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NATALIE

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

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10 Rules for Effortless, Everyday Style

In this series, I share some simple tips for leveling up your daily looks.

Pretty much everything at Madewell is 30%-50% off right now, so I stopped into one of my local stores (hey, Carlsbad!) and tried on several pieces that caught my eye (mostly sweaters and denim!). Below I’ll share some fitting room photos, links and sizing tips for those of you still shopping this season. Feel free to leave additional questions in the comments section, and be sure to use BIGTIME to get your discount at checkout.

Oh, and since I’m sure one of you will ask, here’s my mask (10% off with code Nat2020)

I actually have this sweater already in gray and it’s so good! This ivory color is beautiful, too. Since I’m on the shorter side (5’4″) I like to size down in this one but if you’re tall, you could take your usual size. I’ve seen these jeans on so many other stylists and bloggers I knew I wanted to finally try them out. I totally get the hype! Definitely size down 1-2 sizes—just like all of the Perfect Vintage Jeans, I find they run big.

This square-neck top is so beautiful and feminine, yet perfectly classic and minimalist. I grabbed a size down, but my regular size would’ve probably worked too. The jeans are a pair I’ve actually been linking as a similar option to some old Madewell Boyjeans I have, and this confirmed that my guesses were right. Similar fit and wash to the ones I have, just a bit longer inseam. If I were buying these ones, I’d probably get the petite length. I recommend sizing down.

Absolutely LOVE this sweater. It’s soft and neutral, but full of personality. I sized down 2 sizes to wear it like this as a top rather than a true cardigan. It also comes in solid colors. The jeans are a “slim demi boot” cut, but really they just fit like straight leg jeans. I really like the slight distressing at the hem, though they did feel a little long for me personally. These are a size down.

The lighting in the fitting room makes this sweater look way more yellow, but it’s really more of a deeper camel color (they call it “honeysuckle”) and it fits true to size. The jeans are the same ones from a few outfits before (size down!).

This is such a classic sweater, and the mockneck doesn’t feel too overwhelming or suffocating. I’m wearing my usual size and it comes in 3 other beautiful colors. The jeans are the same ones from the last outfit (size down!).

This cocoa sweater is like an upgraded sweatshirt. I love the sleeves! I’m wearing my usual size here. The jeans are the same ones from the last outfit (size down!).

Okay, I strayed from denim for one look—and it was worth it. These pants!!! If you’re shaped like me (smaller waist/wider hips) I definitely recommend going down 1-2 sizes for a fit right up at your waist. If you want a more relaxed fit or have a wider waist, you could stay closer to your usual size, though I do not recommend sizing up. The turtleneck is classic and truly always in style, and this one is super soft and true to size.

I almost didn’t include this one because this jacket is almost entirely sold out, but if they have your size, it’s a good one! I love how subtle the plaid pattern is and the colors are lovely. I sized down 2 sizes, it definitely runs big. The jeans are the same ones from 2 outfits ago (size down!).

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  1. Casey says:

    Hi! I’ve been eyeing those perfect vintage jeans in ainsworth wash for a while now. Glad to hear they live up to the hype! I’m 5’4” and I think you’ve shared you are, as well. I wear petite in a lot of Madewell jeans. Would recommend the petite or regular length in these? And when you say size down, do you mean from regular size or regular madewell size? Mine are different! Thanks! Loving visiting the blog and getting your texts!

    • Natalie says:

      Yes, I’m also 5’4″ and I have on the regular length here. So unless you’re especially long waisted, I think regular length should be good. And yes, while every body is different proportionally, I’d try sizing down from your Madewell size and see how that works. So glad you’re loving the new texts!!

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Hi, I'm Natalie

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

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