I have a serious love-hate relationship with Amazon, as I’m sure many of you can relate. I loathe all of the wasteful packaging and the environmental impact associated with deliveries (and let’s not forget returns!) — and I’ve tried to be more mindful about my purchases of late, choosing quality over quantity for a home and a wardrobe that are more timeless and tightly edited. (Remember that whole white shirtdress seven ways thing?)

But the convenience, you guys. THE CONVENIENCE.

So inevitably, at least once every couple of weeks or so, I find myself needing something not-quite-immediately-but-sooner-than-I-would-be-able-to-make-time-to-get-it-from-a-store aaaand the Amazon bingeing begins. It starts with our fave body wash for the kiddo or a carton of toilet paper (no joke: I am fully converted to Amazon’s Presto brand) and ends with a tiny drawstring bag of palo santo — perhaps the only current proof that I’m just barely a millennial — and a beautiful candle wick trimmer I never knew I needed.

And somewhere in the middle, I hem and haw over a handful of Amazon fast fashion finds that I ultimately decide are too good to be true before saving them all for later and exiting quickly. You know the ones I’m talking about — not the Amazon house brands or any brand you may be familiar with that just happens to be available on Amazon, no no. We’re talking about the brands with too many consonants in the name.

The aggressively distressed skinny jeans being worn by some sexytime model with big, beachy hair. The little black bodycon dress being worn by some sexytime model with big, beachy hair. The high-waisted paperbag shorts being worn by some sexytime model with big, beachy hair. Ugh.

And just when you’ve decided that maybe, just maaaaaybe the item is indeed as good as it claims to be, you see the EXACT SAME ITEM in the “similar” section being sold by another brand with an equally unfamiliar name, conclude that nothing is as it seems, and bail completely.

Cute & Affordable: My Top 10 Amazon Fashion Finds 

Well not anymore, friends! Last week I loaded my cart up with 10 of the Amazon fashion finds I kept coming back to over and over again so I could finally decide, once and for all, if any of them live up to the hype! (Spoiler alert: 9/10 are under $30!) Some were better than expected, some were much better than expected, and for a couple of them, the jury is still out. Here are my findings!

A couple of notes: All of the finds here are eligible for free Prime shipping (!!) — or at least they were when I checked out. Prices noted are subject to change and may vary depending on size, color, etc. Onward!

1 // Distressed Jeans

Jeans ($28.59, size S) // Tank (OBSESSED with the texture and drape of this, buying one in every color) // Leopard Boots // Platform Huaraches

I know big wide jeans are in, but I can’t turn down a seriously distressed pair of skinnies, and for under $30, these seem worth any additional damage they may suffer in the washing machine. These jeans are extremely stretchy, almost more like jeggings with functional pockets and a fly (which I actually kind of love — not super into faux pockets). I normally wear an XS-S and ordered these in the S, which is the smallest size available. If they had an XS, I think those would offer a more slimming effect with less bunching, so that said, these run slightly large — but I’m also not opposed to a little slouch. I really liked the true high rise and the frayed hem, and the wash looks pretty high-end. Keeper! (Also worth noting: I’ve been living in this “Sandwash Modal” tank top from Banana — it’s so much more luxe than it looks with a sandwashed finish that mimics silk, but it’s stretchy and the drape is perfectly not-too-clingy.)

2 // Ruched Bodycon Little Black Dress

Ruched Bodycon Little Black Dress ($21.99, size S) // Converse 

This dress is nearly identical to the Leith dress that TME team loves so much at about half the price (and that’s saying something since the Leith dress is already such a value!). Again, I’m between an XS-S these days, and the S in this dress fits me perfectly. Surprisingly, the dress is actually lined for a more flattering and forgiving fit, and yet it’s still something I could wear comfortably playing with the kiddo. (Semi-squat pose above for proof, lol.) Love that you can wear it with a regular ol’ bra — and it’s available in 14 colors! Definitely something I would turn to if I wanted a staple that could go easily from work to weekend — or if I needed something in a specific color for an event.

3 // Tie-Dyed Maxi Dress

Tie-Dye Maxi Dress ($27.99, size XS TTS) // Platform Huaraches // Necklace (Similar)

This piece has been in my Amazon cart for no less than three months, just waiting for me to pull the trigger. I love the boho vibe, the neutral coffee color that keeps it from feeling too campy (also really into the blue + white), and the versatile length. (I think it’s actually more interesting tied up to one side to show off any noteworthy footwear). I’ve already worn this to the park and the beach, but I’d rock it for a drink with girlfriends or a date night, too. (Pretty casual here in the Bay Area.) Would also make SUCH a cute maternity option. And best of all: pockets!! 

4 // Paperbag Waist Shorts

Paperbag Waist Shorts ($24.99, size S) // Tank // Leopard Boots

OK guys: these are the shorts that inspired this whole post. I took one look at that tan, leggy babe in the pictures and couldn’t take my mind off of them (nevermind that I am neither tan at the moment nor leggy, uh, ever). I hadn’t yet totally embraced the paperbag waist, but these have me 100% converted. Do they fit me exactly like the model? No. In fact, I think she might be wearing a size or two larger to achieve the more gathered look — but they’re flattering and comfortable and the tie at the waist makes hard-to-tuck items look easily chic. (None of that should I tuck just the front or the whole thing and do I need to blouse this more or less nonsense. Tuck it, tie it, done.) In the name of full transparency, these arrived with a SERIOUSLY questionable stain on the ass (that’s the Amazon gamble…), so I promptly returned them — but I liked the fit enough that I have a replacement in the mail as we speak, fingers crossed.

5 // Boho Blouse

Longsleeve Boho Blouse ($20.88 size S) // Jeans

A little conflicted on this one. On the one hand, the quality is a little better than I was expecting, and the detail on the sleeve and down the shoulders is interesting and lends a higher-end, kind of Anthro vibe to the whole thing (never a bad thing as far as I’m concerned). On the other hand, the polyester fabric is a little heavier than I would prefer (versus a linen, maybe) and there is A LOT of it. The images on the site are very accurate in terms of the volume of fabric. Strategically tucked with the sleeves pushed up, it’s seriously cute, but it feels a little high-maintenance to me. To keep or not to keep?

6 // Olive Jumpsuit

Jumpsuit ($23.99, size S) // Snakeskin Sandals // Belt (Similar)

Another one for which I’m totally on the fence! It’s pretty true to the pictures, so I knew what I was getting into, but does it feel a little like long johns? Maybe. It’s actually quite a bit more flattering in motion, and with a nipped-in waist via a slim belt, it’s got some cool 9-5 potential. (See below where I added an air conditioning-friendly cardigan, too.) I really appreciate the functional wood buttons and the perfect-length sleeves with their flattering drape and wide cuff. A more statement-y necklace or earrings might help with the somewhat matronly neckline. I’ll probably hang onto it because the color is so transitional and our cooler summer days call for all the jumpsuits, but…??‍♀️

7 // Graphic Open Front Cardigan

Graphic Open Front Cardigan ($29.99, size S) // Jumpsuit // Dress // Snakeskin Sandals // Converse

I’m all about leopard prints as a neutral (a mantra I’ve maintained since high school: if it doesn’t go with anything, it goes with everything), and the more graphic vibe of the black/white just seemed cool on this piece. (OMG, and I might have to hang on to this one for Ugly Sweater Season…) Some reviews mentioned that it was poorly constructed, but the one that I received seemed surprisingly well-made. We get a fair amount of gray days here in the summer, so this is a piece I know I’ll get loads of wear out of right through Fall — probably with this graphic T that I just picked up, these cutoff shorts and bright clogs, at some point. You know I love pockets, too. A winner, in my book.

8 // Snakeskin Sandals

Snakeskin Sandals ($26.40, size 8) // Jumpsuit

I didn’t spend a lot of time photographing these (obviously) because I just didn’t love the fit — but that’s kind of why we’re here, right? Telling it like it is on these pieces that you can glean next to nothing about from online. So a couple of notes: I loved the style of these. They have the true texture of snakeskin, not just the print (I’m a stickler for stuff like that), and in terms of length, the fit was TTS. My issue was that the arch hit in a funky place that made my stride feel really unnatural — but that’s not to say that would be the case for everyone. (In fact, these have a fair amount of positive reviews, so maybe I’m the odd man out here.) Would I work a trade show in them? Nerp. (Once upon a time, trade shows were my bread and butter…) But they’re available in almost 30 FREAKING COLORWAYS — some with slight styling differences — so if you needed something for a wedding, let’s say, they’d probably get the job done. Kinda digging this on-trend floral version for summer, too.

9 // Bamboo Handbag

Bamboo Handbag ($37.99 size S — there’s a larger one, too!) // Dress // Tank // Shorts // Leopard Boots

I am so in love with this bag, guys. First off, it came extremely well-packaged with a note card and dust cover, which is above and beyond what I was expecting despite the 800+ five star reviews. The size is perfect for a larger wallet, phone, and anything else you’re ok with being seen through the lattice design (this is where a cute little inner bag would come in handy for tampons, tissue and the like) — and my only complaint would be that there isn’t a closure. You literally hold it closed with the handles. That said, since I would be using this for either a day date or a work event where I’m not juggling the needs of a tiny person, I don’t foresee that being a huge issue. Definitely a chic and on-trend accessory that elevates almost any summer outfit for under $40.

10 // Boho Knotted Scarf Headbands

Boho Knotted Scarf Headbands ($15.95 for 12!) // Tank // Shorts

After spending the past few months following fashion bloggers’ Stories and watching everyone and their mom fawn over $100 knotted headbands, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to see if I could actually pull one off — but at a much lower-commitment price point. These headbands are under $16 for a DOZEN, so if you end up liking the style, you’ll be set for a good long while. There are quite a few options for this style of headband available on Amazon, but I truly loved the pattern on most of the products in this assortment, so it was an easy choice. They’re super-lightweight and comfortable, and a fun way to change up the whole vibe of a favorite outfit. Still trying to decide if I can pull them off or not, but for $16, I think it’s a trend worth playing around with. Lana loves wearing them, too!

BONUS! Tortoise Shell Earrings

Tortoiseshell Earrings ($5.89 for 2 pairs!) // Tank // Shorts

Remember when I said I can’t keep a single roundup to 10 items? Guilty again. I threw these into the cart at the last minute thinking they’d be janky junk (two pairs for under $6, after all!) — and was SO pleasantly surprised! They come with both a light and dark tortoiseshell pair (I’m wearing the dark), but there are options for super on-trend colorful resin options, as well. They’re as light as can be, and most surprising of all, they don’t irritate my sensitive piercings. I’ve worn them almost every day for the past week! Such a steal.

OK guys — there it is: 11 Amazon fashion pieces that are, for the most part, exactly what they seem to be (and 10 of which are under $30!). Are there any Amazon fashion pieces that you’ve taken a gamble on and loved — or loathed, for that matter? I’d love to know!

xo!
Em

Guys! Follow me on Instagram for more peeks into our life on the Northern California coast. And if you feel so inclined, pop over to my personal food + lifestyle blog, The Pig & Quill, where I share salty scribblings from my kitchen and home life. Byeeeeee!