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Tall Essentials with Alloy Apparel

Bittersweet news today y’all. This is the last of our current collaboration with Alloy. It has been a treat for us to get reacquainted with their selections and to lose our fears that they still had junior sizing, as we remember back in our high school days. The goal with any of our collaborations is to help you feel confident in being able to order from brands – especially since we all have to take the plunge and order online. If you’re ever left scratching your head, feeling like we didn’t answer your questions; we want to know! Ask us clarifying questions because the goal is to provide value to you!

To end our collaboration, this week’s post is all about cardigans! Cardigans are an unsung hero of most women’s closets. Not sure about you, but we struggle to stay warm in our offices all day. You’re sitting at a desk, with limited blood flow. We do our best to drink copious amounts of water so we’re taking many bathroom breaks to get the blood pumping again. But even that doesn’t do enough to warm us. This is where layers are key, and cardigans are an obvious front runner choice. 

They’re a top choice because they can do it all. Basically in any office aside from business professional (where you’re expected to wear a blazer) they are appropriate. They still provide the same streamlined silhouette as a blazer if they fit correctly as well. This is where it’s most important to still buy cardigans cut for your shape/size because if you’re buying a mainline option you’ll probably end up having to size up. When you size up, it ends up being a baggier look in the armpit and making you look wider as it’s not actually fitted for your arm length. 

Truly all things I didn’t realize I was settling for until I started wearing actual tall clothing. Then you put on your non-tall options and are suddenly dissatisfied with all of your mainline purchases. It’s absolutely helped to make us more discerning with purchases. We have the tendency to browse in-store and get carried away with clearance items. Now we can reign it in by taking a closer look at how well it actually fits. No more coming home with stuff, wearing it once and relegating it to the back of the closet.

That’s why it’s been so much fun trying these pieces from Alloy Apparel. These cardigans fit the sleeve length perfectly and they hit right at the armpit where they’re meant to. We’re both wearing them in a size large. To note, if you have larger arms than us, you might be more comfortable sizing up. There isn’t a ton of give in the fabric, which helps the cardigan look polished! I wore this look to travel/work remotely in. It served me well to sit comfortably in the car and then work remotely in Starbucks. 

Caitlin wore hers with an Alloy pair of jeans. She is wearing them in a size 12 and the 35 inseam. Just to note with this pair, there isn’t a lot of stretch to them. We’d definitely say size up for a comfortable fit. The dark wash is also one of the first pair of jean washes we’d recommend investing in. It can be dressed up super easily and also is very easy to wear with many different colors. We are both also wearing the black tank scoop neck bodysuit. We can’t reiterate enough how much we love these bodysuits. They are so so soft and comfortable. Normally I don’t like to wear bodysuits all day long, but I never even noticed with this one because it fits so perfectly. We’re both wearing these in a size large and would say stick with your normal size!

That’s all for today, hope we helped enlighten you a bit more on Alloy Apparel. We’ll be keeping an eye out for their new drops and sales to send your way. Lastly, don’t forget you can use REALTALL20 for 20% off your purchase right now. They’ve even got free shipping for you to take advantage of, which is also the last hurdle to get past on making a purchase. The Cardigans and Bodysuit are both on final sale, so they are already marked down to amazing prices for some solid tall closet essentials!

Outfit Details

Link for Cardigan in Black, here. Link for Cardigan in Rust, here. Link for Bodysuit in Black, here. Link for Dark Wash Denim, here.

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The Buckatabon

If you’re a new reader maybe you haven’t experienced firsthand one of our posts sharing our adoration for our family lake all the way up in the northernmost part of Wisconsin. Let us reintroduce you to Buckatabon Lake. It all goes back to our Mom growing up on the lake; her and her siblings helping to run a resort (which is now defunct) called Sunset Bay. Aptly named, there have been many majestic sunsets dropping behind the pine trees we’ve been lucky enough to view. Today though, we’re talking Buckatabon lake, in honor of a new supper club opening right in our hometown of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. 

Yes, it’s true, when we can’t get up north to savor the authentic experience of all that the Northwoods has to offer; we have the option for the next best thing. We already did one giveaway with The Buckatabon (supper club), and we’re ecstatic to be able to do a second! What made us feel so confident in partnering with Lowlands Group to share excitement over their March restaurant opening, is their extensive research conducted beforehand. The initial fear is that you’re throwing a name on something that doesn’t do the real thing justice. Not the case with The Buckatabon at all. They came up north and trawled the area, visiting many of our favorite haunts in preparation for designing the restaurant. 

If you haven’t checked out their Instagram page yet, they’ve shared some really fun details that truly evoke the feel of the north woods, like pub bar stools, some vintage wallpaper, and stained glass hanging light fixtures. It’s a little kitschy, just like the Northwoods is like stepping back into years past. Knowing that they stopped and visited many of our go-to spots, we wanted to share some of those with you, if you ever make a trip up north to see for yourself. 

The Burnt Bridge. This is our favorite bar and is located in perfect proximity between our Grandma’s house and our house for everyone in the family to meet up. They have a ceiling full of dollar bills that they will help you attempt to throw your own and stick it, which is easier said than done (for some). Look for The Buckatabon to incorporate their own take on the dollar bills! They are also known for their panoramic window views of deer feeding and other iconic taxidermy scattered without. We loved learning that one of our friends from the local bait shop also handcrafted their tables to complete the woodsy look.

Club 45 is a close second in being our favorite bar. They are located overlooking a beautiful lake where in the summer you can enjoy from the patio or while you play horseshoes outside. When we’re out on the lake enjoying the day, and we don’t want to cook dinner, or we grab it before we get to our house the first night. They offer the best pizza in the Northwoods. If we get there early, they’ve always got pull tabs to play and some nice beers on tap to enjoy while you wait. You’ll be able to try your hand at pull tabs at the Buckatabon as well! They also host many events throughout the year that we are fond of such as the Great Northern Jerk Off (Jerky making competition).

Blink Bonnie’s Supper Club. A well-known dinner option and as with most places up north, a bit of a drive. We show up expecting a ridiculous wait time. You can grab a drink at the bar and head outside to enjoy the setting sun. We’ve packed our lawn games like bags and Kan Jam or cards to entertain us while we wait. You’ll be sure to leave with a satisfied stomach after enjoying a sizzling steak and old fashion.

Whitetail Inn (this one belongs in conjunction with Blink Bonnie) is where you need to head immediately after your Blink Bonnie dinner to enjoy a marvelously made grasshopper. Grasshoppers have easily become one of our favorite family treats to enjoy! 

Upper and Lower Buckatabon. Of course, we couldn’t leave the lake off our list. While that would easily be #1, we’ll just say this list is in no discriminate order. We spend as much time as possible on the pontoon. We love coffee cruises in the morning, island/sand bar docking for all-day fun in the sun, and cocktail cruises. We’ve even taken advantage of the lack of city lights to take a starlit cruise and spend some silent time appreciating just how small we are in comparison to the sky. While you’re out on the lake stop by the Buckatabon Lodge for some friendly service and an ice-cold drink!

Eagle River. The next biggest town and probably one of the more well-known spots up north. Only a half hourish drive and a wealth of options for some entertainment. We’ve attended Cranberry Fest, We’ve run the Journey’s race with our Mom for Mother’s Day, and Caitlin has made it a tradition with our parents to attend Up North Beer Fest yearly. If you walk Eagle River’s main street area, be sure to pop into Tremblay’s Fudge for some fudging making in action. We usually have to buy some peanut brittle to stop the drooling. They also have a vintage candy store that we visited every summer and all of the cousins would get a large jawbreaker and ruin our tongues trying to get to the center quickest.

Bent’s Camp has easily become our family’s go-to burger joint. Again, it is a bit of a drive as it is located in Land O’ Lakes nearly bordering the UP on Mamie Lake. You will find year-round events at Bents ranging from live music to snowmobile timing events on the ice with an ice bar

Dublin Sports Bar is one of our family’s favorite places to visit via snowmobile or UTV. This bar also looks over a lake and has a beautiful patio out front. You can enjoy wearing a goofy hat and drinking free on your birthday. Their beer selection is wonderful for the Northwoods. 

The Bear Trap Inn is another delicious supper club we have fond memories of visiting during our childhood. It was always an exciting treat when we were told we got to have dinner at this cozy inn and to this day it is still just as impressive.

Sunrise Lodge in Land O’ will serve you possibly the best breakfast/brunch North of Hwy 8.

Needless to say, The Buckatabon has set itself up to be nothing but successful based on research alone. The other completely Wisconsin thing they’re adding, are meat raffles! If you haven’t heard of them, you’ll just need to participate and figure it out for yourself. Both of us are looking forward to the opening of this supper club that we already hold near and dear to our hearts. We hope that you not only support this local restaurant but also make your way Up North to support the local businesses that inspired The Buckatabon. We wish we could devote an entire blog post to how truly amazing, unique, and special each of the above establishments are, perhaps in time. 

I, Jenilee, was able to sample some of the brunch items and am thrilled to give them my stamp of approval! We started with the Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs, which were a vivid pink and a perfect balance of smoked salmon, capers, shallot, and dijon. Then we split the Herwig Hash which happens to be a vegan option. I didn’t miss the meat as all the flavors of charred broccolini, finger hots, green tomato chow-chow, butternut squash, purple radish, halved peppered-aleppo chili avocado, roasted fennel and crispy kale, melded together so beautifully. Lastly, is it even brunch without adding in something sweet to round out the savory dishes? So we ended with the Toasted Pecan & Apple Crumble French Toast. It was topped with whipped wildflower honey mandarin butter and was a dream come true. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry again. Now we just need to scurry back to try out the dinner menu!

If we haven’t swayed you quite yet (which seems unlikely) head to our Instagram today and learn how you can win yourself a $50 gift card, compliments of The Buckatabon.

Here’s a fun throwback circle 1994
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Real Tall Finds Friday: Vol 4

This weeks Real Tall Finds is a mixture again of deals and what we actually bought over the last week, as well as what we wore! Sometimes you find items and they end up inspiring you to buy other items to create that magical cohesive wardrobe we’re all aspiring towards. That was exactly what happened when I got the most magical culottes from Long Tall Sally and happened upon the most perfect snakeskin print turtleneck! As we love to trade clothes, Caitlin wore the outfit to work after me and promptly realized she needed her own turtleneck, which led to us sharing a mainline win find with y’all! Kismet, if I’ve ever heard it.


https://rstyle.me/+ZJp1OO3XTbyAmwVueNy7xg

https://rstyle.me/+RfIe7fd1Mr7sPoPk21YOpw

Post coming soon on this romantic sweater that’s currently under $40 that would pair perfectly with that skirt! It does have more of a cropped fit, but bought in a size medium so might be longer if you size up!

https://rstyle.me/+_lElND02974_RybbJhYxTw

Black: https://rstyle.me/+Bh7B7AKp5snEIzDn7jjZIA (40% off!!)

Snakeskin: https://rstyle.me/+reRx1jq3Yn0uBjNUbe95Ig (we both own this one, it’s mainline but the sleeves are a dream and it wears with a weightless feel(+)

Green Thyme Animal Splash Print: https://rstyle.me/+lGuEOCuCzPwajNsgpVZAVA

Dress Culottes Shoes

Black Gray

Caitlin got this in both Snakeskin and Black (they are waterproof and very weather resistant!!)

That’s all of our finds for now, as usual let us know if you are on the hunt for anything specific and we can help you find it!

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Alluring in Alloy Jumpsuits

Anyone else feeling that February slump? It might be due to January feeling like the length of three months, or it could also be due to me being on the second round of this cold. Likely, it’s a combination of both! But whatever the reason, I’m living for the few sunny days we’ve gotten here. We got hit with plenty of snow here finally but were blessed with some intense sun a day or two later. Driving to work in the morning is made all the easier when the sun is brightening your path. I know I’m not alone in that feeling! It’s also no man’s land for shopping right now unless you’ve been eyeing some pieces up for a long time. There are barely new drops (which is amazing for our wallets), but there are some great deep discounts on Winter season items yet.

We’re back today for the third installment of our Alloy collaboration, and thrilled to be talking jumpsuits! Jumpsuits have been an ongoing love of ours because they are true statement makers. They are one and done outfits like dresses, but allow you to move about more freely than a dress. With that part, they’ve already had a leg up (pun intended) over dresses. The part we hadn’t been doing right until now, is the comfort factor. 

A lot of the jumpsuits I’ve loved over the years are magnificent creations. But like dresses, you typically can’t wait to yank it off at the end of the night and get comfy. Not the case with these Alloy jumpsuits! They’ve successfully married comfort and style for our maximum enjoyment. Made of jersey fabric, you can easily move about (aside from lifting your arms overhead with the off the shoulder cut).

We both are wearing a size large in the jumpsuits and find them to be true to size. The length is perfect for me at 6’4, I was even able to wear them with a heeled boot! Caitlin’s has plenty of space for her to add a pair of heels as well, so the length could easily work for someone taller. Despite them being a comfortable jersey fabric, you could wear them in a dressier setting depending on your jewelry and shoes. Already I’m envisioning wearing mine on date night, like Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day this week! Plus it comes in an even more versatile black option.

Caitlin’s jumpsuit takes the throne on versatility though. It’s got long sleeves and just has enough sass to show one shoulder for a slightly demure, yet seductive look. Throw a jacket over the top of it though and you can rock it while traveling. It’s great for a chic airport look and would make a very versatile addition while traveling. Especially if you like to pack in a carry on, where every inch of the bag counts. We don’t know anything about that though, we have been typical over packers. Point being, this jumpsuit helps us be our best selves. It also comes in Ivory, which would be incredible to wear as a bride to be for a shower or rehearsal or bachelorette party!

Plus they’re both really reasonably priced, which is one of the biggest considerations in our search for jumpsuits! We recognize that you’re not going to get the most wear out of a jumpsuit in your wardrobe despite highlighting the versatile options that come to our minds. Best part? We can knock 20% off of the price using REALTALL20 for your shopping pleasure! Let us know below, what are your favorite style jumpsuits to buy? Are you rocking only the fanciest options, or have you started to mix in some casual go-to’s as well? Have a great weekend y’all!

Outfit Details

Caitlin’s jumpsuit linked here. Jenilee’s jumpsuit linked here.

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Amalli Talli Sale Roundup

When we’re thinking of the most digestible, well-loved posts; roundups come to mind at the forefront! If you’re shopping at a specific store it’s the way you can see all the pieces in quick succession. We understand completely why people love try-on sessions at stores for that reason as well! While we don’t love to do try-on sessions (aka they don’t come as easy to us), after accumulating all of the incredible pieces from Amalli Talli, it seems like the smartest time to do a roundup for y’all while these pieces are on killer sale! So without further adieu, let’s get to the pieces and what we love about each!

Cowl Neck Sweatshirt

Who doesn’t need more athleisure in their lives?! It’s a necessity for us in our commute to and from the gym in Wisconsin winters, plus make a travel outfit look super chic and put together while still in actuality wearing sweats! We have it in size large and find it to be true to size. Link to Sweatshirt here.

Knit Cardigan in Grey/Mustard

Cardi’s are a staple in most women’s closets. I honestly don’t remember a time without one. These cardigans are the perfect slouchy fit you need. Gone are the matronly cardigans filling my closet in the past, these are all I need! The grey one is a size medium, but I will note I bought the mustard color in large and am happy with the fit as well. Link to Grey Cardi here. Link to Mustard Cardi here. **Hot tip wash it before you wear it to avoid lint!**

Mock Turtleneck Sweater

If you consult me (Jenilee) I’d advise you to fill your closet with turtleneck sweaters for the long cold Midwest winters. Caitlin is a bit more hesitant as she doesn’t like her neck feeling constricted, but even she adores Amalli Talli’s turtleneck fit. It’s foldable if you prefer a lower neckline, but I always keep it untucked, as I’m trying to maintain any body heat I have left! For sizing, we are wearing it in Medium and it has a relaxed fit. Link to Mock Turtleneck here.

Ribbed Duster Cardigan

You might have immediately wondered, do I really need two versions of a cardigan? Honestly, they aren’t even in the same category, they would definitely have different subtypes. This one reads a bit more business casual work appropriate. Don’t worry though, it can do both as evidenced by rocking it with a crop top. We’re wearing this in a size Medium as well and consider it true to size as well. In summary, you can justify buying both cardigans. Link to Ribbed Cardigan here.

Striped Sweater

I know a lot of women who love to rock some serious stripes with aplomb. All I can tell you, is I’m normally a reluctant stripe wearer. I’ll buy them on occasion and they end up gathering dust in the drawer. *UNTIL* this sweater came along. Now I happen to reach for it weekly. It might be that the colors are just ideal, or it might also be because it’s comprised of the softest thin material. Regardless of which reason, we’re going to have a long happy life together. Wearing a size medium, and it’s an oversized look but super easy to front tuck. Link to Striped Sweater here.

The Teddy Jacket

Teddy Jackets are one of those trends that you normally stare longingly at all the petite girls looking all adorable wrapped up in their cozy jackets. Amalli Talli saved us all when they designed their own tall girl version. Insanely soft on the outside, but also surprisingly warm to wear in a pinch as a real jacket (yes even in Wisconsin). We’re wearing a size large and we’d stick with sizing up as we like our jackets a bit more generous fitting in case of layers! Link to Teddy Jacket here.

Cable Knit Sweater (Dusty Purple)

Maybe red isn’t your favorite color or you appreciate a bit more visual interest on your sweaters. Cue the Cable Knit Sweater being more your cup of tea! Caitlin again is vibing with the neck fit on this sweater. It has the same fit/cut as the red mock neck, and we’re wearing it in a size medium. The only difference is the neckline is a thicker fold! All of their sweaters are classics, so you never will worry about getting rid of it in a few seasons. Link to Cable Knit Sweater here.

The Vernon Striped Jumpsuit

I have a terrible tendency to pick jumpsuits that are thin spaghetti straps or sleeveless. In theory, not the worst thing, but knowing myself and our weather, I will ALWAYS need an additional layer. Cue the Vernon jumpsuit stepping up to the plate. Amalli cut this in two lengths, which cover both Caitlin and I’s height difference. Plus they have the striking rust orange color or the classic navy blue. It is really comfortable plus it is easy to get on and off for bathroom breaks, which is one of the biggest reasons women don’t wear jumpsuits. Caitlin is wearing in a size Large and the Alli length (which is the shorter length). TTS Link to Rust Jumpsuit here. Link to Navy Jumpsuit here.

Favorite Crew Tank

Caitlin and I have long searched for great tanks for our work wardrobes above all else. If you’re trying to look semi-professional, typically the fabric doesn’t have a lot of stretch to it. Therefore, if it’s not cut in the right length you’ll notice a lot easier. We’ve made do with our options up until this point when we again realized no more settling. No need to have droopy armpit holes because you sized up for length or gaping/hanging sizes that still won’t tuck into your pants. We’re both wearing a size Medium, but if you have a large bust then we’d maybe say size up! Link for Red Here. Link for Blue here.

V Neck Sweater

We didn’t get a chance to snag any pictures of this yet, but I bought it in a size small. I would say choose size on how you want it fit. I went for a more fitted look! It’s a super-thin sweater material and I love that all of their sweaters have no itch to them. Such an underrated quality! Link to V Neck Sweater here.

Lace Cami

Another one I recently snagged. I can’t tell you how many other camis I’ve ordered or tried on and had resigned myself to thinking they just were wrong on my body type. WELP – Amalli Talli proving me wrong once again. All you need to do (Jenilee) is stop buying ill-fitting clothing and your problems will be resolved! I bought this in size medium and although it’s a close cut on the hip, no pulling which would normally be the case and cause of me sizing up. Link to white lace cami here. Link to black lace cami here.

Items Not On Sale

In case only one or two sale items caught your attention and you still want to benefit from free shipping; we highly suggest the Jean Jacket and moto leggings. These items you can use our code THEREALTALL15 for 15% off your purchase! These are two items we wear on repeat and I do not say that lightly. Or, you’d certainly be happy if you snag a pair of their denim! All in all, there is something for everyone at Amalli Talli, so happy shopping!

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