past seasons styles & colorsmax 10 items per personsale item return policy applieslimited available, shop while you can
Join my Facebook Group to enter! Post is pinned and entries will close on Sunday, August 23rd at 6PM EST. USA entries only please. This giveaway is not sponsored.
The Prize (affiliate links)
A Lyons Leather Co Baby Bee. The cutest little zip companion in beautiful honey leather. Perfect for extra organization or a super minimalist carry. I’ve changed out the leather wristlet for a beautiful Pendleton Wool Wristlet from Creative Fusions on Etsy.
Made by Mary Gloss Pendant: A gorgeous, minimalist teardrop pendant and chain from the gold vermeil collection, perfect to elevate any outfit.
Teleties Medium Round Clip in Tortoise: Smooth, sturdy, and shockingly comfortable, the Teleties Medium Round Clip is my personal favorite. I wear mine every single day!
Don’t forget you can save $20 on your first Lyons Leather Co purchase through my affiliate link!
Happy August. Although we’re still busy with back to school heatwaves here in SC, I’m thrilled to share a mini Unbound Merino review for Fall today! As you have probably noticed, Unbound Merino is one of my favorite brands to work with, so these reviews are always especially fun for me to create.
One of the things I really appreciate about Unbound Merino is that they keep expanding beyond the basic merino T-shirt. They’ve added so many innovative and creative additions to their Women’s line this year alone— including pants that look polished, linen blends for summer, and easy layering pieces that work year-round.
This post contains #affiliate links and #gifted items. Thank you for supporting my family by shopping with me. It’s so much fun to try merino wool and create these reviews, so thanks for checking it out!
About Me: I’m 5’6″ and about 200 lbs.
For this review, I picked out three pieces that are especially perfect for a Fall transition in the Deep South.
And yes, I do have a coupon code for you!
Use code WOOLOBSESSED to save 10% off your first Unbound Merino purchase.
If you’re new to Unbound Merino, the basic idea is pretty simple: high-quality merino wool that is comfortable enough for everyday wear but polished enough that you can actually travel in it.
Merino is such a game-changer because it can be worn repeatedly without needing to be washed after every single wear, while also being breathable and comfortable across a range of temperatures. (This is becoming even more important to me as I reach “that age”.) Comfort & Temperature Regulation are no longer nice features, they are absolutely crucial to my health, sanity, and productivity. (I’m only being a little bit dramatic with these statements).
And while I adore a good merino T-shirt, I’m especially interested when a company starts making the other pieces that work across many different life-stages like work, travel, date night, evening out, events, etc. That’s why I’m so happy to see Unbound Merino continue to build out their closet staples with really unique pieces like the Halter Dress, Jumpsuit, and the Bomber Jacket. Can’t wait to see what they drop next! But back to today’s review…
First up are the Women’s Merino Travel Pants in Black, size XL
These are designed as an all-occasion barrel trouser, with a modern tapered shape and plenty of stretch for movement. The fabric is 95% premium Italian Merino wool, and Unbound describes the construction as having all-way stretch.
A few of the details:
At $218, these are definitely an investment piece, but the fit, feel, and performance of these definitely give premium.
Polished, but comfortable, with just the amount of movement and flow, these pants really hit all the “black pant wishlist” features for me. It’s very easy to build an outfit around pants like this.
And of course, black is basically the ultimate travel life color. You just can’t go wrong with a pair of great-fitting black trousers in your wardrobe. Owning them in merino is the ultimate wardrobe flex.
An update to this new iteration of the travel pants is the addition of a faux fly which gives them a more traditional look, plus they still fit super comfortably with the stretchy, pull-on waistband. These fit exactly as I’d expect an XL to fit me.
Next up is probably the piece I was most curious about: the Women’s Merino-Linen Short Sleeve Shirt in Chambray, size Large
This is a really interesting combination because you get two fibers that are both fantastic for warm weather, but they bring different benefits to the table.
The Women’s Merino-Linen Short Sleeve Shirt is designed to have that crisp, polished linen-shirt look without quite as much of the relentless wrinkling that can come with traditional linen. I found that to be true as right out of the box the shirt has a crisper feel than typical linen. It’s also got a slight sheen which looks very pretty in real life and the chambray is a true, even blue rather than a faded look.
The details:
The Chambray color is also such a good choice for a travel wardrobe and I’m a lifelong chambray devotee. It’s so easy to pair with black, navy, white, olive, florals, lace — basically everything you’ve already got in your wardrobe.
The one size note I have is that it is a boxy fit and runs a bit on the large-side. That’s probably the intended fit as I would say it looks to fit the model that way too. But as someone who often sizes up, I’m glad I didn’t do so for this shirt as the Large is already a relaxed fit for me.
This works well with the Travel Pants for a more polished outfit, but it would also be easy to throw over shorts or wear open as a lightweight layer. What’s not to love about a piece with this kind of versatility and potential? Which brings us to the tank top!
Item #3: Merino Rib Scoop Neck Tank
And then we have the piece that is definitely my new favorite color the Women’s Merino Rib Scoop Neck Tank in Stout, size Large.
I am so pleased with this deep, cool brown. It’s maybe got a hint of purple in it? Whatever they’ve done, it’s a GORGEOUS color and even better than I hoped. With my winter-season coloring, I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to find this brown. It’s a great way to move into fall while it’s still so hot here in the Deep South.
I’ve always had a soft spot for a good tank top, and this one has some features that make it extra special.
It’s made from:
The little bit of spandex gives this one some stretch, while the ribbed construction gives it the heft to serve as more than just an undershirt. I love a scoop neck since it tends to look great under, over, and around all the rest of my wardrobe staples.
At $85, I think this is also a great price point for as a travel wardrobe staple and a good start for a merino capsule.
Black Travel Pants + Stout Rib Tank + Chambray Merino-Linen Shirt
This would be my classic travel outfit.
The pants give you a polished look, the tank is comfortable and easy, and the shirt can be worn open as a layer or buttoned up when you want to look a little more serious.
And because everything is relatively neutral, you can add a jacket, scarf, sneakers, sandals, or whatever else makes sense for the trip.
Black Travel Pants + Stout Tank
Simple, comfortable, and easy. I’ll always pair it with a long gold pendant because that’s my signature dress-up hack when it’s still hot outside. But once it’s cooler it would make the perfect foundation for layering.
Black Travel Pants + Chambray Merino-Linen Shirt
So simple, but striking. With jewelry, a nicer shoe, and my Lyons Leather Co bag, this combo will work for any venue.
And it’s the magic combination I’m always looking for when I pack: comfortable enough for travel, but nice enough that I don’t need to change when the day turns into dinner. Because chances are, I haven’t made plans and I’ve got no idea where the day will take me.
Obviously, my answer is yes. And I should always remind my audience that even though I receive gifted items for my review, I also regularly shop these brands for myself. I think Unbound Merino is perfect for people who are trying to build a smaller, more versatile wardrobe, and if you travel frequently, the choice makes even more sense.
These staples are a smart way to invest in your wardrobe, with thoughtful styles that can be worn on repeat. Always intentional, and never disposable.
Because I don’t know about you, but I want to buy fewer things that I can wear more often, in more situations. So merino just makes sense.
The three pieces I chose also demonstrate why I keep coming back to Unbound. It’s one thing to make a really nice merino T-shirt. It’s another thing to create an entire wardrobe where the pieces actually work together.
The Travel Pants give you a polished foundation. The Merino-Linen shirt gives you a warm-weather layer that can be dressed up or down. And the Rib Scoop Neck Tank gives you a comfortable foundation piece with ultimate versatility.
That’s a pretty great little travel capsule right there.
You can use my coupon code: WOOLOBSESSED to save 10% off your first purchase. I’d love to hear what items you’re most excited about this season, so please drop a comment and let me know!
Disclosure: This dress was gifted by wool& for review. As always, this review will be 100% my opinions. This post also contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. Thank you for checking out my review!
For reference, I’m 5’6″, around 200 pounds, and wearing a size Large.
I’ll be honest—when Wool& first released the Acadia, I assumed it probably wasn’t for me.
Ya’ll know…I’m not especially outdoorsy. I don’t hike, run, or spend my weekends paddle boarding. My idea of spending time outside is an open-air shopping opportunity. My wardrobe leans much more toward casual, classic, and maybe a little girly, rather than athletic. Even the back style (a racerback) just doesn’t seem to fit my vibe.
Since wool& was kind enough to offer this option as a gift I thought it was the perfect opportunity to pretend I’m sporty and give it a try. To my surprise, this dress will be a true summer hit that I’ll keep reaching for. I’m serious! Here’s why:
The Design
This isn’t the same jersey fabric used in many of wool&‘s classic dresses (although you guys know how much I love that). Instead, it’s incredibly lightweight with a smooth, slightly technical feel that definitely makes sense for hot weather.
The fabric breakdown is: Lightweight, technical, quick-dry stretch woven. 61% merino wool, 35% nylon, 4% spandex. 135gsm – it’s the new “stretch tech lite” fabric and there are currently three pieces in the lineup.
I don’t notice visible panty lines and the fabric truly doesn’t highlight every bump and lump (this is very important at this point for me). It somehow manages to feel airy without feeling flimsy, which makes ME give a sigh of relief as a 44 year old woman in July in South Carolina.
The Fit
One thing I love – the Acadia is totally pear-shape friendly.
Many athletic dresses either cling to my stomach or become too fitted through the hips. Or they gap at the arms because my chest is smaller than my lower half. Instead, Acadia skims over everything and looks relaxed without being oversized and well-fitting without being skin-tight. It’s the perfect middle ground and it also doesn’t seem to relax quite as much as the typical wool& fabric. So I would say it will probably fit right out of the package the way you can expect it to fit going forward.
There are several details that really work for my body:
That “no belly cling” factor alone moves this dress way up my list.
The side slits also deserve a shout-out. They make it much easier to walk, sit, and move around without being too showy.
I even wore it to church while helping in the nursery, which involved plenty of bending, squatting, and sitting on the floor with little ones. I was comfortable and free to move. I wore a floaty kimono over it to dress it up a bit.
Let’s Talk About the Pockets
Pockets can be handy but I don’t like the ones that poke out awkwardly or make my hips look even wider than the wide they already are. Acadia’s pockets virtually disappear when zipped close and when they are open they don’t hang awkwardly, they’re still subtle. Flat and streamlined BUT the capacity is big! Lots of space for any valuables and the zipper makes it super secure. I was thinking it would be a great option for a concert because I could get away without carrying a bag at all!
The Lint-Free Lifestyle
This stretch tech fabric also seems to repel lint, fuzz, and all other little hitchhikers that are always clinging to my favorite clothes. I’m sure it would also do great with pet hair. Fortunately, my two doodles don’t shed but they still make messes in plenty of other ways, don’t worry.
Another thing I noticed about this black color looks just slightly softer than a true jet black. It still reads as black, but it isn’t quite as harsh, making it a nice soft, wearable casual piece.
What I Could Live Without
The only feature I’m still not completely sold on is the racerback.
I totally get the design choice and I know a lot of folks love them, I’m just generally not a racerback person. I do wonder, though, if the racerback is part of how the top fits me more nicely than some of the other dresses in this size. Possibly I like the racerback style more than I thought?
The Foundation
I avoid compressive clothing whenever possible, and that includes most racerback bras, so I didn’t have any in my wardrobe.
For some of my pics, I wore CAKES sticky covers, which worked well. For my second wear, I wore my black Branwyn Essentials Bralette, and I just didn’t worry about the straps showing. It was intensely hot, I was at a street market and I’m pretty sure no one was disappointed in my undergarment decisions.
The racerback itself is actually fairly moderate compared to typical athletic dresses, so if you normally like racerbacks, I don’t think you’ll have any complaints. It’s not a dramatic cut in, if that makes sense.
Who I Think This Dress Is For
I originally assumed this dress was designed primarily for hikers, travelers, and active women. After wearing it, I actually think it’s much more versatile than that.
I could easily see myself wearing it for:
It’s one of those pieces that looks simple but ends up being super wearable. I can see it layering well too but I only tried it with a couple options because it was just too dang hot.
You haven’t seen the last of Acadia
wool& Acadia ended up surprising me.
It wasn’t a dress I would have necessarily chosen, but after wearing it, I completely buy into the stretch tech magic. In fact, you might just see me testing the Canyon Pants soon, because the heat-proof factor just can’t be ignored.
This dress is lightweight without being sheer, flattering without being tight, comfortable without looking sloppy, and functional without screaming “athletic wear.”
If you’re like me and initially dismissed it because you don’t consider yourself particularly sporty, I wouldn’t write it off too quickly. Time and time again, I am proven wrong about my wardrobe assumptions and I love when new pieces nudge me out of my clothing comfort zone!
Like some of you all, I saw Simply Merino’s latest launch and was very intrigued. I was very excited to get the chance to try a few items from their newest launch: the Balloon Pants, the Boxy Tank, and the Tshirt Dress. Thank you, Simply Merino for the chance to share these gifted items with my group! 
A little real-life rambling that’s completely unrelated to this review: The last month, we have been so sick – we had Flu B and it honestly lasted forever. I think because we were trying so hard to stay away from patient zero (my son, who at age 14, has apparently still not learned to cover his mouth when coughing), it meant it moved even slower and took longer to get through us all. I’m still coughing after over 2 weeks. We have also had so much rain, it’s rained basically every day for the last 10 days. I have literally been staying home and working and hadn’t even worn make up in ages. So, waking up today and doing a little photo shoot with new clothes, was such a nice treat.
🍉Friday Round Up April 24, 2026 🍉
All links are affiliate links and I’ll share in comments, too
🍉UNBOUND MERINO REVIEW:
If you missed my review, I’d love for you to check it out:
https://chasingsantee.com/unbound-merino-summer-haul-review-with-unique-coupon-code/
Unbound Merino is really rocking it lately, and they’ve added the JUMPSUIT back again: https://unboundmerino.pxf.io/KBq24z
Don’t forget to use code LEAH15 to save an extra 15% on your Unbound Merino purchases!
affiliate link: https://unboundmerino.pxf.io/rEgKk5
🍉WOOLLY CLOTHING 15% OFF:
Shop my link to automatically save 15%. Don’t forget to shop the sale section, there are STILL $82 leggings in stock (I don’t think these apply for the extra discount, but you can surely try)
affiliate link: https://www.woolly.clothing/LEAHPRESCOTT
🍉BRANWYN UPDATE:
Branwyn let me know they WILL BE restocking the new bra over the summer, it’s been super popular!
https://chasingsantee.com/new-branwyn-essential-supreme-bra-review/
affiliate link for Branwyn: https://alnk.to/3Ja5MbV
🍉JULAHAS NEWEST DROP:
The new block print from Julahas is live and I loooove these vintage style floral prints!
Affiliate link:
https://www.julahas.com/collections/block-prints?sca_ref=10490689.NF8iyYSFyd8U
Code LEAH for 10% off
🍉TELETIES:
I couldn’t get by without my round clips from Teleties. I use them every single day: while cooking, in the car, when I wash my face, or anytime I need a quick, comfy, secure hairstyle. By far these are the most comfy clips I’ve ever found! My faves are the medium flat round hairclips, but all their products are fantastic
affiliate link: https://tidd.ly/4vP3wAq
🍉NEW DROP FROM WOOL&:
New color VERDE, so fun!
Affiliate link to new items: https://tidd.ly/4rrwl3q
Affiliate link for VERDE: https://tidd.ly/4u6KZ0G
🍉MADE BY MARY:
25% off sitewide—It’s the jewelry I wear every single day. Come rain, sleet, snow, swimming, showers, this jewelry holds UP and i love how comfy and light-weight it is!
affiliate link: https://rstyle.me/+e7NRopvvL-RDNQKsBGcRGw
🍉Quince!
Still loving my Quince essentials. If you are new to Quince message me your email address and I can send a $20 referral credit.
affiliate link: https://goto.quince.com/55rD9o
🍉LYONS LEATHER CO:
I’m supposed to get my order TODAY with my new navy floral bag 😍 Use my affiliate link for an automatic $20 off your purchase, and drop a comment if you have any questions!
https://www.lyonsleatherco.com/?ref=WOOLOBSESSED
🍉SHARK FLEXSTYLER:
I’ve had it since Christmas and it’s changed my freakin’ life. I have never had a hair appliance that works so well!
affiliate link: https://rstyle.me/+FpkZJaiwPCV5aPOovSvOrQ
I’m excited to share a NEW Unbound Merino Haul & Try-On with you today. It’s really exciting to see how Unbound Merino has grown over the last couple of years and continues to create new designs that fill holes in the market. Today I get to try a couple pieces that do just that!
This post contains #affiliate links and #gifted items. Thank you for supporting my family by shopping with me. It’s so much fun to try merino wool and create these reviews so thanks for checking it out!
You can use my coupon code: WOOLOBSESSED to save 10% off your first purchase. Leave a comment and let me know what you’re ordering, because I love to shop vicariously with other wool-lovers!
Before we get started, I’m currently about 200 pounds at 5’6″. I’m typically a Large or XL depending on the brand. My stomach is my biggest size measurement currently so it’s not unusual for me to wear a range of sizes.
Item #1: The Merino Poplin Button Up
The first piece is one that really surprised me.
Unbound Merino Merino Poplin Button Up, in the color Azure Stripe, size large.
First off, this shirt amazed me as I pulled it out of its snug little stack with after being folded and it was practically wrinkle free and wearable right out of the gate! As someone who pretty much only uses her iron for craft projects, this is a HUGE win. The fabric is incredible soft, breathable, and lightweight. I don’t usually wear sleeves during the summer in the SC heat, but if I need to dressup, I can definitely handle wearing this one! Please ignore my untanned skin. My nickname as a kid was “Snow White” and they didn’t mean it in a good way. Size is perfect, fit is excellent, and the feel is truly surprising. This is by far the softest, silkiest poplin-style fabric I’ve ever owned and 100% merino is the icing on the cake!
I think the fact that I could tie this shirt at the waist, then untie it and watch the wrinkles disappear is truly remarkable (granted, it wasn’t tied very long as I was just styling it for a few pics but you get my point!) I have yet to style this as a business casual piece but I am certain it will be perfect so stay tuned!
Item #2: The Merino Bermuda Shorts
Check out the Unbound Merino Women’s Bermuda Shorts, in size 32.
I’m a big fan of the Unbound Merino Travel Shorts so I was really excited to try the new, longer version. Please note, I’m wearing a size 32. Although they fit, they aren’t the correct size for me. I need to size up to a 34 and probably a 36 would be more appropriate for my waist measurements (that is my one wish for Unbound Merino, that they would expand their size offerings in the future!) However, these surprisingly do fit. I actually like how the pleats provide more volume in the hips and gave the flexibility so that I could successfully size down. I think it also makes the shorts fit a little shorter, which I don’t hate. With the slight stretch in the fabric, these work shockingly well for me.
The shorts themselves are great, very polished in style and the construction is excellent. They also have belt loops, and a traditional button and zipper so they would be perfect for a nice belt (which I don’t own). At this point in my life, I really appreciate a longer, more polished pair of black shorts! This really fit a hole in the market, in my opinion, and I’m really happy that these are available.
Item #3 The Ribbed Merino Tank
I LOVE this tank and already own the previous version in black, so I was happy to grab the Merino Ribbed Scoop Neck Tank in Ivory in size Large.
Coming up, the Women’s Merino Lounge Pants in Charcoal, size Large and 28 inch inseam.
I’ve always been a sucker for a comfy pair of pants and these SERIOUSLY deliver. Incredibly, deliciously soft with the stretch we love. One thing to note, these are a lower percentage of merino, blended along with nylon, tencel, and modal. My understanding (and experience) with Tencel has been that it performs like a natural fiber so this would still be over half “natural” by my definitions. But just something to keep in mind!
If you like the comfort and casual vibe of leggings but sometimes want to skip the tightness and compression, these would be just the ticket. I grabbed them in charcoal but I do think that in black they could be dressed up with a little creativity. They absolutely feel like the comfiest pjs you could imagine!
Item #5 The A-Line Tank Dress
The Unbound Merino A-Line Tank dress in size Large, Dark Olive
The second I saw this dress I was SO excited. For those who have been around my blog for awhile, you know dresses are my favorite way to, well, get dressed. I absolutely love a good comfy dress and this one literally hits ALL of my wishes: excellent quality 100% merino, squishy soft fabric, an A-line cut (my body is essentially A-line so this is great), the perfect midi length, and a fantastic neutral. If this dress comes out in a navy blue or a dark burgandy, I’d be all over it.
If you’ve been curious about wool&, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve seen the ads, heard about the dresses you can wear for 100 days straight, or you’re just trying to build a simpler, more versatile wardrobe. When I first discovered wool&, it was because I was making steps towards a more minimalist lifestyle and choosing my wardrobe more intentionally. And, I was targeted by some very intriguing Facebook ads.
This post will contain affiliate links. Some of the items featured here have been #gifted to me for the purpose of content creation, but others were purchased myself.
I’ve been wearing wool& for a long time now (over five years now), so it’s probably obvious how I feel. But if you’re new to the brand, you probably have questions (and maybe a little skepticism). This post is here to give you honest, down-to-earth info, so you can decide if it might work for you.
wool& focuses on simple, versatile pieces made primarily from merino wool. Their biggest claim to fame is creating clothing you can wear multiple times without washing them, and that’s what originally got my attention. Less laundry seemed like a promise that was simply too good to be true, and I was immediately intrigued.
The goal? Fewer clothes, worn more often.
Yes, but maybe not how you picture. This wool is NOT scratchy, suffocating, stiff sweaters. Instead, these are breathable, swirly, soft-as-butter pieces that you’ll love to put on and not take off!
Most wool& pieces are made from merino wool, which is much finer, softer, and more breathable than traditional wool. It’s designed for everyday wear, not just cold weather. Believe me, as a South Carolina girly, I wear my merino wool all 4 seasons, on every possible occasion.
I get it, we all wondered it. Most of us have an idea that wool is itchy, and don’t understand the difference that merino can make.
In my experience:
No, it’s not itchy.
Merino wool is soft and smooth, and I wear it against my skin without any issues. Yep, down to underwear and bras! That said, some folks have a specific sensitivity to wool, and that might make their experience different. Just like anything, allergies do exist.
Like I said, I’m here in the Deep South and I can promise you, the answer is YES. We’ve already hit the 90’s and it’s only April, so you better believe I have receipts.
Merino wool is temperature regulating, which means:
Rather than heavy or suffocating, the merino wool blends from wool& are lightweight, silky smooth, and breathable. PLUS you get that fabulous aspect of odor-resistance. That means you can let that tshirt air out after wearing it and come back later to a completely fresh garment. It’s crazy, but it’s true.
This is where wool& really stands out.
Merino wool naturally resists odor, so you can:
And yes—it actually works. I didn’t get it at first, but now I’ve seen it, experienced it, and come to love it SO much. Because with everything on my plate: working full time, parenting 3 teens, dealing with 2 dogs, and juggling multiple freelance hustles – cutting back on my laundry has been a true GIFT. So thank you wool& for making my life sweeter. You’ve been a breath of fresh air – literally!
Much less than you think.
Instead of machine washing after every wear like you are probably used to, you can:
This was a mindset shift for me, but now it feels completely normal. Besides all the benefits we’ve hit on already, wool even DRIES quicker, too. Who would have believed it?
My routine is cold wash with a fragrance free detergent, gentle cycle, and dry on a rack. It’s easy, quick, and completely stress-free. And like I said before, these pieces dry quicker than any other fabric I know!
I personally avoid the dryer to keep everything in good shape.
If you follow care instructions, shrinking isn’t usually an issue. The fibers will naturally relax, however, but not enough to cause too much difference in size.
Sizing is fairly true to size, but it depends on the style. For me, I’ve really come to realize that size is a super personal choice, and I’ve started to make my decisions independent of size charts, but I do like looking at the garment measurements on the website. Obviously, some pieces will be more fitted or relaxed. The review section can help if you’re not sure, but I can vouch that wool& makes the return process incredibly simple, too. So I never worry too much about choosing a size.
Yes, in my opinion, wool& does an especially phenomenal job of creating pieces that are the “blank canvas” of your closet. They are perfect foundational staples, that can be dressed up or down, traveled with, worn to work, worn to sleep, worn to vacation and in any outdoor setting. You can pretty much find anything you want with wool&’s current lineup whether you are going for a outdoor hiker vibe, business casual, date night look…wool& makes it simple.
Not only can you find that little black dress you can’t live without, but they also have:
They’re not trendy in a fast-fashion way, but they’re classic in a “this is the little black dress I always needed in my closet” way.
Absolutely.
This is one of the biggest advantages:
It’s the kind of clothing that works with your life instead of needing a specific occasion. And that’s why these pieces carry from one phase of life into the next without becoming “obsolete” or closet orphans. That’s why many of them have carried me through a 40 pound weight change, transitioning from a teacher to working remote, and have seen me through many events and seasons.
It’s a fair question and I definitely had sticker shock at first. I was your girl who almost always shopped the thrift stores first. There’s no easy way around it—merino wool from a high quality brand is an investment.
You’re paying for:
The real payoff comes if you actually wear it often—which, in my case, has been proven again and again. I can’t fathom a closet without wool&, I would be devasted if I didn’t have my “security blanket” merino wool to get through every week.
For me, yes—but it depends on your lifestyle.
It’s worth it if you:
It might not be worth it if you love fast-changing trends or prefer very low upfront cost clothing. But if you want to move toward simplicity and sustainability – this is your ticket.
This is where it really shines.
You can:
It makes packing lighter and less stressful. I talk about it in my blog post for a Southern Summer Beach Trip, and I promise it made it so much easier!
Not really.
Merino wool is naturally wrinkle-resistant, so it’s great for:
Like any fabric, it can stain—but it’s more forgiving than you’d expect.
Because you wash it less often, you tend to:
I haven’t found it to be unusually high-maintenance and since I’m more mindful of care, it’s been easier to catch stains. Plus, never heat drying means that there is less risk of getting those stains set in.
Some pilling can happen over time, especially in high-friction areas (hello, thighs). You can usually take care of it with a fabric shaver, though.
Compared to fast fashion, it’s definitely a more sustainable option.
No brand is perfect, but this is a step in a better direction.
I’ve worn wool& for a long time—and I keep coming back to it.
What surprised me most was how comfortable, breathable, and truly odor-resistant it is. My favorite part is how easy it makes everything—travel, daily outfits, and definitely laundry.
If you’re on the fence, here’s my advice:
Start with one versatile piece—something you can wear casually and dress up. Wear it a few different ways. See how it fits into your real life. Need help choosing? Leave me a comment and I might have a suggestion!
The only way to know if it’s worth it, is to try it for yourself.
I’m excited to share a review today for a bra that we’ve all been waiting for. Branwyn has just released the brand new Branwyn Essential Supreme Bra. In this review, I’m going to share why I think it’s going to be a huge hit for so many women, plus my honest review after trying it for the first time.
![Merino wool benefits listed with icons: [Sheep icon] Merino wool = Sweat free freshness [Knit icon] Seamless knit = Second skin comfort [Sustainability icon] ZQ Merino = Ethical and sustainable fiber](https://i0.wp.com/branwyn.com/cdn/shop/files/Merino-wool-benefits-BRANWYN_960x.png?resize=474%2C135&ssl=1)
This review contains #gifted items (as well as some I purchased myself) from Branwyn as well as #affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you Branwyn for collaborating with me and for these gifts!
Here are the specs from the product page for reference:
Branwyn gifted me with this NEW Branwyn Essential Supreme Bra. in size Large and the color Luna Grey. They also were kind enough to include a pair of the Essential Hipsters in XL in the matching Luna Grey. For reference, I am 5’6″ and about 200 pounds currently. I’m probably a C cup and honestly have no idea about my measurements currently. These are a great fit for me!
Also, I couldn’t resist buying another bra & undie set for myself because the new Transformative Teal color is SO pretty. I already knew that I was a big fan of the Essential Bralette, so I ordered it in size Large along with a pair of Essential Boyshorts to go with it. The color is just as beautiful as I hoped it would be! Sometimes, you just want something bright and fun and this fits the bill!
A quick word about the Essential Bralette, I absolutely love it. It’s definitely these bras I wear 9 times out of 10 throughout my week. I typically pair mine with the CAKES Body silicone pads. They are super comfortable and I just handwash them in the sink at the end of the day.
Now back to the review of the Branwyn Essential Supreme Bra! Below is a pic of me wearing the bra along with the wool& Maggie dress and my new wool& Kristen Blazer.
Here are some of my thoughts, based on the questions I’ve gotten so far:
Do you have any questions about Branwyn’s new bra or any of their other items? Please let me know, I’d love to help out. Drop a comment or head to the Facebook group.Want to be a member of our Facebook community, Wool Obsessed? Add “I found you from the Blog” when you join and I’ll add you ASAP.Thanks for checking out my review of both the Kristen Blazer and the Hawthorne Jeans from wool&. Plus, keep reading for a little bonus mention of the Tate and Morgan, which I also received this week. 
Before I jump into today’s review, let’s have a quick sheep check. Any chance you are new to wool or new to wool&? I’m excited to have you here! I’m a content creator and copywriter and I love all things wool-wear (along with other natural fibers). If you’d like to discover more about wearing wool, this is a great place to find info! I’d also love to have you join my Facebook Group by clicking here. 
This review contains #gifted items (as well as some I purchased myself) from wool& as well as #affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you wool& for these lovely additions to my wardrobe!
The Kristin Blazer
I was really excited to try both of these pieces. I absolutely adore my Dylan belted vest and find it so crazy versatile, it’s become a workhorse for my wardrobe, so Kristen was on my radar from the beginning as a long sleeve option. I was also an early adopter of wool&’s denim with the Penny & the Greta: loved both of those so much I had high hopes for the newest version of jeans from wool&! 
*** Warning: Talk about weight and sizing incoming ***
Just like my last review, I have to mention how important it is to choose your size and not let one piece dictate the rest prescriptively. In this case, I find that I am in the largest size of Jeans that wool& makes. However, if I were to follow this size for every piece wool& makes, I wouldn’t be getting my best fit every time. So, I’ll say it again…don’t feel locked into your size chart size and don’t get tied up by what you wish your size was.
I always say I am a size chameleon, as someone with a small, straight frame who has continued to gain weight but still not necessarily get “curvy” or buxom….I’m shaped a lot more like a bottle of coke than an hourglass. When I started wearing wool& I think I was about 160 pounds if I remember correctly. I have always found my size really varies by style. My wool& items right now truly range from M to XXL and I know I could probably wear a size small Sierra if I tried. I’m currently 5’6” 200 lbs. Auto-immune issues, insulin resistance, and medications continue to cause my weight to go up. So, my advice is to be patient in finding your perfect fit and don’t worry about the number on the tag. The fit you like is the fit that’s right.***Back to the Review***
The Kristen Blazer
5’6”, 200 lbs, size Large
First up, the Kristen Blazer. I loved this blazer from the get-go. It’s soft, has a bit of a drapey fit and the weight and warmth make it perfect for office wear. I chose size Large in this one. I did size down to a medium in the Dylan vest, and I think a size down would work for me in Kristen as well. However, I was looking for more of an oversized fit with this, wanted to be able to layer, and wanted to avoid any tightness in the arms so I went with large and I’m super happy with it. I would say it runs slightly on the large side in my opinion. I really love the slightly structured look of the shoulders, gives it a little more shape (especially for me having a straight torso) and the front pockets are generous (you do have to remove the seam holding the pocket shut and like I saw a previous review mention, they are pretty snug at first!). 
I love the length and the sleeves are very comfortable, not too slim. One thing I was really hoping is that I could scrunch the sleeves up a bit and it works! This is something I often do because I have short arms (confirmed via seamstress LOL) and long sleeves can look too long on me. So being able to get a little shove and scrunch in the sleeves is my preferred style. I am NOT a fan of stiff blazers, but this is one I can imagine wearing in many different outfits for very casual wear or a more dressy business outfit, too. Perfect for me to throw on over my tshirts for work Teams meetings, too. This will probably replace my wool& Lou moto jacket. As cool as that one is, I think I will wear this a lot more frequently.
Hawthorne Jeans
5’6”, 200 lbs, size 34
Now for the Hawthorne Jeans. (Also, forgive just a little more weight talk for a second)***
Remember, we come in all shapes and sizes, this is glaringly obvious to me when I am taking my own measurements. I did not write them down (because I wasn’t particularly thrilled with them), however, I will say that my metrics were across the board when it comes to size. By measurements, my butt is smaller, my thighs are mid, my stomach would be way beyond straight sizes for wool&’s chart. So, based on stubbornness, I decided to try them anyway. Lo and behold, I can indeed fit into them. I hope that wool& continues to add sizing to accommodate more customers, because for my best fit, I would probably want to size up and there is not an up. At the same time I understand and respect wool&’s commitment to building stock intentionally and incrementally. Love all the new additions and growing size range. Now back to the jeans. ***
I love the color and feel of this fabric. The sort of grey leaning dark denim looks dressier. I agree with another poster who said these pants read and feel a little more like trousers than regular jeans, which is very nice. I wasn’t looking for faded denim I would wear to rake jeans, more an elevated denim to pair up with the blazer and wear for nice occasions, you know what I mean? So the color and fabric are perfect for an elevated look. The texture is smooth, almost has a slight sheen to it, and surprisingly light weight. They do have a slight stretch as described. They also fold QUITE thin for jeans which would be lovely for traveling. I find the wrinkles seem to shake out really well, because I was rather careless with these after my first couple try-ons and didn’t hang them. As for the cut of the Hawthorne, they are very high waisted which I personally very much prefer. But I think some might find them a little too high. Although they are described as straight leg, I do find they look a little loose in my size. 
That’s ok, I like a loose fit and would like to try Beck in fact, I was just surprised that the legs weren’t a little more fitted. I will definitely try them with some heels though to see if that helps them hang a little better. I also think these would look great with boots. Overall, I don’t think these are my most flattering jeans cut in the world, but I didn’t expect them to be. However, I think the fabric, color, and quality are excellent. I also think the lightweight fabric folds so well which make it a great travel staple. Although these won’t be my holy grail jean choice, they are a great quality option and make me even more curious what jean styles will come next from wool&!
One quick shoutout to two new pieces I just picked up. I grabbed the Tate Honeycomb Cowlneck (mine is in pine which isn’t currently available any longer, but it’s one of my FAVORITE colors). I also grabbed it in XXL which is definitely a size or two up but I like an oversized fit. Also I snagged the wool& Morgan in Marine Blue & Natural White Stripes in my true size, Large. I love this tee!
Head on over to Wool Obsessed and start building your wool wardrobe.
BIG NEWS in wool-land! Something we haven’t seen before, an online sample sale from wool& and items are as low as $26…as someone who has been shopping wool& for a number of years now…this is unprecedented. This is better than a typical “sale”, “clearance”, or “closeout” because the prices are so dramatically low. Before we get any farther, let me share the affiliate link for the Sample Sale Portal.
affiliate link: https://tidd.ly/4bB16Mv
A few important details to note:
*this sale will be open from now through 3/24 and purchases are FINAL SALE.
wool& says, “This item is part of our online sample sale, and is available at a special discounted price through 3/24. After 3/24, this item will no longer be available to order. Items in our online sample sale are final sale, and are not eligible for returns or exchanges.”
Lots of classic colors and styles and a few newer ones! Sizing may be limited and these are selling fast, so don’t wait before adding to cart.
For years I have wanted a sheepskin and have always heard that East Perry makes the best ones…they have an excellent reputation for crafting high-quality, natural sheepskin products (think cozy throws, soft slippers, and dreamy rugs). Everything is thoughtfully made, super soft, and perfect for adding a little comfort to your everyday life.
Now that I’ve owned my East Perry Sheepskins for a few months I can confirm, these are deliciously soft, soothing, gorgeous and just bring a touch of “luxe” to your home. I have so much enjoyed having these two. I have been using the 4 pelt on my bed, then I have a single that I keep on my office chair. Both are beautiful and the cozy vibes they bring are second to none!
