This post was inspired by two things: my upcoming trip to Paris (and London and Amsterdam and Scotland and Ireland) as well as my curiosity about a brand that I’ve been seeing everyone talk about lately- Commense. I was a little skeptical that Commense was just another fast fashion clothing brand, but after hearing surprisingly good reviews about the quality I knew I had to try it out for myself! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
I was sent six items from the company to try out and share with ze blog, so I picked out a mixture of knits, outerwear, and basics. I was most intrigued about the knits because I feel if a company’s clothing is poor quality, the first telltale sign is how their knitwear is. And I was pleasantly surprised that the knits I did pick out are fantastic! They’re thick, resistant to pilling and shaped nicely. I will be styling some of the pieces in outfits on ze blog spaced out in the next couple of months, so stay tuned to see how these pieces look on!
Usually when I go shopping or am picking clothes out online, I usually just gravitate towards whatever catches my eye and what I think will fit in nicely with the rest of my closet. But, when I was shopping at Commense, I had one overall theme in mind: things that I could take on vacation to Europe! And if the above selection of items doesn’t scream “Parisian Spring”, I don’t what does! I’m seriously inspired! So, keep reading to see what kind of inspo I’m looking at for my upcoming trip to France and the UK!
And, if you want to save a little money while shopping at Commense, enter code whenimolder_12 for 12% off on orders over $49!
(1 & 9) Toteme Inspired Knitwear (my favorite one*)
I just love how much a simple embroidered hem or border can elevate any knitwear. It has the ability to transform the most basic mockneck sweater into a stand-out item. And this Toteme-Inspired Jacket with a matching scarf ($69USD)?! Pefection. It’s lightweight but cozy with the most perfect oversized fit. And so chic, but with a reasonable price tag! What’s not to love?
(2) Stripes, stripes and more stripes (my favorite cardigan*)
I talked about this in my last December Style Wishlist, but my obsession with stripes has not gone away in the slightest. And although I’m really trying to limit the amount of stripes I buy before my closet just turns into one big jumbled heap of striped patterns, I really couldn’t resist a new structured striped cardigan. This cardigan from Commense ($59USD) features a clasp at the top of the neckline with the most gorgeous decorative gold metal buttons running down the front that gives it the perfect amount of Parisian flair.
(3 & 5) Sleeveless Sweaters (my favorite one*)
I have always had a certain fascination with sleeveless sweaters but it has really ramped up for this upcoming Spring. I think they’re the perfect essential top. They’re sleeveless so you get a certain breeze through the body, but the knit core also helps to keep you a little warm if there’s a chill to the air. And they’re the perfect thing to layer under light jackets and cardigans.
(4) Quilted Jackets (my favorite one*)
I have been wanting a quilted jacket for forever now. They just seem like the most versatile piece ever. They’re lightweight and chic, but also warm and can be thrown overtop of any outfit with the potential to be dressed up or down (and can fold up super tiny to fit in your carry-on suitcase to Paris!). I got the Effortless Quilted Puffer Coat ($45USD) from Commense and it’s the most lovely olive sage colour with a lighter green lining and deep pockets with snap button closures. I’m calling it now- this will be my most worn jacket this Spring!
(6) Trousers (my favorite pair)
I mean, trousers are always an essential for any style wishlist. But it’s also the item I think you can never have enough of. I specifically looking for some mid-tone grey wool blend trousers and some lightweight navy crepe trousers. I will keep you posted once I find the perfect ones!
(7) Scarves (my favorite one*)
We need to bring back the early 2010’s when you could add a blanket scarf or infinity scarf to any outfit in any season and it would automatically elevate it. And that’s exactly what I’m trying to do with this jacquard scarf ($28USD) from Commense. It’s still lightweight so it’s practical in Spring, but is also super soft and cozy so it doubles as a blanket on that 12 hour flight from Edmonton to Paris. I can’t wait to pair this one with a trench. Oh- and did I mention it’s double sided, being primarily grey on one side and primarily cream on the other? We love versatility!
(8) Elevated Basics (my favorite top*)
I feel like I fell into a slump of only every wearing t-shirts and really basic tops underneath my jackets and sweaters. And this year, that is all about to change. I have stopped letting myself buy any more t-shirts and instead, I am looking for tops that are still basic and will mix and match with a whole ton of outfits, but also have fun and cute details like elevated necklines or sophisticated silhouettes. And this long sleeve asymmetric shirt ($22USD) from Commense is the perfect example of that. It has a fun angular neckline but is also fitted and sleek to pair with any bottoms!
(10) Preppy Skirts (my favorite one)
If there’s one thing my closet is severely lacking, it’s skirts and skorts- which are also two items that I think are synonymous with Parisian fashion. I just love the look of a mini knit skirt or a wool skort underneath a long trench coat with maybe loafers or a knee-high boot. Now that is a Parisian outfit!
*ftc disclaimer: Items marked ‘*’ were sent free of charge for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make When I’m Older possible!