautifully hidden within the seam and don’t add bulk, but are totally handy. I love the bell sleeves. They aren’t crazy dramatic or too bulky to fit under a jacket or coat. They also aren’t long enough to get in the way.
Cons: I can’t really think of any with this dress! Because it’s dressier, I would love to see it in a slightly heavier fabric (more like the Kalle to give it a little structure) but I honestly have zero complaints. I love the look, feel, design and everything about Renata!
Favorite Look: In this photo, I’m wearing it with Vionic Sandals and a statement necklace from Baublebar (similar here). It would have looked better with heels but I’m really a flats girl!
The Summer Midi At first, I wasn’t sure this was the style for me, but I wanted a slightly longer skirt so I gave it a try. It turned out I love the Summer Midi and for me it’s the perfect versatile summer dress. I love the length, love the vneck, and for the first time in my life, I love the sash. I think because I am long waisted, I don’t like the way some belts hit, but because there are no loops, I can wear this sash exactly where I want. And it stays, feels comfy, and doesn’t get loose or slide down! For me this is the perfect LBD for any occasion. This dress is also reversible, and can be worn without the belt for another look making it a really versatile piece. I wear a medium in the Summer Midi.
Pros: Versatility for sure! With the reversible design, the removable sash, and the midi length, this dress can work for almost any occasion. I’ve seen it layered in so many ways, also. It brings a ton of options to the table.
Cons: I don’t love the pockets on this dress as much as the inseam pockets from some of the others. They are designed to work both ways for the reversible function, so it makes sense that they are designed like this, but I would just as soon have no pockets.
Favorite Look: I’ve mostly just worn this dress alone with the sash for church. It looks very sophisticated! In this pic, I’m wearing it backwards with the higher neckline in front, black Fitflop flats, and a Kendra Scott Rayne necklace. I feel like I could do anything and go anywhere in this outfit.
Amalya Button-Front Dress The Amalya is a little bit retro and perfectly office appropriate. As you can see in the link, the dress can also be worn open like a cardigan. It’s a little longer than some of the others at knee length and I adore the dolman sleeves. Like most of the Wool& designs, the features are subtle so they enhance without being distracting or dramatic. The blousing affect from the fitted waist and looser sleeves is very flattering and gives me the illusion of an hourglass figure. (I very much do not have one). I am absolutely dying to try this dress with a belt. For this style, I sized up to a large. The medium fit, but it was a little snug in the muffin-top area.
Pros: I’m loving the looser, longer sleeves, the waistline and the fun button details of this dress. The inseam pockets are pocket perfection. I feel like June Cleaver, in the best possible way.
Cons: Ok, I’m going to be a little nit-picky here and say that I wasn’t thrilled with the workmanship on the buttons of this dress. They just look a little messy and not as nice as I expected for the price. However, that’s not going to affect my enjoyment of this dress one bit and if they need re-stitching I’m perfectly capable. I love it so much.
Favorite Look: I think this dress is going to be quite a chameleon in my wardrobe. I wore it this weekend downtown with my olive geen Allbirds and a pair of sunglasses and I honestly felt very chic. We were shopping lots of homemade vendors and vintage shops and I felt like I really fit the vibe for a change!
Audrey Maxi Dress Audrey is the first maxi dress from Wool& and it is perfect. I love the cut, length, and soft feel, plus I am obsessed with this color, Black Heather. It’s basically everything I love about black with a little less visible lint. My husband says this dress is his favorite. Pockets, side slit, flattering cut. I’m wearing Audrey in a small!
Pros: My pros and cons are almost the same which may sound weird. I love that this dress isn’t floor length. Many maxi dresses are way too long to comfortably wear. At 5’6″ this is perfect. Petite ladies may need to have this dress altered since it is generous in sizing.
Cons: I know some customers want a long version of this dress. I hope they offer one soon, because tall women like maxi dreses, too.
Favorite Look: I enjoyed wearing this dress with a lightweight cardigan from Lularoe but I also love it as a standalone outfit.
Fiona Fit & Flare The Fiona Fit & Flare is a great basic for your wardrobe and I’m sorry that is no longer available in this slate blue, which is a beautiful blue-grey. I feel like 3/4 length sleeves are so flattering and this waistline is comfortable and cute. This dress is a great Fall option, perfect for layering.
Pros: 3/4 sleeves, a little extra length, and comfy waistband.
Cons: Because this dress is a little more conservative I think it runs the risk of being a little frumpy.
Favorite Look: I will be wearing this dress with scarves and leggings for a Fall look. In this photo, I’m wearing it with Fitflop flats and a Lululemon Vinyasa scarf.
Kalle Ponte Tank Dress
Even though I didn’t keep it, I absolutely adore the Kalle Ponte Tank Dress. It’s a structured, but still comfortable tank dress that would be perfect for a business wardrobe. If you have to travel for business, this dress could be the ideal solution. I think if I had worn some shapewear under this dress, it would have flattered me better. Between my weight gain and the fact that I don’t often go into the office, I decided I would pass along this dress. If I ever lose this extra weight, or end up back in the office, I’ll be back in line to buy Kalle.
The Cora The Cora is a classic with a little bit of a retro spin. There has been a ton of excitement surrounding this dress because it comes in this awesome navy stripe and everyone loves the versatility of the included sash. This dress is also a little longer than most, which makes it perfect for taller ladies or a business casual environment. I tried the navy strip and it is incredibly cute. Ultimately, I did not hang onto this dress, but if I worked in an office, I think I would have kept it.
Tulip Tank Dress The Tulip is a very body-con tank dress that looks so great on the right body type. If you want a comfortable dress that hugs the curves, the Tulip Tank Dress is a winner. I’m definitely not comfortable in this style but if you are looking for something very fitted and a little more vava-voom, you’ve got it here! This dress also comes in ocean teal blue which is absolutely beautiful. I’ve seen a lot of different body types pull this one off!
Ellie Midi Dress I tried the Ellie Midi dress and think it’s amazing, especially as a nursing-friendly option. I didn’t find it as flattering as some of the other styles for my body type so I didn’t hang on to it. The tie style does give you some control over the fit, which is nice. I really love the Pine color. It would make the perfect holiday dress.
It’s summer season and time to dress for the heat & humidity! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for checking out my review and also a BIG thank you to Joanna with Pyne & Smith who gifted these lovely dresses for my review!
`
Always so exciting when you get that first glorious glimpse of color!
You guys all know that I have been wearing, sharing, and preaching the love of Wool for a few years now. My deep dive into the benefits of wool has piqued my interest into other natural fibers and one has extra appeal to me as a Southerner: Linen. Believe it or not, I’ve not really owned much linen in the past, but I recently started researching a few linen brands and I am happy to share a new one with you today.
I have enjoyed my communication with Joanna, who is the owner and founder of Pyne & Smith Clothier. Her story is absolutely inspiring and in fact gives me so much encouragement as a creative! Born in the English countryside and now living in California, Joanna started Pyne & Smith in 2014. Her journey began with a very hot summer season. She started sewing linen dresses and fell in love with the magical properties of linen as the fabric stays soft, keeps you cool in the heat and warm in the cold, and holds up beautifully. As she continued to hone the craft of creating linen dresses, she documented the journey on Instagram and slowly started building a business which became today’s delightful, vintage-inspired Pyne & Smith Clothier. Incredibly, all Pyne & Smith collections are still made locally in Los Angeles, in small, sustainable batches. And each and every piece is absolutely gorgeous!
What is even more exciting is that I also have a coupon code to share with you from Pyne & Smith: P&SLEAH10
This code will save you 10% from now through the end of June, expiring 7.1.23. Pretty awesome, huh?
I would like to share a little bit about the linen from Pyne & Smith’s website, because they say it better than I could: “Linen is Eco-friendly, Biodegradable, & Buttery Soft….The journey of a Pyne & Smith dress begins in a flax field in Europe. Pyne & Smith dresses are made from 100% fine European flax linen, which is a natural fiber fabric that will not only last, but soften and improve with time. Breathable, durable, low maintenance, and hypo-allergenic, this magical fabric is also environmentally friendly – it requires very little water to grow and is also biodegradable.”
Doesn’t it sound incredible? I absolutely love the vintage-inspired, classic and feminine styles that I discovered on exploring Pyne & Smith’s product line. Joanna was kind enough to send me two pieces to try and share with you all and they are both absolutely stunning in person! Thank you Joanna! Trying the Pyne & Smith linen was nothing less than delightful. I will continue to enjoy these pieces for many seasons to come.
“Crafted in soft Azure blue color linen, the culottes are a comfortable, cropped linen pant with a soft, stretchy waist band and deep inset pockets. Stylish and versatile, these culottes are perfect for beach days, a pair of sandals and a breezy top. “
I am wearing these in size Medium. The color Azure reminds me of a Robin’s Egg Blue and it’s absolutely perfect for spring and summer. The linen is light, breathable (though not see-through), soft, and feels wonderful breezy. The waistband is comfy and thick and I feel these pants are true to size, if not a little generous in size. Like many linen brands, Pyne & Smith seems to favor an oversized style which is a nice change. Also, I’m happy to share that Pyne & Smith has inclusive sizing, up to 3X and they also include many different models wearing different sizes which is always fantastic.
Who says you can’t wear black in summer? I decided to first pair up these culottes with my favorite wool& tee, the Stella tee. I’m also wearing Allbirds Tree Breezers and my Kendra Scott Inez Pendant.
.
I also threw on my Woolx Kinsley Cardigan in case things got a little chilly! I think this look would work just fine for working in my office which has a very relaxed dress code. I also think if you paired these pants up with a cropped jacket over a silk white blouse and heels, you could dress it up for a more formal workplace event, as well.
I also thought I would try something a little different because I dearly love a boho outfit! I added on my Julahas Belt and the gorgeousJulahas Jiva Wool Silk Kimono Air!If you like a Volume on Volume style, this is a fun look to try and the combo of wool and linen is just the best!
Here’s a pic of the outfit without the Kimono. I really love this belt and it goes with so many different colors.
I had to try these flowy culottes with my very favorite tank top, the Woolx Ava. I love this look and it’s so cool and comfy! Also pulled out my favorite thrifted wedges from Birkenstock,Birkenstock Papillio Namica Wedge Shoe.
I love a layered style and it can be a little tricky in the heat of a South Carolina summer. For that reason, floaty kimonos have been one of my favorite thrift finds. Yes, this is a synthetic fabric, but it’s a nice way of adding a lightweight layer.
I also tried the Kimono tied, which gave the outfit great balance and ended up being my favorite look, I think.
Just wanted to share the side view because I really like this combo! Almost anything goes with aJean Jacketand these pants are no exception! Layering up means these will take me WELL into fall and I love the versatility.
There is obviously so much more these pants can do! I can’t wait to try them with a crisp white shirt, some of my favorite floral tops, a lightweight cropped sweater, or maybe my Woolx Bodysuit? I’ll be styling them more going forward at my Facebook Group, Wool Obsessed.
This dress is truly a show stopper, check out the details: Crafted in our soft Butter linen, this timeless wrap dress is sophisticated and comfortable. Wrap dresses are incredibly versatile for nearly all body shapes. Wear as a statement piece or dress down with a denim jacket and chunky soled boots.
I will be sharing photos of both size Medium and size Small. I was on the fence about sizing (because I am a pear shape) and Joanna was gracious enough to let me try both sizes. I ended up keeping the size small but I think both sizes work well. This yellow color is absolutely stunning and even though yellow isn’t my best color, I am not going to let that keep me from loving this dress!
The great thing about a wrap dress is it can be self-adjusted for a good fit. Even in the smaller size, there is plenty of overlap so that the dress feels modest and secure, which makes a huge difference in my comfort level with a dress like this.
Me trying to capture the light from an absolutely gorgeous late May sunset. I adore summer sunsets!
I feel like a classic wrap dress is the perfect foundation for layering year round, so I decided to try it with a couple different jean jackets, and two of my favorite Julahas Capes. Shown here is the Fusion Graphic Cape and the Daria Bosphorus Cape. You can use my code, LEAH to save 10% at Julahas.com. I’ve shared about Julahas capes before, they are absolutely my favorite way to add some personality to my outfits. Once fall rolls back around, I will definitely be trying these combinations along with some of my favorite boots.
The natural linen of this dress is truly lovely and it really does soften and relax as you wear it. I love the soft, light feel of linen and the beautiful, feminine cut of this dress is also right up my alley. Thanks again, Pyne & Smith for sharing your lovely linen, it was an absolute delight to experience it myself.
I was so thrilled to try Unbound Merino for the first time recently and, I have to say, there is a lot to love about this brand! Created as a Travel Brand with the motto of “Pack less. Experience More”, Unbound primarily offered Men’s Items until pretty recently. They broke into the women’s market with some very classic, travel-based pieces and I think they nailed it!
Why Unbound Merino? They make a great case:
Look stylish in any situation.
Silky soft, luxurious comfort.
Naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking.
Less washing with clothing that stays dry, clean and fresh.
Sustainably sourced, mulesing-free Merino wool
Continue reading for a detailed review, link to a video review, tons of photos, and a generous discount code, just for my followers. I really love the look, fit, and feel of all of these pieces and am very impressed with the quality so far!
If you shop with Unbound Merino & my other affiliates, I so appreciate you using my links. If you make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I would also like to say “Thank you” to Unbound Merino for gifting me several items for my review! It means a lot that I am able to collaborate with such innovative, quality brands.
My first item to try is the Unbound Merino Travel Pants. Let’s check out the stats:
Soft and stretchy fabric makes travel days super comfortable.
Lightweight-meets-compact construction perfect for easy packing.
Slip-on waistband delivers complete ease of wear.
Two functional pockets designed to keep essentials stashed.
Fine stretch Merino weave: 98% Merino wool, 2% spandex
144gsm
I was really excited to try these because I do not currently have a pair of classic black pants. I don’t travel a lot, so I was primarily looking for a business casual work pair of pants that could be worn easily and often, with all the benefits I love about wool.
Before we talk about fit, I am about 5’6″, usually a size 10 in pants, and 175 pounds. I chose size Large, with an inseam of 28″. The fit is absolutely perfect for me!
These high-waisted pants stay up, fit snug but not too tight, and are really comfy. They have a wide, stretchy elastic waist. There are no back pockets, but the front pockets are generous. They are extremely lightweight. I experimented with folding them very messily, stuffing them into their box, and trying them on again the next day. I am happy to report that the wrinkles fell out quite easily and the pants still looked great. So I think they would truly make an excellent travel pant. Although I have yet to wash them, I believe the light fabric would be very easy to machine or handwash and they would hang dry super quickly. Like all merino, they are odor-resistant making them ideal for wearing and re-wearing!
This is the perfect classic white v-neck! It’s off-white but still reads as white (not too warm) and the weight and thickness are perfect! I love the cut, color, feel, and length of this shirt and it fits true to size. (Wearing a large in this one as well.) Notice that the fabric breakdown is 56% Merino and 44% Polyester. That is because it’s more difficult to create a white wool fabric, because bleaching can damage the fibers. I have read that anytime an item is over 50% merino it will retain the benefits of wool, so I will have to report back about how this shirt performs once I have tested in more! I am wearing my shirts tucked a lot more at my current heavier weight, but I did try it untucked and snapped a pic so you all could see how the length is.
The Muscle Tank in Moonlight Blue is the prettiest color! I’m wearing it in a large. I probably should have gotten a medium in this tank because I have a smaller chest. A little arm-hole gap is typical for me when trying to get a good fit with a tank top on my pear-shape self, so I would still say this tank top fits as I expected.
This tank is 100% Merino and feels silky soft! I absolutely love the cut of it, and feel like it’s the perfect combo with the Travel Pants. I know this would also be perfect for wearing with a cardigan, jean jacket, or even a blazer.
My last item isWomen’s Merino Leggings in Charcoal. Here is manufacturer’s info for these leggings:
I am wearing these leggings in a size Large. They fit beautifully and feel absolutely amazing. They are a lower wool content than some of my other leggings at 68% and I feel they run a little smaller than some of the other brands I often share, such as Woolx or wool& (I wear a medium in both of those brands). (Perhaps that is due to the “Slim Fit” in the product guide?) These leggings did not sag or slide down after wearing them most of the day, so I do think that the size Large was my best size.
I do feel that these leggings look a little bit more athletic than some of my others but that might be more because of the color than the cut. I do really like the darker grey color. My one negative to share from all of these pieces from Unbound Merino is that I dislike the vertical seam going up the front of the leggings. I would not feel comfortable wearing these leggings with a short top because of that design feature. However, with longer tops or layered looks I think they are fantastic. You can see what I’m talking about with the product photos and maybe it wouldn’t bother you at all, but I did want to mention it!
Bundle Savings!
One more amazing thing I wanted to mention about Unbound Merino is that they offer Bundle Savings which would be a great way to build a little wool capsule. Unbound Merino did start out as a Men’s brand, so their Women’s Products are limited but I’m really hoping for more because I am super impressed with the items they are offering!
COUPON CODE!
I’m excited to offer a rare coupon code so that you can save on your first Unbound Merino purchase. Use code WOOLOBSESSED to save 15% off your first purchase!
Welcome to Part 2 of my wool& Spring Haul, a review of the wool& Penny Dress and the wool& Laurel Tunic! In Part 1, I share a review of wool& Greta skirt, wool& Milena, and wool& Livia tank. To check out Part 1, click here!
If you shop with wool& and my other affiliates, I so appreciate you using my affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I would also like to say “Thank you” to wool& for gifting me several items for my review! It means a lot that I am able to collaborate with such wonderful brands. For more photos, reviews, coupon codes, styles and chatting, join my Facebook Group: Wool Obsessed: Style, Chat, Deals, & More
wool& Laurel Tunic I was very excited to try this Tunic because it’s a linen and wool blend. I have been so intrigued by linen recently and have been wanting to try a few linen pieces!The Laurelcomes in two colors and I went with Flax Chambray. This shirt is delightfully structured but still soft. It isn’t itchy or stiff and I know it will continue to break in as it is worn. The color is not my personal best but I have found it crazy versatile and a nice warm neutral that really gives an earthy feel to the outfits.
Take a look at the fabric break down:
76% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 24% Linen
140gsm, 18.5 Micron Wool
There really aren’t many photos of this piece available yet, so I’m just going to share a ton! Here are the items I paired up with the Laurel this for these outfits:
For the Penny, I created a Facebook post to share some of the questions I had before I tried this dress, and I’m going to share them here. So it’s a little different format, but hopefully it will help cover the features of this dress! (Spoiler alert: I’m obsessed with the Penny)
Here are the items I paired up with the Penny this for these outfits:
I have been curious about the Penny since I first saw it. I’m a person who in the past relentlessly tried different versions of denim dresses, skirts, and jackets because I was always looking for the perfect ones. The perfect denim pieces are hard to find! After trying the Penny (and the Greta), I am in love with the fit, fabric, and finishing details of both. They are beautifully made and the wrap style is excellent, even on my less than hourglass self.
My stats: 5’6″, 175 pounds (my weight fluctuates like nobody’s business due to medication and thyroid condition), and typically a size Medium in Wool& bottoms. My dress size differs quite a bit by style, because I am definitely a pear shape.
I went with a size Large for Penny and I’m glad that I did. I am able to get a great fit with this dress. Here were some of my concerns:
Would the fabric be stiff? No it’s truly not. It’s fairly soft, nothing like the stiff cotton denim in most super dark fabrics like this. I know it will soften up quite a bit but it’s comfy and easy to wear right out of the package.
Would it gap because of the wrap style? No it doesn’t. The length and the amount of skirt coverage means that it doesn’t gap or fall open revealing too much leg. I was in the car yesterday and noticing that I could comfortably sit without worrying about the dress opening. There is more surplus fabric than many wrap dresses I have owned in the past. (In the photo above I layered it over the Milena, which was actually quite comfortable!)
Would the top peek open or loosen? No. Because there is lots of overlap with this dress, you can get it to fit as you’d like. I wrapped the under layer farther over to get great top coverage, and even when bending over I don’t have gapping and the neck doesn’t show too much. If you are more well endowed than me, you might want to layer with a tank top. (In the photo above, I decided to wear it a little differently, by tying the sash in the back instead of in the front, it’s a softer, looser structure this way).
Would the dress look like a triangle? I’m not sure why I wondered this, I guess because I feared the denim would be stiff, and because I am sort of a triangle myself LOL but I worried it would flare out too much and not be quite as trim as I liked. It’s definitely not a triangle shape at all. I love the way it fits and feel like it’s super flattering and gives me that hourglass shape! I was also concerned it would look too big for me at the shoulders because in a size large but it really doesn’t at all. The wrap style lets you basically customize your fit. (In the photo above, I adjusted the dress to fit like a duster. All you have to do is loosely tie the Sash behind you, on the inside of the dress).
Is it breast-feeding friendly? I haven’t BF in 9 years but I still notice this because it helps a lot for those who are. I think this would work. It would require more adjustments than, say, Brooklyn but I still think it would be pretty doable without too much difficulty.
How will the fabric perform compared to other wool fabrics? I’ll be sure to update this when I have had more of a chance to wear it multiple times. I’m unsure and also very curious about this.
Can you push the sleeves up? Not really, I can’t push the arms up much past my elbow. I wish I could. I think if you are skinnier, it might work. This isn’t at all a deal breaker for me. This dress would look amazing with short sleeves but I love the cut of them as is. I love the fact that they aren’t full length because sleeves are often a bit long for me. I think a 3/4 sleeve can fit more people correctly because there is more room for it to fit differently.
Will the sleeves look bulky under a sweater? A little but not bad! I tried it under my Cypress and it was a little rumpled underneath but it wasn’t uncomfortable that way and it didn’t look bad. I’ll share my pics. I would definitely wear a cardigan over without a worry. Side note: I love Cypress.
Can it be worn open as a duster? It works! I tried it by tying the sash in the back on the inside of the dress. It’s not perfect worn this way but I would absolutely do it in the case that I wanted another option, especially while traveling.
Will it be hot in the summer? In my summers in the Deep South, yes. I think it will be too hot. Keep in mind for most of the summer I refuse to leave my AC unless I am going to the pool. But for many of you, who experience summer like my spring, I think it will work great. It’s definitely not as thick or heavy as I anticipated.
Hi everyone! It’s been a minute since I shared a wool& haul, so I am delighted to bring you one today. I am not exaggerating to say: I LOVE the items I am sharing with you today. To check out Part 2, click here.
If you shop with wool&, I so appreciate you using my affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I would also like to say “Thank you” to wool& for gifting me several items for my review! It means a lot that I am able to collaborate with such wonderful brands. For more photos, reviews, coupon codes, styles and chatting, join my Facebook Group: Wool Obsessed: Style, Chat, Deals, & More
wool& Livia Tank
First up, we have the beautiful 100% wool Livia Tank. I chose this tank top in Vintage Blue, which is one of my favorite Wool& colors. It’s a sophisticated slate blue, almost a grey and I think it’s another one of those colors like Marine Blue that almost looks good on everyone. This tank top fits pretty much true to size. I’m 175 pounds and size 10 typically in pants (pear shape). My stomach is my trouble spot. I got a size Medium and although it’s a little snug in my stomach, I think it’s the best fit for me.
The material feels very soft. Although many of the wool& pieces are blends, this tank is 100% wool. It is NOT itchy and feels great right out of the package. It’s not see through but it is pretty lightweight. I feel it is generous in length although not as long as the Stella Tee. This tank top is perfect for layering and has a flattering neckline.
I wanted to try something a little different with the Livia, so I decided to pair it with the Amalya worn long as a duster. After wearing skinny jeans for a decade or so, I am glad to see wide leg pants coming back in style. I found these bootcut black jeans at the thrift store and have enjoyed wearing them this week. And yep, I’m barefoot because I wanted to get a little grounding in!
If you haven’t experienced wool&’s denim, it’s truly lovely. It’s sturdy but soft and not stiff or rough. It’s got structure, but it’s also got a little drape. This wrap skirt is a gorgeous piece. The fit is perfect and I love the structure of it. Like I said before, I’m about 5’6″ and usually a medium in bottoms (like Summit leggings). I am a pear shape and have some extra weight around the middle, so I often size up to Large. I went with a Large in Greta and that’s a great fit for me. There are two adjustments to the skirt depending on the button you choose. I am on the larger size and it’s a good fit. I wouldn’t want it any tighter.
I really like the length. It feels feminine without being frumpy and it still gives plenty of coverage. When I sit down it doesn’t gap open, which I very much appreciate.
The pockets are perfectly placed and DO NOT poke out. In fact, I didn’t realize it had pockets until I happily discovered them.
Here it is with my Woolx Arie bodysuit It gives a nice smooth line and looks very sleek. I also LOVE it with this Woolx Ava Tank Top in Terracotta. I love the color of this tank top and the fit of it. The ribbing gives it a nice textural contrast with the skirt.
Greta is a very grown-up, sophisticated silhouette. I feel like it’s very much a step up for me. I think it would work in any context that you would normally wear a dress but it does have a dressier look. I am totally going to wear this to church and to the office. We have a very casual vibe but I think this would work for many business casual environments. It’s comfortable enough to wear for shopping, dinner, movies, etc. I will definitely be sharing more Greta outfits in the future. I absolutely love Greta!!!
wool& Milena I have a double c-section belly and also carried twins. (Ya’ll some things ya just can’t hide). So I admit I was nervous about the straight cut of the Milena and I was also nervous NOT to get black. (I have so many dresses in black but I wanted a change and I am so glad I went with grey!) I am also a bit of a size chameleon since I can size way down for the swing styles. But I’m generally a Medium-ish pushing towards a large. I went with a large Milena and I really love this dress. My favorite part is that it is wider across the straps so it really gives you good coverage without looking frumpy. I love the vneck also because I think it makes me look less flat chested but when I bend over it doesn’t gap at all! I also have minimal gapping at the armholes and no bra peaking out, so yay for this cut.
I expected the dress to relax a little and it definitely has. It’s extremely comfortable and I love the straight cut. This reminds me a bit of the summer midi but dare I say I like it a smidge better? Just feeling like the coverage and cut make it an easy every day dress, more casual than summer. Very very easy to layer and accessorize
I love it with my favorite Jean Jacket which I’ve talked about before!
I also just received this Sari Skirt (made from vintage Saris) from Julahas and it works so great over the dress! I love them together.
Finally, I tried Milena with Greta on a whim and I was shocked at how easily and simply it layered on top and felt crazy comfy too. I’ve really never worn a skirt over a dress but this combo makes me a believer!
wool& Milena with a Julahas belt? Absolutely love it!
I intended to review all five pieces in one post, but this is just getting too long! Click here for Part 2!
This post will contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for shopping through my links! Additionally, some of the items in this review were gifted to me. I always provide honest feedback and my own thoughts for every review!
It’s a cold stormy Easter weekend here. It’s a little sad because we usually celebrate Easter with my family but my mom has been quite sick for several weeks. I think she is finally on the mend but I have been really worried about her. Because of this, we won’t be traveling to my “home” church and spending time with them. Also, my 16 year olds both just got jobs and because we aren’t used to thinking ahead, one of them has to work tomorrow on Easter Sunday. She was bummed because that’s a family holiday for us. This year is just going to look a little different. In fact, we haven’t even shopped for new Easter clothes which is usually part of the lead up to Easter for us.
So as I sit here on Saturday, thinking about a different holiday celebration, I am reminded that, when stripped away, the heart of Easter isn’t about a beautiful tablescape, about fancy outfits, about egg hunts or chocolate bunnies.
For Christians, Easter is the heart of absolutely everything we cling to. That the son of God would come to earth and live, serve, love, cry, laugh, and ultimately lay down his life to break Satan’s hold on this earth. It’s the most breathtaking, heartbreaking, horrifying and beautiful event in history. And it changed everything.
So I am reminded that the day can be different, but the joy is real. Sunday is coming and nothing will stop it!
If you have been eyeing some of the new Spring line at Woolx, this weekend EVERYTHING is reduced by 20%. Plus, it’s priced as marked so for those who have been saving points or coupon codes, this is the time to rack up on the savings!
Thank you for shopping with my affiliate links throughout this post.
I have some new outfits to share from the last few weeks!
Wool& Charlie Jumpsuit….The more I wear it the more I love it. I am wearing size large, wanted to make sure I had plenty of length and not too tight on my unsmall tummy.
Julahas Warm Jade Kimono is also YUMMY and I didn’t even show here that it has pockets. Save 10% with code LEAH.
Here’s another absolutely gorgeous Julahas cape, the colorful Ganges! Since warm weather is coming to the Deep South fast, I’ve been trying lots of warm weather looks with my beautiful Julahas collection. I’ve been excited because there are lots of great options for all four seasons. I’ll be sharing another post soon dedicated to Warm Weather looks with Julahas!
I absolutely love the new Arie Bodysuit by Woolx! It has taken me completely by surprise. I have never worn a bodysuit but this one has gotten multiple wears already. It gives a smooth, trim silhouette that I simply cannot achieve with a tank top. I also can’t wait to try it with some of my skirts come summer. 20% off RIGHT NOW!
This is my first time trying the Mia by Woolx and now I understand why everyone loves it so much. The raglan sleeves are really comfortable and make a flattering fit. I’m wearing a medium and next time I might try a large. This new Candy Apple Red is PERFECTION! Also, don’t miss that everything is 20% off right now at Woolx! Shop Woolx now!
Confession: The beloved Wool& Sierra isn’t actually my favorite summer dress. HOWEVER, I am love, love, loving it as a jumper! The great thing is this dress is so good at camouflaging and covering. The shirt I am wearing underneath has a flared waist with ruffles but the material totally hides it and it feels very comfy this way. I love Sierra as a jumper! I am wearing a small because it’s very swingy. I think I might just need more colors in this one now that I’ve unlocked it’s potential as a jumper.
Unless you’re new here, you’ve probably picked up on my love for Wool clothing (I have an entire tab devoted to the topic and most of my blog posts have been written about wool lately!). Wool has transformed my wardrobe and I’ve become more and more in love with all the qualities that make wool so phenomenal. But there is one thing I have really missed….
And that is floral prints! Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved florals. I realize they aren’t always in style, and some floral patterns just scream “old lady” but I still feel there is a classic elegance in a lovely floral pattern.
This post will contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for shopping through my links! Additionally, some of the items in this review were gifted to me. I always provide honest feedback and my own thoughts for every review!
One of my first memories about dresses like this is an excerpt from my very favorite childhood book: Little House in the Big Woods. In that book, Laura describes Ma’s beautiful delaine dress with the dark green background and the strawberry print. All the other ladies at Grandma’s house also had beautiful print dresses and the description of them dancing back and forth with flashes of colors and patterns in the firelight was one of my favorite scenes in the book. I probably read that book at least 20 times as a child, maybe more. While we’re on the topic, if you have children, be sure to check out the Little House Picture Books. They are some of my favorites! Delightfully true to the original, with rich colorful illustrations and short stories perfect for the littlest ones to hear.
It turns out I never outgrew my love of floral prints. In fact, working at a nursery as a teenager gave me even more affection for botanical patterns of all kinds. Even though trending styles were typically solids and button-ups in my neck of the woods, I still sought out floral dresses whenever I had a chance.
Floral prints are something I have really missed with my wool wardrobe. I suppose wool really can’t be woven into flower prints. If anyone reading this has found wool clothing in prints, please let me know. Wool& and Woolx have both created some nice stripes but it just isn’t the same!
So I started playing around with some thrifted floral tops along with my Wool& Sierra and a few Julahas Capes. I discovered some of my very favorite looks yet, so I wanted to share them.
Here is my Wool& Sierra dress layered over leggings. I put on this thrifted Old Navy floral shirt and my beautiful and bold Julahas Daria Mississippi. Oh my goodness, the Mississippi is drop-dead gorgeous. The rich reds and purples remind me of royalty and look stunning on the cape! I was a smidge worried that this shirt might look a little too Christmas-y, but I think it works for winter, especially with the silver and purple pops of color on the cape. Here are some of the ways I styled it!
Next up, I decided to wear the floral top OVER the Wool& Sierra and it was surprisingly comfortable and cute! In this photo, I paired it up with the beautiful Julahas Daria Amazon!
Here’s another thrifted shirt I found at one of my favorite charity stores. The navy and orange colors work so well with several of my capes. I wish I had had time to try on more options with it. This Julahas Daria Danube worked so well!
Here’s another cape that matches beautifully. Although this Daria Cristales cape is on the “warm” side of the color wheel, the floral shirt brings it back to my season which is definitely cool, fall/winter.
This isn’t a floral but it’s technically an animal print that I absolutely love. I found it on Poshmark. I paired it up with the Julahas Cape Celestial Neptune and I like this a lot! The Celestial Neptune is probably the softest of all my capes and I have been wearing it a lot as the weather gets warmer. It’s a great option if you live in a mild climate like I do!
I just adore Julahas Capes and feel like I am rediscovering some of the joy of getting dressed with the many ways you can wear these capes. If you’d like to find out more about Julahas’ small business model, check out this blog post!
Happy Weekend, friends! I hope you are snug and safe this weekend. I know that I am excited that February is finally here because in my neck of the woods we are legitimately getting closer to Spring, which I love. On the other hand, I am very much enjoying the cold weather as more chances to snuggle in with my lovely wool pieces, including some brand new goodies from the beautiful Julahas, which I will be sharing a LOT in this post.
I know that it seems I have been reviewing a LOT of clothing lately. (And it’s true). However, I will say that even as my closet fills up, my wardrobe is still much closer to “capsule status” than it has ever been and here is why:
Now that I am wearing wool on the daily, I realize I’m finally able to have the flexibility and functionality that makes capsule wardrobes such a helpful concept. Before wool, I always tried to look for pieces that served multiple uses and would fit into a lot of outfits. The problem was, when I tried to use synthetic, box-store staples to create a capsule wardrobe, I was faced with two major barriers:
1) Synthetic clothing has to be washed pretty much every time you wear it. I would wear an outfit for one evening and then it would hit the laundry basket. At that point, my outfit options were significantly reduced while those items were out of use. With a small capsule, losing a couple items cuts back your options significantly. Then you have to plan even more carefully to get dressed after a couple days into your wash cycle, which is frustrating.
2) With frequent wash and wear, my staple items were wearing out RIDICULOUSLY quickly due to pilling, shrinking, fading, etc. I got so tired of finding the “perfect” item and then watching it wear out after just a few weeks of frequent wear. I was having to constantly re-assess my wardrobe and replace pieces so quickly, it became incredibly frustrating and totally defeated the purpose of a “capsule” in the first place.
Wool& Rowena in Marine Blue, Woolx Piper, Allbirds Tree Breezers, Ada Collection wrap belt, Julahas Danube and Julahas Celestial in Neptune!
This post will contain affiliate links. I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and, if you choose to shop, I might receive a small commission on your purchase at no additional cost to you. I would also like to thank Wool&, Woolx, and Julahas for sending me clothing as gifts for my review and photos. I will always give my true and honest option on these items. Fortunately, the quality and customer service for each is exceptional and I am legitimately a fan of all three companies.
All that to say, a fast fashion capsule wardrobe was very much NOT working for me. It was costing more money, more laundry, and more thought than it ever should have, which made me feel like a failure and like I still didn’t have “anything to wear”. That’s not even getting in to the ethical concerns of fast-fashion which is a veritable minefield of moral quandaries.
Enter WOOL. Once I started building a Wool closet, I eliminated the need for frequent washing and constant replacements that cheaper items were costing me. I finally had all of my clothes available to me all the time and found the comfort, ease, and quality completely unmatched compared to other clothing I had worn at all price points.
In this case, I have to thank a Facebook Ad from Wool& for sucking me in, because I really didn’t know anything about wool and was so misinformed about the fabric. I had no idea that wool was temperature regulating, soft, comfortable, and long-lasting. (I was convinced it was itchy, hot, and old-fashioned in form and function). Learning about the benefits has been so eye-opening, and once I experienced it myself I was a total convert.
I have three new Julahas items to share today, and I am LOVING these beautiful pieces. Soft, flowy, endlessly versatile….they are truly a unicorn of function and color chameleons as well….I find they can be matched in so many ways and different combinations can reveal different colors and looks so easily. These pieces are really wonderful additions to your wool wardrobe and I totally recommend them as a capsule foundation.
LINK DROP! Here are links for everything I’m wearing in these photos, all in one spot:
First off, let’s take a look at the amazing Julahas Daria Danube. This is a heavier cape, and this one is not quite as soft as Celestial or the Fusion Cape. It’s beautiful, warm and perfect for layering. Although it’s thicker, you can still layer it easily and, of course, it can be worn so many ways.
Now, the bright & cheery Julahas Daria Cristales! This is a real stunner and took a little more thought with styling I decided to pair it up with this patterned top from a thrift store haul, plus my wonderful Wool& Cypress. The bright colors of this cape are not as easy for me to wear, but I loved the look when I anchored it with the darker piece as a foundation.
Finally, the Celestial Neptune Cape. Oh my goodness, this one is softer than soft! It’s has a fine, silky-soft texture and is very light and flowy. Of course, this one will not be as warm as the Daria, so it’s perfect for my Southern climate. This is definitely a great warm-weather option and would also be perfect as a travel accessory pretty much any time of year. It’s a more subtle pattern if you aren’t quite ready to jump into some of the more colorful options from Julahas. It also comes in some other gorgeous colorways.
Thanks for checking out this photo-heavy post. I hope you’ll check out Julahas. I’d love for you to leave a comment on which cape is your favorite!
Welcome to Chasing Santee, a blog about the sweet and simple things in life. Santee is my childhood happy place and I want this blog to be my happy place on the internet. I will be sharing homeschool insights, family favorites, household hints, simple recipes and an abundance of bargains. If you like to laugh, shop, eat, read, write or teach you will love it here!
I want to say a heartfelt “thank you” to Not Perfect Linen for gifting me the items in this review! As always, it’s a joy to work with a quality brand like this, on a project that is so delightful. Every interaction I have had with the company has been a pleasure, and I would love to continue our partnership going forward. After sharing my photos and reviews, I will have a coupon code for anyone interested in ordering, so hang in until the end for the discount!
Since I hadn’t owned much linen in the past, I was looking for items that would have a lot of versatility and could be used across all seasons. I also wanted to be able to mix and match as much as possible. With all the color and style options, it was so hard to narrow down my favorites. I knew I wanted a tank top and skirt that could be worn together as a set so I decided to pair up the 
If you are afraid to wear black in the summer, I just got to say, this lightweight linen set is just as cool and breezy as it can be and I think black is perfectly chic all year round.
I also so love the snaps on this skirt and tank. They are super thick and sturdy to snap and unsnap and I like the look of them, too. The linen is soft, and fairly thick, without being stuffy at all. The breezy feel is absolutely lovely.
Here is the tank top from the Menorca Lounge set paired up with the Marseille Skirt. I love this combo as well.
The Porto 2 is quite wide set in the back, which I do think gives it a dressy look. My bra straps do tend to show once in awhile, but I’m not too worried about it. If you are looking for less of a scoop, you might try one of the 
Here is the Porto 2 paired up with the shorts from the Menorca Lounge Set. I think they look great together.
Speaking of Menorca, I think 
Something else I wanted to point out, Not Perfect Linen does create your items on order, so there will be a wait for them. It might depend on the time of year for how long the wait will be. However, they do have a 
Next up, the 
I am really happy with the color!
Another tip,
This dress is really a showstopper and I think it’s totally appropriate for a dressier function. I think I could have easily worn this to my recent summer wedding that was cocktail dress code.
The sash is built into this dress and attached at the back of the dress. Beneath the tie, the waist has a thick elastic that is similar to the waist on the skirt.
I absolutely love my haul from 
Honestly, there are so many ways you can style and layer this dress for every season of the year, but in my hot and humid climate, I tend to be “team basic” when it comes to Audrey! How would you style this maxi dress?
`
Here’s a pic of the outfit without the Kimono. I really love this belt and it goes with so many different colors.
I had to try these flowy culottes with my very favorite tank top, the 
Almost anything goes with a
The great thing about a wrap dress is it can be self-adjusted for a good fit. Even in the smaller size, there is plenty of overlap so that the dress feels modest and secure, which makes a huge difference in my comfort level with a dress like this.
I feel like a classic wrap dress is the perfect foundation for layering year round, so I decided to try it with a couple different jean jackets, and two of my favorite Julahas Capes. Shown here is the 
I am wearing my shirts tucked a lot more at my current heavier weight, but I did try it untucked and snapped a pic so you all could see how the length is.
Check out the stats from the website:
I do feel that these leggings look a little bit more athletic than some of my others but that might be more because of the color than the cut. I do really like the darker grey color. My one negative to share from all of these pieces from Unbound Merino is that I dislike the vertical seam going up the front of the leggings. I would not feel comfortable wearing these leggings with a short top because of that design feature. However, with longer tops or layered looks I think they are fantastic. You can see what I’m talking about with the product photos and maybe it wouldn’t bother you at all, but I did want to mention it!
I also LOVE it with this 
I love it with my favorite 
Finally, I tried 
This is my first time trying the 
There are so many great new products at Woolx and this weekend, starting now you can use coupon code SPRING20 to save 20% off sitewide!
