Hello Monday: Edgy + Express Haul

Sorry for being MIA on Friday. It was a very long week, and I think two weeks of back to back weekend trips have left me both physically and emotionally exhausted. Not to be a Debbie Downer or anything, sorry! But traveling has forced me to blog during the week, and when I finally sat down to write my Friday post on Thursday at 9:30pm, I simply had no strength. I know I'm preaching to the choir here, so I won't dwell on it, but I'm hoping to make it up to you with this photo-heavy post!

A few weeks ago, I entered a contest on Instagram where I posted this photo of myself wearing Express jeans and apparently I won! Not only did they regram me (which, hello, it's Express and they regrammed me, is this real life?) but they also sent me a gift card loaded with $500. Five. Hundred. Dollars. To be honest, when they sent me a message saying I'd won, I had no idea which photo won! I mean, let's be real, I have a TON of Express jeans. But it turns out, the winning entry was an outfit for which I drove to two parks to take the selife; not even because I wanted a good entry, it was simply because I wanted good content for Instagram. So yay for being dedicated!

I feel like it's harder to spend free money than it is your own money. That seems like a silly statement, but I want to make sure I spend it on things I wouldn't normally spend my own money on. I feel like it's my chance to step out of my comfort zone a bit and try pieces I have my eye on but hesitant to buy for one reason or another since there's zero risk - it's not *my* money I'm spending, so if it all sucks, it doesn't matter.

So, with this in mind, I thought it would be a great chance for me to try the Express One Eleven line. When I first saw it released, I really didn't think it was for me. I figured the thin fabrics would simply highlight my problem areas (i.e. my midsection) and just wouldn't be flattering on me. My opinions changed a bit after trying on the olive top from this post when I was in California. Long story short, I loaded my cart up with about $300 of predominantly One Eleven pieces, and I loved every last bit of it! The Express One Eleven line is very reasonably priced, so that's a LOT of merch for $300!

Sunnies: Ray Ban | Necklace: Express | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Tank: Express | Bralette: Express | Bracelets: Nadri (exact, option), The Foundrie (gifted) | Watch: Fossil (option) | Rings: Kendra Scott (here and here) | Bottoms: Express | Shoes: Pulse (c/o) (option here and here)

The husband and I were getting dressed for brunch on Saturday morning, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to sport some new stuff. I gotta say, I'm quite obsessed with the bralettes and open backs. I had figured that this would all be workout wear for me, but after trying everything on, I thought they were too cute to sweat in! It definitely adds a lot of edge to an otherwise basic outfit. I hardly ever do all black to begin with, but the bold monochromatic look plus the open back, the tougher accessories, and the fringe booties made me feel like I should be in Tswift's Bad Blood video! Ha! (Speaking of which, I have the best tickets to see her one week from today!!!!!) 

Now you're probably wondering what else was in my Express haul! Lucky for you, I spent an hour Friday after work taking everything for a test drive! Before I go any further, let me remind you of my measurements! I'm 5'-2" tall, 34 chest, 28" waist, 36" hips.

Olive One Eleven Hoodie (I'm wearing a Small)

Black Low Rise Extreme Stretch Jean Legging (I'm wearing a 6 short)

Striped One Eleven scoop neck muscle tee (I'm wearing a Small)

Camo sequin mini skirt (I'm wearing a Medium)

Olive One Eleven Hoodie - LOVE. Seriously super soft. It's definitely tee shirt thin, not sweatshirt material, but it's super soft and is the perfect lightweight layer. I really love the way it falls, it's pretty effortless.

Black Low Rise Extreme Stretch Jean Legging - I don't know why, but I'm always on the lookout for the perfect pair of black skinnies. I have a ton, but for one reason or another, they aren't perfect enough for me to be satisfied. The ones I wear the most are from the Gap, and while they're great, they do bunch at the knee just a bit which make them difficult for tucking into boots. This pair will be great for that though. They're more of a sateen than they are a denim material, and they have the perfect amount of stretch.

Striped One Eleven scoop neck muscle tee - Sorry that I didn't take a photo of this untucked with a pair of jeans so you can get a better idea of fit, but it fits pretty similar to the other Express One Eleven tanks I have - relaxed. And I can't stress the softness of these pieces.

Camo sequin mini skirt - I ordered a medium because I tend to size up in shorts and skirts so they fall lower on my hips. This is definitely not a mini skirt on me, and I'm loving it. I may have to wear this to the previously mentioned Tswift concert!

Mark One Eleven twist back tank (I'm wearing a Small)

Black Low Rise Extreme Stretch Jean Legging (I'm wearing a 6 short)

Marl One Eleven twist back tank - Same comments as the previous tanks in this post. I am wearing the mesh bralette under this, which you can't see. One thing I should mention is that these tanks and bralettes are definitely thin, so if you're self conscious about, ermmm, "headlights"… then you may want to add something for extra coverage. I'm only wearing the bralettes and the tanks in these photos, no added protection.

Soft twill boyfriend shirt (I'm wearing a Small)

Low rise thick stitch jean legging (I'm wearing a 6 short)

Soft twill boyfriend shirt - I bought this in store last weekend in NYC, and unfortunately this top isn't coming up in purple online, but I'm tempted to get it in olive and black also. I sound like a broken record, but it's super soft. I also love that it has a boyfriend fit without being oversized. For comparison, those plaid oversized shirts that I love so much (seen here and here) I always get in an extra small, but I'm wearing a small in this one.

Low rise thick stitch jean legging - Frankly, these thick stitch jeans don't get enough air time. Well, they get plenty of airtime from me, but I don't recall seeing them on other people. Perhaps it's the contrast stitching that turns people off from them, but the fit is just crazy amazing, that I'm willing to deal with obnoxious pockets. I ordered this lighter wash since my dark wash version (seen here) get so much use!

Olive One Eleven Hoodie

Low rise thick stitch jean legging

Sole Society "Lyriq" bootie

You may notice the olive booties I'm wearing in some of the photos above. These are also a recent purchase and I'm obsessed. Yes, I realize I say that a lot, but it's harder to find olive booties than you think! This was the exact shape I was looking for. I was actually hunting for the Rag and Bone Harrow booties in this color, but hey, for $425 cheaper, I will take them! I apologize in advance for having them on repeat this fall and winter!!!

Whew!! I told you that would be photo heavy! Hope you've found some goodies in this post that pique your interest a bit, and if anything, that I've given you enough positive feedback to give the Express One Eleven line a try! As I was putting together this post, I spent a few more dollars from my gift card…. I'll have to save those purchases for another try-on post!

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