Anthropologie Reviews: Dresses!

Now that we're finally getting to some warmer weather, all I can think about it dresses. Gotta love the throw on and go simplicity of a dress. And so comfortable and cool. Mmm... makes me want to pack a picnic and sip some lemonade under a tree. Unfortunately, every time I go to Anthro I do not look at the easy, breezy summertime frocks. No, I am drawn to the gorgeous evening out at a nice restaurant dresses. The ones I love and make me feel gorgeous but will probably only get worn once or twice a season. Hmmm, what to do? :)

Lasercut Fleur-de-Lys Sheath (size 0)

 This was clearly a return from the recent free shipping promo. It is a REALLY interesting dress. Not quite what I expected. The size 0 fit perfectly up top (which is a size smaller than my usual top size) and the bottom fit fine although I did feel like it looked snug. The colors are delightful, sort of an antique lace feeling. The skirt has a sort of stretch material all down the side which I would prefer not be there. Just give me a nicely fitted pencil skirt with some stretch on the bottom please. This is a perfect example of a dress I don't need but love the uniqueness of the design.

 Tisa Swing Dress (size 2)

 This is a surprise. Normally "swing" style and big boobs are not exactly a match made in heaven. I love this dress however. It could be dressed up but I think it could just as easily be a tooting around town dress if paired with simple sandals. It does run slightly big - I would prefer a size 0 or possibly even a 0P. The top is beautifully fitted which helps the swing shape not swing so much. The side view is slightly preggo looking but I love that I can actually eat a big meal and then not have to worry about how my fully belly looks. This is definitely on my list - just wish it wasn't $128.

 RosebloomBurnout Dress (size 2)

 My daughter picked this out for me to try on. The print is a bit loud for my taste but the colors are absolutely lovely. The fit is great - the size 2 fit a bit snugly at the waist but this made for a figure-flattering shape.

Sunglow Stripes Dress (size 4)

I automatically grabbed a size up from my normal since this was Tracy Reese and I find her to run quite small. The colors are fun and lively without being too "in your face". The shape is sweet. I did not like that the underslip had sort of a bra like seaming to it that showed through. That is what I am trying to show in picture #2.

Twisted Vines Sheath by Byron Lars (size 2?)

 Byron Lars, you intriguing man you. This sort of dress is right up my alley. I love the interesting neckline and the simple shape. If this was a size 2 then this dress runs big. The skirt was definitely not fitted enough for my liking. The neckline is tough - it would take some fiddling around to get it to lay just right. I would put in another belt as well. I love the colors and the length will be attractive to taller ladies.

Ah summer dresses. I dream on. What dresses did you have to have this season?

J. Crew Review: Pants and Sweaters

Crisscross Tee (XS)

 I can't find this one online right now which probably means it's on sale. Thanks to JustVisiting for pointing out that this is the Crisscross tee. It's very cute. I like the fit of a lot of these printed tees at J Crew this spring - just the right amount of shape without being clingy. The colors are beautiful.

Toothpick Jean in Geometric Print (size 27)

 I tried on this as sort of a joke to myself and then I really liked them. I saw an older woman wearing them at a museum the other day and I thought she looked so hip and yet classy and dignified. Who knew? I think they will go on further markdown so I will probably wait until I can get them for a song. I think they could be so versatile in one's wardrobe - especially since they are navy not black!

 Cafe Capri (size 00) in Rich Peacock

I'm always sort of on the fence about the cafe capri but I am in desperate need of work pants that actually fit so I got these. This is one size down from my normal and I think it was the right call. After wearing them a bit they gave just enough to be fitted but not obscene. I love the color and they are on sale for $34.99 in store! Full price online!

 Merino Tippi Sweater in School-of-Fish Print (size XS)
Scout Chino (size 0) in Rouge

The sweater is quite cute - a little reminiscent of that 90's L.L. Bean sweater that everyone had who went to Preppy McPrepperson high school like I did. The scout chinos are comfy and I adore the color but the length sort of bothers me. Good for hoofing around the playground.

Jeweled Medallion Sweater (XS)

 Okay. I found this shocking. This thing was marked down to $39.99 (possibly 34.99 my memory fails me) in store! I think that is quite a deal if you like jeweled sweaters and such. I actually enjoyed the jewels but the shape not so much. It's almost a swing shape and the neckline is a bit too high. Perhaps a size down would help?

 Marled Linen V-Neck Sweater (XS) in Neon Pink? (In store only color?)

I love J Crew's linen summer sweaters. Didn't love the shape on this one at all - sort of a bean bag shape if you will. Plus the thinner material at the shoulder seams was frightening. Looks like that would last through about 1 wash and wear. Some of the other linen sweaters look quite promising however.

Have a return to make tomorrow and will do some more scouting out of the sale section.

What are you buying during this 30% off round?

J. Crew Review: Some new summer arrivals... silk dress and linen moto mini

I had some returns to make and thought I would try on a few new arrivals I had eyed in the catalog. I have to say, besides the liberty prints this spring, I'm not loving the patterns at J Crew. It's probably good for me to take a little break anyway and focus on basics like nice work pants and a few holeless t-shirts anyway. With school about to end, I have to face facts that I will mostly be wearing casual shorts and tanks anyway. I will miss my little work wardrobe this summer :) 

 Stripe Silk Tunic Dress (size 2)

 I'm always one who loves a little easy shift dress. The colors on this are quite lovely. I might have been able to size down to a size 0 but I didn't bother trying. The slit down the front is quite revealing and the poof sleeves are a little too poof for me.  The silk feels nice and drapes nicely but the shape is not right for me.

 Jeweled Collar Short-Sleeve Shirt (size 2) in Navy
Cafe Capri in Seersucker (size 0)

 I've seen people out in about in one or the other of these little jewel-collared numbers and I think they look so cute! I think the sleeveless version of this is better. The short is boring except for the jewels and feels a bit funny with the juxtaposition of a manswear shape and jeweled collar.
The pants I've tried on before and are lovely. See my full review here.

 4" Chino Short (size 0) in Neon Pink and Navy

 I always head straight to the 5 inchers but thought I would give the 4 inch a whirl. Not much difference and in fact I may prefer this length but am not sure. I always feel like it is best to head towards the modest on shorts lengths. The neon pink ones were something crazy like $19.99 + 25% off but I just can't do neon. I feel uncomfortable despite loving the color.

 5" Chino Short (size 0) in white

 These are the 5 inchers in white. I like this length too and it is definitely slightly more modest. Not sure how I feel about white. Is it cute and cool or too "I'm going to the club later for a wine spritzer"? TBD.

 Moto Mini in Linen (size 2)

This was something that intrigued me in the new rollout. There was no size 0 so I can't really review it the way I would like to. The linen is nice and the little funky details add some pizazz. It is a bit short (of course). I liked it overall but would really need to try on my regular size.

 No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Polka Dot Jacquard (size 0) in Navy Ivory

As for the war between stripes and polka dots, I definitely prefer stripes. This is standard fare as far as pencil skirts go. Felt slightly big in the waist which seems to be par for the course this season at J Crew.

The fabric has some texture to it which appeal to some. Gives the skirt a bit of thickness and makes it seem a little more luxe in my opinion.

What do you think of the latest offerings?

What do you choose for shorts - 4 inch or 5 inch? I can't decide!

J. Crew Review: Liberty Popover in Floral Eve

Ah Liberty prints - I cannot get enough of them this season. And thank goodness since some of the other prints J Crew is pushing are not intriguing to me at all. The moment I saw this shirt in a preview I knew that I would love it. Of course not at $150 so now it will be mine to hunt down at an acceptable sale price for the rest of the season (hello, $40 June's Meadow Flora shirt, I'm talking to you)

Liberty Popover in Floral Eve (size 2)

 I was really disappointed when I saw this was a popover and not a buttondown.  Usually the popovers are too big in the body and too tight in the chest for me. Not the case with this one. It is a little blousy if anything and definitely was not pulling on the chest. I might even be able to size down to a size 0 on this one.

As usual, the length is just perfect. The cut has room to move but is overall slim.  The cotton feels really nice. Lightweight but not that sheer lightweight stuff they sometimes use. I swoon. Loveth.

I think the print is to die for but it won't be for everyone. It looks like little pressed wildflowers. Intricate drawings from an old gardening book. Sooo lovely and will go with just about any bottom you can think of because of the wide array of colors. 

Anyone else tried on this shirt? Was it to your liking?