Anthro Reviews - Hyacinth Afternoon Shift, Tsuru Blouse, Noon and Night Dress and Sea Whims Tunic

I had a few returns to make (including the Floriography blouse which was a disaster on my frame) and grabbed a few things for fun. The most insane part of my visit was rebuying the Embroidery Pattern Skirt. I have an illness for that thing. I decided to bring it home again and style it completely differently to see if I like it. I just can't resist a well made silk skirt for $39.95!

Tsuru Blouse (size 2 and 0 respectively) $118.00

I truly love this blouse. The waist band does great things for the bod and the low cut front is just low enough to be sexy without being too revealing. Usually I can size down in Maeve but the 0 was too tight on my waist. Even the 2 was snug but I liked it. Depending on what you were wearing it with you might even want to size up so the band goes over the top of whatever you are wearing. The color is lovely and the material is gorgeous. 

Hyancinth Afternoon Shift (size 2) $69.95

It's hard to tell in my rotten pictures, but the shape of this dress is very flattering. Extremely form-fitting in the best of all ways. The print feels a little retro to me - perhaps even a little 80's but the interesting neckline keeps it from looking old. The size 2 felt good except for the bustline. I would definitely size up to a 4 to give my boobs room to breathe. That being said, I am large busted for someone my size. The material has an interesting texture to it because of the linen and is thick enough to avoid wrinkling without being stiff and uncomfortable.

Noon and Night Dress (size small) $158.00

I would definitely want the size XS in this, I was just too lazy to go back out and get it. I can see why this dress has been very popular. The material is SOOO comfy and stretchy - delicious - and the shape is quite charming - a little Audrey Hepburn with a twist. I will say that the side view was atrocious. The waist seam sort of dips down in the back and it made me look like I was about 2 feet wide. The XS may have helped this. Comfy and classic - I think this could be in one's wardrobe for a long, long time.

Sea Whims Tunic (size 2) $39.95

Yikes. This did nothing for me. The shirt is a-line in shape which made it feel too big. I don't even think I could size down because the back felt just right/tight. I don't have much to say about this one.

Disappointing cuts in the sale this week. Hoping for some better ones next week. Loving the September catalog, including this skirt HERE

Some quickie Anthro Reviews - sale and FP

Been popping in and out of Anthro a lot these days. I know that once fall hits - there will not be much time for shopping so I may as well enjoy it while I can!

Lemon Liftoff Blouse (size 4) $118.00

I had to try this blouse on because I love anything with a bird print. And I am LOVING this whole secretary blouse thing that is happening right now. It's hard to tell in the snapshot but the sleeves on this puppy are seriously poufy. Unflatteringly so. Any time I try on a blouse like this all my husband has to say is "Little House on the Prarie" and out it goes. Looking more for a Maggie Gyllenhaal a la "Secretary" look. This blouse runs a tad snug thus the size 4.

Dyanmic Zigs dress (size XS), seen on AppGal HERE

After seeing this on AppGal over on Musings on the Mountain I decided I had to try on this dress. Hmmm... goes to show you that not everything looks good on everybody. It is great on her but was a little too much fabric on me. I am not saying it was too big - that was definitely not the case - fit well and super comfy because the cotton is so soft and stretchy - just not flattering.

Aven Bloom Dress (size 4) $148

This dress is extremely comfortable given the back panel of stretch. I sized up to a 4 because I am a bit more endowed than some and wanted to be comfortable. The silk is lovely, the print is lovely, I love navy. But, the sweetheart neckline and slightly high waist reminded me too much of a middle school dance dress. I'm having a flashback of the side-to-side slow-dance sway with some teenage boy while listening to "With or Without You". Just sayin'.

Winter Tree Shirtdress (size 4 and size 0) $178

So pretty. I was immediately drawn to it. I would say you could size down on this one if you are looking for a more fitted look (like in the 2nd 2 photos) or stay TTS if you want a slightly more drapey fit (the first photo is actually a size up but you get the picture). Beautiful, good length, comfortable, interesting neckline but WAY too expensive in my opinion. Perhaps on sale?

Pelucid Wings Blouse (size 2). 

I think you could size down on this one. Again, I am drawn to anything with birds but not if it makes me look like a frump-a-dump which this top definitely did.

Beekeeper Blouse (size XS) $39.95

I love sequins done right for daytime. Also love a bold print. This had both and the sequins are a gorgeous color - sort of half-gold, half-pearl. The blouse hangs straight off the bust and sort of flares out. Not good for the busty. Oh well.

I did score one very exciting item in the sale section with an extra 25% off (the store was moving and having an extra sale) but I will post about that later.

A few more J Crew Reviews...

Ahh... finally the weekend and I have a minute! I popped into La Crew on Thursday and I couldn't believe the amount of things already on sale - including the Toile Jacquard Origami Mini which I couldn't resist picking up. Still kicking myself for forgetting to use my educator discount however... grr...

First up, an oldie but goodie. The Lace-over tank (XXS) in what I believe is taupe. I had only been able to try on the XS in store but when the XXS showed up I jumped on the opportunity to see if the fit improved.

The taupe almost has a slightly sage green hue to it which is nice. I do like the fit of the XXS better but it was probably a little snug in the back. I wish the lace was over the entirety of the shirt - I think it would help the "I can see bra lines through the back" problem. There was a slight gap at the buttons but not bad. I also have a feeling that this would stretch out a lot as you wear it. This is definitely on my sale + % off list. I would love to see the pink color in person. I think you can size down.

Hacking Jacket (size 2) in charcoal.

The fit of this one is spot on and I agree with other bloggers that it's more fitted shape is a nice change from the schoolboy blazer phenomenon. I didn't find the wool scratchy (which is crazy because I'm pretty sensitive to wool) and I liked some of the details on the jacket but it's still not for me. The longer length was a little awkward on my body. Maybe I'd like it more with fitted pants - a la Minnie.

Schoolboy Blazer in wool flannel (size 2) in Pearl Grey.

Blah de blah. Totally fine. If you need a wool blazer I think it fits the bill but I don't love the gold buttons and the material (as many bloggers have said) does not feel as luxe as it should with that kind of price tag.

Dreamed Ribbed Yoga Cardigan (XS) in Heather Fern.

First off, let me say that I live in sweaters like this in the winter. I detest being cold and pretty much get the chills in any temperature under 70 degrees (why am I living in New England?) so I love wearing a sweater that is akin to a blanket. Unfortunately, I think this looks about as good as wrapping myself in a blanket. It is very soft and cozy and I LOVE this color but I couldn't get it to lay on my body in a nice way. Maybe belting it would help? I'm not a big fan of the batwing syndrome. A size down may have helped but I still think the basic lines/cut of this sweater is not going to do my body any favors. Despite loving blanket-chic, pass...

Last but not least... my obsession with the must-have but don't-need Lace Blouson Dress continues.

The pictures are Size 4 front, Size 2 front, Size 4 side, Size 2 side.

 In looking at these pictures, I prefer the size 4. When I was in the dressing room, I preferred the size 2. I think what I would really like is a size 3 but alas...

Might have to pop in and some of the newer arrivals later this weekend...

OOTD - Shortcut Sweater and Surplus Pant

Oops. This is a short one. Our internet has been iffy ever since Hurricane Irene and I am way behind. I do have a bunch of Anthro and J Crew Reviews left but I will have to get to them tomorrow. This is one sleepy momma tonight. I'm not saying I'm breaking down any fashion boundaries in this outfit but I felt great and uber comfortable.

The bottoms are now being marketed as the surplus pant and are on sale for $24.99! I bought these in the fall for $13.99 and I have worn them to death. I find them more flattering than the Waverlys (which I also own) and their material has less give so they keep their shape better. They were called the Annie pant in the fall but I have tried on the surplus pant as well and don't find any difference. The sweater is the shortcut sweater in XS which is a great transitional fall piece. Finally I have the Stripe lace-up tee in XXS. 

Will be back tomorrow with a more exciting post! Zzzz....

J. Crew Silk Elodie Blouse Review

J. Crew has released a number of silk blouses recently and I am really biding my time to figure out which one will a) look the best on me and be in style the longest and b) make it to sale. I have already professed my love for the Silk Blythe in Extravagant Green but I'm a bit concerned about the longevity of that color.

Silk Elodie Blouse (XS) in Grafitti Green. In my pictures the green almost looks like the Dark Slate color of the Blythe or Sophie blouse. In real life, it is definitely green but darker, more forest, than the online picture. The XS was definitely a generous fit but I'm not sure I could have sized down on this one. As the online description states, the silk is slightly different - washed silk. I would call it 'sueded' as it has an almost suede-like feel to it. I have a feeling that this silk would wrinkle less and stand up a bit better than the Blythe Blouse silk. I like the ease of the collar, the buttonless pockets on the front and the extra buttons on the cuff. I think the cuff adds a more feminine detail to the blouse that is necessary since the rest of it is a bit plain.  However, I wish it had the subtle shirring at the shoulders that the Blythe has - that detail is very flattering. I did notice that in the new Blythe blouse description that J Crew comments that they added two more inches to the length - an added bonus over the old version.

The last picture is the Blythe blouse in Black in a size 0 for comparison.

Which silk blouse is your favorite this fall?

H & M 60's inspired Dress

I have not visited H & M in forever but was inspired by Gigi's Gone Shopping in this post. Who can possibly resist a cute little 60's inspired shift in an adorable print? I'm also a sucker for gold buttons and just a touch of frill at the neckline so I had to go check it out.

Well, this dress does not disappoint. It is really quite lovely for $39.95. The print is great and will go with a lot of different things although I mostly see wearing this dress with some brown boots and thick, nubby tights. I ended up buying a size 6 even though I liked the width of the 4 better. The dress is straight up polyester and there is absolutely no give. I didn't feel comfortable with arm/back movement in the 4. I'm really glad I bought this dress when I did as it seems to be selling out in a lot of sizes. It also comes in navy. Plus, it will make a great travel dress - polyester doesn't wrinkle when it's this thick!

I did splurge and take it to the tailor to be taken in on the sides a bit. I'll post a pic of that when I get it back.

Excuse the pants around the ankles - I was tired!

Looking forward to some more fall pieces to arrive from H&M. There is an adorable Horse Print Tunic (pictured below right) that I can't wait to try on.

Anyone else find some goodies at H&M this season?

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Thanks and stay safe in the hurricane!