Was it worth it?
19: A raglan tee, another FLORE FLORE top, a really good scoopneck long-sleeve shirt, and more.
When I spend money—whether it’s on clothes, food, experiences, or something else—I like to feel good about it.
As much as possible, I try to be mindful of what I buy. I love finding a good deal, but I also don’t mind spending a little extra from time to time if it means better quality. I read a lot of reviews, pay attention to recommendations and try to base my purchases on their perceived value. I’m always asking myself, was it worth it?
Here are some thoughts on what I bought recently. What was money well spent, and what gave me buyer’s remorse?
Happy Monday!
If you celebrated Mother’s Day yesterday, I hope it was lovely. On Saturday, I took my mom out for brunch, along with my sister-in-law and her mom. We agreed not to buy each other gifts anymore and instead make the day about spending quality time together, which is exactly what we did, over some delicious Halloumi Shakshuka.
Afterwards, I did some window shopping at the mall and resisted buying anything (more on that below). I feel like I’ve been going through phases of wanting nothing at all and then wanting everything all at once (do you ever go through that?) That ‘everything’ has mostly been tops. While I don’t really have any regrets this time, I’m feeling a bit guilty about how many I added to my wardrobe recently, so I’m trying to practice some restraint with my shopping. Some of the tops I bought (like this white top, and this tank, and this polo), I haven’t had enough time to wear yet, so they’ll be part of my next Was it worth it.
A black button-up
This Everything Shirt has been on my wishlist ever since I saw Materialists and wrote about Dakota Johnson’s style in the film. One of my favourite outfits she wore was a black button-up layered over a square-neck tank and jeans. Hers definitely had less structure to it (something more like this), but I was intrigued by this Sold Out NYC one because of all the good things I heard about it.
I found it second-hand for $80 while scrolling on eBay (a habit I’m trying to get better at). The shirt needed a good clean and steam, but otherwise was in great condition. I should’ve paid closer attention to the site’s description because I didn’t realize how long it was (not really ideal for my 5’2” height!) It helps that the shirt fits relaxed with a slightly tailored silhouette and isn’t overly boxy, so I don’t feel like I’m completely drowning in it. The best way I could describe the fit is that it feels like something I’d borrow from my husband’s side of the closet. It feels cool and unfussy, which I like. The quality is also really nice and luxe. I like to wear it untucked and layered over a tank unbuttoned, or only with a few buttons done up. There’s too much extra material for me to tuck it in, which is the downside. I think it’s a beautiful button-up if you’re taller, but personally, too long for me.
The Raglan
While I try my best to limit trendy purchases, I think it can also be fun to experiment every now and then if it’s something that feels right. I consider my style a little more classic, so raglan tees didn’t initially catch my attention, but when I saw this one from Cou Cou Intimates, I was inexplicably drawn to it. I slept on it (for five days) and asked myself, “Would I still like it even when it’s no longer popular?” The answer was yes.
For this style of tee, I took my true size because I didn’t want it to fit too loose. I like how the grey and navy contrast feels a bit vintage and lived-in, not too sporty. I would never want to dress like I’m in character, and my friends know I’m anything but sporty. Somehow, this top felt very ‘me’ as soon as I put it on. The small details, like the ¾ bell sleeves and curved hem, are also a nice touch and make it more special than a regular tee. It looks great with any wash of jeans, but I discovered my favourite way to style it is with bottoms that are slightly more polished—trousers*, linen pants*, a midi skirt. This creates some tension, pulling it back from leaning too casual.
I’m so happy I listened to my gut and got the top before the grey and navy sold out (I’ve seen it restock a few times, so keep checking). If you’re looking for other options with a similar vibe, you can try this from Reformation* or Los Angeles Apparel.
A black boatneck tee
Anytime FLORE FLORE tops go on sale (I usually buy from SSENSE), I like to take advantage because they are so pricey. It’s not much, but I got 15% off this Steffi boatneck long-sleeve that I’ve had on my wishlist—last I checked, it seems the original price has gone up even more from when I bought it. Another good option would be to check resale sites because I’ve seen some FLORE FLORE tops floating around in good condition.
This is my third top from them (I have the Esme tank in two colours), and every time I tell myself I’m going to stop because of the steep prices, I keep coming back for their quality. The Steffi long-sleeve feels thick and luxe for a tee, and the boatneck neckline is really elegant. No surprise here, I got it in black, which feels very chic. The fit is a bit snug (I know some people prefer to size up in the brand), but I’ve found it stretches throughout the day.
Whether I’m dressing it up or down, I always feel good in the top, and I know it’s something I’ll have in my closet for a long time. The Steffi also comes in a ¾ sleeve option, which I was considering, but it wasn’t on sale at the time, or you could try this for less.
White scoopneck long-sleeve
I felt inspired by this and this to try layering a t-shirt over a white long-sleeve for spring. The only problem was that I didn’t own a plain, white long-sleeve (surprising, I know). I figured it’d be a good, essential basic to have in my closet, but I didn’t want to spend a lot, so I settled on this from Aritzia, and I have to say, it’s very good.
I learned my lesson from getting the boatneck version to size up, and it made such a difference. Since the material is thin, it helps to have a looser, relaxed fit, so I’m not as self-conscious about how it hugs my body. The length is better, too. I don’t own many tops with a scooped neckline, and I really like the silhouette on this one and how it shows some skin without being too low or revealing. It’s a simple, easy, everyday top that I’ve been getting a lot of wear out of lately—on its own, and as a base layer underneath t-shirts, just like the inspo I saved.
Biodance collagen mask
I just repurchased these during the Sephora spring sale after I finished my first pack. I’m not familiar with many Korean skincare products, but this is one I’ve heard/read many good things about, so I was curious if it was worth the hype.
My nighttime skincare routine is pretty minimal: face wash, 10 minutes of this LED mask* every other day (code MARIAHXCB for 10% off), serum, eye cream, moisturizer. I’m not a big sheet mask user, but this Biodance collagen one has really won me over. I put it on after doing my regular nighttime routine, sleep with it overnight, and wake up with the most refreshed, dewiest glow. The inconvenient part is definitely having to sleep with it, but I don’t find it greasy or sticky (I read some reviews that mentioned putting it on 30 mins before you fall asleep so it has time to dry and start absorbing into your skin, which helped.) I don’t use the mask regularly like I probably should, but right before any kind of special event. It gives my face that smooth, luminous, glass skin effect, and my skin still feels supple and hydrated days later.
Black Adidas Sambas
I’d categorize this as one of my more practical purchases. I’ve worn the same white Sambas for years, and even though I still love them and wear them, I started feeling the urge to upgrade to a new pair. This likely started with my fixation on the Nike x Jacquemus Moon Shoes, which I wasn’t quick enough on before they sold out. My mind was set on getting a dark colour for a change, and I considered the Adidas Tokyos but didn’t love how slim and low they were. I felt much more comfortable in the Sambas, and when I saw this photo of Mary-Kate Olsen wearing them in Libby McCurrach and Elle Sundberg’s sneaker roundup, it kind of sealed the deal for me.
I ended up getting them in a children’s size 3 ½, which made them cheaper (the perks of having tiny feet!) They’re so practical and comfortable that I wear them almost daily, but I find I’m still getting used to the dark colour. I don’t love them paired with lighter jeans (the contrast looks harsh to me), and they’re trickier to style for casual looks compared to my white ones, which I feel go with almost everything. I find these black sneakers look better when worn with more polished looks.
What I tried on and liked
Here’s what I passed on while browsing the mall, but am thinking about adding to my wishlist…
I’m obsessed with how dreamy Dôen dresses (and tops) are and have been wanting to try them on in person. They have limited pieces at Holts, so I tried on the Quinn dress in black. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did, but I already have a few black summer dresses, so I’m eyeing the white. Would love to add a pretty, white summer dress to my wardrobe (this and this also caught my eye) if I have the budget for it. Maybe I’ll get lucky finding something second-hand…
I go back and forth on the funnel neck windbreaker trend. While I love it on others and even considered getting one, I hesitated because I wasn’t sure if it was something I could see myself wearing for a long time. After trying on this Oak + Fort one, I was very into it. It didn’t feel as trendy as I thought, and I could actually picture it going with a lot of what I already own. Oak + Fort is generally a hit or miss, but I find their jackets are pretty decent for the price (like their trench, which I’ve had for years).
You can view all the products featured in this post here.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support the work that goes into these newsletters, and I carefully select recommendations based on what I love and would wear, regardless of a commission.
*I occasionally accept gifting or paid opportunities from brands if they work with my life and style, and those are marked with an asterisk.
Not wanting anything, and then wanting everything, describes me to a tee! This newsletter is one of those “everything” moments.
So many great finds here Maria! Lots of things added to my list and as usual you look so chic!