It all started with a FB clothing ad, and evolved into this review about the clothing brands Commense and StyleWe.
Quote of the day: “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” John F. Kennedy
My introduction to Commense started when I saw these wrap jeans. They were so unique, and I just had to have them. I’d never heard of the company, but I fell in Love with their aesthetic and unique styles.
I bought the jeans, wore them, shared them… and then I was SO excited when the brand reached out.
On the flip side, I started seeing StyleWe posts also, and even though we had worked with them ages ago, I had forgotten about the company. I was excited to see they had a similar style vibe to Commense, so when the brand reached out, I said yes.
Fact: Both brands just gifted me the clothing in exchange for video content. You can see the content I created:
StyleWe-Mixing and matching the pieces I had with the skirt, with the dress, and with the print top.
Commence –2 spring outfits with 3 of the items delivered.
So I thought it would be a good idea to compare Commense and StyleWe in a blog post. Are they worth exploring? Are the pieces good, and should you try them?
Both Commense and StyleWe live in that sweet spot of interesting but wearable style (in my opinion, at this time of my life). If I were still in my style time of 10 years ago, I might think it was a bit “out there.” However, I enjoy the items that are a bit different and unique nowadays.
When I first looked at their sites, their prices were mid-range, so I didn’t think they would be scammy sites. Most items are in the $50-100 range.
What I have learned is that reading the descriptions to find out the material composition is important. I’m at the stage of my life where I do appreciate natural fibers more, but I haven’t given up man-made fibers totally.
I have more thoughts below, but I figured you wanted to see the pieces…so here they are.
Because I worked with the brand, they are offering a discount. Use code Jtouchofstyle-12 on anything on their site (although I don’t know if it works on sale items, but it can’t hurt to try.)
This dress with the matching cape was available in 5 different colorways. I loved the idea of the matching cape, and even though it was a mini, I thought I could pull it off.
No, it didn’t come with the belt…that is my addition.
I realized it was polyester, but I have to admit, I really like it.
You saw it styled when we went on a mini vacation in this Daily Outfit post. (Heck, I even took out some of the stitches in the cape’s neck so I could wear it around my waist with leggings and then wear the “dress” as a top).
I chose these shorts knowing that I tend to wear shorts more in the winter with tights and boots.
Even though they are polyester, I liked the pleated aspect and thought they would be a great addition to my other shorts.
In fact, you saw them layered with black capri leggings recently.
I loved the shape of this top. It’s heavy too. I would consider it a sweatshirt material, so you won’t be seeing me wearing it for 6 months.
One reason I chose it, besides the shape, is that it was primarily cotton.
I love it, I’ll wear it often when our weather cools down.
While it’s not available now, there is a set that is similar.
This skirt was delivered, but because the vest that was supposed to be paired with it is still backordered.
I can tell you that the skirt is super cool. I had to cut off about 3 inches but because it’s faux leather, I just used scissors and didn’t need to sew anything.
This is the brand we worked with years ago and forgot about. When I checked their site last month, I was impressed with the fun and different items they had available.
Discount code: Jodie20 for anything on their site (again, not sure if it applies to items on sale).
I’d consider this a go-to piece. I absolutely LOVE it and wear it tons. You saw it recently when we talked about different denim jacket silhouettes.
It went with me on our recent wedding outing, and got tons of compliments. Probably because it’s just different and definitely cool chic-wise.
I’m loving this skirt, not just because of the print, but it also has some crinoline under it to make it stand out more.
While it doesn’t say anything about that in the description, I think it’s a fabulous detail. But if you want something that lies closer to the body, this is not for you.
Only because their site suggested this print top to go with the print skirt, I chose it. And I wore it to our outing recently (on Tuesday date night in this Daily Outfit post—without the belt).
While the top isn’t very expensive, unless you have the perfect outfit, I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s polyester and not the best feel. Although I was glad to have it on the night I wore it to keep warm.
I didn’t think I would like this dress as much as I do. In fact, I didn’t ask for it in black, but somehow that’s the color I received.
BUT IT’s SO COOL, in that the zipper goes all the way up or down, so it’s easy to layer with other items.
Stylist tip: I ordered a size up so it wouldn’t be so tight and I could wear it more than one season.
At first, I wasn’t sure about these pants, because they are a bit long, but I washed them twice, and they shrank a tad. I still have to wear heels with them, but because they have a curved hem, I don’t want to shorten them.
They are a bit thin, but they have lining in the top half, so they aren’t “see through” in the rear area.
I love the pockets and the fact that they are linen and lightweight. You saw them with the denim cape when we talked about denim jacket silhouettes.
I like this skirt because of the 2 zippers (that both work), but I don’t love it as much as the dress, white pants, and denim cape.
The last two items were backordered, so you don’t see them in the videos I created for the company.
This black and white almost one-shoulder top, and this pair of jeans (given to my cousin as they run a bit big).
Short answer? Yes… but with some nuance.
Fast fashion usually means:
I haven’t studied the entire spectrum of fast fashion, but when I think about the term, I think about Shein and Temu.
Both of those fast fashion brands are very inexpensive. And while it’s not always true, there are times when you get what you pay for.
What I do know about Commense and StyleWe is that the clothing comes from China, and it takes a while to ship. This is not Amazon, where it’s at your doorstep the next day.
Then again, is Amazon fast fashion? Maybe yes and maybe no.
Just because something is fast fashion doesn’t mean it has to be disposable. In fact, I’ve purchased Shein, H&M, and non-labelled items when thrifting because I like the pieces.
As long as you wear what you buy and aren’t purging it just because it’s not “trendy“, then it’s something I don’t worry about.
What matters more is how you use it. Will you style it in many ways? Is it calling to you?
Because at the end of the day, style isn’t about where you shop, it’s about how you wear it.
Style tip: One of the best things you can do to have a fun and interesting closet is to shop at different stores. If you only shop at 1 or 2 stores, you will start to look like their advertisements.
That’s the advantage of thrifting.
One-stop shopping, yet many different brands.
The one thing I know nothing about is their returns. I can read the policy, but I have heard that some Chinese companies make it difficult.
Personally, I don’t worry about this much, because I can’t remember the last time I returned something. Except for Amazon and Tiktok…I have returned items from those venues because it’s super easy.
Another reason I don’t think about returns is that I try to “fix things” if they don’t fit right.
I’ve learned some alterations (although I am not a professional), and many of the style hacks I share are ways to make something fit better. It’s one of the reasons I shop for the material and colors that I prefer.
Relatable post: Fashion Styling Kit Essentials
Honest detail: Each company had items that I requested that were backordered…and I still don’t have the one from Commense, a month later.
I’m not sure if this would be different if I were a paying customer vs. an influencer.
If you’re like me… You might end up trying both and making them your own.
I now have a couple of items from each brand that are my go-to favorites.
Want to know which ones?
The denim cape, white pants, my wrap denim jeans (not in this review, but seen here), and
the print skirt.
Because I consider it magic when you take something out of a package and turn it into your style story.
I hope I thank you enough because your support allows me to continue this journey which I LOVE!!!
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Jodie Filogomo is a retired cosmetic dentist and fashion blogger behind Jodie’s Touch of Style, where she has been helping women over 50 experiment with style in fun, creative ways for over 12 years.
Find out more about the crew, because we love to showcase all ages, body shapes and women who love different styles.
The post The Truth About Commense and StyleWe (Before You Click “Buy”) appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
