Adrien: Travel Shopping!

I just got back from a conference in Chicago (yay) though my trip was cut short because of bad weather and canceled flights (boo). I had my downtown Chicago shopping all mapped out, you guys! I was literally across the street from Aritzia and never made it in the door. I KNOW. I did, however, manage a quick evening trip to Nordstrom Rack and a lunchtime power-shopping stop into Madewell. Do you want to know what I bought and didn't buy?  I'm going to tell you either way.

Nordstrom Rack: I tried on a pile of things - some Vince, some CofH jeans, some Joie. Everything I picked was either overpriced or there for a reason. I wasn't really surprised and I mostly like NR stores for the bags and accessories. The bag section looked a little picked over but I did really love this Rebecca Minkoff Isobel satchel (which is not available on the NR site):

I didn't buy it because I already have two grey/neutral bags and do not need a third. If it had been available in black or wine or some other interesting color, I would've been REALLY tempted. In the end, all I bought was this Argento Vivo necklace:

It's labradorite! Mine is actually an odd shape, not the oval version. Despite the terrible online photo the stones I saw all had really good fire, so I think it would be safe to order online. The necklace comes in a wooden jewelry box, as pictured, so would make a nice gift.  I've worn it every day since I bought it! Recommend.

Madewell: My Madewell trip was true power-shopping. I was in and out in less than an hour and tried on A LOT of things. Mainly I wanted to try on the the high-rise slim boyjean which I ended up buying:

They are really good, you guys. A non-skinny style that is incredibly flattering. The rise is really high which is refreshing and also looks cute worn with more cropped style tops. I did size down one in this style (and judging by the reviews, everyone else did too) because my usual size was gaping in the waist. I also impulse-purchased this striped Rivet and Thread top because striped:

It's slightly cropped (good with those high waisted jeans) and has a very gentle bell sleeve, which makes the overall look very flirty and French. I am on the fence about keeping it only because that money could be better spent on something I actually need and I do not need another striped top, y'all. But it's cute. So cute. Real cute.

What I didn't buy: those Track Trousers I was all excited about. The combination of the slash pockets and pleats made them weirdly puffy at the top and not flattering at all. Pass. I also tried on the Slim Straight jeans which I really liked, but they were slightly too short on me. I liked how they looked cuffed, but otherwise they hit at a weird spot. I might eventually order the tall version for comparison. Finally, I tried on this Whisper t-shirt because a good cotton long-sleeved tee is hard to find and I really liked it but in the end I chose the striped shirt instead. If it goes on sale, I'll reconsider!

That's it! Travel shopping at it's finest. Heh.