Free Assembly at Walmart Review

I don't get to Walmart very often, but after seeing an influencer campaign featuring their new clothing label called Free Assembly, I've been curious to see the collection in person. Spring is almost here, and as winter winds down, I always get inspired to stock up on fun new pieces for the hotter seasons. I'll be sharing my thoughts on the line in this Free Assembly clothing review, so keep reading for info on Free Assembly quality, sizing, and a look at what I brought home.

Brand Background

Free Assembly aims to be more eco-conscious than other Walmart brands, and consists of Men's, Women's, and Kids' apparel. Expect better quality, more organic cotton, labels made from recycled materials, and improved tailoring. In true Walmart form, affordability still stands; most items are priced under $40. After a browse around the Women's and Girls' clothing departments at Walmart, all the fresh new Free Assembly merchandise on display at Walmart proved irresistible. 

The ad campaign and styling evokes a carefree, preppy feel with crisp basics and laid-back looks.

August 23, 2024 update - Shop Free Assembly for Fall 2024:

February 3, 2024 update - Get ready for spring.

January 13, 2024 update - Shop new arrivals:

Here's a peek at my store's small selection of Free Assembly.

The gingham fit and flare dress ($32) and the white blouson dress ($28) practically scream spring picnic, farmers' market, Sunday brunch, or garden party. Both are medium weight (not sheer), and versatile enough for casual days or dressier occasions. I can appreciate special details such as puffy sleeves, gathered waistlines, and any dress that has pockets!

Shop spring favorites:

This gingham tie-front tank top is part of the Girl's department, where they stocked an assortment of cute denim jackets, floaty dresses, and cropped denim. The top also comes in black and has a price point of $12. I didn't buy it, but it's still tempting me. The back of the top is solid white knit fabric, and it looks like it runs slightly big. 

The Kids' clothing seems more vibrant and fashion-forward than the Women's, and I recommend giving it a peek if you have kids or if you can fit into their sizes. 

Sizing notes: Kids' size are from 5 to 18, and Women's are from XS to XXXL (0 to 14).

I bought the mixed media blousant shirt pictured below on the right. It runs true to size, has 7/8 length sleeves, and perfectly captures a business casual vibe. 

The bow ties at the cuffs are fixed, so they aren't adjustable. I like the slanted seam design in front, as it's visually flattering. The back of the top drapes nicely due to inverted pleats, and the bottom half is made of the striped woven fabric. This is the sort of top that I can wear for a weekend walk and then around town to do errands. It has a professional-meets-athletic look that gives it versatility without being boring.

I could not resist these True Waist Wide leg jeans ($22) from the Girls' department. I'm wearing size 14 and they fit well, with a tiny amount of gapping at the back waist. The length is perfect for me, no hemming needed! The delicate floral print is fun, and the 98% cotton, 2% spandex construction gives them some stretch, but not so much that they lose their shape. They are medium weight, and not see-through, which can be an issue with light denim. They come in other prints and colors, including a thin railroad stripe which I almost bought. 

Footwear note:

The Teva-inspired floral nature sandals are by Time and Tru ($12). They run true to size and have cute fabric bow details. With my affinity for all things pink and floral, these sandals were a no-brainer. They're not as cushioned as Teva Original Universal sandals, and not as eco-friendly in terms of materials, but they bring me so much joy. They come in sizes 6 through 11, and have adjustable straps at the toe and the ankle.

Shop Free Assembly:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Shop Free Assembly:

The Look for Less - Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Woven Bags and Padded Shoes

Heritage brand Bottega Veneta's woven Intrecciato handbags and shoes have dominated the style scene since Creative Director Daniel Lee took the helm. The best selling Bottega Veneta Pouch bag and square-toe Padded sandals have reached icon status and catapulted Bottega Veneta into the spotlight. The easily recognizable intrecciato weave and quilted details lend an artisan vibe to the luxurious leather accessories while also remaining edgy. It's official. Quilted handbags and square-toe shoes are summer 2020 must-haves thanks to Bottega Veneta. When it comes to designer accessories in the Covid-19 era, it's all about quiet luxury. There are no loud logos here; it's time to usher in a sartorial wave of understated glam and subtle embellishments. 

photos via Pinterest

Not surprisingly, the popular Bottega Veneta Pouch bag and Padded sandals have inspired many look alikes and dupes. Keep scrolling for a closer look at the real deal and designer dupes.

Shop Bottega Veneta bags:

Shop Bottega Veneta sandals, including padded, quilted, and intrecciato styles:

The Look for Less

If the luxury price points aren't in line with your budget, there are a multitude of Bottega Veneta intrecciato handbag and shoe dupes. Below, get the look for less by shopping these Bottega Veneta look alikes. 

Shop shoes:

Shop handbags:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

The Look for Less - Max Mara Teddy Bear Coat Dupes

The now iconic Max Mara teddy bear coat first made its debut on the fall 2013 runway, and style insider Carine Roitfeld took notice. With a price tag of over $3600, it's quite the investment coat. It didn't gain major traction until 2018. Since then, it's been surging in popularity. The statement cold weather coat has been spotted on Hailey Bieber, Karlie Kloss, Kim Kardashian West, Julia Roberts, Eva Chen and countless other celebrities and influencers. The ultimate in luxury outerwear, the Max Mara teddy coat offers warmth and cozy comfort because of its soft camel hair and silk construction. With its twisted arm seams, dropped shoulders, and oversized fit, it's a certified street style gem. Max Mara even introduced the coat in look-at-me bold colors such as turquoise, cornflower blue, and coral. 

January 13, 2024 update - Shop cozy new coats for less:

January 13, 2024 update - Shop newer Max Mara styles:

Shop Max Mara teddy coats:

On the street

On the runway

runway images via Vogue Runway

Treat yourself. Shop the Max Mara teddy coat:

The Look for Less

Given the high demand and the high price of the Max Mara teddy coat, there are numerous high street and fast fashion dupes at a variety of price points. It's easy to get the Max Mara teddy coat look for much less with these stylish options. I'm currently eyeing some of these affordable teddy coat styles which come in many colors. 

January 13, 2024 update - Shop new styles:

January 12, 2021 update - Stay warm in these coats:

December 24, 2020 update - Get cozy in these styles:

More chic styles:

Shop these options under $100:

December 2, 2019 update - Shop the best Max Mara teddy coat dupes under $120 below:

December 1, 2019 update - In the United States? Shop this teddy coat dupe pictured below under $45 in beige or in coral. It runs slightly big.

sherpa coat, on sale $30.80 (reg. $44)

Shop this Max Mara teddy coat dupe pictured below under $50 in nutmeg or in black.

teddy coat, on sale $47.99

I spotted this pretty blue Max Mara teddy coat dupe as seen below for under $55.

faux shearling coat, $54.99 (or in dusty pink right here for $58)

I just bought this teddy bear dupe under $70 and I can't wait for colder temperatures to wear it with everything. It runs true to size, is super soft, and has a shorter length which works well for petite shoppers and people in warmer climates (like me). Plus, I adore the pale oatmeal color because it's easy to match with other neutrals and all the animal prints that are on trend right now.

Sammy teddy bear coat, $64.99

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

MORE TEDDY COATS:

The Look for Less - Prada Padded Headband Dupes

When Miuccia Prada sent her models down the spring/summer 2019 runway adorned with baby bangs and padded headbands, a new beauty trend was (re)born for the season. Set aside all those pearl hair clips you've been wearing (and admiring on the 'gram) and get ready for the resurgence of the headband. This time around, the trend has a whole new look. These aren't the preppy styles of Blair Waldorf's Gossip Girl era; they are retro and modern all at once. Prada's puffy versions, adorned with jewels or made from lustrous satin, were paired with striking baby bangs for a fresh new take on the schoolgirl classic. The padded construction makes them quite the statement piece, infusing them with a unique futuristic feel. 

May 14, 2022 update - Shop fancy headbands:

Influencers and royalty alike are already getting in on the padded headband trend. Kate Middleton wore a black velvet one in November to an event at Westminster Abbey. Camila Coelho and Leonie Hanne are also fans. 

A padded headband instantly elevates any outfit, especially when made from velvet or adorned with faux pearls.

The Look for Less

If the Prada headband isn't in your budget, no worries. (If so, you can shop the pretty pink style here for $240.) There are so may ways to get the padded headband look for less. Insta favorite accessories designer Lele Sadoughi makes super affordable styles that are easy on the wallet. Choose from knotted versions, printed styles, velvet, and more. 

May 14, 2022 update - Shop cute new styles:

April 1, 2021 update - Shop new styles for spring:

May 20, 2020 update - Shop stylish headbands below:

September 6, 2019 update - Shop chic padded headbands for fall:

Shop some of my budget friendly favorites below.

Shop more expensive styles:

Wear your headband with:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.