A few weeks ago I was really craving a true white pant for my spring/summer closet. I have a pair of more off-white barrel (very slight barrel) denim and these amazing white flowy pants, but I was wanting to find a true white pair of denim and/or a more trouser-style pant. After trying on at least a dozen pairs of pants, I was sort of successful and sort of not. Here are my takeaways:
It’s hard to find an in-person store that carries enough brands and styles these days - but there are some GEMS, and it’s important we support them. I ultimately found the ones I’m keeping at a local boutique in Naples called Rouze. And it was a lovely experience. Let’s keep these shops who curate their selections so well in business!
I’m loving the fact that pretty much anything goes as far as denim styles (straight leg, barrel, bootcut, high-waist, low-rise, etc), and at the same time that can cause a little analysis paralysis.
Shopping for white denim is hard. It’s not quite as hard as shopping for a bathing suit, but it’s up there.
My Try-Ons
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans - I actually really like these a lot. They were just a little tight in the waist for me, which is rarely the issue for me, but for these it was. I was tempted to try a size up because I liked them so much.
Doen Lisa Pant - I ordered these in two sizes (my usual and my larger) and even though my usual size fit, neither quite worked. That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t work for someone though because they had potential. My biggest complaint is that they are a little too see through for me. I did keep this belt though! Cute!
Agolde Luna frayed high-rise barrel-leg jeans - I am a fan of the barrel shape and I really liked these a lot. They aren’t as wide as the horseshoe denim I have, so I thought they might work, but in the end the only reason I didn’t keep them was a weird crease they were making around my crotch area. I couldn’t unsee it! The crease isn’t there on the model so I’m thinking it won’t be like that on everyone. Just not the right fit for me. :)
Agolde Low Slung Baggy - I was really excited to try these on because I was curious how I’d feel about the lower rise. These were sooo comfortable and really close to fitting, but I felt like there was just too much material in the rise. I exchanged them for a smaller size though - so let’s see how those work.
After this try-on session, I was a little discouraged (I did a TikTok video trying them on that you can see here.) I I decided to go to a few places here in Naples to see if I could find anything in person. I went to Sak’s first. Super disappointing. I tried on everything they had and it was all see through white denim, which is the worst in my opinion. My second stop was a cute boutique called Rouze and it was there I found the winners…
Agolde 90s Crop - These were the WINNERS! They are not quite a true white, but they are close enough and I love the length. They’ll be great with sandals or wedges/heels, which is exactly what I need for spring/summer. I tried on this pair as well, which were really cool too. Better on than on the hanger!
** One side note on body type I feel compelled to share. All of these pants look very different on me than they do on the models, which you’ll see in that TikTok video. Pants will never be loose in the waist AND in the hips/butt because that’s just not my shape. And that’s OK! I actually love my body the way it is - but it is something I keep in mind when shopping online when there are only fit models who are 5’10” and size 0 just to manage expectations. :)
Your March Favorites
It’s always fun to see what resonates with you! This month, your favorites have been:
Amo denim - these were by far your favorite! They’re my go-to comfortable denim!
The Jamie Haller slides I mentioned in my last post. I ordered these too - they haven’t come yet, but I will share.
This Jenni Kayne cardigan. I love it too!
Recent Outfits
Love an all white (or all black for that matter) outfit. This tank is Vincent James and these are the white Mirth pants I was talking about all the way up top. And really good news - the Basket Tote we launched last year on ABBY ALLEY with Natalie Borton Designs is coming back in May!! So excited!
Not a great pic, but I’m obsessed with this wide stripe. The blue is more blue in person - bad lighting. And the denim is the Amo denim linked above. I’m living in them. :)
This is an outfit I’ll be wearing on repeat. These are the new white denim with the tank that always makes me feel good from Sold Out NYC. And the best part of the outfit - the gorgeous sand suede Sling launching on ABBY ALLEY in April!
Business Thought
I really loved this quote from James Clear. It really resonated for me personally, but also as a business owner. Being an entrepreneur is in many ways a daily practice of taking risks. No one knows what they’re doing. Sure - it’s good to have a plan, do your research, and analyze data. But so much of running a business is having an idea, having the courage to try it knowing you will make mistakes, and trusting that you’ll figure it out along the way. Over and over again. Anyone who judges someone’s attempt to put themselves out there is either very unintelligent or isn’t interested in truly living. If you’re going for it - whatever “it” may be - I’m cheering you on!
xo,
Abby
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