Christina Kellogg

I was recently inspired by YouTuber Naomi Boyer and her 10 Wardrobe Basics You Need 2019 video. Before watching this video, I didn’t own a single basic white t-shirt or basic bodysuit. Seeing Naomi’s video was a revelation for me, because it made me realize how right she is about the way basic items complete your wardrobe.

While initially trying to fill in the gaps of my wardrobe, I avoided the brand Aritzia, which Naomi references numerous times, because it’s relatively expensive. Instead, I ended up buying a $20 white t-shirt that was transparent, and a $29 bodysuit that looked like more like an undergarment than a go-to staple. Seeing the excellent reviews of “Aritzia basics” online, I decided it might be worth it to spend a bit more.

Here are the items I’ve bought and my review:

Babaton Irwin Bodysuit, $48, $44 (sale)

This bodysuit is lovely. I bought it it this “pink prima” shade. The fabric is thick and buttery-soft. I have been really into nude and neutral shades lately, and I feel like I could wear this with or underneath almost anything. It does run a bit small, and I went with my larger size of Medium. I would love to own this piece in black and white as well!

2. Babaton Everly Camisole, $60

I really wanted a cami like this one that would look classy with jeans, trousers, shorts– basically anything. After a couple disappointing attempts to find something similar to this online from ASOS, this is the first piece I’ve ordered that meets my expectations and that I don’t plan to return. It is more expensive, but it is high quality and flattering (with adjustable straps).

3. Sunday Best Everdeen T-Shirt, $25

Who knew finding the perfect white T-Shirt was so difficult. I own several white shirts now that are either too thin to wear on their own or whose fit just doesn’t flatter me or match the rest of my wardrobe. I am satisfied with my purchase of this tee from Aritzia, although it isn’t 100% versatile. It is somewhat cropped, which makes it only appropriate to tuck into my high-waisted bottoms. It is more fitted, which looks great underneath a blazer. My conclusion about white tees so far is that the perfect “one” does not exist and that it’s necessary to own a few in different lengths and fits. This tee style works with enough of my outfits that I can’t complain.

4. Sunday Best Annie Bodysuit, $38/$25 (sale)

I was a wee bit disappointed by this purchase, mainly because I think the fit is more flattering to someone with a smaller chest (such as the model on the website). I don’t like the way the triangular cut emphasizes my underarm “pooch.” I think I would have preferred to get this one in black or another more color, because the white is stark and it isn’t quite thick enough for me to want to wear it on it’s own. One of Naomi’s tips about this essential is to layer it under jackets and that “little bit of skin” in the v-neck will pull your outfit together. When I did that with a denim jacket and a pair of black mom jeans, it actually looked really cute and hid the parts of the fit I didn’t like.

Based on my experience, it appears that the Babaton collection at Aritzia, though pricey, is one I can trust that I’ll love. As far as basics go, I think Aritzia is an excellent option if you’re willing to spend a bit more money on the essentials. I am especially obsessed with bodysuits and the way they require no tucking in or adjusting. Next comes long-sleeves for the fall:

5 trends I just don’t dig!

1. Animal Prints— To be fair, I’ve never liked animal prints. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I’m a vegan, but what really bothers me is how animal prints are often paired with something “sexy,” like a tight body con dress or mini skirt. I don’t like the idea of animals being sexualized. The “leopard” print at least looks kinda cute, but the one I really can’t stomach is the “snake-skin” print. And maybe that has to do with the fact that I’m not a snake person–ick!

Image Credit: Zappos.com Free People Zip It Up Mini Skirt, $69.99

2. Neon— I know neon is going to be out again in a few months…so why should I spend my hard earned dollars on something so obnoxiously bright and verging on tacky? The only place neon is appropriate, in my opinion, is a disco, a rave, or on the backs of traffic patrol.

Image Credit: http://www.dailymail.co.uk Lapp. The Brand Quarter Zip Pullover, Unavailable

3. Bucket Hats— I wore I bucket hat when I was 12, and it looked cute. But paired with a button-down or sundress? They “frump-ify” the look! I might wear one fishing (can vegans fish?), but the lake or the beach is the only place I can envision these hats belonging. The one thing I do like about them is the amount of coverage from the sun they provide– I’m all about sun protection! In my mind they are functional items, but not as “fashion statements.”

Image Credit: Lululemon.com On My Level Bucket Hat, $48

4. Tie-Dye— This fabric treatment reminds me of the “hippie crowd” I knew in college, and not in a good way. Those people were jerks! Again, my personal bias ruins this trend for me. My style has also evolved since my early 20s. I used to love billowing “peasant tops” and gauchos purchased from World Market. I still consider myself a “free spirit” at heart, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve embraced the “sleek” and “professional” more in my clothing choices.

Image Credit: Lulus Sunday Morning Blue Tie-Dye Wrap Dress, $70

5. Bike Shorts with Blazers— This is a trend that I really want to love. But I just can’t see the two working together. It’s all “business on top” and as for the bottom– like you forgot to put pants on!

Image Credit: Pinterest Original Source Unknown

Next, 5 current trends I love! In the meantime, can you talk me into one of these trends? Which ones that I mentioned do you love and which ones do you hate?

Author: Christina Kellogg

Aritzia Summer Sale Haul and Review 2019

5 Current Fashion Trends I Don’t Dig (Summer 2019)