How Quince Was Born

As someone who is passionate about a timeless wardrobe, investing in certain luxury pieces can often be something that makes sense for me, personally. From thinking about the timeless traits of a particular item to its versatility in my closet and high quality materials, it can make sense to pick out a special something every once in a while.

While blending luxury items with more affordable pieces can be a great way to dress, truly well-made pieces often feel harder and harder to come by in the world of fast fashion. New micro trends and passing fads take over front pages and store shelves only to go away in the next few weeks. (Not to mention the mental tension you may have of feeling like you have to keep up!)

At the same time, the quality, classic pieces that are often available come with a high price tag, making luxury pieces more and more inaccessible to everyone. As an active solution to this problem, Quince was established as a counterproposal to this reality, claiming luxury should be for everyone.

Wondering How Quince Can Be So Cheap?

Within the affordable luxury space, this California brand has found success in providing accessible luxury pieces to the average consumer. By opting for a direct-to-consumer business model, Quince was able to cut a significant amount of distribution costs and deliver premium pieces at a fraction of the cost when compared to other brands. 

At its core, Quince appears to have unrelenting dedication when it comes to sourcing the right materials for their pieces. Offering only the best fabrics, from cotton to silk and cashmere, the brand creates true closet essentials that can both make, add to, and elevate your personal collection. 

Dedicated to ethical processes, Quince also provides detailed information about the material used for each piece, as well as a “Beyond Compare” chart where factors like price, savings, materials, and free returns are placed side-to-side with those of its top competitors. 

On their website, you’ll easily stumble upon thousands of positive reviews on their diverse collection of elevated staples – and so I had to check it out for myself!

For this post, I ordered a few of their most popular pieces for an unbiased Quince clothing review where I tell you exactly how I felt about these styles and materials. Ready to get started? Let’s do it!

Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

This specific sweater can be argued to be Quince’s claim to fame. Racking up over 11,000 reviews that have landed this piece a 4.9-star rating, this cashmere crewneck seemed to truly have earned the brand its stellar reputation. For those of us who never thought we’d hear the phrase “affordable cashmere sweaters”, Quince is here to prove us wrong.

Available in 18 different color variations – solids and two striped versions – this piece is featured in every color. Featuring a beautiful clean design and made from luxury cashmere sourced from Mongolia, there is a lot to love about this classic sweater.

A lot has been said about Quince’s prices, and many people have questioned whether it is too good to be true. When looking at the chart provided on the product page, you’ll be able to find that the brand’s $50 price point for great quality clothing is less than half of every single listed competitor’s cost – hard to beat!

Lightweight, super cozy, and truly timeless in its design, this sweater can be worn all year long, and is also available in sizes 1X to 3X. If you’re the kind of person who loves to know more details about the pieces they are purchasing, Quince includes information about the specific material made for the piece, as well as other size and fit notes and care information.

Beyond the great marketing and website design, is this sweater really all it is hyped up to be? 

My personal opinion – yes! Beyond featuring a great fit (for reference, I’m wearing a small), this piece is truly incredibly soft with a luxurious look and feel. With an amazing value for the price, this cashmere sweater is making it on the “highly recommend” list if you’re looking for something like this. If you are putting together your first order on Quince, I would say this sweater is a good choice to begin with.

Mongolian Cashmere Wrap Sweater

All of Quince’s pieces seem to include these sourcing details and extra information on the product page, making the overall shopping experience feel very authentic and soothing in a way I didn’t necessarily expect. I was surprised how much I enjoyed being able to see things like the price comparison to other quality, popular brands so clearly outlined. 

Using the same soft material as the standard cashmere sweater, this Mongolian Cashmere Wrap Sweater includes a lot of the same qualities I love. 

This piece certainly looks and feels expensive, beyond being an incredibly versatile piece for its simple structure and design. Overall, I found the fit of this particular style to be a little more awkward than the standard cashmere sweater. If you’re looking for a boxy fit to wear with more figure-hugging pants, for example, I think this could be a great option!

While this isn’t my favorite fit, I do think that this piece can – and has! – found its audience. Perfect for layering over a spring outfit or over a summer dress on a chilly night, this soft and cozy Quince cashmere sweater can definitely belong in many closets. 

100% Washable Silk Maxi Skirt

If you’ve been following this website or my social media pages for some time, you know I love a good satin or silk skirt. Bringing texture, movement, and some chic flair to a variety of outfits – from casual to formal – this classic wardrobe piece is also available at Quince.  

Quince takes this style to the next level with their silk design that’s super easy to care for. With their competitive pricing and direct-to-consumer brand model, this skirt  – like all of their pieces – becomes hard to beat cost-wise.

I was excited to try this washable silk skirt since styles like these fit so well into my personal collection, and I’m happy I did!

Immediately after putting this skirt on, my first thoughts on the piece were very positive overall. Similar to some of the other pieces I had tried up until this point, the skirt looked luxurious, versatile, and easy to style, and featured an ideal chic length that is not too short or too long.

In terms of areas for improvement, I did find the material to be slightly thinner than I expected, clinging to my skin a little as I moved as well. Despite this, this skirt did make a good impression on me, especially when it comes to finding a piece that offers great value for the price. 

Ultra-Form Jumpsuit

Quince might be known for a couple of ultra-popular pieces, but they offer a much wider variety than you might think. From bedding and other home goods to activewear, there is a lot to discover when browsing their website.

This jumpsuit has gotten a good amount of rave reviews all on its own, with high praises for quality, fit, and versatility overall. When I was picking out the pieces I wanted to try from Quince, this definitely caught my eye as something different that could be incredibly useful in my day-to-day life. 

From wearing it to a workout class to running errands and even dressing it up for a quick lunch, this jumpsuit can adapt to more outfits than I can list, beyond offering features like moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric, and supreme comfort. What’s not to love?

My thoughts: this jumpsuit was super flattering on, and made me feel great! I found the fit to be very attractive, and I definitely enjoyed the way it looked on my body.

More specifically, one of my favorite things about this piece is how versatile it is beyond being able to be styled in different ways as I had mentioned. This jumpsuit can truly be used as a staple for various different occasions, from lounging and athleisure to working out and running errands.

I can see how this jumpsuit would look good on a variety of body types, offering support while also promoting a flattering fit with its cut and fabric. The only thing I do think is important to mention is that if you are not into fitted pieces, you might want to give this jumpsuit a second thought. A pretty tight, body-skimming fit will have this piece hugging and enhancing your figure!

Another important note: as I was browsing on Quince, I found that the exact jumpsuit I ordered can no longer be found on their website – though it is available in more than one similar style. While I’m not sure if it’s temporarily out of stock or fully discontinued, this jumpsuit is currently available for purchase in both the short version and the kick-flare version.

100% Washable Silk Slip Dress

Racking up thousands of nearly perfect reviews as well, this silk slip dress is a top contender amongst Quince’s customer base.

Designed like a true staple, and available in 15 neutral and colorful shades, this dress can be easily dressed up or down based on your mood and fashion needs. 

Out of all of the pieces I’ve tried from Quince, this washable silk slip dress is the one I have the most mixed feelings about. While the quality is definitely up there with all of the other designs I was able to try, this particular fit wasn’t my favorite on. 

Value-wise, this dress is still a good price for a well-made, well-sourced silk slip dress, though I felt the neckline was a little too low on me to be able to wear to most places.

Personally, I often prefer to go with a crew neck or square neck for wearing out and about, as it makes me feel more comfortable and secure that everything will stay in place! However, the overall design of the dress is classic in the sense that it can be worn in a thousand different ways. 

I also do want to point out that my steamer did leave some white marks on the dress, though I did learn to steam delicate fabrics inside out the hard way! 

For me, it all comes down to the fit for this one. If it works for you and you make sure to care for this piece properly, I would definitely say it’s a chic, versatile, and elegant staple for your closet, and can also serve as a great layering piece! 

Exploring More Options…

All of the clothing items that I have personally tried from Quince make it easy for me to recommend this brand if you’re looking for affordable quality. Beyond being a fan of the principles that stand behind the brand, I can also say that the quality lives up to the price!

Especially during this time of year, as we get ready to transition into warmer weather and plan our spring outfits, pieces like the ones available on Quince can really save the day. For pieces like dresses or skirts, I do think it takes some trial and error to find what really works for each person. To facilitate this process, Quince does offer a generous return policy, giving all customers a 365-day delivery window for free returns. 

Even beyond the changing seasons, these items are great choices for an adaptable and multi-faceted wardrobe all year round.

Let’s take a look at some more well-rated Quince pieces for transitional spring pieces you might just want to check out!

Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater 

Like any great light jacket, this piece from Quince wins major points for versatility and wardrobe staple quality. Available in 11 different neutral shades, this cashmere cardigan is one of those pieces that can be worn with drastically different outfits and still make it work. From participating in a more elegant and put-together look to finishing off a casual park stroll ensemble, this sweater can do it all.

Featuring a relaxed fit and inclusive size range like other Quince pieces, this oversized cardigan is a great option to consider when shopping on their website!

Mongolian Cashmere Duster Cardigan Sweater

For those who love a coatigan, this piece is the perfect solution. Longer than your traditional knit jacket, this piece is perfect for pairing with anything – from leggings to jeans and even skirts – over all four seasons of the year. Whether you throw this jacket on to keep warm as you make your morning coffee or for style as you dash out the door, you can be confident in your choice. 

Available in 9 colors, from earthy neutrals to bolder and brighter shades, this cardigan can easily adapt to whatever your current wardrobe looks like. 

100% Organic Cotton Knit Blazer

It’s no surprise that most formal pieces like blazers and dress pants are made from more rigid, structured materials. While they can certainly be pleasant to wear, styles like those are not often known for being particularly comfortable. 

This piece successfully strikes the balance between a put-together look and casual comfort. More specifically, this design is perfect for any work-from-home commitments you might have, as well as general office obligations that don’t require full formal attire. 

From taking Zoom meetings to simply feeling more put together and productive – without sacrificing any comfort! – this blazer brings the best of both worlds straight to you.

Available in 11 different colors, this piece will also have no trouble adapting to your preferred color palette. 

Italian Leather Triple Compartment Shopper Tote

As I mentioned previously, Quince offers a lot more than just their claim-to-fame clothing pieces, and their brand mentality certainly carries onto their accessories. 

Italian leather handbags have a natural appeal of their own, and this leather tote is no different. This beautiful, practical staple can be worn as a cute work bag, while simultaneously adding a dash of elegance to your office look. Spacious to keep all of your belongings safe, this bag contains three separate compartments, as well as additional pockets, that make it that much easier to stay organized and stress-free. 

Whether you are looking to add a splash of color to your accessory collection or find a truly fit-for-all staple bag for every day, this Quince bag is worth considering. 

Mongolian Cashmere Scarf

We all know how great cashmere scarves can be over winter, but did you know they also make a great spring accessory? 

Something as simple and lightweight as a scarf can transform a spring outfit into a more comfortable, transitional version of itself, keeping you warm while still allowing you to lean away from heavier pieces like heavy coats and jackets.

Luxurious and soft, this accessory is a great way of stepping up your transitional closet – and will definitely stick around for next winter, too! 

Low Price Tags for High-Quality Pieces

This apparel brand is taking the fashion industry by storm, winning over new customers every day with affordable prices, good quality everyday wear, and good customer service.

Trying out these pieces myself showed me exactly what the hype was all about, and I have to say I’m very happy with my personal experience. While I do think it takes personally experimenting with different pieces to find what truly works for you, I hope my Quince review can help you navigate your first purchase!

Interested in more reviews to help you find the perfect wardrobe basics? Keep reading: The Best Women’s Classic White T-shirts That Aren’t See-Through (I Tried Them so You Don’t Have to)

The post Quince Clothing Reviews: My Honest Experience (and What’s Worth Getting) appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

Unpacking the Nasty Gal Brand

Starting with the name, Nasty Gal has a very specific bold brand image geared toward young women, as you can see. And I’ll be honest, the brand’s rebellious image is not really my style. But there’s no denying that the unique style makes a statement and they offer some unique clothes that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Color me intrigued.

It’s clear that Nasty Gal is aiming to make a statement in the fashion industry, and with so many clothing brands out there, well, it’s not a bad approach. But what lies behind the on-trend social media photos and aesthetically pleasing marketing campaigns?

First, let’s take a closer look at the founder, Sophia Amoruso. Known for her unconventional journey to success, Amoruso built Nasty Gal from an eBay vintage store into a global online retailer.

Now on the Nasty Gal website, you’ll see mention of Boohoo. Boohoo acquired Nasty Gal in 2017 and founder Sophia has now switched gears to investing and mentoring entrepreneurs.

You can’t deny that Amoruso’s story is inspiring – creating a global fashion brand from an eBay store and then empowering other entrepreneurs to make their dreams a reality, but how does it translate into the quality of the clothing?

Clothing Quality

blazer (sold out, similar) | pants

To get a good feel for the whole brand, I ordered several different pieces, from shoes to dresses.

After all, everyone wants to know, “Is Nasty Gal good quality?”

The real answer? Sometimes.

Like most fast fashion brands, this is generally not a super high quality online fashion retailer. The first time I made an order here, I had a “miss” for every “hit”.

The “misses” were either too small, fit oddly, or the material felt too thin and cheap. For example, this feather trim dress looked like I was swimming in a (albeit fancy) white garbage bag.

But on the other hand, there were some pieces that surprised me with their quality. This black velvet dress, for instance, is absolutely darling and fit perfectly.

Then there were some Nasty Gal dresses I wore in a TikTok video, like this edgy maxi dress and satin dress that looked and fit just like how it did on the models.

Overall, the quality isn’t amazing, but it’s not an awful quality either. Compare it to Boohoo or H&M. I do think they’re better than Shein clothes though.

Sizing

When it comes to online shopping, it’s always a bit of a gamble, especially when you can’t physically touch and try on the items before making a purchase.

And as you know, when it comes to online shopping and ordering the right size, reviews are key. Unfortunately, Nasty Gal doesn’t allow for any clothing reviews on their site, whether positive reviews or negative reviews, so you aren’t able to read how something really fits or if you should size up or down, based on what other shoppers suggest.

This makes choosing the right size extra difficult, especially since they are in UK sizes, and these different sizes lead to a lot of frustration and negativity.

I’ve received items that were either too big or too small, even when following the size charts provided. Overall, the Nasty Gal sizing is probably the most frustrating thing about the brand.

After trial and error, now I order what size the model is wearing or a little bigger. I never order a smaller size, even if my normal size is a 2 or 4 in other brands. Once I started ordering US 6 size clothing, I had better luck with my finds.

Customer Service

Like most companies these days, Nasty Gal has an automated assistant. So though you likely won’t get the chance to speak to a real person and experience great customer service, I have made a few returns and never had an issue. And thankfully, I never had any missing items in my orders.

Return Policy

Though I haven’t had an issue returning items, the return process takes a very long time to process, and they’re not free. Though their website says up to 14 days, some of mine definitely took more than a couple weeks.

Nasty Gal Shoes Reviews

They don’t carry a lot of large sizes which is unfortunate to those with bigger feet (hello, it’s me). But from my personal experience, though the shoes are very cute, they are not very comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Shipping

When you hear UK based brand you may think that it takes a long time to get your order. It doesn’t! I always received my orders within a few weeks and found the delivery date to be accurate.

Free shipping is offered, however, you have to spend a minimum of $70. If your order doesn’t meet those requirements, then standard shipping starts at $3.99 – not bad. Express shipping is offered starting at $5.99, and you can expect your order in up to 2 business days.

Payment Method

From Afterpay to PayPal, they offer many different payment methods.

pants

Is Nasty Gal Worth It?

To sum up my Nasty Gal clothing review – overall, my feelings are mixed. Some pieces were a letdown and I am making an effort to prioritize sustainable fashion.

But on the other hand, I found the perfect pieces I needed for an event without breaking the budget. For me personally, this is not the place for investing in your wardrobe or purchasing wardrobe staples; that’s what Everlane is for.

Nasty Gal is the place for party looks, a concert outfit, a festival outfit, or any type of statement look. If you keep proper expectations and order larger than you may think you need, you may be pleasantly surprised with your unique special occasion look.

Wondering if other Instagram brands live up to the hype? Up Next: A No-Frills Cider Clothing Review

The post Nasty Gal Clothing Review: Does It Live Up to the Instagram Photos? appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is extracted from castor beans (also called seeds) from Ricinus Communis, which means castor bean or castor oil plant. Whether it’s being used for its anti-inflammatory properties or as a beauty treatment, it’s a multipurpose ingredient with several benefits.

Though it’s said that the plant originated in India and Africa (which would explain why castor oil is big with the African American community), the use of castor oil is said to have originated in Ancient Egypt.

It’s believed that Cleopatra used it in her beauty routine to whiten her eyes. (We also got the idea of milk baths from her, so Cleopatra was a beauty innovator.)

In Ancient Egypt, it was used for anything from fuel in lamps to a natural laxative. Though we may not really use it to light our lamps anymore, it’s still being used as a laxative. (Midwives’ brew, anyone?)

These days, it’s mostly used as a hair treatment or hot oil treatment for healthy hair growth and luscious locks. In fact, when I visited my Grandma in Barbados several years ago, I saw her putting this goopy stuff in her hair and I asked her what it was.

She told me, “Put castor oil in your hair. It will make it really soft.” My 15-year-old self didn’t follow her advice, and I’m regretting that now!

What Is the Difference Between Castor Oil and Jamaican Black Castor Oil?

Jamaican black castor oil is castor oil’s “cousin”. It too has fatty acids, natural oils, and can help stimulate the growth of hair follicles. The main difference is in the roasting process.

The beans of Jamaican castor oil are roasted at a higher temperature, resulting in a darker color and thicker substance. It’s been reported that Jamaican black castor oil opens up the hair shaft better than its traditional counterpart, resulting in better absorption. (Similar to how microdermabrasion and steaming your face allow your products to sink in better and become more effective.)

Related: 5 Benefits of Facial Steaming and How It Can Give You Glowing Skin

Jamaican black castor oil also has ash content, which allows the hair strand and cuticle to open up to absorb the hair oil even better.

In a nutshell, both regular castor oil and Jamaican black castor seed oil can really improve your hair health, but if your desire is to stimulate your hair growth or get longer hair, then Jamaican black castor oil is where you’d want to start.

I experienced postpartum hair loss after having my first child 4 years ago and my hair never really recovered. I thought it would just grow back and then when I had my second child, it got even worse! I realized it wasn’t growing back on its own and I was starting to feel self-conscious about the big bald spots near my forehead. (But can you blame me?)

I like to approach health and beauty issues first naturally if I can. So in addition to my healthy lifestyle and diet, I started taking supplements, specifically vitamin D. It turns out I was dangerously low in Vitamin D (I got my levels checked), and a lack of vitamin D can contribute to patchy hair loss.

After much research, I started taking this Vitamin D. And though months later I saw and felt a noticeable difference in my mood and certain skin conditions (I had these weird pesky brown spots on my legs that appeared out of nowhere and then disappeared after taking Vitamin D-no joke!), it made no noticeable difference to my bald spots.

When I knew that my diet, lifestyle, and vitamin levels were good (or about as good as they were going to get), I started to look for products to use. I felt doubtful that a product was going to help, but when you’re desperate, you’ll keep trying things!

I ordered CB Smoothe Wild Jamaican Black Castor Oil because it had promising reviews. Right after receiving it, I got into the habit of applying a small amount to where I wanted my hair to grow, massaging it for a few seconds to stimulate blood flow, and then trying to forget about it and not obsess over my hair growth (or lack thereof).

About 3 months later, my husband snapped a candid photo of me with my son, and when I looked at it, I was so surprised. I started to see some baby fine wavy hair growing in! FINALLY.

I mainly just applied a thin layer to those areas where I wanted hair growth, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it helped minimize my itchy scalp and hair breakage too.

Pros of this product:

• The thin tip of the applicator bottle helps you easily apply the product to your hair roots
• Has other essential oils such as rosemary to help stimulate hair growth
• Has vitamin e oil which is believed to reduce the radicals that cause hair to break down
• Natural ingredients- no paraben, mineral oil, petrolatum, sulfates, or formaldehyde
• Very affordable, less than $10

Cons:

• It states that it’s not greasy, but I do find it to be greasy

I’ve used up the whole bottle (even cut it open to get every last drop), and I’m about to order another one. It’s a powerful oil and is now one of my favorite hair growth products!

I still have a long way to go to get to where my hair used to be, but whether it’s your beauty routine or your hair care, for best results you have to be consistent and give it lots of time.

I wanted to share my discovery because I wanted to help others dealing with the same thing. Even if you don’t have bald spots on your head you want to grow back, people have used this type of castor oil for eyebrow hair growth too.

Speaking of hair…if you have damaged hair it’s going to be very hard to grow anything back. Get tips to help you in this next post: Is Your Hair Damaged? Here Are 5 Ways To Get It Back on Track and Healthy Again

The post The One Product That Grew My Hair Back | Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hair Growth Review appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

Whether it’s her Insta famous boucle lounge set or her ever so promising waist trainers, it’s only natural to wonder if it’s worth purchasing something from Skims.

Truth is, I’m not easily swayed by social media. When I see something that’s popular, I take a no-frills approach and I won’t like it just because everyone else does. In fact, that may even turn me off a little! But when someone asks me if something is worth it or not, I like to have an answer. Here’s my first time Skims review!

Skims Review- My Experience

On the Skims website, you’ll find a wide range of products with a wide size range from push-up bras, a cotton collection, and even cozy loungewear for the whole family. I mean, what business ventures can’t the Kardashians do?

One quick look at their best sellers and you’ll see a triangle bralette, t-shirt bra, boxers, leggings, and so much more. In this review, I’ll be focusing on some of the best-sellers being the cozy knit tank set, control brief shapewear, and cotton jersey t-shirt.

Cozy Knit Tank + Cozy Knit Short

It’s cute. It’s comfy. It’s cozy (but not crazy soft). I got my normal size and did not have any fit issues. A size S was the perfect fit for me.

I love that the shorts are high-waisted and the knit tank isn’t super cropped. I can wear them comfortably around the house without feeling exposed.

It’s perfect for feeling cute around the house and your Insta snap of a “lazy Sunday”, but wow, it’s overpriced. Over $50 for each item feels like too much for me. After having the items, I would probably pay closer to $20 per piece. And now, there are so many dupes out there you can easily get the look for less.

Some reviewers mentioned shedding, but I didn’t have any issues with that.

So, if you don’t have a problem with the price and you really want it, then I think you may find it to be super cute and comfortable. But all in all, is it worth the price? That’s a no for me.

What other women are saying:
“This is my first purchase with skims and I got the whole set. I won’t only speak for the robe as honestly every piece feels great on the skin. It’s hot where I live so I won’t wear the tank/pants all the time but this robe?!?! YES! Daily!! ?”

“I don’t love the cozy collection as I’d hoped I would. The color & fit of the tank is ok but the fabric goes everywhere & on everything. It’s also not as flattering as the models make it look. I’d give it a miss in the future”

Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

The t-shirt looks crazy small when it arrives, like maybe I got it for my toddler (okay, not that bad), but it’s a really stretchy fabric, and miraculously, it fit, though it is pretty fitted. There are so many different colors of the tees, but I went with basic black.

And you know, I’ve got to say that I kinda dig this tee. Like, a lot. I think the fit is pretty perfect. I actually like that it’s a fitted, girlfriend look. It’s very soft and seems to be of good quality. I love it on its own, but it’d be a great layering piece too.

I think that it’s a bit more expensive than it needs to be. It is pretty thin, after all, and I can only assume that the other colors would be see-through. For something like this, I’d probably want to pay closer to $35, but is it worth it? That’s a yes for me!

What other women are saying: “I’ve been searching for the perfect tight t shirt for years, literally been buying from every brand available and they are all terrible. FINALLY found the perfect one can’t believe it. It’s super soft and stretchy.”

“Love the fit and color of this T-Shirt but the stitching around the neck is fraying after wearing two times”

Related: The Best Women’s Classic White T-shirts That Aren’t See-Through (I Tried Them so You Don’t Have to)

Core Control Brief Shapewear

Last but not least, Skims shapewear. After all, Kim is known for her smooth perfectly sculpted body, so it’s only natural that she sells something so we can all look like her, right?

Sarcasm aside, truthfully, I was pretty impressed with the control brief shapewear. My first impression, though, is that they were tiny! But since these babies are meant to stretch, I wasn’t too worried. And turns out, I had no reason to be. With a little tugging, I was able to get them on.

I’ll admit, they were a little too tight, giving me a slight muffin top look when I wore them, but nothing too noticeable. Some women said theirs constantly rolls down but I didn’t have that issue.

It’s no surprise that I’m not naturally an hourglass and yes, I’ve got a stretched-out postpartum tummy, but I will say the shapewear created an instant hourglass look and hugged me in all the right places, all the while smoothing out the belly area.

There are not a lot of negative reviews and now I can see why. Though I won’t wear these briefs around the house (though they do fit under jeans), they would be perfect for a special occasion when I want to look snatched. Just learned that word, btw.

So all in all, are they worth it? That’s a heck yes from me!

What other women are saying: “I LOVE THEM! I wore mine with jeans and a body suit for a party and kept getting complements about how skinny I looked! The hour glass effect is INSANE! Now I understand how KKW gets it!“

“Quality of the material feels very nice but I ordered a small and it was very tiny It gave me a muffin top and kept rolling down which was annoying. I am usually a small in clothing but this was just too tight. I wanted something to wear when I wear tight dresses and this wasn’t it. I think I full bodysuit would be better to avoid the rolling down or maybe ordering a size up.”

Final Verdict- Is Skims worth it?

Depends on what you buy! I guess it would be unrealistic to expect that a Kardashian line wouldn’t be overpriced. Some of their items, like the cozy lounge set, are just not worth it. But some of their other items, such as the shapewear and t-shirt, are best sellers for a reason. If you just want to get your feet wet with Skims, there are best sellers under $50 that you can try.

Though it’s my first Skims review, it’s not my first Kardashian review. Keep reading for an honest look at Good American.

Up Next: My Honest Good American Jeans Review

The post A Skims Review from Someone That’s Not Easily Swayed by Social Media appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

And no, I’m not talking about the hot apple drink that means it’s fall, y’all – though that’s popular too.

No, this Hong Kong clothing brand seemed to come out of nowhere, and you couldn’t scroll without seeing new Cider hauls. With affordable prices and unique styles, young women everywhere started raving about this brand, and it didn’t take long for their social media presence to skyrocket (currently over 5m IG followers).

Unless you’re on TikTok, you don’t see many clothing Shop Cider reviews. So consider this my no-frills Cider clothing review from someone who’s just a little bit picky with her clothes.

2023/2024 Update

It’s been almost two years since I wrote my original post. Cider stepped up in the fashion industry during 2023 and into 2024 by giving greater attention to the quality of their products. Their range combines modern designs brought to life with top-notch materials. Their extensive range includes categories like “All Curve & Plus,” “Bestsellers,” “Casuals,” “Dresses,” and “Knitwear.” They also offer a unique ‘Pick A Mood’ option, allowing shoppers to choose styles based on moods such as “Feeling Dreamy,” “Feeling Elegant,” or “Feeling Sexy.”

Feedback from customers has been mixed when it comes to quality. Although thicker knit clothes don’t quite compete with pricier brands, they do meet the satisfaction bar. As for fit, most items match their sizes well. But watch out – some pieces might end up shorter than expected.

What stands out about Cider though are their unique styles and bold options, offering a change from regular daily-wear clothes.

Making your shopping experience at Cider a good one requires vigilance on a few points. Reading product reviews carefully, using Cider’s sizing guide, and being ready to take care of the garments after buying will all help. Tops in the popularity chart for customers are blouses, dresses, coats, and good-looking sweaters.

When looking at its place in the fast fashion arena, Cider turns out trendy clothes really quick. They promise that they use production methods that are eco-friendly and can keep up with on-the-spot demand. They are seen as superior to other fast fashion players like Shein in terms of quality. Yet, thoughts about the durability of the products vary among buyers.

First off, is Cider a scam?

Simply put, no. Though I won’t say it’s the gold medal of online clothing stores, they don’t steal your money, send you fake clothes, or purposefully hold back your order, at least not in my experience. It’s a legitimate clothing company, and my experience was pretty cut and dry. Online shop for hours. Have a shopping cart that’s way out of budget. Spend more time narrowing it down. Fork over money. Receive my clothes in a timely manner.

Why I wanted to try out Cider

Though I think I’m a bit older than the targeted audience (it’s aimed at Gen Z), I’m not immune to a targeted ad every now and then. I’m only human, after all. On Instagram, I kept seeing these adorable tweed sets in my stories, and I’ll admit, I got really interested.

Their goal was accomplished, and I headed over to their website, seeing more unique styles that I hadn’t really seen before. All for an amazing price! The customer reviews seemed pretty good, too. I kept eyeing these pieces and decided to pull the plug.

It’s worth mentioning that you get free shipping on orders over $49. Also, I followed the size chart so I didn’t end up with anything two sizes too small.

My experience

I love the unique styles at an affordable price tag. They have different collections, also called drops, tailored to specific styles. Whether you are “feeling sophisticated” or “feeling retro,” you’re bound to find 2 (or 20) items that give you all the heart eyes. These are the items that gave me the heart eyes!

Knitted Casual Suit

I’m always on the hunt for comfortable and cute work-from-home outfits since both of my jobs (mom and online business owner) involve being home-like all of the time. This set caught my eye for the chic and neutral look while also being a comfy knit material.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a big winner. The button closure of the cardigan didn’t lay flat, but that’s not the end of the world if you wear it open. The shorts had a little bit of a weird fit, with the crotch having a strange bubble bulge. Maybe it’s just me, but otherwise, it looked cute and felt comfortable!

Stripe Knitted Vest

I loved the idea of this sweater vest as a spring-to-summer transition piece. Unfortunately, it had the same issue of the button closure not laying flat. It didn’t feel tight on me, but it looks way better on the model!

You could wear this open, however, and it would look French girl chic over a swimsuit with denim shorts, red cat-eye sunglasses, and a straw bag in the summer.

Contrasting Trim Knit Cardigan + Contrasting Trim Knit Pants

Okay, so I loved this one and was very pleased! If Chanel were to lounge around the house, I bet this is what she’d wear.

Though it had a few stray threads, the quality overall seemed good, and with nude undergarments, it wouldn’t be see-through. I liked the fit and comfort, but I loved the style even more!

Knit Mid Waist Shorts + Knit Long Sleeve Cardigan + Knit Tank Top

This set is incredibly cute and close to being perfect, with a few small cons. It’s a bit scratchy and the buttons are a little wonky on the tank top, but it’s not too bad and maybe worth overlooking for the cuteness of the set!

The fit of the shorts was a little weird around the crotch for me, but if you are just wearing the shorts at home then it may not be a big issue. Also, I love how you can break this up and wear the top set with jeans for a classy chic look.

+ Letter C Beanie + Letter C Baker Boy Hat

Though I’m pretty sure “C” is meant for their shop name, I’m just pretending that it stands for “Carolyn” and “chic”. So cute!

Though the beanie is a little on the tight side, I think it will stretch out and they seemed pretty well made!

Related: I’m Really Picky With Clothes-Here’s My Amazon Prime Personal Shopper Review

Is Cider good quality?

Well….not totally. As I previously said, I’m pretty picky about clothes and this is a no-frills review. The majority of my order had loose threads or a weird fit. I even didn’t picture a pair of pants in this post where the button popped off the first time I ever tried to put them on.

On most of my sweaters, the button closure wouldn’t lay flat, even though I got the proper size. It wasn’t tight enough to pull and gape, yet it looked like it was. Also, on some of the shorts, the crotch seemed really off.

But with that being said, I can’t say that everything was bad. You know the saying, you get what you pay for. Some of my items at the higher price points were of nice quality!

As far as fast-fashion companies go, they do have a pretty unique standpoint. They are committed to a pre-order model, meaning when you “preorder items”, your item isn’t made until it’s paid for. This is meant to reduce waste and the fast fashion practice of making clothes in bulk.

Final Verdict | Cider Clothing Review

Though it’s a Hong Kong brand, it doesn’t take long to get your clothes if you live in the United States. I had some problems with my order, but customer service helped resolve the problem for me in a few days.

If you are on a budget, want cute clothes, and aren’t all that picky about quality and fit, then this may be the best place for you. Shop here for a special occasion or to add a few unique and trendy items to your wardrobe, but I would avoid shopping here too much and filling your wardrobe with these pieces.

So, don’t consider this an entirely negative review. Their new products are tempting and their sale prices even more so. Just don’t expect the world and know that you may be taking a bit of a risk, as the quality is lacking on some pieces.

What I do recommend though is building a timeless wardrobe and filling your wardrobe with staple pieces in order to have a chic and timeless aesthetic!

Up Next: 17 Items You Need for Your Classic French Capsule Wardrobe

The post A No-Frills Cider Clothing Review appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

Just a gentle reminder that a postpartum belt shouldn’t rush you into thinking you need to “bounce back” to normal (but really, does that actually even happen?). I like to think of a postpartum belt as support for your abdominal muscles and if it helps with your body confidence? Then that’s just a bonus. Also, this is not medical advice. Please seek your provider or physical therapist for medical advice if you have issues like diastasis recti.

What is a postpartum belt?

A postpartum belt, also called a postpartum belly band, is a waist belt that new moms wear around their waist to give support to their (now very much weakened) core muscles.

A postpartum belt can get a bad rap because it’s associated with waist trainers or cinchers. You know, those potentially dangerous things that women use to physically alter their body into an hourglass shape? Not to be confused, a postpartum belt has velcro straps instead of eye closures. You are not cinching yourself up and some products even come with a pelvis belt to add extra support to your hip area.

A true pregnancy belly band is not meant to be one of those body shapers and instead, it’s meant to provide good support. Think of it as a postpartum recovery belt instead.

Where did a postpartum belt come from?

Thanks to the internet, it seems like this is a new phenomenon, but actually, the original postpartum belt was actually an abdominal binder, long strips of cloth tied firmly around a mother’s midsection after giving birth.

It’s an ancient art, originating in Europe. Pregnancy belly wraps are the most popular in African, Asian, and Hispanic cultures. Some of the benefits they believed it offered were that it contracted the uterus, sped up weight loss, reduced swelling, and tightened skin and abdominal muscles.

My Experience- 1st Baby

Right after having my first child, I stood up from the hospital bed and I found it so hard to breathe. I could feel my stomach drop (such a weird feeling) and all my insides felt disorganized. Well, because they kind of were.

I was new to this whole postpartum thing so I didn’t bring the postpartum belt with me, but as soon as I got home, I put it on. Instantly, I felt like I could breathe. It held my stomach together (and up haha) and I felt like I had some support. Even if it was just for that perk, I knew it would be worth it.

I wore it mostly all day (not to sleep), for about 4-8 weeks, and it worked just fine for all my daily activities. I even wore it under my loose tops out of the house, as it acted like shapewear in a way. This postpartum corset, or belt, ended up being a really good idea for my postpartum recovery. So much I bought it twice!

Related:
10 Affordable Postpartum Swimsuits To Hide a Belly Pooch
4 Stylish Mom Outfits That You Can Wear at Home and Out

My Experience- 2nd Baby

I threw it away after using it for my first baby. Not because I didn’t like it, but to be honest, it was a little icky. Since I wore it so much it had some milk stains and sweat stains (I know, gross, sorry), and since it’s affordable enough, I reasoned I could just buy it again.

The second time around, I brought it to the hospital and I was really glad I did. It was nice to have that extra support and gentle compression right away. I wore this one for about 4-8 weeks postpartum as well. Once I felt like my internal organs were somewhat normal and my stomach was shrinking, I stopped wearing it.

Okay, so does it actually work?

Well, research would tell you that there is no science to actually back this up. And to some extent, I agree. Wearing a stretchy material around your waist for a long time does not make you lose weight or fat. Diet, exercise, and time do that.

But what I think it does do for postpartum moms, is that it speeds up the compression of your uterus, helping it to return back to normal size faster, speeding up recovery, and healing you to appear thinner. Though I can’t prove it exactly, I’ve used a postpartum belt twice, and I’m 100% convinced it’s had an impact on my stomach slimming down quicker.

This is the specific one I got. I think it’s probably the best postpartum girdle because it works without having to spend an arm and a leg on it. I also really liked the velcro fasteners, as they allowed me to tighten it a little more each time as I felt comfortable.

I think it’s worth every penny, though keep in mind that because it’s so inexpensive, it might not last as long and could start to look a little old quicker. But most women do not wear it for more than a few months so you may not find that to be an issue.

Many other women have reported it helping with their lower back pain and promoting good posture. I personally did not have any skin irritation, but it could potentially happen.

Pros:

• Helps promote healing- less pain
• Belly support
• Back support
• Helps your uterus to shrink

Cons:

• Could cause skin irritation
• May feel cumbersome to wear

Overall, I loved the gentle support and light compression. I think it’s the best way to feel more “put together” after labor and it can be a key healing component to your postpartum period. I definitely recommend a postpartum belt!

Though you may choose to go the opposite route and pick loose clothing instead of compression leggings and postpartum belts, and that’s totally up to you. Every mom is different! If you want more tips on how to dress your postpartum bod, keep reading!

Up Next: Postpartum Wardrobe Essentials To Look and Feel Stylish

The post Postpartum Belt Review (I’ve Tried it Twice!) appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

What made Everlane popular?

Everlane launched in 2010 and has since been a huge success in the fashion industry for its modern basics. They aren’t big on trends and fast fashion and instead, make it their mission to design clothes that last, using high-quality materials such as organic cotton and Grade A cashmere.

Everlane is one of the top ethical brands as they thoroughly vet their factories before partnering and make sure the workers in these ethical factories have fair wages and a good working environment.

Their radical transparency comes into play as they are very honest about the working of their supply chain. From where they source their materials, to what factory things are made, how much transportation costs, and even how much they mark it up.

In a fashion world of ethically questionable practices, cheap clothes, fast fashion, and excessive consumerism, many people have appreciated the quality and sustainable practices of Everlane and the higher standard they hold themselves to.

Why I started shopping from Everlane

Though I care about fair trade, ethical fashion, and workers having a decent living wage, admittedly, I got into Everlane not necessarily because it was one of the top sustainable fashion brands, but because I was looking to invest in my wardrobe and I wanted high quality, but still accessible clothing items. As you may know, I’m very passionate about good wardrobe basics, as they are the foundation of any timeless wardrobe.

Frustrated with how long my cheaper clothes would last (or really, didn’t last), I started looking at sustainable clothing brands as I knew they created better quality clothes. Yes, Everlane marks up their clothes (it’s a business after all), but I find it to be a pretty fair price for the quality you are getting. They are still not cheap, however, so I like to shop clearance and wait for sales.

Now that I’ve purchased several pieces and worn Everlane for about a year, I thought it was time to do a review!

Everlane Sustainable Clothing Review

tee | trench coat | jeans (not Everlane) | boots

Tees:

Hello, my name is Carolyn and I’m a basic tee addict. Ha, but really though…

I love basic tees and I’ve purchased several from Everlane. Overall, I think their tees are good but pretty basic. Yeah, sure, it’s a basic tee so you shouldn’t expect much, but they are on the thin to average side.

That being said, they have lasted longer than my tees from H&M, so I think for under $25 it’s a good buy and I’ll continue to purchase!

Related: The Best Women’s Classic White T-shirts That Aren’t See-Through (I Tried Them so You Don’t Have to)

Outerwear:

trench coat

This trench coat is one of my favorite items in my wardrobe, so I’m sure you can guess this review will be favorable. It is double lined but not very thick, which is ideal for an in-between weather outerwear option like a trench coat. I will admit it seems a little overpriced, but the fit is spot on and it doesn’t look cheap.

It will be a well-loved item for any woman with a classic, Parisian aesthetic!

Since my clothing items are older, this trench coat seems to be their newest version.

Shoes:

loafers | boots

As I said, my clothes are about a year old, so, unfortunately, the boots are almost sold out (if they aren’t already). I took a chance ordering these somewhat pricey boots on final sale (so no return), but it paid off.

Such supple leather, so comfortable, and so well made they convinced me to order more shoes-so the loafers came next. Though the loafers run a little narrow and I wished I sized up, the quality is apparent and they’re still a well-loved item in my wardrobe.

So, to answer the question. Does Everlane have good basics for your wardrobe? Definitely yes! I think they are a quality option if you are looking for good wardrobe basics. However, even though they mark their clothes up less than other retailers, some may still find them to be a little pricey. Waiting for sales or shopping clearance is not a bad idea!

There are a few other sustainable brands that use eco-friendly materials, reduce their carbon footprint, and have a good environmental impact on the world such as:

Top Sustainable Clothing Brands

• Organic Basics
• Eileen Fisher
• Madewell
• Nudie Jeans
• Reformation
• Girlfriend Collective
• Shopping second hand- reusing and rewearing is probably the most sustainable thing you can do! No organic materials or sustainable fibers needed.

Related:
10 Tips for Thrift Store Shopping to Find Amazing Things!
Cute & Affordable Sustainable Clothing That Won’t Break the Bank

Everlane has more affordable prices, while Eileen Fisher is on the higher-end side. Everlane has similar styles to Madewell, and I find myself shopping between the two as they are a pretty similar brand.

Though some of these brands are more open about their production process than others, all of these would be a great option for those looking for the best sustainable clothing brands!

Whether you wear strictly sustainable materials or not, I think we all can appreciate the power of some good wardrobe staples. Shopping less, but purchasing higher-quality materials is usually the better choice for a long-term, classic wardrobe. If you want to see the top wardrobe essentials you should have, then keep reading!

Up Next: Capsule Wardrobe Ideas | 10 Pieces of Clothing to Mix and Match

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Do you have to have a Prime membership to use this service?

Yes, you need to have an Amazon account and be an Amazon Prime member to use the Personal Shopper service.

How does Amazon personal shopper work?

Personal shopper is a prime wardrobe service that allows you to use a fashion stylist to pick out new things for your wardrobe. Based on your style profile (body shape, budget, preferences, and needs), a personal stylist will have a curated selection of pieces for you to add to your wardrobe.

From that selection, you can choose up to 8 items to get shipped to you for free so you can try them on in the comfort of your own home. You have up to 7 days to decide what you want to keep and you’ll only get charged for the pieces that you didn’t send back. Returns are easy with their supplied prepaid shipping label.

How much does Amazon prime personal shopper cost?

With an existing prime membership, the styling fee is only $4.99 per month. There is no time commitment and you can cancel anytime. It’s “try before you buy” as well, so you do not have to pay for any clothes upfront, and you only pay for what you keep.

You send back unwanted items for free since they have a prepaid return label. Amazon frequently offers coupons that will give you $10 off a purchase of $50 or more.

How do I sign up for Amazon prime personal shopper?

It can be a little tricky to find it. Though admittedly, I sometimes have trouble finding things on here anyway since the site is so large. I found it easiest to just google it to be taken directly there instead of filtering through the different drop-down menus. To save you time, here’s the direct link for you.

How long does this take?

It won’t be done at the same speed as Amazon prime, aka 2 days, but why should it? You’re dealing with a real person here! That being said, it still felt speedy quick to me and Amazon lets you know exactly what and when to expect. It took up to 4 days to receive my stylist’s picks. My choices were then shipped out within a few days and it took up to 5 days to see the package at my doorstep.

Is Amazon Personal Shopper a real person and what does an Amazon stylist do?

Yes, your Amazon stylist is a real person. Amazon’s fashion stylists come from backgrounds in fashion, retail, editorial, styling, and other creative fields. They are trained to select items based on fit, color, styling, seasonal and current trends.

Your amazon stylist will review your profile to curate selections based on what you are looking for, within your budget, style, shape, and preferences.

Why I wanted to try it

I have the training of a personal stylist and I’ve been working online in the fashion world for years, so it’s safe to say that I have a good handle on my personal style and I know what I like. Not only that, but shopping doesn’t stress me out and it’s not a chore. It’s fun! So why try out this service?

Well, I usually shop from the same fashion brands and purchase the same things. Basic tee? Check. Blazer? Check.

And though I’ll never stray from my love of classic fashion, I was curious what the addition of the personal shopper would be to my wardrobe. What would a stylist pick for me? Would I love it? Would they introduce me to some new styles that I might not have originally picked out myself?

Amazon Fashion has a large selection of in-house brands to choose from. From luxury designers to budget-friendly, and even their own Amazon Essentials brand, there’s a lot of great variety and I thought it would be fun to try out some different brands and styles.

Okay, now here’s what it looks like step by step.

Once you sign up, they’ll prompt you to fill out a short survey to help you maximize your personal styling service.

First, you’ll take a style quiz so your stylist can get a better feel of your aesthetic and style preferences. They’ll even ask you for your social media too, so your stylist can check it out to get an idea about your day-to-day style. You’ll be asked how much you typically spend on clothing items so you don’t get offered pieces that are way out of your budget (or vice versa).

Your body type and comfort level are all taken into consideration too.

Towards the end of the survey, you can tell your stylist exactly what you’re online shopping for and request certain items, such as shoes or bottoms, or you can note what you don’t want.

I asked for “elevated basics” and within a few days, I got notified that my picks were ready. At first glance, I thought, “I would never get this”, but then I reasoned in my head, that’s the point-to try something new.

Even though I could have selected 8 items to try on at home, I only picked 5. Some I knew I was for sure not going to keep so I didn’t want to waste anyone’s time.

Here are the 5 pieces I chose!

1. The Drop Women’s Manon Faux Leather Wrap Front Midi Skirt

Okay, so I loved this skirt! It fit well, the material was soo soft, and I love me a flattering wrap detail. To me, it embodies edgy chic and elevated basic perfectly. The only reason I didn’t keep it is because I couldn’t think of when I would actually wear it. I really only want things in my wardrobe that I’d wear regularly, but I was very pleased with this skirt otherwise.

2. Amazon Essentials Women’s Water-Resistant Collar Coat

This coat didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It felt a little cheap and flimsy and I would maybe spend $20 on this, not $40. Coats are something that I invest in, so I didn’t see why I’d keep this one when I have other great options. I have a few other Amazon Essentials pieces that I like so I don’t think this coat is representative of their whole line.

3. ANRABESS Women’s Long Sleeve Ribbed Sweater Dress Turtleneck Slim Fit Slit Midi Dress

This dress is beautifulllll! The material felt nice and thick and I love the high neck with the long length. It balances out the form-fitting silhouette nicely. Not to mention, the sweater material is very comfortable too.

My only hesitation is that since it’s a bodycon dress, it was a little too clingy in the tummy area for my liking. If it weren’t for that, then this is a dress I would have definitely kept, and probably purchased in several colors.

4. The Drop Women’s Josephine Long Sleeve Cutout Loose Turtleneck Sweater

This is not a piece that I would have picked out for myself, but I was glad that I tried it. I don’t have many trendy pieces and it’s fun to shake it up! The material was a good amount of thickness and very soft.

I didn’t keep this one because, in my midwest winters, the style doesn’t really make sense. I’d wear a turtleneck like this in the winter, but when it’s winter here it’s freezing. So the cutout I think is a little odd for my climate. This top would be great for someone with mild winters though and it really is cute.

5. Berydress Women’s Classic 3/4 Sleeve V Neck Sheath Casual Party Work Faux Black Wrap Dress

This dress was almost perfect. When Titus saw me in it he said, “WOW! You’re going to keep this one, right?” It’s a beautiful dress, ladies. Classy and flattering, it would be perfect for work, church, or a special occasion. Plus, it’s not revealing (on those with a smaller bust).

My small gripe is the placement of the zipper. It looks awkward dangling under the armpit and I am very picky about these things. If they moved the zipper to the back of the dress, I just know I’d snatch this up in every color.

My thoughts

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by my “first box”. Though there were a lot of “almost” items for me, that is because of the type of fashion item itself, not necessarily the service. With a few tweaks of each clothing item, I could have seen myself keeping almost all of them.

I won’t be keeping my subscription for another month, but that’s only because I don’t need anything right now. This service was fun, easy, low cost, and I’d totally do it again to try out new clothing styles and brands!

Conclusion

Amazon prime personal shopper is a great way to get the help of a fashion stylist with low risk and low cost. You can get a new work wardrobe, break out of a styling rut, or find your new favorite pieces. Though you may not get styled outfit ideas and the full range of other styling services, it’s a great option for those that want to try out a service like this without a lot of cost or commitment.

All in all, would I say it’s worth it? Yes. If you enjoyed my Amazon Prime personal shopper review and you’re ready to dive into some others, keep reading!

Up Next:
La Mer Skincare Review | Miracle Products or Just Really Good Marketing?

Calvin Klein Handbags Reviews | What You Need to Know

My Honest Good American Jeans Review

The post I’m Really Picky With Clothes-Here’s My Amazon Prime Personal Shopper Review appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

What Makes Up a Classic Tee?

The right classic white t-shirt is a wardrobe staple. It can be dressed up or down, whether you’re wearing it out to dinner with friends or while you’re running errands on the weekends.

The beauty of a classic tee is that it can look good on its own but can also be a great layering piece. Generally, the perfect white t-shirt is semi-fitted with short sleeves. This means it’s not too oversized, boxy, super long (like a tunic), or cropped. The shorter sleeve length allows for more styling opportunities too – you can wear it with denim shorts in the summer or layered under a cardigan in the fall.

Fabric-wise, when it comes to selecting the best white t-shirts, a high quality cotton or a cotton blend is the best material to choose in a simple finish. This means avoiding waffle or rib knit, as these choices can read more “cold weather” than year-round. Those aren’t bad materials, of course, but they shouldn’t replace your basic cotton tee staple.

Also, when it comes to building your wardrobe with staples, you want to avoid a slub material or vintage look. This can be a great addition later on, but it can give too much of a casual look and if you just have the budget for one shirt, make it a crisp white tee!

In this post, I’m testing out minimal crewneck white t-shirts without pockets, raw hems, holes, contrast stitching, or other embellishments. A plain white tee is going to be the unsung hero of your wardrobe.

Why crewneck? Thanks to its chest and neck coverage, a classic crewneck is the most timeless and versatile option. You can wear them in summer as well as the winter, whereas a v-neck might be a little too bare for winter.

However, for those who like to dress specifically for their body type, keep in mind that if you are an inverted triangle, hourglass, rectangle, or oval, you may find a v-neck to be slightly more flattering as it opens your neck, highlights your collar bone, and breaks up your upper half.

Need help understanding the different body shapes and how to dress in the best way for yours? I have a resource I created for you here!

Okay, let’s get into it!

Testing Out T-Shirts to Find the Best Women’s Classic White T-shirts That Aren’t See-Through

1. Everlane The Organic Cotton Crew

• Sheerness: This one is see-through, though I shouldn’t be surprised. It says it’s “slightly sheer” right on the website. Whoops, missed that one.
• Comfort: It’s soft and lightweight. Not great for non-see-through t-shirts, but it’d be a great warm-weather pick.
• Fit/Style: I love the fit of this particular tee. It’s boyish yet doesn’t hide your figure – a real classic fit in my opinion.
• Verdict: It’s the sheerest one on this list so I can’t say it wins the award, but if you were to tuck in your tee and wear a nude bra, the sheerness would be nearly undetectable. Sheerness aside, this t-shirt has a flattering fit of feminine yet not too fitted.

2. Gap The Modern Crewneck T-Shirt (off-white)

• Sheerness: Though not as sheer as the one above it (you can’t see my flesh here), it feels sheer because you can see my bra outline, due to the slim fit.
• Comfort: Though it’s only 58% cotton with a remaining blend that feels like jersey and spandex, the comfort is unmatched.
• Fit/Style: Oofta! I am wearing my normal size (small), but it is very tight. Another thing to note is the longer sleeves – this sleeve length may potentially be slightly less flattering than a standard length.
• Verdict: Sizing up could help, but this option is the tightest one on this list and tight/thin enough to see bra lines. That being said, it is the stretchiest one on this list and very comfortable! Though I wouldn’t choose to wear this one on its own, I would layer it under something else, such as cardigans, sleeveless jumpsuits, and even dresses.

2024 Update – Gap Modern Crewneck T-Shirt (fresh white)

Because the previous t-shirt from Gap is out of stock, I am now comparing the new version of their best seller!

• Sheerness: Though the shirt looks almost identical, this fabric seems slightly thicker, making it even less sheer than their previous option.
• Comfort: Thanks to cotton, modal, and spandex, this cult-favorite Gap shirt is still as comfortable as ever! The nice fabric weight makes it feel durable too.
• Fit/Style: This newer version has big improvements made in the sizing and general fit. Though I’m wearing my same size (small), it feels looser and not as skin-tight. A larger chest may need to size up as you can still see undergarment lines. The longer length of the sleeves hasn’t changed and may be odd to some, though it’s all a matter of personal preference.
• Verdict: The price point (under $25 and often on sale) makes this a top contender for a durable non-see-through shirt. However, next, you’ll have to focus on the right seamless undergarments to avoid seeing bra lines.

3. Banana Republic SUPIMA® Cotton Crew-Neck T-Shirt

• Sheerness: Besides the blue jeans peeking through, you can’t see my bra or my flesh. And if you tuck in the tee or bunch it up a bit, you can’t even see the jeans!
• Comfort: It is soft, breathable, and comfortable to wear.
• Fit/Style: This one has a nice fit. It reminds me of the Everlane tee and it’s feminine but not super fitted.
• Verdict: This one is a solid option! You can’t see flesh or bra and when half-tucked, you can’t see any blue jeans either.

2024 Update – Banana Republic Supima® Crew-Neck T-Shirt

Because Banana Republic updated their best seller shirt, I’m updating my review too!

• Sheerness: Unfortunately, it seems like their newer version got slightly thinner, making it look a little bit more sheer.
• Comfort: This 100% Supima cotton shirt still feels very soft and breathable.
• Fit/Style: With a nice sleeve length and relaxed fit, this still has the perfect cut!
• Verdict: The cut makes this one of my favorite t-shirts, though the price is high for something slightly sheer. However, I have several Banana Republic pieces and they are of higher quality than other retailers, so I know that this would still be a durable t-shirt.

4. Banana Republic Luxe Touch Crew-Neck T-Shirt

• Sheerness: This t-shirt is the thickest one on the list. You can barely see the jeans too, making this the best non-see-through t-shirt!
• Comfort: The comfort is good, yet the sleeves are just slightly too tight. It’s not unbearable and doesn’t cut off circulation, but they are not as boxy as the other sleeves.
• Fit/Style: It fits well, but since the sleeves are slightly longer and more fitted, it looks less boxy, boyish, and relaxed than the others. That’s not a bad thing per se, it all comes down to personal preference.
• Verdict: This top is the thickest (and most expensive) t-shirt on this list. If you want something that isn’t see-through, this would be the best option.

2024 Update – Banana Republic Refined Shrunken T-Shirt

Though that shirt is now out of stock, I found the next best thing to compare!

• Sheerness: Just like its predecessor, this shirt is thick enough to feel like it covers almost everything. You’ll want to wear a seamless bra, however!
• Comfort: With a cotton and spandex mix, this shirt feels equal amounts soft yet stretchy.
• Fit/Style: Though I prefer slightly shorter sleeves, it has a nice fit and is true to size.
• Verdict: With the right bra, this shirt is a top contender and a great wardrobe essential. As a bonus, this one comes in different colors too.

5. Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

• Sheerness: Comparable to the BR best-seller, it has a nice fabric weight, but is borderline slightly sheer.
• Comfort: It isn’t as soft as the other options, but it’s not uncomfortable either.
• Fit/Style: I had to size up (M) because my size was unavailable, but I’m not the biggest fan of the fit. It seems too boxy and unflattering, but that could also be because it’s a size too big for me.
• Verdict: Not my favorite t-shirt as far as fit and comfort, but the material is thick and barely see-through, even overlapped over jeans.

2024 Update – Uniqlo Supima® Cotton Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Because the previous t-shirt’s link has been removed, I’m reviewing the brand’s current version of the Supima cotton t-shirt.

• Sheerness: If you are wearing any type of white or colored bra, you’ll definitely be able to see right through it. If I had to give it a rating, with 1 being see-through and 10 being non-see-through, I’d give it a 5.7.
• Comfort: You can tell that it’s a higher grade of cotton as it’s very comfortable!
• Fit/Style: I was able to get my normal size this time (S) and it has a much more flattering fit. It strikes the right balance between form-fitted and “drowning in it”.
• Verdict: Though it won’t be completely non-see-through, for the price, it’s a good value pick.

6. Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

• Sheerness: This one is definitely thicker than the first Everlane tee I tried and doesn’t seem see-through. Plus, because it’s boxier, it doesn’t hug your chest or show any bra outlines either!
• Comfort: It’s not the softest on the list, but that is to be expected with it being a thicker material.
• Fit/Style: The sleeves are a little longer and less fitted, but it’s great if you like the boxy fit.
• Verdict: Though this option is more of a relaxed, boxy fit instead of a classic fit, the reviews said it wasn’t see-through and I wanted to see for myself. After trying it out myself, I’d say it’s accurate. This is one of Everlane’s thicker tees and it’s a good one!

7. Madewell Northside Vintage Tee

• Sheerness: Though the sheerness, though present, isn’t that bad, it does remind me of a slub tee slightly.
• Comfort: All in all – comfy and easy to wear.
• Fit/Style: Slightly off-white and relaxed, this does seem like a vintage tee to me and is a good option if that’s what you’re going for.
• Verdict: Naturally a shrunken fit, it’s best to size up if you want something slightly bigger. Perhaps not as classic as the others, but a good option if you have a vintage aesthetic.

8. Uniqlo U Crew Neck T-Shirt

New year, so why not add a new one to the mix?

• Sheerness: This ranks high and is one of the best (if not the best) options for a non-see-through shirt!
• Comfort: Because it’s not as sheer, it is thick. I’m wearing a small and it’s a little stiff, but could perhaps soften up with regular wear. It would be even better if it were more comfortable, but it may be worth it for the quality and thickness.
• Fit/Style: The thickness is comparable to the Banana Republic tees which is a good thing if you like sturdy, durable feeling tops. It’s worth noting that this top has a more exaggerated crewneck collar, which makes it look slightly less timeless.
• Verdict: All in all, wow! This is very similar to the best-selling Banana Republic top at less than half of the price.

What’s the Best White T-Shirt That’s Not See-Through?

If you were to wear a nude bra and tuck in your shirt, then these may all classify as the best women’s white t-shirts that aren’t see-through! Tried on in natural light (with a few other eyewitnesses), the see-throughness of these tees was little to nonexistent. The biggest issue in these tops was visible bra lines – not so much seeing the color of the bra.

However, there are some that are thicker than others with a slightly different style. I’ll break it down for you even more.

Final Ranking

Thickest materials and most non-see-through: Uniqlo, Banana Republic
The stretchiest: Gap Tee
The thinnest: Everlane Organic Tee
Most feminine fit: Banana Republic Tee, Gap Tee
Boxiest fit: Everlane Tee
Most classic: Banana Republic Supima®, Banana Republic Refined, Uniqlo Supima®
Most vintage: Madewell Tee
Most expensive: Banana Republic ($50.00)
Most inexpensive: Uniqlo ($14.90)

How to Wear Your Shirt in the Best Way:

• You may think that wearing a white bra or tank underneath your shirt is what you should do if you don’t want it to be sheer. That’s actually false! The color white highlights, reflects, and attracts. You are better off wearing a nude bra or one that is as close to your skin tone as possible.

• You may be wondering, “What is a t-shirt bra, and do I need one?” It’s not just fancy marketing from a company pushing something on you that you may not need. It can actually be very helpful. A t-shirt bra has smooth and seamless cups so you don’t see lines under a tight t-shirt. These bras are typically plain, solid-colored, smooth, have no detailing, and are sometimes underwire-free.

According to Amazon reviewers, this is one of the best affordable t-shirt bras with over 18k 5-star reviews!

Helpful Tips to Follow When Shopping for Your Best White Tee:

Just in case you don’t end up purchasing a classic white tee on this list, I still want to give you some helpful tips when shopping for your own white t-shirts that aren’t see-through!

• Read Between the Lines

Some clothing retailers give you a clue as to how light or see-through their clothes might be, just in the product name. For example, Madewell’s “whisper” tees are very light. J.Crew’s “tissue” tops are very thin. These keywords are a good indicator that an item’s material may be light, thin, and see-through.

• Know Your Materials

Slub is a popular, current t-shirt style that offers a casual and trendy look thanks to its irregular “lumpy” material. However, slub fabric is also very light and airy. So if you are looking for a non-see-through white t-shirt, then it’s usually best to avoid materials such as slub.

• Read the Clothing Description

Many retailers will note how sheer something is on their website. If you’re not looking for something sheer, then reading this first can save you a return trip!

• Shop at Places With a Good Return Policy

You can’t really trust the sheerness (or lack thereof) of how a t-shirt looks online. Though I don’t think clothing retailers are out to deceive, the way something looks with fancy studio lights is probably going to look a lot different when you’re trying something on in your own home.

Unless you plan on having around 10 white t-shirts (which I now do after this post!), then make sure the place has a reasonable return policy and avoid shopping final sale.

A Few More Things:

• You may notice that in most of these photos, you can see the top of the jeans when the shirt is hanging over it. I took that photo on purpose so you can see it, but to me, that doesn’t make something non-see-through. I am classifying a white t-shirt that isn’t see-through by wearing a nude/neutral/skin-colored bra underneath and not being able to see the color or your flesh.
• These photos have not been edited (besides cropping and sharpening) and were taken in natural light.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve found the best women’s white t-shirts that aren’t see-through, it’s time to keep building your wardrobe with other staples! One great way to do that is through a capsule wardrobe and focusing on the minimalist basics. Up Next: Minimalist Wardrobe Checklist: The Essentials for a Functional, Timeless Wardrobe

The post The Best Women’s Classic White T-shirts That Aren’t See-Through (I Tried Them so You Don’t Have to) appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.

Behind the brand

Gabrielle Chanel had a passion to inspire women and create chic clothing that would enhance and fit into their daily lives. A one of a kind businesswoman, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel started her business in 1910 by opening a hat boutique. Her reputation started to grow as famous French actresses wore her pieces. Boutique after boutique opened and 10 years later, she launched the first Chanel perfume which was, you guessed it, Chanel No. 5.

After the success of No. 5, Coco launched more perfumes, and soon, makeup and skincare followed. In 1927, a full range of skincare was available. Chanel products are made with some of the highest quality materials and throughout the decades, the name and reputation of Coco Chanel have only grown. Today, this luxury powerhouse is worth 13.2 billion dollars.

My Chanel products

I’ll be reviewing Healthy Light Creator Oil, N°5 EAU DE Parfum Spray, ROUGE COCO Ultra Hydrating Lip Color, LA CREME MAIN Hand Cream, and LE VOLUME DE CHANEL Mascara.

Product Packaging

It’s no surprise that Chanel has aesthetics down. Everything looks high-end and chic. The oil and perfume are bottled in glass, and the rest of the products are in plastic. The hand cream is a little trickier to use, however. The cap can be a little difficult to pull off and you have to squeeze pretty hard to get your lotion to come out.

My Chanel Skincare Reviews

*I used these products for over a month before writing this review

CHANEL LE BLANC HUILE Healthy Light Creator Oil

What it is: “A three-in-one face oil that revitalizes, brightens and restores skin.”

What it does: “Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, leaving skin looking 37% more nourished, 22% more radiant and 20% brighter (all in a clinical evaluation of 31 women after four weeks of use).”

Who it’s for: All skin types such as dehydrated skin, combination skin, or sensitive skin.

Ingredients: Some recognizable ingredients are jojoba seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and squalane. The star ingredient here is ume flower extract. This brand grows its own ume flower and takes it through a specific process to harvest only the best quality parts. You can get a full list of ingredients on their website.

Scent: There is parfum (fragrance) in all of their products, so be aware if you have sensitive skin. This one has a very light floral scent.

How to Use: Day or night, apply alone to your face followed with a moisturizer if desired, or blend with a cream or liquid foundation.

My Thoughts: This product will last you a very long time as you don’t need much! For the day, I mixed just a few drops with my moisturizer to give myself a little glow and at night, I apply the oil directly on my face. This is not an oil you want to dab on your lips as you’ll taste perfume all day (ask me how I know haha). Overall, I like it. It’s moisturizing and didn’t make me look shiny or feel oily hours after.

What Women are Saying
Positive: “Immediate results, can’t wait to see after four weeks. My skin glowed. I used this under my foundation. Let us soak in for ten minutes. Also, use very little. Great face oil.”
Negative: “Although this is a really good product, for someone with dry skin, I wish this was a bit heavier. It absorbs well but found I had to put one a second oil to get the hydration I needed. Otherwise, this would work well for someone with normal to oily skin.”

CHANEL N°5 EAU DE Parfum Spray

What it is: “An abstract, mysterious scent alive with countless subtle facets that radiate an extravagant floral richness.”

Notes: May rose, jasmine, citrus, aldehydes, bourbon vanilla.

My Thoughts: Though technically not skincare, this perfume happens to be one of their best-selling items. This is the first scent Coco created and it was the beginning of the beauty empire. I really really wanted to love this because well, it’s iconic. But unfortunately, I find the smell to be a little too “mature” if you know what I mean. I don’t know how else to say this, but in my opinion, it smells like what some people would describe as an old lady. Scents are so tricky. They can smell different to everyone and not only that but smell different on everyone too. So while that smells like that on me, someone else could bring out the wonderful vanilla notes it has!

What Women are Saying
Positive: “Chanel No 5 smells amazing and has great lasting power. It smells slightly different on everyone too, which I think is a good thing. Some scents are so recognizable that you don’t give them a chance because you associate them with someone else’s “signature”, but that’s not the case with No 5. My mom and best friend also wear No 5, and we’re always asked individually what perfume we’re wearing. Highly recommend this timeless fragrance!“
Negative: “The scent gives me headache.”

Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color (444 Gabrielle)

What it is: “An iconic lipstick that delivers beautiful color and hydration to lips all day long.”

What it does: “Its formula combines three vegetable waxes that include mimosa, jojoba and sunflower to hydrate, nourish and ensure immediate and lasting comfort. Silicone wax delivers a sensorial experience, allowing the soft formula to glide on easily and fuse with lips. A polymer film and silicone microbeads encourage lasting hold and boosted shine.”

Ingredients: Some recognizable ingredients are jojoba esters, sunflower seed oil, and synthetic wax.

How to use: Apply directly to lips. For an accentuated look, follow by tracing your lip colors with a lip pencil or crayon.

My thoughts: I love this color and it’s very hydrating and creamy! It doesn’t make your lips feel stiff or dry. It’s almost like a lip balm but with the color of lipstick. It does not last all day, however. I found that I needed to reapply after 3 hours. However, I was eating and drinking during this time.

What women are saying
Positive: I had given up on lipsticks…they did not stay on my lips and would melt into the lines around my mouth. But you get what you pay for. My mom used to always use Chanel lipsticks and now I know why. I bought three of these in different colors, Coco, Romy and Dimitri. The coverage is great and I don’t have to use much color for my lips to be completely saturated. I know these lipsticks will last me probably a year! I put my lipstick on in the morning and it stays on until I wipe it off at lunch time. It even stays on when I drink water from my hydroflask during the day. I will never buy cheap lipstick again! You will love this Chanel lipstick! Definitely worth the price!
Negative: “Too Sheer……not long lasting.”

CHANEL LA CREME MAIN Hand Cream

What it is: “A moisturizing, brightening and protective hand cream with an innovative design.”

What it does: “Formulated to absorb quickly into skin without leaving a sticky residue, the cream leaves skin 40% more protected (instrumental evaluation of 22 women eight hours after application), and 45% more hydrated (self-evaluation by 33 women after two months of use). Regenerating and brightening iris pallida protects the skin barrier and helps to diminish the appearance of dark spots. Hydrating and softening May rose wax leaves a moisturizing, protective veil on skin for lasting benefits.”

Ingredients: Some key active ingredients are iris pallida, may rose wax, licorice root extract, and shea butter. The powerful ingredient here is iris pallida as this is what’s meant to brighten your skin.

Scent: This has a “perfumey” scent.

How to use: Apply as desired.

My thoughts: The scent is a little strong to me, but it does moisturize really well and it makes my hands feel silky! I’m not sure I experienced hand brightening benefits, but at the same time, I do not have age spots…yet!

What women are saying
Positive: “Have you ever fallen in love with a hand cream? Well you will with this one! The scent is beautiful the texture the best! At first I thought 50.00 for hand cream? but its worth every penny and it lasts a longggg time. Do youself a favor and treat yourself to this.”
Negative: “I purchased the Chanel hand lotion specifically because it mentioned helping the hands and nails. Been using it for about two weeks and truthfully don’t notice any difference in my nails or hands. The hard plastic packaging is difficult to use unless you’re satisfied with one pearly drop at a time, maybe two. It was tiring to try and get more of the metered product out if I wanted more. My guess is Chanel doesn’t want the customer to use the entire lotion too fast because at $50 a pop you’ll be finished before you see any results. I gave it two stars for the lovely scent and the softness your hands will only feel immediately after use.”

CHANEL LE VOLUME DE CHANEL Mascara

What it is: “A high-precision mascara that achieves instant volume and intensely luscious color in a single stroke.”

What it does: “Its innovative formula expands, plumping lashes to their fullest. The exclusive Snowflakes brush combines long and short bristles to deliver an extreme, eye-opening effect.”

Ingredients: Some recognizable ingredients are beeswax, paraffin, and carnauba wax.

How to Use: Coat lashes from roots to tips.

My Thoughts: I don’t think I’m easy to impress, but wow, okay, this mascara is pretty amazing. I’ve tried many different types of mascaras at all different price points and this one is my new favorite. $32 for mascara could be a little much, so if you are on a budget I’d recommend L’Oreal Telescopic. It’s my 2nd favorite mascara and less than $9.

What Women are Saying
Positive: “I have tried many,many mascaras, every brand. I have tried cheap and expensive. Ladies this is the best. So many ads have fake lashes and they lie to us. This is the BEST!!”
Negative: “This mascara was very wet, so you have to be careful applying it to keep looking forward or it ends up all over. Then throughout the day, it flakes. Very disappointing, especially for the price”

Final Thoughts | Chanel Skincare Reviews

As far as skincare lines go, these are good products that live up to their product claims. But I have to be honest, you could find a product that would do the same thing for less. However, if you are interested in luxury items then you probably already know that a lot of what you are paying for is the brand name. If you’ve been wanting to purchase these items anyway because you love Chanel or their product claims, then these are worth adding to your vanity! If you are hoping to transform your skin without going broke, then Chanel may not be the brand for you.

Product Alternatives | Chanel Skincare Reviews

Face oil-
Chanel’s face oil is meant to leave your skin looking nourished and radiant. This 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil from The Ordinary is meant to hydrate the skin and help restore a radiant tone, all for under $10. Many skincare products have a crazy long list of ingredients (some fillers, parabens, and sulfates) whereas this product from The Ordinary has one ingredient: Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil.

No. 5 perfume-
For under $15 you can get your own version of this iconic scent. This InStyle fragrance is inspired by Chanel, has some of the same notes, and lasts 3-4 hours. One reviewer said, “Smells great and lasts. My friend didn’t know the difference but my wallet did.”

Hand cream-
For about half the price, you can still carry around a classic French brand in your purse. This lotion from L’Occitan has similar ingredients such as shea butter and is small enough that it can be carried around in your handbag or pocket. One reviewer says, “The quality of this hand lotion is sublime, and I have been using this exact item for about 7 years. There is nothing else I would even bother purchasing in terms of silky hand lotion that absorbs, little to no odor, and works like a charm on hands abused by hot water, hot/cold climate changes in Texas, and general hand aging.”

If you want an even more affordable option, check out this one from Medix 5.5. Though the branding is not Frenchy or chic, it has both shea butter and brightening ingredients. It has 4.4/5 stars and thousands of good reviews for getting rid of age spots.

Mascara-
Though the Chanel mascara is worth the money, for a fraction of the price, you can still get definition and length. Check out this one by L’Oreal for less than $10!

Related: L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara Review | The Ultimate Mascara?

Lipstick-
For an affordable alternative, check out this one by Revlon. They make some of the best drugstore lipsticks out there. Down to the color and black and gold tube, you almost can’t tell these two apart. One reviewer says, “Love That Red is my all time favorite lipstick. It is reasonably priced, moisturizes upon application, and stays on all day. I always wear Red and everyone is always asking me what lipstick I wear as they love it.”

Now that you’ve got some new products to add to your skincare routine, it’s time to make sure your makeup bag is all good to go. You can do that by checking out these next makeup reviews!

Up Next: IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Palette Review | Luxe Eyeshadow Palette
Glossier Stretch Concealer Review | Worth the Hype?

The post Chanel Skincare Reviews on Some of Their Best Selling Products appeared first on MY CHIC OBSESSION.