Fashion Files Thursday; October 2025

Amy pointed out to me last week that I hadn't shared my Halara order on the blog. It's a long story so I'll sprinkle in the photos along with how my shopping experience went. 

I did finally break down and buy quite a few pairs of Halara pants. I saw so many I really liked but narrowed my choices down to 5. I was in between sizes so I tried sizing down like most people suggested but when they arrived I found the mediums were just a tad snug in the waist; I worried sizing up would make the legs too and hips too wide but I knew I'd never wear the pants all day if the waist was digging in. 

These "Halara Flex High Waisted Side Zipper Pocket Work Flare Pants" are a cross between dress pants and yoga pants. I thought they'd be perfect for hiking too and I love the midnight blue color. 

I headed to their website to see what would happen if I tried to return them. It took some time because I had to select each pair, a reason for return for each pair and then a box would pop up asking me if I was sure. I was getting nervous that the return shipping was going to crazy but figured with 5 pairs to return it had to be cheaper to return them than the cost of shipping. Then at the very end it asked me if I wanted a full refund to my original payment method or if I'd like an extra %age back (I can't remember the exact amount but it was easily $25+) OVER the total cost of my items in store credit.  Since I had really liked the pants and wanted to reorder them in a larger size I picked the gift card option.

The "Off Shoulder High-neck Batwing Long Sleeve Casual Sweater" is fabulous! I thought the rust color was perfect for fall. Shown paired with the "Halara Flex High Waisted Pockets Baggy Wide Leg Washed Casual Jeans" in royal blue denim

Within just a few hours I had my gift card code and a note that I didn't need to return the items---What?! That seemed crazy to me! But I reordered all the same items in a larger size and threw in a really adorable sweater with the extra store credit they had given me. Now I should note that I have no idea if I used the full gift card amount for my order. When the box popped up asking if I would like the extra percentage added to a gift card it did tell me a total but I didn't bother writing it down. Well nowhere since have I been able to see/figure out how much my gift card was for. But I figured I was able to get the pants I had ordered in a size and fit I like and I got a bonus sweater too. I'm happy! My order was given priority and I had my new clothes in no time.  

I love the fabrics, materials, and colors but I am struggling with styling wide legged pants. I don't love how they look on me... some of the time.  

These "Halara Flex Mid Rise Pockets Straight Leg Casual Cargo Jeans" are great with the extra pockets but I really hated how this outfit came together. 

A new cardigan from Amazon paired with a fitted black top and my "Halara Flex High Waisted Pockets Baggy Wide Leg Washed Casual Jean" in blue gray denim

These "Ribbed SoCinched High Waisted Tummy Control Drawstring Wide Leg Color Block Casual Pants with Pockets" with a denim jacket and fitted white shirt

I do think the material on the jeans is much thinner than traditional jeans and I'm not sure I'll be wearing them much once winter weather rears its ugly head. But I do plan on getting lots of use of them for fall and I know they'll be great in spring with lots of my spring tops. 

Linking up with:

 

Comments

  1. Maria RineerOctober 23, 2025 at 5:14 AM

    The pants all seem very full at the bottom. I assume that´s the nature of wide legged? So you got to keep all of the original clothes you bought plus you got new clothes in the size you wanted for free plus $25 in store credit? Can´t beat that! I like the first outfit and like pants that are versatile which it sounds like that pair is :).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne October 23, 2025 at 5:35 AM

      Yeah, wide legged pants are very wide and full at the bottom... which I'm still not sure I like. But they do have lots of other styles that I might try with another order in the future since I really did get such an amazing deal.

      Delete
  2. mireilleOctober 23, 2025 at 6:06 AM

    I really struggle with shopping online and typically only do it with stores that I can return in store. Online descriptions don't always translate in reality!
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne October 23, 2025 at 10:03 AM

      I don't mind mailing returns back but I do try to make sure the return costs are covered; it's actually much easier for me to get to the post office or UPS than a store for returns. We just don't have much near us for stores.

      Delete
  3. Kathrine EldridgeOctober 23, 2025 at 6:21 AM

    I am loving all that you got! That rust sweater and pink are cardigan are so pretty and the track pants are really cool.

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amy ScottOctober 23, 2025 at 6:40 AM

    That is a crazy exchange/return story but wow - you scored! I didn't even realize they had sweaters! Did you order petite? I just think the jeans look too long. Or, have you tried a bit of a heel? I think they look very flattering. I don't know about the cargo or the hiking pant hybrids at all, though. Maybe hem the jeans and you will like them more? Yes, they are lighter material than some traditional jeans but I liked that for a woman who overheats or for summer or spring!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne October 23, 2025 at 10:04 AM

      Right?! I thought that return policy was far too good to be true!

      Delete
  5. Jenn LloydOctober 23, 2025 at 6:59 AM

    I love your outfits! I agree about their thinness...I'll keep wearing mine, but I'm glad you bought some and have them now!

    ReplyDelete
  6. LyssyOctober 23, 2025 at 7:29 AM

    I always love when a store says to just keep the return items! I've heard of Halara before but haven't tried it out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne October 23, 2025 at 10:05 AM

      I do too! It's much easier; that's for sure. Now I'm trying to find someone to gift the other pairs to.

      Delete
  7. Dara @ Not In JerseyOctober 23, 2025 at 7:46 AM

    I have always been curious about that store. So thank you for sharing your experience!

    ReplyDelete
  8. HollyOctober 23, 2025 at 9:09 AM

    That first outfit looks perfect for hikes and just being out and about- love!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lux G.October 23, 2025 at 9:20 AM

    I'm a fan of off the shoulders top and layers. It's sweater weather! Cute outfits!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne October 23, 2025 at 10:07 AM

      Thank you! I love a good off the shoulder top.

      Delete
  10. AnonymousOctober 23, 2025 at 11:16 AM

    The first look is my favorite.
    rkrsrue.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. MarilynOctober 23, 2025 at 11:28 AM

    So fun to read this review! I haven't bought any yet, but it is on my mind to purchase some. Right now, I feel like I have enough jeans, so I haven't made the investment yet for more. I am intrigued by this brand though!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Things That Make Me Laugh

Image
I loved the challenge of this week's list for our 26 lists link up.  I don't know about you but I really need to laugh more lately.  It's such a great stress reliever. 1.  Books-- I love a good funny book that makes me laugh out loud.  I haven't read one in a while but if you have any recommendations I'm all ears.  The last book I can remember making me laugh was the Un-Honeymooners. 2  The boys being silly. 3.  Watching shows like America's Funniest Videos or Family Feud. 4. My husband.  Most people don't realize it but he's actually pretty funny and often makes me laugh. 5.  Whenever my sisters/ family get together and we get to reminiscing (particularly if my Aunt Elaine is around) we end up laughing so hard at all the old family stories that we are all in tears by the end of the night.  It's fabulous. 6. Movies like Mom's Night Out, Christmas Vacation, and Grown Ups make me laugh out loud. 7.  When my ...
Read more

Favorite TV Shows Growing Up in the 80's and early 90's

Image
Do you remember the TGIF lineups on Friday nights? I can remember planning sleepovers and time with friends around TV Show lineups of our favorite shows... or else trying to set the VCR to record our favorite shows if we weren't going to be home. And through the years I had SO MANY favorites! Growing pains aired in 1985 which put me around age 8 and it stayed on the air until I was 15 or so; I'm pretty sure most people in my age group watched mostly for Kirk Cameron and all his antics.  I still have a soft spot for family sit-coms!  The Facts of Life aired when I was just 2  and stayed on the air until I was 11 so I'm sure the episodes I remember so fondly were either some of the later ones and then reruns shown later on when I was old enough to watch from the beginning. I think everyone would have loved an Edna Garret in their lives.   Benson another sitcom that began airing when I was just 2 and was done by the time I was 9 (another one I must have watched mai...
Read more

Fall Home Decor Tour

Image
I didn't put out all the fall decorations this year but I did use a lot of them. It took me just one afternoon and I only put decorations in the 3 main rooms of the house this year. I love it!   Simple but just enough. Mostly I just love the twinkle lights and candles when it starts getting dark in the evening.  Linking up with: Spread the Kindness, 
Read more

Day in the Life: The Day of Evan's First College Interview

Image
 I decided to document last Friday October 17th, for my Day in the Life. It's been a long time since I've done a day in the life but I always enjoy reading them. So I figured why not? 5:30-- I woke up and got right to blogging.  6:00- I set the computer aside and got dressed, made the the bed, etc. 6:30-- Leave for the gym photo taken as I was leaving.. when it was finally light enough for a photo! 8:00-- home from the gym and I head upstairs to get dressed and ready for the day while Evan starts school and eats breakfast without me.  8:30-- I started prepping dinner; I was making a turkey pot pie. While Also overseeing/helping Evan with his schoolwork when needed. 9:00 I sat down to eat breakfast and do a bit of blogging 9:30-- Laundry, took out the garbage, brushed my teeth, filled the dishwasher-- all those fun morning chores.  10:00 - 11:30 -- I sat down to do some scrapbooking and got 3 more double page spreads all laid out.     11:30-12:30 I actu...
Read more

Talking About it Tuesdays #93

Image
Another lovely week has flown by! We had a pretty busy weekend for once too, visiting one last college with Evan. We managed to squeeze in a date night too.   I had a hard time picking just a few features from last week's party; we had so many great posts linked up!    The link with the most views from last week's party:   {Field Trip} Oasis Concert by Our Life in a Click    A few that caught my eye: Banff Gondola & Upper Hot Springs by Curated by Jennifer   That Famous Pasta by Our New Vista    Dollar Tree Mason Jar Pumpkins by Creatively Beth     This party will remain open until the weekend.  My hope is that everyone will share all sorts of wonderful posts: travel, recipes, how to's, crafting ideas, and more-- up to 3 posts per blog.  Anything that is family friendly is welcome; even old posts that you'd like to get some new views. You are invited to the Inlinkz link party! Click here to enter Lin...
Read more