#meanwhile the rest of the outfit is super simple and plain

[kbmercer]

Ch.1, Pt.2/2: Long Time, No See

[Life’s A Journey]

Summary:

A lot had happened after they parted ways. Nevertheless, the threads that tie them together remained. From children to adults, a reunion that’s long overdue leads the trio to embark on another journey.

Just like old times.

Word Count: 2.5k+

(Y/n)’s day starts with a phone call. The trill of Rotom’s ringtone jolts them from their sleep. Groggily lifting themself up to assume a seated position in the hotel bed, (e/c) peek from cracked eyelids to view the screen that hovers in front of them. Seeing the smiling face of Sonia tugs as little smile of their own as they prompt the Rotom Phone to answer their childhood friend over the line.

“Hey-yo, Sonia! How’s it going?”

“Nothing much. Just wanted to call before I get to work. How are you doing? Are you having a good time in Hoenn?” (Y/n)’s smile grows into a lazy grin. There is a nine-hour time difference between Galar and Hoenn, so it was a given that Sonia would think it was later within the day for them. Shifting to note the time: 9:36am, the trainer pulls themselves from under the covers to get ready.

“It’s grand. Mauville is so large I could get lost in it and the hot-springs of Lavaridge are to die for,” they play along. Entering the restroom, they grab a cloth and lather it to clean their face.

“Oooh, sounds like a dream. A spa day sounds good right about now. Note to self, stop by Circhester when I’m free.” (Y/n) discards the cloth before moving to grab their toothbrush.

“Eh. Those are just the places I managed to visit in my free time. I wish I could’ve seen more, but that’s kind of hard when you’re traveling for work.”

“I guess that’s true. How is work, by the way?” (Y/n) groans.

“Same old. There’ve been a lot of interesting things we’ve come across, but it seems we’re walking in circles instead of a straight line.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

“Yes, quite unfortunate indeed. With that being said, my efforts in researching has come to an end for now…I have to get back to Unova soon to fulfill my duties there.” Their words were muffled by the toothpaste in their mouth, still Sonia understands their words just barely. Laughing at hearing bristles on teeth over the line, the woman reclines in the seat in front of her vanity.

“You just never know how to sit down, do you? I don’t know how you do it, y’know. Having work at home and then moving to do work elsewhere? Do you ever take a break???” A thoughtful and long-drawn hum leaves (Y/n)’s lips. Did stopping by Galar count as a break? Maybe, but it would be a rather short one considering they’d only be here for the next few days. Though they can’t tell her that. It’d ruin the surprise visit.

Damn. Sonia’s right.

“Now that I think about it…” silence follows. Neither of the two say anything for a moment before Sonia eventually continues.

“Take more care of yourself…OK?”

Their eyebrows furrow. Quickly muting Rotom Phone to rinse and spit, they unmute to reassure their orange-haired friend.

“Hey, don’t worry about me too much, alright. I’m doing fine. Sure, I may not be taking breaks like I probably should, but I’m not wearing myself to the bone either. I rest plenty, trust me.”

“…”

“Sonia?” (Y/n) hears her sigh over the line.

             “I believe you. It’s just that it’s kinda hard to keep a good work-life balance. Just wanna make sure you’re keeping it level.”

             “It’s as level as I can possibly make it.” They chirp before making a smug face. It’s clear that Sonia has something else to say. The undercurrent of her worried words are heartwarming, and (Y/n) dramatically press their hands over their heart in reverence.

              “You looove me,” they tease to which Sonia stutters a laugh.

             “Oh, hush,” the laughter they share eventually dies down into a comfortable quiet.

             “Well. I’m gonna turn in for the day. Talk to you later.”

             “Yeah. Talk to you later.”

Ending the call, (Y/n) promptly shuffles through their luggage for an outfit. Keeping it plain and simple they decide on a cozy white sweater and some black trousers before changing. In no more than five minutes they’ve grabbed their trainer bag and key card before heading out the door.

Meanwhile, after the line had cut Sonia slowly brought the barrel brush she held down her hair. As she continued to brush she takes a glance at herself in the mirror. A mildly forlorn look shone in her emerald eyes her brows twinged emphasizing her sadness. She wished she could say it—that she missed them. After they had left seven years ago it felt like their friendship had slowly chipped away, not just with her but also with Leon. Though, she supposed that the three growing older and separating to pursue their own endeavors would make that inevitable. Still, traveling the world without so much as an occasional visit left the ginger to question more apart from what she already questioned. Lost in her thoughts, she feels a tiny pressure around her ankle. Looking down, Sonia sees Yamper staring at her head tilted to one side with a concerned look. Sighing, she shakes her head and reaches down to pet the little electric type.

“Sonia, dear. We’ll be leaving soon.” She hears Magnolia outside of her room. Taking a deep breath, she lifts herself from in front of her vanity grabbing the grey clips and placing them on her loose pony before heading to the kitchen. She’d need to eat something for the long day she had ahead of her.

                Hop leisurely eats a muffin as he eyes his Rotom Phone. He had been waiting for (Y/n)’s message ever since he woke up this morning and was beginning to grow impatient. Though he trusted them to remember to notify him, so he stayed put.

“Hey.” His older brother’s voice draws Hop’s attention away from his phone. Leon was dressed in the usual battle tower attire as he takes a seat at the table across from him.

“You said you’d tell who gifted me these,” he grasps the Key and Mega Stones in hand. “A Key Stone and Mega Stone—very rare items to come across. Items highly sought after by skilled trainers, with most being possessed by the elite.”

“Ah. So, you do know what they are.”

“I almost didn’t remember. I likely wouldn’t if it weren’t for the books at my desk. Now, spill. Who gave you these?”

Before the younger can answer, Rotom Phone impedes his vision showing a new text had been received.

‘Morning, Hopscotch! On the way to Mag’s and Sonia’s. Don’t wait up!’

A bright smile shines on the teen’s face dismissing his device. Leon raises a brow. Whatever Hop saw on his phone has him super chipper.

“Well! When I was on my way to the lab yesterday, I was met with a surprise visit.” Amber eyes stare into his own as Leon silently urges him to continue. Hop takes in an excited breath of air.

“It was (Y/n)! They were in Wedgehurst last night and—”

“What?!” Leon exclaims. The ex-champion is out of his seat with an expression of both surprise and disbelief. After seven years of travel, they finally make their return to Galar? A surprise visit? Nobody was given any prior knowledge of this happening? It took Hop to be at the right place at the right time to meet with them?

“So that’s why you returned home late!?”

“Yeah! They gave me the Stones to give to you and told me not to tell until today. Sorry not sorry.” Giving a shrug, Hop recognizes the blank look that has since replaced his brother’s shock. It was easy to determine that the news he received had him thinking, reminiscing, and questioning. Yet, the younger doesn’t give Lee any room to get lost in his mind. With a push of the shoulder, Hop brings Leon from his subconscious.

“Lighten up a little. I’m sure you have a lot to catch up on but standing here isn’t going to help you.”

Having a lot to catch up on was an understatement. Perhaps it was foolish of him to think that (Y/n)’s travels wouldn’t stretch over such a long time span. Regardless he couldn’t help but miss them. Despite the occasional talks they would have with each other, their conversations were often short-lived. The man couldn’t help but to feel guilty about this. Being champion at the time was no easy feat; taking on heavy-handed tasks and putting on a smile for the people of Galar kept him busy—more than he’d like to admit. As they both became adults, it was clear that (Y/n) too had grown busy in their own regard. Listening to them speak about different regional cultures, the sights to see, the food to eat, the pokémon to meet, the events to partake, and their League experiences was something Leon took great joy in doing. Those calls have since been very few and far between. So, what happened? What new journeys had they taken throughout the time they hadn’t spoken? What new accomplishments had they made that he hasn’t yet been told about?

Running a hand through his hair with one hand he uses his other to grab the pokéball of his trusty Charizard before letting him out. With a firm roar, his companion gives an expectant look, having heard the conversation completely.

“We won’t be going very far. (Y/n) had yet to meet with Sonia and Professor Magnolia, so they’re on their way to their house.” Hop shows Leon the notification on his Rotom Phone. It’s proof enough to have the older on his way out the door.

“Then, that’s where we’re headed. Let’s fly,” he makes haste. The younger is at his heels chewing the remainder of his morning snack as they exit.

  The walk down Route Two was a rather slow one. (Y/n) had expected to get to their destination some time ago, but the nostalgia of traveling down the familiar path enticed them to lag. Some things just didn’t change; same trees, same bushes, same patches of tall grass, same gigantic lake. 50 years could pass, and nature would remain—a nice prospect to think about. (Y/n) could feel Poppy grow restless in his pokéball, so they move to release him. The Venusaur takes in his surroundings just as (Y/n) did and releases a joyful grunt.

“Man! All the memories are flooding in. It’s insane!” The trainer gives Poppy a pat on the head. “We’d train here all the time. Sonia would teach us about type advantages and we’d all practice how to throw a pokéball.”

Continuing forward (Y/n) makes out the familiar layout of a battle pitch before eyeing the house that resided behind it. (Y/n) could hardly contain their excitement and raced ahead and rapping their knuckles against the study door. They could faintly hear movement within the building.

             “I’ll get it,” the voice was no doubt their friend’s. They can’t help the megawatt smile that rapidly grows on their face. The ginger woman opens the door with a rather blank look, though her expression changes quickly upon finding out who it is. Her green eyes are wide—bewildered; she had halted in chewing the apple that she had in hand and stares. Seconds pass before (Y/n) casts a glance at their starter.

             “Poppy, I think I broke Son—” they are quickly cut off by a warm and strangling embrace. Was Sonia always physically strong, or was this just a special occasion? Giving a small laugh and returning the hug. It was so great to see their childhood friend again.

             “If you take this long to come back again, I’ll kill you,” she cries. The words are muffled by their sweater as she cries on their shoulder her embrace getting tighter. The sound of light footsteps behind the embrace draws their attention.

“What is all the fuss about, Sonia?” They both hear the professor query, viewing her granddaughter hold (Y/n) close. It isn’t until the veteran cranes their neck to show their face more clearly that the elder notices. An expression of surprise shows before it is quickly replaced with something softer and more welcoming. “Oh my, if it isn’t (Y/n)! Welcome back, my dear.”

“Hey-yo, Mags! How’s everything?”

“All is well, my dear.”

             Sonia had since released them from their hug, but not a moment passes before (Y/n) hears additional footsteps. The sound of feet on pavement was rapid as if somebody, or in this case somebodies, were running. Hearing shouts of their name, they turn around to face the culprits. Taking Sonia’s hand, they exuberantly wave down the path upon seeing Hop and Leon. The younger makes it to the two first, bringing them into another hug. The group of three becomes four a second later as the older joins completing the embrace. In contrast to the cool autumn wind that wafted throughout, the cozy warmth of having everyone huddled together was perfect. (E/c) glance at the ex-champion, his head laid atop theirs as their height allowed it. He looked comfy—relaxed; a rare expression for him to have and (Y/n) couldn’t help but feel touched to catch him like this. Giving the man a slight nudge, his eyes crack open to peek downward. Golden eyes meld into (e/c) as they playfully wink at him with a playful smile. Leon lets out a small laugh as he shakes his head. It’s nice to note that their vibrancy remains in full swing even after all this time.

“Ah, what a sight to see. It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen you all together in one place.” Magnolia’s reminiscent words pull the quad’s attention. “You were all so young and now have grown into fine adults.” With a hum, the elder looks to her granddaughter.

             “It’d be foolish to think you’d want to be in the lab upon (Y/n)’s return, no?” Of course, the ginger shakes her head at this. Magnolia chuckles. The group separates from their hug.

             “In that case, before you get settled make it known that the office will be vacant for the time being.” Turning her attention to Leon she quickly notices that he was already on his own phone telling Rotom to notify the Battle Tower staff that he’d be out for the day. While they were doing that, (Y/n) busied herself with giving Charizard friendly scratches behind the horns. The fire-flying type grunts before bumping his snout on (Y/n)’s nose; an action that he’d adopted starting when he was a Charmeleon. (Y/n) lets out a startled laugh, they forgot about this behavior, but it was a sign of recognition, nonetheless.

             “Been watching over everyone just fine?” Charizard gives a proud nod in affirmation. 

“Good.”

***********

There's so much more that I wanted to add to this part, but I ultimately decided to cut it and move it over to chapter two. It would have gotten too long otherwise.

Also, just a word of note: If at any point do I use 'he' or 'she' in reference to (Y/n), please notify me so I may correct it as soon as I can. I want to keep this fic gender-neutral.

#pokemon #fanfiction #champion leon #x reader #leon x reader #pokemon sword #pokemon shield #pokemon swsh #pokemon hop #pokemon sonia #professor magnolia #galar

[studentville-struggles]

On Set

Chris Evans x reader

Multi-part series following the reader's life on the set of the latest Avengers film

Part 1 

Words: 1,448

Warnings: swearing?

—

It wasn't unusual for members of the public to be included as extras when you were closing down streets, or in this case, train stations, for filming. However, it was even rarer for actors to recognise said members of the public when shooting, making the current predicament even more stressful for you. I mean it's not like any of the crew knew, or the cast to be honest.

Two years ago you said 'fuck it', walked into an audition with no manager and by some very substantially sized miracle landed a major role in the new Avengers movie. You moved to Los Angeles, trained with Steve Zim, trainer of Chris Evans (oh yeah, this is the man that carved that Marvel bod) and now you, and spent the last 18 months filming at various locations around the world. So one might say, things have changed. Just a shame about him.

Ignoring what's going on you walk up to Joe Russo who just waved you over to join him, Stan and Evans. Trying to pretend all was okay was going to be a lot easier with all the guys around.

"Yes Mister Boss Man" You might be new but that didn't stop the banter.

"Y/N, please"

"Sorry Joe, we ready to shoot?"

"Is she going to act like she hasn't seen us or has she really not seen us" You could hear them whispering but thankfully you had things to get done.

“Yes, wait no, hang on, you're an outfit ahead Y/N, you should be in the office outfit"  

"You know we're in a train station right?"

"Funny.  BECKY!!" Joe called over your stylist to help sort the issue. She must've known why as she came over with your blouse and pencil skirt in hand. Meanwhile, Chris and Sebastian were mucking around and trying to pull you into it too.

"She knows I'm the better at the stunts she'll back me up" It’s the same thing every day, always so competitive.  

"I want no part of this competitiveness Chris, you know that. Becky, I am so sorry I got mixed up" you said changing the topic to your wardrobe as she came over to you.  

"Aww, that's no fun. C'mon, back me up sugar." Chris always pulled out the pet names when he really wanted something. He might be dressed like the world's worst womanizer but Chris Evans was far more confident than the character he played.

You turned to Sebastian as Joe was briefing the three public recruits as to what they had to do in this scene. All they had to do was cower and gawp, for one scene, then leave the set.  

"Would you be a doll?" You asked Sebastian with a cheeky grin, motioning for him to undo the zip on the back of your dress. He responded with a simple nod and also offered you an arm to lean on whilst you were taking off your heels.

"Not sure they're going to have a clue what Joe is saying, they can't take their eyes off you, Y/N" Sebastian informed you with a hard edge to his voice. Actors changing on set wasn’t an uncommon thing, people staring was just plain rude.

"At least gawping won't be too difficult for them" Chris chuckled. You had to admit, he's not wrong.

Realising you were going to have to intervene, whilst slipping your dress off your shoulders you turned to the gawping men sat on the station bench.  

"If you could try and pay attention to the Director it would be appreciated, we'd like to wrap things up quickly today." You stated matter of factly before spinning back around and thanking Becky for taking the dress off you and winking at Chris who handed you your white chiffon blouse.

Flirting on set wasn't weird or an odd thing that caused schoolgirl giggles, it was basically the most common way to communicate. Weird, but you got used to it. It actually kind of made sense, you all do weird routines and stunts and some of you guys had to make out on set, in front of the entire cast – not a soul willingly misses a kiss scene – so it actually helped dispel any awkwardness or tension. You did have to admit you had a tendency to flirt more with Chris and Sebastian, although most of your time was also spent with them on set.  

The changing on set didn't phase you either. Most people around here had seen you drunk, and you know you're a handful when drunk, you figured this was way more chill. Also, you worked hard to tone up for this film, all that hard work and strict nutrition programme needed to be appreciated, and lord knows you hadn't gotten laid in a while. You definitely had no reason to feel bad about how you looked, even you appreciated the work you'd put in.  

"Positions" That would be your cue to get ready to shoot. Deep breaths, you wouldn't be nervous about this if 'he' wasn't here so let's just ignore that and get on with things. This scene wasn't too long, but it was fairly well rehearsed and needed to be packed full of emotion and drama, meaning you needed to be focused.

"Action!" You walked forwards away from the crowd you were standing with, removing your heels as you inched along the station platform towards the Winter Soldier. In this scene, he was full relapsed Bucky, no control over what was going on.  

"ENOUGH!" You screamed towards the soldier edging forwards. "I'm sorry for this" You whisper to the man still stalking towards you. "ATTENTION SOLDIER" He stopped only a few steps away, looking quizzically at you.  

You stretched an arm out, wanting to place your hand on his cheek affectionately. However, nothing was ever that simple with the Soldier.  

"BUCKY" You screamed as he begun flinging your body to the floor, the terror in your voice clear. He knew that voice and he knew he couldn't hurt you. The Soldier caught you and lifted you back up to him lifting you up so you could wrap your legs around his waist, lips already connected in a passionate kiss. Your hands tangled in his long black hair as his hands went to your back, ripping your blouse open at the back.

"Cut!" You broke apart and Sebastian popped you back on the floor.

"Not bad Y/L/N, I'm almost hoping we need a second take now." He winked at you and you just grinned back.

"Oh, I bet you do Stan. P.S. I love my job" You sing the second half, feigning a swooning motion.

Turning to walk back towards the directors' chair, hair and makeup you heard one of your gawp-ers pipe up.  

"Really, all we get is a 'pay attention to the director' and a strip show?" You didn't know where to start; punch him or curl up in a ball and die. Unfortunately for you, Chris had wandered over to see Sebastian and heard him, and decided to intervene for you.

"Dude really? First, you stare at her changing on set, super creepy by the way, and now you want her attention? She doesn't owe you shit" Chivalry may not be dead after all.

"We used to be engaged Captain dickhead. Oh, and the names Dave." Oh no. He said it now. Now everyone's going to know about all your failures and how shitty pre-Marvel you was.

Tom, who'd come over when Chris started gesticulating at Dave, looked at Chris and Sebastian's faces, turned towards the rest of your friends and simply screamed at the top of his lungs.  

"WE HAVE A CODE BLUE. I REPEAT WE HAVE A CODE BLUE" Really Tom? Really?! Do you really have to call all your friends over using your jokey emergency call?

Scarlet was the first to arrive, trying to figure out what the emergency was. The two of you had bonded a lot over the course of filming, you enjoyed having someone to talk boys with, other than boys, you just happen to have failed to mention this specific boy to her.  

"What's the issue? Who's hurt??" Okay so the miracle of getting into a Marvel film as an inexperienced actor clearly wasn’t enough to make your life weird and unrelatable, why not through in becoming part of that Marvel family the main actors seem to have.

"This dickwad said he was engaged to Y/N” Chris spat. “And seems to think, despite no longer being engaged I might add, that she actually owes him any form of attention. Which she wouldn’t even if you were engaged you piece of shit.”

Kill me now.

—

Part 2 // Masterlist

Please please please let me know what you think of this, I’m still a little baby writer so feedback is a huge thing for me

#studentville-struggles #rachel tries to write #god help you all #marvel fic #chris evans fic #chris x reader #chris evans x reader #cap x reader #steve x reader #baby writer #please help me out #is this okay??? #i always seem to freak in the tags #chris evans #chris fic #marvel chris #On set #on set chris fic

[hookfrance6-blog]

LOFT Fitting Room Reviews + Drybar Brush Crush First Impressions

OUTFIT DETAILS: LOFT Drawstring Utility Jacket, size XXSP (review of size XSP here) | Ann Taylor Cheetah Dot Camp Shirt, size XXSP | LOFT Performance Denim Leggings in Vivid Dark Indigo Wash (past season favorite), size 27/4P | Michael Kors Alexis Espadrilles (found at T.J. Maxx, select sizes and colors are available via eBay here)

Happy Wednesday! I wore this outfit the other day and I love how utility jackets are versatile for throwing together quick outfits that still look put together. I meant to share new fitting room reviews last week but I got swept up spending time with our families and then I came back to a busy work week (I'm currently up late to publish this post and I need to be up early for work). I took a much needed break from posting to social media since I never put down my phone and I enjoyed being more present around my loved ones. I believe we might be on the cusp of a new LOFT sale since LOFT and Ann Taylor sales sometimes overlap. Meanwhile LOFT cash is redeemable in stores as of Monday, September 10 through Saturday, September 29, 2018. For online purchases use code LOFTCASH for $25 off $50+ valid on full-price promotional items.

Click here to see the leopard print blouse without the utility jacket over it. It's my first animal print blouse and I really love this trend in moderation for fall. Stay tuned for another way I styled this blouse for work in my next post!

OUTFIT DETAILS: LOFT Denim Jacket (past season favorite, similar here) | LOFT Ruffle Back Mixed Media Jumpsuit, size XXSP (review here, featured here) | Ann Taylor Gretel Metallic Leather Slides (past season, current season version here) | Ainifeel Genuine Leather Small Crossbody Bag (review here) | Sunglasses

I really love how much use I got out of this simple black jumpsuit. It has washed well on cold and air dried and it doesn't wrinkle badly.

Lou & Grey Drawstring Cowl Dress, size XXS regular (review of size XS regular here) | Ainifeel Genuine Leather Small Crossbody Bag (review here)

I wore this grey dress often last week while on vacation because I purposely didn't pack a lot (I was only seeing family). I like the super soft material but I realized that the dress is slightly too swingy for my preference. It washes well on cold and air dried flat. It's a really cute dress and I did get a few compliments when I was out and about at the mall including one associate at Ann Taylor that asked to feel the dress.

FITTING ROOM REVIEWS

LOFT Double Breasted Blazer, size 00P | Ann Taylor Cheetah Dot Camp Shirt, size XXSP | LOFT Performance Denim Leggings in Vivid Dark Indigo Wash (past season favorite), size 27/4P (similar here, I'm eyeing this pair of black legging jeans) | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I like the idea of this navy blazer but the buttons hit a little bit higher in size 00P and the overall length is shorter than I prefer for this style. I couldn't find other sizes to try on but I wanted to try on sizes 0P and 00 regular for comparison. If you don't like the gold buttons at the sleeves (they look a bit extra to me) you can easily unbutton and cuff the sleeves once which effectively hides the buttons from plain view.

LOFT Button Pocket Flounce Dress, size 0P (review here) | LOFT Bluebird Ruffle Collar Utility Blouse, size XXSP | Ann Taylor Mila Leopard Print Haircalf Pumps (true to size, review here) | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

Special thanks to Erin for sharing this outfit idea with the bluebird blouse and this navy dress! If you're into feminine outfits then you may like this outfit combination but I decided it wasn't for me. The dress runs true to size as reviewed here and the bluebird blouse fit me in size XXSP since I have a smaller chest although I am usually size XSP.

LOFT Floral Shoulder Button Ruffle Shell, size XSP | LOFT Boyfriend Cardigan, size SP (review of size XS regular here) | LOFT Skinny Bi-Stretch Ankle Pants in Julie Fit, size 00P

Click here to see the Marisa fit on me for comparison. I typically only reach for the Marisa fit for LOFT pants since I have minimal curves but I ate really well last week and the Julie fit was more comfortable at the waist and hips. I am usually size 0P but in LOFT pants I go down one size since 00P often fits like my usual size 0P. There are a lot of reviews about the odd fit of these bi-stretch pants but the thicker, stretchy fabric draped well and flatters my smaller thighs. For once I found that pants don't look too baggy on my legs. I really wish these ankle pants came in other colors since the petite inseam is on point. For reference I'm 5' 2.5" and currently 108.5 pounds.

I went up one size from my usual to size SP in the boyfriend cardigan so that I would have room for layering it over tops with long sleeves.

The floral shell has cute gold buttons and I took in my usual size XSP. It is slightly sheer but for me it works with a nude bra.

LOFT Posy Flounce Cap Sleeve Top, size XXSP | LOFT Skinny Sailor Pants in Marisa Fit, size 0P

I thought this mini floral print top was cute but size XXSP was a bit shorter than I prefer and too loose fitting. Note that I am usually size XSP in LOFT tops when they run true to size.

LOFT Skinny Sailor Pants in Marisa Fit, size 0P

I tried on my usual size 0P in these sailor pants and they fit true to size but I did not like how the creases show. I wish the fabric had a smoother fit. Note that the pant legs have a slimmer fit.

LOFT Floral Ruffle Henley Dress, size XSP

I love the dark floral print trend for the fall but my usual size XSP in this dress was too small especially up top. The arm holes were really narrow and even unbuttoned the top portion of the dress was too narrow on my small chest (I take a 32A in petite bras). Due to the poor fit up top the rest of the dress didn't lay well and it was oddly unflattering so I quickly took it off.

Thanks to your support I have an upcoming sponsored post with LOFT! I am beyond excited about the opportunity to work with my favorite brand via my blog and Instagram and I look forward to sharing more later this month!

LOFT Drawstring Utility Jacket, size XXSP (review of size XSP here) | LOFT Striped Shoulder Button Ruffle Shell, size XXSP | LOFT Modern Skinny Jeans in Staple Dark Indigo Wash, size 25/0P | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I previously reviewed this utility jacket in XSP here but I found that sizing down helped with the fit.

LOFT Striped Shoulder Button Ruffle Shell, size XXSP | LOFT Modern Skinny Jeans in Staple Dark Indigo Wash, size 25/0P | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I sized down in this striped top but after a week of eating well while on vacation I regret sizing down since it got a bit snug at the chest and arm holes on me. I love the micro stripes. The top is slightly sheer so some may prefer to layer with a nude cami but for me I was okay with just a nude bra. Check out my review of the solid white color here. This flutter sleeve style is also available in other colors and a pretty floral print (review at the top of this post where I took my usual size XSP).

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LOFT Modern Skinny Jeans in Staple Dark Indigo Wash, size 25/0P | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

If you prefer straight leg jeans then I recommend these modern skinny jeans which LOFT brings back quite often. I took my usual size 25/0P. The 26.5" inseam is slightly longer than usual in petites so this pair covers my ankles as opposed to exposing them. The ankle opening isn't as narrow as I typically prefer but they manage to look classy and work appropriate with a pair of sleek pumps. This pair doesn't have any rips or holes and the whiskering and medium wash is classic and timeless.

LOFT Flounce Mixed Media Shirttail Top, size XSP | LOFT Modern Skinny Jeans in Staple Dark Indigo Wash, size 25/0P | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

This thin t-shirt top was really cute with the peek of the white ruffle/flounce on the bottom for added interest. Size XSP was a looser and longer fit (good for food babies) but I was worried that the sleeves of size XXSP might be too snug. I'll have to try on size XXSP in another visit for comparison.

LOFT Lilac Garden Button Flutter Dress, size XSP | Click here and here to view the clips from my try-on

Special thanks to Ly for bringing this dress to my attention! This floral print is really pretty in person but I didn't love the fit on me even with the belt at the waist. If you like this lilac garden print it's also available as a blouse. It fits true to size but if you're curvy then you may need to size up to accommodate your chest, hips or both since the 100% polyester fabric has no give.

LOFT Pleated Distressed Denim Jacket, size XS regular | Lou & Grey Drawstring Cowl Dress, size XXS regular (review of size XS regular here)

Visually I thought that this new denim jacket might fit me but when I tried it on size XS regular it was too loose on me but I like the cropped length. I am usually size XSP in their denim jackets if they run true to size but I believe this jacket only comes in regular missy sizes. It runs true to size if you fit missy sizes at LOFT.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline Sneaker (true to size) | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I love white sneakers and I found this pair for under $30 at TJ Maxx. The black outline stands out and I like how this pair looks with casual outfits. I have this style in grey which I haven't worn recently. You can check out more Converse Shoreline styles here.

DRYBAR BRUSH CRUSH FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I recently got a new hair cut before vacation by a random stylist at my local salon without checking for online reviews about her (big mistake). I was really upset that she cut way more than the agreed upon 1" since I only wanted a trim. I was so dissatisfied with my hair post haircut that I purchased the new Drybar Brush Crush. It's a straightening iron that looks like a paddle brush. The first day I used it (as shown in the clip above) I really liked the results but I can't seem to recreate the same results which could be due to the rainy and humid weather this week.  My thin, fine hair type is prone to frizzing in the heat and humidity no matter what I do to it. Note that I found that the Brush Crush doesn't do anything to help prevent weather related frizz (at least for me). The brush accommodates much higher temperatures (up to 450 degrees) than I require. I tested the brush and anywhere between 310-340 degrees worked well for straightening my fine hair. I will try to film a brief demonstration of how I use it but I'm not sure how helpful it will be. So far I've only come across online videos of people with wavy and curly hair reviewing the brush. I checked my analytics and I received 5,246 impressions and 13 direct messages on Instagram (unsure if that's indicative of the level of interest across my silent followers) when I shared the above clip in my stories. Sharing hair and beauty products is admittedly outside my comfort zone since I prefer to focus on clothing reviews.

FYI. If you do too many passes with the Brush Crush it will flatten your hair and you will lose a lot of precious volume at the crown. On a related note, I'm intrigued by this hair tip for volume at the crown.  My husband's cousin had actually mentioned this hair tip to me when we last met up in Taiwan but I forgot about it. She had found and picked up a crimper at Watsons. Can anyone recommend a good hair crimper? I sometimes get so focused on the negative reviews that I am not sure which one to get.

I also ordered the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer to try since my old John Frieda hot air brush is looking a bit sad from wear and tear after only one year and 3 months of ownership. I meant to order the Revlon brush but I was being cheap and ordered the John Frieda one which was half the price although it does work well. I could never master holding a round barrel brush and hair dryer at the same time so using only one hair tool at a time is a major plus in my book.

I had the GHD classic 1" inch styler maybe 10 years ago that I loved and I may just get another instead if the Revlon brush doesn't do the trick. I abused that one by not wiping it down and I didn't store it in a pouch so it only lasted me about 4-5 years before the residue I got on the ceramic plates made it not work as well. A few years ago I  had purchased an older version of the T3 SinglePass Compact Iron when it was offered in a grey color (the latest/current version comes in white) but it never compared to the efficacy of GHD iron. I felt that the smaller size made a difference in how well the straightening iron worked and again I was trying to save money by not buying a full-size model.

Thanks for stopping by!

Source: https://www.whatjesswore.com/2018/09/loft-fitting-room-reviews-drybar-brush-crush-first-impressions.html