My friend, Faryn and I went shopping for “school” clothes. That’s the only way I can justify spending money on new clothes–it has to go towards something, like school, work, etc. It makes the buyer’s remorse go away easier. In actuality, I did not spend that much money, so no remorse here whatsoever–well, maybe a little bit.
I first heard about Brandy Melville (also known as Brandy & Melville) from Faryn’s blog. She did a great job describing the place, but I’ll try to do my best. If you are a fan of Rumi’s (aka FashionToast) taste in clothing, this is your store. Right off the bat, the store is very spacious and minimal. Just think Urban Outfitters, but with less stuff and replace the hipsters with hobo hipsters. What is hobo hipsters? Usually, they are skinny (can’t be hipster if you don’t fit into a size 0–this counts for the men too) and wearing oversize “drapey” clothes with hipster-like glasses. Usually hobo hipsters can be found at the beach. Besides Rumi, the next person I can think of that wears this type of clothing is Mary Kate Olsen.
Two things that fascinated me at Brandy Melville are the “one size fit all or most” sizing and euro price tags. Faryn (as well as Rumi and Mary Kate) and I have a HUGE weight difference. Faryn is a size small top and as far as pants, I wouldn’t doubt she is a size 0, but maybe a 2 at the most. I’m a size large and wear size 12/13 pants. See the huge gap? I wasn’t deterred by it. Just looking around the store, there was a lot of stuff that could fit me. I didn’t even try the pants, which I know would never fit me, even if I tried.
As far as the whole Euro price tag, basically one Euro equals one Dollar. Just remember that.
$32
I bought the Camicia Sarah top, which is a drapey v-neck blouse, which looks shear, but not really. I found out that each item is named after a girl, which is cute, but common in the fashion world. I love how the sleeves bundled up to give it a very relax look.
It’s not tight at all and the fabric (cotton) feels, “oh so” soft. It’s so soft that I want to sleep in it. I usually stay away from white, but I figure why not.
Front
I bought this simple cropped top called Antracite (this had a girl’s name, but I can’t find it). The only reason why I bought this shirt is what’s on the back of it.
$18
How dope is that? I have a DIY shirt cutting post coming up next. So, stay tuned for that.
I bought accessories as well, but that post will be coming up soon.
In the end, it was a great shopping experience. Some people have complained about their customer service, but I have pretty low expectations when it comes to retail customer service. As long as they say hi, I’m good. All in all, a fun time!
Check out:
Brandy Melville:
Rumi:
Faryn:
What’s your fashion flavor? Hobo? Hipster? Preppy? Goth?
FTC: Everything was purchased by me with my own money. I am not getting paid to do this blog post, I have no affiliation with this company. These are all my honest opinions.
hmm i don’t think i have a particular flavour… just whatever tickles my fancy!
Me, too! It’s whatever makes my butt move. LOL
Ok I have very little fashion sense. I tend to be a very practical person. Really…it’s sad, but I’m working on it. Since having my baby, my body hasn’t gotten COMPLETELY back to its old self and I LOVE baggy shirts. I need more actually. I totally love the baggy shirt, skinny jean, flat sandals look. I’m working on accessorizing more and being more bold with color. I TOTALLY have a problem justifying shopping for clothes, but I’m trying to give myself permission to add to my wardrobe a little at time every month. Hopefully by Christmas I’ll have a decent selection
I don’t believe that you have little fashion sense–that can’t be! I don’t have any excuses on my body. I used to be thin and in shape, then it went downhill. Honestly, I’ve been told many different times that I either look like I’m pregnant or I just gave birth. I guess I should be flattered in a way, because it means people don’t believe I’m just natural fat. I know that sounds weird, but that’s how I deal with it. LOL
I think you have the right idea. Shop a little here and a little there. I think that’s the smart thing to do. Unlike me, I shop once (like a huge load) and then don’t shop for a year.
I love the white top…antracite is grey in Italian I think, that was a color on our prada tags for silvery grey.
FUN!
HAHA, Antracite…well, that makes sense.
Thanks for the comment on the top. I know there is probably cheaper white shirts, but it’s hard to find one that drapes.
When you come to O’ahu, you should check out the store! We can have a shopping date.
I would totally go to this store just for the experience. I love clothing like this. I can’t fit into it but I love it
I don’t know what type of clothing I gravitate towards the most. I’ve been liking vintage styles more lately. Academic styles, corduroy, cashmere sweaters, and tweed. I also love shiny things though, hand embroidery, whimsical…ok I’m a fashion schizophrenic. I just wear whatever I feel like that day hehehe.
Sounds like you had a fun time!
I agree, my moods determines my clothing choice. I guess, I’m a fashion schizo too! LOL
It was a lot of fun. You’ll be surprise what you can find at Brandy Melville. It’s very casual that it can fit into any wardrobe. I believe (don’t quote me on it) there is a Brandy Melville in England. I would like to stay London. If you have the chance, you should check it out! To me, fashion is ageless…I wish it was weightless. LOL
Haha Jen, I’m doing a project for my marketing class on Brandy Melv’s pricing and searched ‘Brandy Melville’s european price tags…your blog came up just below the search bar with my name on it. Nice exposure!
@Faryn: HAHA! Isn’t that kinda weird, but cool at the same time. I want to hear more about your marketing project. Sounds super interesting. I can’t wait to hear about it over some beers.