Anthropologie Reviews - New and old...

It was 86 degrees here today! Woah. Makes me want to get in and out of the dressing room really fast :)    This time of year is always crazy but it is particularly so because we are closing on our house this Friday! I feel so adult. I have literally been living in an apartment since I was 22 and let me tell you, I am definitely not 22 anymore! It's all very exciting but also more time-consuming and stressful than I imagined. Luckily we have some time between closing and moving and so that certainly takes the pressure off. Anyway, to decompress (ha ha) I took at peek at some of Anthro's latest offerings.

Lousa Shift (XS)

 I have another Ganni dress that I get a lot of use out of but I'm not sure about this one. It's the usual stretchy nice material but it seems to run a bit big. Instead of feeling sexy I felt sort of dowdy. I don't think this particular shade of blue helps that feeling either.

I tucked up the hem a bit to show what it would look like shorter. I definitely prefer this.

Shimmerpeach Pullover (size S and XS)

I never noticed this little sweater before but it is gorgeous. I went with the S (shown at left) simply because there were no pulls in it. The small is slightly more fitted so maybe I will order that from online. I sort of like these thin shimmery type sweaters a little loose so you can throw it over something without having it stick to you everywhere. The colors are so fresh and the metallic thread running through it adds that something special.

 Drawstring Safari Dress (size XS)

 I was immediately drawn to this dress but couldn't quite figure out the fit. The XS was gaping at the chest and too tight in the back. Even the elastic waistband felt overly snug, but I liked the way the skirt portion fit.

 On left, XS, other 2 pictures S. After some maneuvering I got the XS to gape less. The S fit a bit more casually. I didn't love the side view (looks like I have something extra and droopy stuck in the top of the dress). Not sure I can make this work but I love the idea of it!

 Anila Shirtdress (size 0) 

 This is $29.95! I tried it on as a joke (to myself I suppose) but really quite liked it. So easy and a nice thin material but not so thin you can see through it. This is the size 0 but I could have easily stuck with my regular size 2 as well.

 Capsleeve Shift (XS) in Black

 Just an easy little black dress. I think the 3 buttons down the back neckline are quite cute. The material was very soft, stretchy and comfortable and I don't find the length to be too short.

??????

 For some reason I can't find this blouse online. I thought I would love it but the fit is bizarr-o. I could get the blouse to hang correctly unless I unbuttoned the sleeves. They are so tight and short that there is no way to have full arm usage unless you do. Even so that top was very voluminous and yet didn't lay right in front. It is shorter in the back. Hmmm.

Hibiscus Bloom Shirtdress (XS)

 This seems to be sold out which sort of shocks me as there is a lot going on! Admittedly, I liked it a lot more than I thought it would and it certainly does hide a lot of sins :) The colors and print are delicious I'm just not sure it's flattering to one's shape.

 Triple Bow Dress (XS)

I tried this on before but couldn't remember why I didn't love it. It's the darts around the chest (for me). Draws too much attention there. It is basic, cute little dress and the bows certainly make it special.

Hopefully there will be some good sales this weekend with Memorial Day. What do you think, possible percent off?

Madewell Reviews - Bottoms!

The last of my marathon try-on session at Madewell...

Rail Straight Jeans in Madewell Wash (size 26x34)

I previously reviewed the Rail Straight in Western Wash here and absolutely loved them. I prefer a uniform darker wash because I think it hides flaws and gives an overall more streamlined appearance but not so with these. Maybe I've gotten too used to skinny jeans but I feel like these look a bit sloppy. That being said, the denim is great and a beautiful dark color (lighter than what is appearing in these pictures).

 Skinny Skinny Jeans in Madewell Wash (size 26)

For comparison - the skinny skinny! These are deliciously flattering. I felt instantly 5 lbs slimmer. It's a shame they don't have the ankle length version in store, although to be honest, I sometimes like a little extra material at the bottom. These go on snug but I'm sure would loosen up after a bit of wear. Really love these - perfect skinnies.

 Meadowlace Mini (size 2) in Jester Yellow

This skirt is cute to look at but not too exciting on. It felt pretty flimsy and it a bit too short for me. I think it might run slightly big too. The color is a true neon yellow so be aware of that. It's a cute take on the whole lace thing but I can't see it holding up to my more active summer lifestyle.

 Rail Straight Jeans in Madewell Wash (size 25)

I thought I'd give the Rail Straights one more go so here they are in a smaller size which is definitely the size I would take. If you are looking for a non-skinny, straight leg, more casual jean - I think these could work. I would recommend sizing down in this particular wash.

Now I just have to wait for the things I like to go on sale! I may be waiting for a while....

Madewell Reviews - Tops!

Spring fun at Madewell continues...

Floral Boyshirt (size S)

I am truly obsessed with their Flora print this spring. The Silk Cami Dress in Flora is absolutely adorable but I thought maybe I could make the shirt version work for me (certainly more affordable). Also check out the Floral Pintuck Camisole if you like this print. I didn't love the shirt on - this size felt too big and short and boxy. 

 Floral Boyshirt (size XS)

This size is less loose in the body but the shirt felt really short - like unable to stay tucked in short. Plus there was some gaping at the chest. Sad sad sad. The print is so cheery and would go with just about anything. The material is a really light cotton - almost semi-gauzy. Maybe I'll try again next time I'm at the store. Nip tuck at the waist by a tailor?

 Striped Boatneck Tank (XS)

Now I'm really kicking myself - I had no idea this shirt in this color was completely sold out online. It is so freaking cute! The back! I can wear a bra and reveal some back skin - hallelujah! My usual size XS felt good and fitted but not too tight. I wish I had bought this. Hopefully it will come back online (things usually do).

Studio Sweater in Zebra (size S)

Zebras nuzzling? Who can resist. This sweater is very soft and lightweight and runs quite large but it's supposed to.

 Studio Sweater in Zebra (size XS)

Here it is in the XSmall which fit perfectly. Slouchy and laid back but not sloppy. Slouchy nuzzling zebras, I didn't know I needed you but I believe I do.

 Arrowstack Necklace $55.00

I was in a rush - just to give you an idea of size and length. I didn't love it because it got sort of lost and bounced around in the chasm between by breasts. Just sayin'. Looked fabulous on the SA there. Just a unique fun piece of jewlery - fairly heavy for the size.

Tomorrow - Madewell bottoms!

Madewell Reviews - Dresses

My love affair with Madewell continues... I only make it to a store once in a while and it was part of my Mother's Day treat. I really think they are doing prints right this season especially in comparison to J Crew. I'm probably the one person who is not swooning of the Punk Floral motif. The SA's at my most local store are absolutely the best - so helpful, so accommodating, always looking to find things for you in other stores. I cannot say enough about them!

My one complaint with Madewell is the (is it possible?) even crazier pricing games they play. Items will constantly change price (on sale and then suddenly back to full price like the Billie Boots) and really old items will pop back on the website for extraordinarily high prices (hello Sketchbook Dress for $124.99!) Plus there is still final sale! Please make it go away.

Still, overall I am really enjoying getting to know the brand and appreciated the cookies and seltzer they had on the table for Mother's Day!

Silk Cami Dress in Sungarden (Size 2)

J'adore this dress. It is so adorable and the fit is spot on. I generally do not do camisole top dresses because I cannot go braless and I don't like the look of my straps peeking out everywhere. What I really want is this same silhouette but in the Flora print - so bright and springy! My normal size 2 felt good with a very slight blousiness at the sides. It's actually quite fitted on top which creates a nice balance with the skirt. 

 Laceprint Maxidress (size 2)

This was huge! I would need at least a 0.  It definitely needs a belt but it's too long on my anyway. Even the waist felt long (which is strange because Madewell's stuff is usually quite short-waisted). There are large slits at the sides which felt a bit odd to me as well.

 Tailored Silk Dress (size 0)

It's sort of hard to tell from the pictures but this dress is absolutely perfect for an LBD. I would take my usual size 2 in this (this dress is a 0). The waist is nicely nipped in and everything else drapes beautifully. I like the skirt which is almost sort of an a-line - not too full. The back opening, while a lovely detail, is not great for me.

 Striped Tee Dress (size S)

This used to be called the Striped Bookplate Dress and was sold in stores at least a year ago. I need an XS and perhaps the length to be a bit shorter. On sale in store for $89.99 - even with 20% off I couldn't justify it. It's a really simple dress and I sort of love it but that's a lot of money for a glorified t-shirt. The asymmetry is really interesting, not sure it's flattering.

 Tailored Silk Dress in Safari Sketch (size 2)

This Tailored Silk Dress silhouette is so flattering. Fully lined with a slip so the sheer parts at the top are a nice little standout. Love the flat waistband instead of all the elasticized stuff they do to other dresses. It is elasticized in the back but that doesn't bother me. The length is perfect, just above the knee. If I loved this print more I would have bought  it but the color is a bit drab. Wish they would do the Flora print in this dress shape. It would be mine!

What are your thoughts on Madewell's spring dress offerings?