New season, new Lulus haul! If your wallet has been feeling the strain of all the gorgeous fall jackets, bags, and shoes floating around this season (is it just me, or is autumn autumning harder than usual?), Lulus is your answer. The online shop has all the best fall trends you’ve been salivating over on Pinterest for a whole lot less than the Zaras, Mangos and Aritzias of the world.

Don’t believe me? Check out the five pieces the brand sent me for the season at hand. For less than $250—a.k.a. the same amount you’d spend on a single pair of boots—you can snag two dresses, a pair of cozy clogs, a quilted jacket and a sheer blouse. And honestly? I’d pay double for every single one of them—they’re *that* good.

While you might need to play around with Lulus sizing—the XS pieces tend to fluctuate between “tight,” “just right” and “too big” on me—they’re worth an exchange or a little extra tailoring if you can’t size down. (You might even be able to get away with this little stitch gun I’ve been seeing floating around online.)

The best Lulus stuff tends to sell out quickly, however, so I recommend scooping up my fall faves below while you still can.

My Fall Lulus Haul

1. Lulus Moroni Tweed Dress

Gossip Girl, anyone? This dress is giving serious Blair Waldorf vibes, particularly when paired with black tights and a beret. It’s on the thicker side (read: It’s actually warm), but you could also style it with a turtleneck underneath for an added layer of cozy. It’s hand-wash only, but it’s cute enough to justify the added effort, in my humble opinion.

Other Lulu’s Tweed Finds

2. Lulus Joana Dress

This little sweater dress looks—and feels—a lot pricier than its $39 sale tag. This isn’t that sweater that’s going to look cute on but feel like a Brillo pad on your skin, leaving you with a raging eczema flare-up. (You know the one.) It’s made of a nice, thick stretchy material that’s actually comfortable and fits like a glove. The capped shoulders offer a nice balance if you’ve got wider hips, and the front patch pockets make for excellent little hand warmers, if I do say so myself.

Other Green Lulus Dresses

3. Lulus Angelically Airy Blouse

Winters, now is your moment to shine. Jewel tones, like this striking wine hue, are everywhere right now. Case in point? This gorgeous sheer Lulus blouse with soft balloon sleeves. Perfect for date night (I’d throw on some leather pants to zhuzh it up a bit), it’s a statement-making shirt that doesn’t require too much effort. The built-in tank does run a little big, making the bra situation a bit tricky, but I think I could make due with a strapless.

Other Lulus Wine Pieces

4. Lulus Charisma Jacket

This fall jacket is no one-season wonder. Nay, this, friends, is an instant closet staple you’ll be reaching for for years to come at the earliest hint of a draft. It feels like wearing a super soft blanket, but the draped neckline and elasticized hem at the back keep it from being shapeless—in fact, the fit is one of the things I like best about it. The site says it runs large, but I found that my normal size of XS fit perfectly—I wouldn’t recommend sizing down.

5. Lulus Pereta Clogs

I’ve never been a Birkenstocks girlie. While I’ll shell out for a pair of heels, I just can’t bring myself to spend upwards of $100 on a glorified slipper. These Lulus clogs are a great alternative—they’re cute, they’re comfy, and they’re a quarter of the price of the real deal. While the color from the website isn’t exactly true to form, they’re still neutral enough to match all of your fave loungewear—and then some.

Other Lulus Clogs

Which Lulus piece is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Xo, Nicole

The post My Lulus Fall Haul Is a PSL-Lover’s Dream—and It’s Less Than $250 appeared first on nicolebjean.

For many years, I had a love/hate relationship with Zara. I’d see someone wearing something impeccably chic on the streets of Chicago, inquire about their outfit, and nine times out of ten, the Spanish retailer’s name would drop from their lips. But whenever I went into the store, I never had quite that same luck … until my latest Zara haul.

Before, a piece would catch my eye, and they’d have it in my size, but when I’d go to try it on, something about it was always just a hair… off. If the heel fit my foot, there would be a weird little gap at the sides that made it impossible to walk in. If I spied a dress I desperately wanted, it be would be sewn just a titch lopsided. If the jeans fit in the waist, they would be laughably long. (You get the idea.)

I had resigned myself to admiring the store’s wares from afar — until Kate Moss debuted her own Zara collection in November 2024 that proved too irresistible for me not to succumb to. I ordered three pieces, fully expecting to send them all back. Miraculously, all of them fit.

Emboldened, I tried Zara again a few months later with some non-Kate merch. Not only did I have the same luck in the fit department, I was super impressed with the design of the items I received, with one of my new rompers looking like it was custom-made.

Apparently, the brand has gone through some sizing changes as of late, and while I’ve seen mixed feedback overall, its new cuts are an absolute dream for petites, meaning I’m officially on good graces with Zara. Only one (gorgeous) Kate Moss-designed dress failed my fit tests, and honestly, I suspect the fact that it was short enough to show cheek on one side could have been a purposeful ploy by Moss herself.

For fall, I nabbed five pieces that not only had me salivating over their impossible chicness, but their versatility, too. Without even meaning to, I found myself with a brand new capsule collection.

Below, the Zara haul I’ll be living in this autumn—and beyond.

Zara Haul: Fall Edition

1. Zara Double-Layer Poplin Shirt

One thing about me: Basics can be a hard sell. I’m a maximalist through and through, and I love things that look super unique. This layered piece managed to capture my attention like no other button-down ever has thanks to its original cape-like design, but can still be filed under “classic wardrobe staple.”

3. Zara Collection Lace Camisole Top

If you’re a regular Zara shopper, you’ve probably heard tell of the asymmetric lace dress that’s been blowing up on Tiktok (a.k.a. selling out at record speeds). It’s definitely a head-turner, but after my aforementioned experience with the Kate dress, which was cut in a similar fashion, I decided not to take my chances. Instead, I opted for this similarly cut lace cami, which comes at a fraction of the price without the risk of flashing anyone. (Win-win!) My only complaint? The straps aren’t adjustable.

3. Zara Sleeveless Floral Top

This little shell has a lot going for it. In fact, between the rosette detailing, the built-in lining at the chest (no hint of my black bra here!) and the “add-to-cart now” price tag, there’s not a whole lot stopping me from buying it in the two other colors it comes in of black and red.

4. Zara Soft V-Neck Sweater and Zara TRF High-Waist Crop Flare Jeans

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate a plain old V-neck jumper. Flashy, she is not, but if Ashley Olsen can wear one to the CFDA Awards and be hailed as “easy elegant,” I can make room for a lookalike in my closet. This one is perfectly oversized and reasonably soft to boot. It’s also supposedly machine washable, though I’m a bit skeptical of the claim. (TBD.)

As for the jeans, these might just be my new (second) favorite pair. While they don’t quite make me feel like Bella Hadid in quite the same way my Moussy Vintage Wynwood’s do (premium Japanese denim will have that affect on a gal), these fit, and they fit well. It’s no doubt thanks to the little disclaimer that calls out that “This item is smaller and shorter than usual.” (Finally, a pair for us shorties!) I’m wearing them in Blue here, but the light blue is so good, I just ordered a second pair.

What are you buying from Zara this fall? Let me know in the comments below!

Xo, Nicole

The post My Fall Zara Haul Has Everything You Need to Build an (Affordable) Capsule Collection appeared first on nicolebjean.

I’m a sucker for a good matching set. While you won’t find me in the crop top or micro-short variety (I’ve aged out of that bracket, thank you very much), a twinning vest and pair of shorts? *Kisses fingers*

Below, three of the best matching sets I’m loving for 2025.

The Best Matching Sets

1. Lulus Mariette Vest and Shorts

Maybe it’s because they marketed it with a chic little headwrap on the site, but I feel like Audrey Hepburn traipsing around Rome the minute I put this set on. The material is thick, but not so thick that it’s uncomfortable, and the top fits like a glove. The shorts fit a little *too* snugly—I had to size up in them—but it was worth the return to get the proper size. I’ll get a ton of wear out of this!

2. ASTR Boat Neck Top and Shorts

Normally, I want nothing to do with linen (blasphemy, I know), but it wrinkles so damn easily, the payoff just isn’t worth it to me. This set, which is made from a viscose and linen blend, does wrinkle a bit, but it’s nothing my little LG Styler can’t make quick work of. It’s also incredibly comfortable. I probably wouldn’t wear the top on its own, since it’s on the shorter side and less versatile than the others, but it’s so effortlessly breezy, both pieces will definitely be in heavy rotation together. My one gripe about this one? It’s dry clean only.

3. Modevante Anya Top and Shorts

Buying this set was a total gamble—I spotted it on the Tiktok shop, and against my better judgment, I pulled the trigger. To my surprise, not only did I receive the exact item I ordered, it actually turned out to be a great little summer set. It is a super thick, high-quality material? No, but in Florida, where it’s 90 degrees everyday, I love that it’’s thin—I’d say almost cottony. A pro tip? The flap on the shorts goes in the back, not the front—I may or may not have worn them backwards four or five times before I figured it out. Whoopsie! *Shrugs*

As you can see, the matching sets I’m loving most for summer 2025 are tailored with elevated details (think chic little buttons) and light, airy materials.

Beyond simply being cute, these little two-pieces:

• Require little to no thought to wear: Eat your heart out, maxi dresses!
  
• Make you look instantly pulled together. I mean, you’re matching, for Christ’s sake, how much more polished can you get?
  
• Can be worn individually: Really, it’s like you’re getting two outfits for the price of one.
  
• Are super summery: A breezy little dream of a getup on a hot day? Yes, please!

Which set is your favorite? Tell me in the comments below.

Xo, Nicole

The post These 3 Matching Sets Are Taking Over My Closet appeared first on nicolebjean.

Butter yellow may be the color of season, but gingham is about to be the print. (Elle said so.) The checked pattern has been creeping into my subconscious as of late in the form of rompers, capris, tops and dresses, and I thought I found the perfect gingham dress specimen in Reformation’s tomato red-and-white Sora dress ($248). But that was before Hollister gifted me with its smocked bodice mini.

At $35, not only is the Hollister version a whopping $213 cheaper than the Reformation lookalike (!), I actually like it better. It fits more snugly, it’s more comfortable and it has a few hidden *extras* that the Reformation dress doesn’t have.

Before you riot over Reformation’s highway robbery, I should mention that there’s a reason it’s so “overpriced.” The company is aiming to make 100 percent of its fabrics from recycled, regenerative or renewable materials by 2025.

This little gingham beauty, for instance, is made from 100 percent linen, which the brand loves for its renewable flax and low water footprint in comparison to cotton.

Reformation also releases small collections to avoid waste and focuses on renewable energy and water efficiency during production. Unfortunately, as The Roundup points out, all of those environmentally responsible practices translate to—you guessed it!—a bigger gouge on your wallet.

I love mother Earth and all, and this splurge looks absolutely fantastic on Taylor Swift and Emma Roberts, but truth be told, the fit has never felt completely right on me. The waist and hips are fine, but the straps, which are designed to fall from your shoulders, drape a little *too* gently—to the point where they’re just uncomfortable. I don’t have a large enough bust to keep tension on the straps, so this piece ends up just hanging uselessly in my closet, which is a real shame.

Hollister’s “save,” by contrast, fits like a glove. The smocked bodice means the top actually stays up (even without the removable straps), and the “skirt” has built-in shorts that are supremely comfortable.

And honestly, when you style them the same (I added my Staud palm bag for a pop of contrast), you can barely tell the difference between the two, despite the contrasting necklines.

The Hollister one even has pockets, giving it another little edge over the Reformation pick.

Though I do wish the Hollister version, which is made from a blend of polyester and elastane (neither of which are particularly kind to the environment) was at least recycled polyester and would be willing to pay a bit more for the sustainable upgrade, its pros means I’ll actually wear it on repeat. That’s a lot more than I can say for the Reformation dress—and the most environmentally friendly approach of all is rooted in wearing things you already own.

As for the splurge? I’ll be Poshmarking it to give it a new life somewhere where it will actually be appreciated. Win-win?

Which dress is your favorite? Tell me in the comments below!

Xo, Nicole

The post This $35 Hollister Gingham Dress Looks Just Like My $248 Reformation One—and I Actually Like It Better appeared first on nicolebjean.

Finding the perfect tee should be easy: It’s not like there are special design elements involved. I don’t need draping, darting or structural sleeves for something I’m just planning to throw on under a cardigan. We’re not talking about intricate silks or cashmeres on the fabric front, either: just your plain jane, run-of-the-mill cotton tee. You know, the one that looks so effortlessly cool on every influencer and celebrity known to man?

And yet, when they inevitably find their way into my closet, they’re schlubby, ill-fitting and rough, making them a mere layering necessity than a choice piece.

But then I found it: The holy grail of basics. The most perfect, best-fitting, ultra-comfortable, chic little T-shirt on the planet (and no, it’s not the $80 James Perse number Jen Aniston reportedly swears by).

The Perfect Tee

LA Made Crew Neck Tee

The LA Made Classic Stripes Crew Neck caught my eye for its striped pattern—I’m like a moth to a flame when it comes to stripes.

At $24, I didn’t have particularly high expectations—I figured it would be like every other tee in my collection. But when I tell you that I put this thing on and gasped!

For starters, I’m not sure what magic they put into this cotton to made it softer and smoother than any other cotton I’ve ever felt in my life, but it literally feels like wearing butter. It’s hands down the best-feeling shirt in my closet.

Then, there’s the fit. Gone are any of the weird body gaps that typically come with a regular tee. This one fits like a glove in my normal XS size. It’s form-fitting, but I can still breathe in it, and it’s long enough to cover the button on my jeans (a personal pet peeve of mine when it comes to short shirts).

Other Tees I’ve Tried

Other tees I’ve tried that this one mops the floor with?

• Madewell’s Whisper Tee: No matter what review site tries to sell you on this being the best of the best when it comes to tees, I strongly beg to differ. While I didn’t have the issue of it being ultra see-through, like some reviewers have complained about (possible because I have no boobs), it has an awkward fit (the XS hangs at the sides) and it’s not particularly soft.
  
• Goldie Organic Boy Tee ($85): This white tee is the one I’ve been wearing as my staple since it was gifted to me in 2023 (see here). And while it was okay, it didn’t blow me away. The cut is a bit too short and the feel is nothing to write home about (though I will say it holds up quite well in the wash!). But honestly? Considering that it retails for $85, this thing should be magic, and I just don’t believe that It is.
  
• Pumiey ($19) : Out of desperation, I took an influencer recommendation for this Amazon brand (a decision I’m often disappointed with). Unsurprisingly, this $19 top was just meh: It’s made with a spandex-like polyamide fabric that’s a bit too confining (I feel like I’m being birthed shoving my head through the hole) and it feels cheap to the touch, especially when compared to the LA Made—which I got on sale for $5 more dollars.

As of this moment, I’ll be shoving all of the tees above straight to the back of my closet in favor of my new holy grail. Please excuse me while I go buy it in every single color…

What’s your go-to T-shirt brand? Tell me in the comments below

Xo, Nicole

The post I Just Found *the* Perfect Tee—and It’s the Holy Grail of Basics appeared first on nicolebjean.