What I Wore: Old and New

Yesterday I met two friends for lunch in the city. It was at a cute French cafe, so no need to be super fancy but I wanted to look polished (and well, when bloggers get together photos are always taken!). Karl captured these photos while outside waiting for the Uber.

Blazer: Banana Republic (14P) (old; similar, plus size option) | Silk blouse: Ann Taylor (XL) (old; similar, plus size option) | Jeans: Universal Standard (12) | Bag: ALLSAINTS | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Lipstick: L'Oreal Riche Matte in Eva's Red | iPhone Case: Zero Gravity | Booties: ASOS (medium-width option)

Above the waist is all old. I know the blazer was featured in this outfit post, I can't seem to find the blouse but I know it's at least in its third winter season. The blouse was a workday staple; I'd often wear it with navy trousers and a statement belt, or untucked with dark jeans and boots on Casual Friday. This blazer… it hasn't fit for a while. In fact when I wore it before on the blog it was a tight squeeze and there was no way I could wear anything with sleeves underneath. I've been working out five days a week for almost two months straight and the blazer fits again. I never wore this blouse and blazer together before but liked the effect, especially with dark high-waisted jeans.

This post better shows the fit of the Universal Standard Seine jeans. I tried on 14 in the store but once I ordered myself pairs I found the 14 too big and they would ride down. With Universal Fit Liberty I was able to exchange them, even though one pair had been washed and dried twice, for free for a different size. These are the 12s. I think if I were an inch shorter these wouldn't work, they're a very high rise. They're made for curves, there's room in the rear, the belly, the thighs and while many jeans are too tight in the calves for me these are not. These are the 27″ length. They're stretchy and they do stretch out a bit for me in the rear/waist area but not so much that I can't wear them a second day. I do think they're better with a belt, I usually wear a Beltaway with them when my top is untucked. But I really like the quality, comfort, and overall fit of these jeans!