I'm always drawn in my Garnet Hill's catalogues but almost never order. Everything looks so darn cute on their charming models but doesn't quite translate in real life (at least on my body). I took a risk a few weeks ago with their 40% off sale since they always allow returns and prices were too good to pass up. I think their quality is great and for the price, I was impressed. I still think the fit is slightly "mumsy" but then again, I'm not exactly 25 anymore. Here's what I found. Please let me know what you think!
Modern Cashmere Boatneck Sweater (XS) in Seashell Heathered Mushroom
I think this may be the best item I ordered. The cashmere is not that SUPER soft cashmere like J Crew does in its featherweight sweaters but it is nice. I'm hoping that means it will not pill as badly either (ahem, J Crew). I like the colors. The pink is sort of a peachy pink, a color I imagine will look good on everyone. I like the colorblocking and think the sleeves sort of look like you have arm warmers on. It is quite a bit longer than your average sweater meaning you can pull it down over your bum (see left image) or scrunch it a bit. Nice slimming sweater.
Retro Cap-Sleeve Tee (XS)
In this case, the longer length looks not so bueno. I like a loose drapey tee but not in this style. I think with the cap sleeves and french sailor thing, you gotta go a bit more fitted.
Ok. Here's the hard one. I just don't know on this dress. I like the cotton, the pockets, the neckline, but I don't know if it looks sort of frumpy dumpy.
I think this green striped one (same size) looks a little better. Perhaps a round in the dryer? The skirt is definitely sort of a-line and I think I wish it was more of a shift silhouette.
Unbelted I really don't like so much. I would have to shorten it a bit so it didn't look like a nightgown.
Here it is in solid coral. Can't tell if this is more nightgownish or the same.
This dress was so inexpensive on clearance and is so soft and comfortable but I can't tell if I look dumpy in it (I think I'm having the shopping version of beer goggles because it was so affordable).
Would you weigh in on my Garnet Hill finds? Would love to get some objective opinions!
I feel the same about Garnet Hill. In fact, I just got their new catalog and really like a lot of the clothes, on the models. The Picadilly star sweater, Asymmetrical Boiled Wool Coat and DKNY Collarless Coat are quite interesting. Unfortunately their clothes often look large and over-sized on me, and not in a good way.
ReplyDeleteI really like the cashmere boatneck sweater. I thought it was pretty in the catalog and it looks nice on you. What a great buy at the sale price.
I think the green striped dress looks cute when belted. It's possible it would shrink when washed and dried, but it's not bad as is. I don't think it looks like a night gown when it's belted. I don't know why, but I'm not crazy about the coral. The fabric looks thinner and a bit frumpy.
HTH and Thanks so much for the reviews. Your detailed comments and photos are so helpful.
Yay! So glad to see your comments here, Maryeb, they are always helpful. I agree that the cashmere is a winner. Still on the fence about the dress but I agree that the green stripe one is probably best. Sometimes I am a slave to comfort and it's hard to see past a nice cotton and a comfortable, throw-on dress.
DeleteI just received their catalog today in the mail, what a coincidence. I like to browse but never bought from them before. The cashmere sweater looks really cute and I like the colorblock of pink and beige. Great reviews!
ReplyDeleteThanks! The quality, on the whole, is quite nice at Garnet Hill. Wish they would update their fits however...
DeleteHa,I got the same sweater and think its lovely, so I vote keep. Agree on the tee. I like all the striped dresses, but the plain one is maybe a little blah. Of the two strie ones, I like the red/coral best. HTH!
ReplyDeleteThanks, ShopwithM. I didn't realize you had purchased the same sweater! It's really growing on me - I love the colors!
DeleteI'll be honest, the dresses are not flattering on you, and neither is the striped tee. Look at the first pictures with the sweater (which looks great on you). You are a skinny skinny minny! The dresses are doing absolutely nothing for you, with or without a belt.
ReplyDeleteDid you see they have a 25% off everything sale today (with exclusions)? I bit on a couple of things, but when I order from Garnet Hill, it seems like I return almost everything. And pay for return shipping, which I don't like to do, and this is why I don't order from Garnet Hill very often. Their stuff is always nice, but it doesn't always fit me well.
I feel the same way! I'm always tempted, wait for free shipping or percent off, hope for the best, and then return everything! I don't know how they make everything look so d*mn good in the catalogue. Darn models. Thanks for the honest opinion - it is truly appreciated. I absolutely see what you are saying. I think I just love stripe dresses and want this one to work so badly since it was $20!
DeleteI love the cashmere sweater. The dresses are meh. If you can use them for casual wear, yes. I like the green one. Otherwise, they might be worth a return. Stripes are here to stay so I think you'll bump into better choices. I like the ones Gap offers because they're usually in a heavier cotton and fit better. You might also be able to order tall in them and do the belted thing.
DeleteOh...oops, I added a reply instead of started my own comment line. That's Google. New changes again.
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