One of my favorite things about blogging in this space is the opportunity to explore new brands and share my findings with you. It can be a little intimidating to order online from a brand you’re not familiar with, but if we don’t step out of our comfort zones occasionally we risk missing out on styles we may truly love. I’ve been hearing about the feminine, reasonably priced fashions at Avara for several years now, but hadn’t checked them out personally. Well, I took the plunge! So today I’m sharing with you my first order from Avara.
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Avara was founded in 2018 by Emily Wickard, who after spending 20 years in Finance, grew tired of the corporate world. As a mother of 2 young kids, she decided to take a leap of faith and start her own clothing brand. Avara is named after Emily’s daughter, Ava, whom she hopes to inspire to take risks in life.
Avara website
I love supporting small businesses, especially those founded by women who care about women. Of course, with over 70 employees and two years on the Inc 5000 list of fastest growing companies, Avara may not seem like a small business. But, as Wickard is found of saying, “It takes years of hustle to become an overnight success.” Wickard began her business by Googling “how to start an online boutique” and packing orders in her spare bedroom, but with hard work and determination she has grown that online store into a full-blown community of women who love fashion but are too busy with life to shop all over for it. She has made Avara into a one-stop shop for compliment-worthy styles that work for every facet of a woman’s life.
My First Order from Avara
Like many of my readers, I sometimes hesitate to order clothes from new-to-me stores because I don’t know how the sizing will run or what the quality will be. But after seeing friends I trust talk about the quality and sizing, I felt like I was ready to place an order with this distinctly feminine boutique. And their new Spring Collection seemed like the perfect place to start.
Here are the eight items I ordered from Avara’s new Spring Collection.
Known for their feminine styles, Avara has a plethora of pretty print tops. I selected the colorful Marie top because I think it will look pretty with blue or white denim, including jeans, shorts and skirts. (Unfortunately it looks like this top is sold out, but they do have a “notify me when available” button, so maybe they plan to restock.) The pretty pink Tammy top that I ordered is also available in a tempting lilac, yellow and white. I also ordered the Jones top in blue, but it comes in a soft yellow as well.
The Jordan dress and the Lucy dress are both Avara exclusives. I specifically wanted to order a few of the boutique’s own designs so I could gauge the quality and fit of those. I think both selections are so pretty and perfect for casual wear as well as church or an easy date night.
I ordered several pieces of white denim because ’tis the season. I think the Roxanna denim jacket (another Avara exclusive) is so pretty and feminine with the gentle puff sleeves and fitted silhouette. And I know that the Leslie jeans and Kelsey jeans are best sellers for a reason.
I look forward to sharing my finds with you when I receive them. Shipping seems to be fast. I placed my order late in the evening of March 4, and it should arrive this weekend. But don’t wait for me to check out Avara for yourself. Especially if you love feminine styles, you’re going to love what you see. They offer a wide range of sizes, too.
Like many smaller businesses that are simply trying to be smart, Avara does have a generous, but tight return policy. You can return your purchases for a full refund for 21 days from the ship date via mail or a Returns Bar (located throughout the U.S.). There is a small return fee. It looks like Avara does do free exchanges when possible. You can read their full return policy for more details.
Some of My Avara Favorites
Below I’ve gathered some of my favorites from the Avara spring collection. Simply click on the image to shop or learn more.
Thanks so much for stopping in. I’d love to hear if you’ve tried Avara before. I have a new person working on my comment feed situation, so hopefully that will be functioning later today or this weekend. Fingers crossed!
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Blessed for My Day
It happens in the best of relationships. We all have disagreements occasionally, even with those we love the most. But what happens next can make or break a friendship or marriage or family tie. We can dig in our heels, point an accusing finger, nurse our wounds and arm ourselves for the battle. Or we can lay down our weapons, humbly examine ourselves, remind ourselves why we love the other person and fight for the relationship instead of the right to be right.
Honestly, it’s natural to hunker down for the fight. But if we value the other person and the relationship we’ve cultivated, we’ll choose to lay down our weapons instead. We may need a minute (or more!) to cool our jets and get our wits about us. So the first constructive step really is to go to the Lord and ask Him to examine our hearts. But then we must go back to the person with a softer approach and the willingness and resolve to reconcile rather than wrestle it out.
Search me, God, and know my heart; Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. ~ Psalm 139:23-24
I recently ordered from Avara for the first time after hearing about them from friends and other influencers. I received my order (1 blouse) quickly. The packaging was nice, and I feel the quality is excellent. I ordered the Elena top, which is also an Avara exclusive. It has scalloped trim around the edges of the sleeve and neck that is exquisite. I selected it as a transition piece from winter to spring. It looks nice with black jeans now and light wash or white jeans for spring. I live in Florida, so the bolder floral print is perfect. Thank you for giving them a try. I hope you like your pieces too!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Avara, Karen. I’m excited to receive my purchases.
I love that Marie top! It’s not surprising that it was so popular.
I am using Firefox and had a problem posting a comment earlier, but I haven’t tried to comment in the past week or so.
You made it through! Yay! Thanks for sharing. 🩷
I am excited to see how you like the Lucy Dress it looks wonderful. I am going to wait and see what you think of the fit. I am currently on a weight loss journey and needing to make my
purchases right now sparingly.
Thank you so much for all your inspiration!
I’ll keep you posted. 😊
I love a pretty feminine dress, especially in the spring and summer. I also like to support brands started and owned by women. I was excited that some of the dresses come in plus sizes. Inventory is limited it I liked many of the styles and plan on ordering from this brand.
I’m glad you like what you see. I think carrying extended sizes is probably financially challenging for young and small companies. But as they grow they often try to do more.
Another brand which does not carry plus sizes. Very disappointing.
They do have some plus sizes, but not in every style. I think it’s hard for young and small companies to carry extended sizes. The cost is probably prohibitive. But I get the feeling this brand is growing and expanding as they can.
I hope this comment shows up. The one from yesterday didn’t. I can’t wait to see the Avatar clothes on you.
I meant Avara. I see the comments are showing. 😊
Yes! Finally seems to be fixed. 🙌🏻
Nice to see nice looking items at reasonable prices. Now if the quality of the clothes are as good as the price I will be ordering a few items. Loved the BFMD.
Nice to see nice looking items at a reasonable price. Now if the quality of the clothes match the price I will be ordering a few pieces. I hope this comes through all right, it hasn’t been posting. Loved the BFMD.
I’ll keep you posted. 😊
I think the clothing is pretty but a little too precious for my style. I am looking forward to seeing you in the clothing and how you will wear it.
I agree. That’s why I chose pretty carefully. Hopefully I will enjoy these selections.
I have the Celia sweater. I am petite but the sweater works for me. I receive compliments each time I wear it. Great over a white T-shirt. It was my first order and I received my order right away.
Great to hear. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kay, hoping my comment posts, as mine haven’t been showing for a while now. Anyhow, looking forward to seeing you style these selections. Their aesthetic seems to be a little too sweet for my personal style, but perhaps with some ideas from you, they’d be a brand I could consider. 🙂
Yes, I have thought the same thing. But at those prices I decided to look for the items that I do think will resonate with my style. Plus, I’m always looking for things for my readers, not just me. So we’ll see! Thanks for commenting. Yes, they’re coming through again. Hallelujah!
Absolutely, finding new brands/styles for your readers is part of your job, even if they’re not your own personal favorites. I really do appreciate reading your blog, because you give me ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. Stretches me outside of my own box. 🙂
I am so excited for Spring fashions! I purchased a winter skirt from Avara last year and found it to be one of my my most worn skirts. I hope to try a few pieces this Spring and Summer!
That’s a lot of white pants. I really like the white jeans jacket. I know I love the one I own. I thought it was interesting that in your best sellers for this week there weren’t any prints. I love the striped top and I Think of that as a stripe. Which I wear all the time thanks for all you do and for keeping me current.
I really like the clothes. Will have to check this site out.
Thank you for showing us another retailer to choose from. I like the styles and the prices are reasonable. Lots of pretty Spring colors and choices, especially love the white jeans you ordered.
Diana
I had never heard of Avara until I saw this post. I like the looks and the price points. Looking forward to hearing more about the fit and quality! Thanks, Kay, for introducing us to new and different places to shop!
Love the look of the white jeans. Be interested in your take on the fit.
Thanks for bringing this new brand to us Kay! I had never heard of Avara before and look forward to seeing your purchases. That Marie top is gorgeous!
What pretty clothes! Thank you for sharing this new to me brand.
Welcome back to reality. It was fun following along on your AZ vacation on Insta. As for Avara, I know that several of my southern bloggers love this store, very colorful and feminine. Since I wear the same sizes as you, I am looking forward to seeing how your items fit. Most of Avara’s styles I consider youngish, and “vacation or resort” wear!! But they do have some summer styles I can wear here in New Jersey. Thank you for the “give away” gift cards. Glad the Comments section is working so we can all enter.
I love this new site – and I love the backstory. Just order two Tammy tops in yellow and pink. So pretty and feminine. I have found many new sites here that have become regular shopping sites for – Quince being a very frequent one. Looking forward to see how these tops look, feel, and fit 🙂 Thanks, Kaye.
I would like more Walmart finds some of the items are expensive
Hi Laura. I can appreciate your request; however, I just gave up on shopping Walmart for clothes. I’m not one to find the great deals there. I do know other bloggers and YouTubers who do, so I recommend you look to them for those options.
Welcome back home, Kay! The Avara brand is new to me; but, I really like several of the pieces you have shown today! I think a closet declutter is first on my list this Spring first! Blessings!
Kay, I look forward to seeing what you think about Avara!
Thanks for letting me know about Avara! I had never heard of them and their stuff is so cute!!
Thank you Kay for introducing us to updated fashion styles and stores. I look forward to your emails in my inbox daily. Your family is beautiful and so glad you had some time together last week. 💝
Avatar looks promising. I am going to keep on eye on their website. Loved the blue dress. Thank you for the tip. You recommend some wonderful shopping sites.
I have enjoyed shopping at Avara for a few years. I love all of the tops and sweaters that I have ordered in the past. I have never purchased pants or dresses because I’m not sure of the fit. I’m glad that you are trying some denim and a dress! After I see your review, I might just try to branch out and order the Lucy dress and some denim.
Cute dresses! I might just invest in a spring dress.
Hi Kay, I really enjoy your blog. I have not heard of the Avara collection. The colors are beautiful. As like you I am always a little nervous to try out new lines for fear of the sizes might not work. Right now I am currently trying to fine tune my wardrobe and downsize. Trying not to impulse buy just because I I like it. If I purchase an item I want to try to make it work with at least three other items. You have been an inspiration to me with doing just that. Thank you for the information you share.
I had never heard of this brand. Without your newsletter I would not have found it. I like the vibrant colors in the tops and dresses.
I was disappointed to see the Marie top was already sold out, but I signed up to be notified when it’s back in stock.
I look forward to seeing you style it!
Hey Kay, I appreciate you updating us for what’s in vogue for the Spring. I’ve noticed a lot of big floral prints and big puffy sleeves. As I am almost 70 and am wearing XL, these outfits tend to make me look even larger. Any suggestions for us larger gals?
Let us know what you think about Avara. The colors are pretty but I have not tried their clothes.
I’m so glad you got our “comments” section fixed! I know that you are! I was so excited to see Avara clothes! I had not even seen them before. I will be glad to have your comments when you get them! They are well priced and really cute!
Love the looks of the Lucy dress, curious how it looks on you. Looked at sizing chart and ease quite generous. Anyone else try this dress?
I had never heard of Avara before. Thanks for introducing this brand! I like some of their items and the prices are definitely better than some of the other brands you highlight. I’m anxious to see what you think of the things you ordered.
Very cute new line. I will definitely check it out as I need a few florals for Spring!
I love the feminine look making a comeback over the last several years. Young and old alike seem to embrace it. I am happy to see Avara has the feminine look without over doing the ruffles and puffs. My body type has to be careful with too much frill and fluff.
I have purchased a couple of things from Avara but found their clothes are really not my style. Nice quality though.
I like the bright color choices this company has in its inventory. I try to use bright, clear Spring colors in my wardrobe. Kay what is your color season? Thanks for including other shopping choices.
I’m a summer. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Pretty spring clothing!
I never heard of Avara before! I love the floral top and evidently a lot of other women did, too, since it is sold out 🙂
I had never heard of this retailer before so I was very interested to learn about them. I’ll look forward to seeing you model the items you ordered. That pink gauze top caught my eye.
Thank you for introducing a new brand to me! I like the modern classic style of Avara.
Hi Kay, I’ve never ordered from Avara so I’m looking forward to your review when you receive your items. I agree, their Spring Collection is so pretty. Have a great day!
And here I thought I had enough denim jackets. Roxanna in the light was is on my list–I like how the front seaming gives a vertical line–that doesn’t stop at the pocket. Thanks, Kay.
The Avara styles seem to be very feminine and lovely. However, I need more tailored styles. They do have extended sizes though, which is a plus (sorry about the pun…)
I love the Marie top! I like the style of it and the colors! I checked the website and sure enough, just like you said, it’s sold out….I did the Notify Me so I’ll know when it’s back in stock.
Love that pink shirt and also love that it’s a v-neck!
Love the clothes, so pretty! Wish they cane in petites. Hope you enjoy the items you bought
Actually several of the women I know who shop Avara are petites. They seem to have a lot of styles that would be perfect for more petite frames.
The clothing at Avra is lovely. I don’t feel it will look good on me, however. It would be nice to see clothing from the different manufacturers modeled on women in a variety of sizes;ie, petite, petite plus and women’s. It would be helpful in choosing whether or not to order.
You look great, Kay! Thanks for sharing!
I always enjoy browsing Avara’s website. I just haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Looking forward to your review.
I wasn’t familiar with Avara line of clothes until I saw your post. The clothes are certainly feminine looking and I love the longer sleeves on the dresses and blouses.for the spring collection. I’m considering ordering the Tammy Top. It looks so comfortable and very cute. Thanks for showing us different choices
Thanks for introducing a new brand with reasonably priced clothes. I perused their site and may order if you are happy with your purchases. This company seems to lean more toward my style aesthetic, even though I felt many of their items were more appropriate for younger women.
I’ve never heard of this retailer before! So many pretty pieces!
Hello! I am 69 years old and recently lost 40 pounds. I have had to get rid probably 75% of my clothes because I just swim in them!! I then found your YouTube channel. What a God send! I have learned so much. My goal is to replace my wardrobe with not quantity but quality! Your channel has really helped me with my goal! Thank you and God bless!!
That’s wonderful. Congratulations!
I love this blog post, Kay. I can get so stuck in my normal go-to shopping spots and even certain styles and colors. I think it’s a midlife thing..we can easily get complacent. Thank you for this inspiration.
I love most everything I see by Avara but have been hesitant to order on line. I want to feel the fabric and try it on (sometimes in different sizes). Knowing I’ll probably have to return and pay a fee gives me pause. Their pieces are so lovely, I may just take my chances! Thanks for sharing.
I love the Lucy dress and Roxanna jacket both great items for spring and summer
not sure if Avara ships to Britain but enjoy looking at the styles you chose to blog about and finding items here in Wales that are similar and suit my limited budget.
Keep up the good work encouraging women like me at age 75 to dress for their day
Regards Gloria
I love your blog, it gives me inspiration! I have heard of Avara, and have a dress from them that I love. I appreciate all the work you put into your blog, it helps me to stay in style.
I really like some of the fabrics but those sleeves are fussy! They would look great on someone who needs to emphasize their shoulder area and balance out wide hips. See how much I learned from your handouts! LOL
I read all your blogs and just figured out how to post a comment. Yeah meeee !
I’ve seen this brand several times. I’m interested to know what you think of the fit, quality, and what it is similar to.
I’ve heard great things about this brand! I appreciate small details like the white button on the white jeans.
I have never heard of Avara so I clicked over to their website right away. This goes right along with your youtube video about wearing prints (or do they age us)? I’ll have to see what I might need with the new Spring season. Thanks.
I haven’t heard of Avara till now. Cute things – will check out their website.
I had not heard of Avara. Thanks for educating me!
Kay,
Thanks for posting a new avenue for tasteful clothing, which is consistent with all your other recommendations! I appreciate small business owners as well, and their commitment to good quality.
Going to go shopping with Avara!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE AVARA. SO FEMIINE AND FRESH! PERFECT FOR NOW!
I like that the Polo shirts are back.
1. They are comfortable and give when you need it.
2.They are much more stylish than a tee shirt.
3. They do not mess up your hair style when putting them on.
I really enjoy your blog post Kay, especially the devotion.❤️
Avara has beautiful tops with feminine details. I bought two blouses from there last year and just pulled them out for this spring!
Avara is a new brand to me, so excited to see the classic designs in a new brand. Cute looks, Kay!
Kay, I have been following you for several years now. I just said to myself, Kay Harms is my favorite go to stylist! Your style is classic and doable for casual and dressy. I appreciate the time you take to put all this information together. Ps…I live in Cincinnati too!!
Amen to this devotional blog! When I need to feel justified/right, I am reminded that our Savior loved me while yet a sinner, so who am I to withhold His love and grace from others???
I’m excited! I just ordered three items!