The Perfect Summer Espadrilles

Andre Assous Josie mid wedge sandal in Taupe

Adrienne Vittadini Vee wedge sandal in beige

Last year I found a pair of sandals and espadrilles that I wore non-stop all spring and summer (see the review here). Unfortunately I wore the espadrilles to death and I didn't buy a back up pair so I found myself in the same dilemna as last year searching for the perfect shoe to fulfill all my spring/summer footwear needs.

This year my search began early in January when I came across Andre Assous who is supposedly the king of espadrilles. In hindsight I was probably overzealous because I ordered the Erika mid-heel espadrilles in both taupe and black because they were on sale (see my review here). As an update to my last review I didn't like the shorter heel height but I sat on them for far too long so I couldn't return them.

Note: If you're interested in Erika and you're a size 7 please email me at what.jess.wore@gmail.com. I'm hoping to pass on both of these to other happy feet and I noticed they're full price everywhere else. I wore out the taupe color once but the black pair is new and unworn.

I still couldn't stop thinking about my favorite pair of espadrilles from last year so you can imagine my glee when I came across the Adrienne Vittadini Vee wedge sandals a few weeks ago. Vee runs about a half size bigger but if you have wider feet then I'd say it runs true to size. I do not recommend Vee and below is a short list of my dislikes:

• Color: When I unboxed Vee I wasn't a huge fan of the silver metallic color. The color was misleading because it was supposed to be beige as indicated on the product details online. 
• Comfort: I tried them on around the house and they seemed to be the same fit as last year's version. However, I spoke too soon on Instagram and learned my lesson the hard way when I wore them out a full day and ended up with four blisters (two on each foot). The front cross strap design cut and pinched into the wrong places on my feet. For some strange reason my left pinky toe also kept falling out of the gap between the straps but this issue didn't happen with my right foot.

Here are a few pictures of what Vee looks like on me:







Note: If you're interested in Vee and you're a size 7 please email me at what.jess.wore@gmail.com. I've only worn them out once.

Of course I was really disappointed that yet another pair of shoes didn't work out so I searched online yet again when I came across the Andre Assous Josie espadrilles. Third time's a charm because these are a winner in both comfort and style. Below is a laundry list of reasons why I like and would recommend Josie.

• Color: The taupe color is a neutral color that elongates the legs. It's also a lighter shade of taupe the the color of the straps on Erika.
• Heel height: The heel is 0.5" higher than the Erika mid-heel espadrilles. Josie's wedge heel measures 3.25" while Erika was 2.75". I personally prefer heels that are at least 3".
• Comfort:  The front straps are comfortable instead of binding. I didn't end up with deep lines from the straps after wearing them for a full day. The back strap doesn't dig in and it managers to keep your heel in place. Unlike my experience with Vee, my pinky toes did not fall through the side of the front straps where they cross over.
• Sizing: They run true to size.
• Sole: The sole is leather but managers to be non-slip which is a plus in my book. I appreciate not slipping and falling on my behind.
• Weight: Josie is light as air. Some espadrilles can be very heavy causing your heel to come out when you walk.
• Style: I really like the way this shoes hugs my feet and it's just the right heel height to create a lengthening effect.
• Made in Spain. It's always nice to find a good spring/summer shoe that's not made in China

Here are a few pictures of what Josie looks like on me:

If you have any spring and summer shoe recommendations please share.

 

Weekend Sale Alert & LOFT Review

Weekend Sale Alert:

25% off Saks Friends and Family with code FRNFAM2 through 4/28*
*If you shop at the Saks Boston store the offer is valid through 5/1 and 10% of proceeds will be donated to The One Fund.
40% off feverything at LOFT with code NOW40
21% off full priced items at Forever 21, in-store only
35% off Banana Republic online with code BR35TREAT through 4/27
25% off J.Crew with code SPRINGBEST (Cardmembers get 30% off with code CARDSTYLE) through 4/28
 

LOFT Climbing Floral Print Drop Waist Dress
LOFT Pleated Mid Length Tank Dress
LOFT Striped Pleated Skirt Dress

I ordered these dresses last week during LOFT's 40% off promotion as well as this skort. I loved the print of the climbing floral dress, the pleated dress looked like a classic every occasion dress and I was stoked to see the striped dress offered in petites (it was originally offered in regular sizes only).

LOFT Climbing Floral Print Drop Waist Dress, sz 00P

I shared a sneak peek of this dress the other day on Instagram. As much as I loved the print the bust darts were not very flattering on me. I'm not sure if it came through in either picture I posted but the darts stick out a bit on me probably because I don't quite fill it out.

The measurements* of size 00P are as follows:
16" bust
17" waist (at the drop waist)
31.5" total length

*Measurements taken with the garment laid flat.

LOFT Pleated Mid Length Tank Dress, sz 00P

The dress pictured above has straps that were too short on me unlike the dress pictured below. This resulted in arm holes that were too tight on me. I'm afraid size 0P might be too roomy and too long so I am returning this dress but hesitant to re-order.

The measurements of size 00P are as follows:
15" bust
14" waist
4" straps (8" total length)
38 1/2" total length

LOFT Striped Pleated Skirt Dress, sz 00P

This dress is very adorable and fit as pictured online but the stripes are more of a light canvas color instead of white. The material has a linen/burlap feel to it which is consistent with at least one reviewer's opinion online. I didn't love this dress on me so I will be returning.

The measurements of size 00P are as follows:
14 1/2" bust
13" waist
7" straps (14" total length)
32 1/2" total length

A few weeks ago I stopped into my local LOFT for some returns and of course I had to try on a few items as follows:

LOFT Eyelet Bodice Sleeveless Dress, sz 00P
Michael Kors Holly flats from The Bargain District (old)

I tried on this dress in 00P and unfortunately I couldn't find 0P to try on for comparison. Unlike the other drop waist dress I reviewed above, this dress was tight in the arm holes and it was a bit short for my comfort. I thought it was a really cute style and there is a very sweet grosgrain bow detail on the zipper pull. Strangely enough this dress is see through on the top so you can see my nude bra underneath. I'm not sure if wearing a black bra would help resolve this issue.

H&M Scalloped top, sz 2
LOFT Embroidered Flower Pleated Full Skirt, 0P

Annie recommended this embroidered skirt a while back and I spotted it in store so I tried it on for size. 0P turned out to be a bit too big and it wasn't until I put back the skirt that I noticed a 00P in the stack. Unfortunately, I was too lazy to change again and try on the smaller size. It's a pretty white skirt for spring and summer and it's lined. I may consider getting this skirt during their next promotion.

Note: I found that this skirt wasn't see through when compared to the other white skirt pictured behind me in the photo above. That particular skirt ran big in 00P and LOFT sizing can be very inconsistent so you may need to try things on in a few sizes.

Review & OOTD: H&M Ruffled Blouse

Theory blazer (old, similar here)
H&M ruffled blouse (as seen on Jen here and here)
LOFT legging jeans
Louboutin Simple 100 pumps 
Elsa Peretti open heart bracelet
Louis Vuitton Trevi PM

I love white and ruffles so I went to my nearest H&M as soon as I spotted this blouse on Jen at end of February. Unfortunately I forgot to do a review right away so I'm not sure if it's even still available. Please refer to the pictures below for the tag and further details if you want to try to track it down. It comes in both black and white (of course I got both colors) and it is made of 100% polyester. I found the blouses on the second floor of the Newbury St. store in the Modern collection.



I tried to pair the top with longer length blazers but I think it looks best with a shorter jacket. The only dislike I have about these blouse is the huge gap that shows your bra. I plan to sew a hidden snap button so that I don't have to wear a cami underneath.

 

Note: The item number on the receipt reads as follows
Woven Tops/Outerw.
980240

Here is a similar alternative from Forever 21's Love 21 collection if you can't find the H&M version:

FOREVER 21 Ruffled Georgette Tunic

I won't assume that everyone has heard about the tragedy that occurred on Marathon Monday but this time around it felt especially personal since Boston has become my home. Please consider making a donation to The One Fund if you'd like to help those that have been affected.