Charlotte Russe Military Vest Review

I've been on the hunt for the perfect olive green military or cargo vest for probably two years.  Old Navy had a great one a few years back but unfortunately I missed out.  I recently came across an affordable version online from Charlotte Russe.  I've never shopped with them before but I received my order no problems.  I like this vest because the olive green color isn't too light or too dark and the length isn't too long.  The fabric is light-weight and has some drape.  It doesn't have an overwhelming military or safari look.  There aren't too many embellishments or pockets and the pockets are not bulky.  These are all problems I've experienced with other vests I've tried.  I also like that the waist is cinched and can be adjusted to create a waistline which is very important for outwear/layering pieces to me because I have a rectangular body shape.

Charlotte Russe Cotton Twill Military Vest - Small ($29.99)

I ordered a size Small and the fit is fine overall if l leave it unzipped.  It is bit snug across my chest when zipped all the way up but I only plan to wear it unzipped.  I think a Medium would be a little too baggy when left unzipped so I'm keeping the Small.  For reference, I'm a 36B and normally wear small or medium tops.

I think this vest is a nice layering piece for cooler late summer nights, fall and even over thin sweaters on warmer winter days.  I live in a warm climate and rarely have to wear heavy-duty jackets and this piece is very versatility so I should get a lot of wear out of this piece.  I've already gotten a couple of outfits lined up late summer and early fall with what I already have in my closet.

Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and really happy that I've finally found an olive green military/cargo vest with the features I really wanted.  And at $30, the price is affordable!

LOFT Review



Last week I ordered a few things from the LOFT during one of their friends and family sales.  I purchased the following items at 40% off:



Striped Linen Flutter Shell X-Small ($29.70)

 

Triangle Sheer Sweater Small ($35.70)

Striped V-Neck Tee Small ($11.70)

 

Sleeveless Mixed Media Tee Small ($17.70)

Modern Straight Leg Jeans in Destructed Degree Blue Size 2 ($17.93)

  

Breton Stripe Pouch ($11.99)

 

Coral Glass Bracelet Set ($11.70)

 

All for under $140, I think I made a pretty good haul.  I am pleased with the fit and the quality of the pieces for the price I paid.  I love stripes and blue which you can definitely tell judging by this order!  The triangles sweater is an attempt to add patterns other than stripes to my wardrobe.  The triangles are definitely a bold pattern for me but I like the airy pointelle fabric of this sweater.  This should be great as a transitional spring piece with a tank underneath.  I like the loose fit and breathable linen fabric of the flutter shell but I will probably have the flutter sleeves removed.  Details like that just make my arms and shoulders look bigger; plus I don't like the baby-doll look of it.  I haven't been a fan of deconstructed style jeans in the past but this year I wanted to give them a try.  And I am surprised by how much I like these jeans.  They do not look too ratty and the straight leg allows me to mimic the boyfriend jean look without looking baggy by cuffing the hems.  The Loft modern cut jeans are straight through the hip which also gives the look of skinny jeans in the hip area on my figure, which I prefer.  The sleeveless mixed media tee is very light and comfortable.  I like the drape of the fabric but I imagine the other lighter colors this tee was offered in have to be see-through (especially the panels on the shoulder/across the back) because even this darker blue color is slightly on the sheer side.  But the thin fabric will be good for the hot summer months.   The striped V-neck tee is another good basic.  The striped pouch is larger than I expected it to be but I like that it is large enough to be used as a clutch.  Of course I like the stripes and the leather-like pull on the pouch but I do wish it had a little more structure.  The bracelet set is not great quality and I would never have paid the $20 full price for them but they are still cute costume jewelry that is understated enough for my taste.  Overall, I am happy with my order and plan to keep everything.  I will get a lot of wear out of these pieces, so I think this order was a good deal!

POLYVORE

Whether you are a Fashionista or fashionably challenged (like myself), you will love Polyvore.  Polyvore is a website that allows you to put together virtual outfits and share with others for feedback.  I use this website alot to for fashion inspiration and wardrobe advice.  It's like a virtual stylist!

It also has styling contests and groups that you can join so you can post and share outfit ideas with others who have similar clothing styles. 

Try it out... though I warn you, it can be a little addictive!  Follow the link here to join:  http://www.polyvore.com/