I have a new strategy for satisfying my retail jones without spending much: I just fill my cart with everything from a brand or retailer I like, then simply don’t proceed to checkout after I’m done. It’s amazing how satisfying the simple act of placing something in your shopping cart can be (and apparently I’m not alone in thinking this: a guy I know who works in e-commerce for a big company told me that something like 90% of all shopping carts are abandoned). The brand I’ve most recently performed this exercise with is Universal Standard, which was conceived in 2015 as a line exclusively for extended sizes. Their pieces are consistently cool, classic, flattering, and as well-made as they are priced. And now that they offer their goods in sizes 00 to 40, I find myself desiring clothes from them on the regular. This pretty perfect twill top also comes in black, but I’m trying to go for navy more these days because it doesn’t wash you out as much.
A cropped zipper hoodie—perfect for layering.
This moto jacket is nicely unadorned, which is a good quality in a moto jacket.
This is Universal Standard’s Geneva dress, and I already own (and love) it in the black, and am considering going for it in this eggplant-y hue too.
This A-line vegan leather skirt is a pretty compelling stand-in for the real thing, has pockets, which is always a plus, and is high on the list of Universal Standard pieces I’ll likely end up acquiring.
This vegan leather cami requires a bit more nerve than the skirt, but I’d like to think I’m up to it. It’d be pretty cool layered under a tuxedo blazer for a fancy-ish occasion.
A really quite elegant and simple dress that is also on my likely-to-purchase list.
The print on this bias-cut skirt also comes on a dress and a top, and I had a very tough time picking a favorite, so you might want to click through and choose for yourself.
The Geneva Dress is a winner! I bought it in the summer when Universal Standard had their sample sale to benefit Planned Parenthood. Win. Win!
How did I miss that? I love a company that does good!
I also find that I love to online shop and fill my cart but then not check out. I thought of it as my guilty pleasure. I’m happy to learn that it isn’t something I’m alone in doing. I didn’t know about this clothing line. Thanks!
I’m trying haaaaard to skip by that cami
I just ordered the cami. Not sure if I’m cool enough to wear it either, but free shipping and returns clinched the deal.
I own the Samatha Caftan dress, and I had to cut it down considerably….to make it fit over my hips, I had to order a larger size, so the shoulders were way way too big and lord have mercy it was so long I could not walk in it. . So, I just cut it down and reset the armhole and shortened it so I could walk. It worked out really well, and I wear it all the time.
Speaking of filling carts. The shoes in the A-line vegan leather skirt are ringers for the Doc Ms I have sitting in my Amazon cart.
Also–noting there are a plethora of Kims on this site and I love it!
I have those shoes and I feel like that’s a sign I need that skirt. I’m already mentally making outfits with it.
That moto jacket is SO much better than the Mango one I was considering – and I’d MUCH rather give my business to US! Lots of great dresses on their site, for those of us with minimalist tendencies.
I am officially confirming it is a sign. 🙂
I too would like to move to more Blues and away from Black for the same reason and would love a post with that in mind. It can really be difficult to find good basics in Blue as well as the perfect “little blue” dress and/or skirt.
I adore this post. Putting stuff in a shopping cart and abandoning is my thing too. I find that the retailer often emails me with incentives if I am signed in while doing it. I then can ask myself if it is really something I want. Love your pics of Universal Standard’s clothing.
I love Universal Standard. I recently ordered their cupro shirt dress, and it has snaps between the buttons in the chest area to keep it from gaping. Such a thoughtful detail.
That vegan “leather” skirt is outstanding.
Looking at this post, especially the pic of the woman in the pencil skirt and the moto jacket, makes me want to ask you for some posts that are less to do w/ specific products and more to do w/ styling in general. I feel like I still don’t know how to put pieces together–or how to be confident in my choices when I do. Thanks!
Garanimals for grown ups!
The Universal Standard V-Rex t-shirts are great—soft and drapey and come in petites. I own four . . . and counting!
Loading things into the “cart” and freaking out at the total is just too much fun, isn’t it? I’ve spent a delightful summer pretend-buying dresses and accessories to wear to my niece’s wedding in October. At one point, I had $3,000 worth of items (including $1,100 Louboutin booties I’d wear, face it, once) in my cart at Saks Fifth Avenue. I scare myself sometimes!!!
Can one rent shoes yet? Or would that be a bad idea? Maybe they would wear out too quickly for it to be a good business.
I love this post! I thought I was the only one “shopping” and then leaving my cart in the online abyss! I like that the retailers will follow up with sales on those items. If I really want them, then I’ll get them on sale.