Anthropologie Review: Shirts, Skirt, a Dress and a Coat

Still trying to find my style at Anthropologie. Am so drawn in by all the beautiful colors and styles but the fit has been off on me. Hopefully there will be some spring gems in my future. Here's what I tried on recently:

Novela Dress (XS)

I love the idea of a long-sleeved maxi dress. I have one and I love wearing it in the winter because I can throw on all sorts of layers underneath and feel like I am wearing my nightgown and yet look relatively chic. This one runs a bit snug. Especially in the chest so if you are busty you may want to size up. The skirt was fine but the waist was also tight. It just wasn't working on my at all. If you are small busted I think it will be fabulous. Very comfortable.

 Embroidered Lotus Pencil Skirt (2P)

 The embroidery and colors are so pretty but I didn't think it looked like anything special on. Also don't love that see through net stuff at the bottom (check out the hem) - I think it makes it look a bit cheap. This is a 2P which I suppose it a little smaller than my usual size. The waist is elastic with a zipper so it accommodate a range of sizes. I also felt like the seam bubbled a bit on the side. IT's a shame because I really liked it but I didn't think it looked good enough to keep.

 Marias Buttondown (XS)

Adorable. Love the colors and the way it drapes. I'm sort of trying to stay away from polyester these days so I'm not so sure about it. Nothing too fancy - just plaid done in a different way.

 Maeve Button-Back Blouse Sidney Silk Blouse (size 4) - name??

Thanks to TeriLynn13 for the name of this blouse! Could someone please help me with the name of this blouse? I think it's absolutely adorable. I sized up because of my breastfeeding chest and it flows just perfectly. The buttons down the back are SO cute. Plus it is all silk. It just feels well made and flowy and delicious. I normally do not go for colors like this but I couldn't resist. Love.

Stitched Jali Coat (XS)

I adore Tracy Reese but I thought this coat was sort of strange. The color is to die for but the fit is big! This is an XS and I felt like it was a bit roomy. Also felt like I was wearing a very fancy robe. It is super comfortable and warm and the embroidery on the bottom is just enough embellishment. I think maybe a petite would fit me better.

More Anthro reviews to come. What are you loving right now?

Brooks Brothers: Winter Clearance

So yes, I'm on a bit of a Brooks Brothers kick these days. My husband laughs. I used to tease him about the stodginess of the company (he gets a lot of his work shirts there) and now I am eating my words. I'm just so tired of buying something and then having it fall apart or look like pilled-up cr*p within a wear or two. I would rather pony up a little more dough and get something that I'm pretty sure is going to last. And have darts at the waist. And have shoudlers that aren't dropped. Is that too much to ask?

Silk Wildflower Print Dress (size 2)

Right now, with my way big breastfeeding chest, this dress is a little bit out of proportion. But, I think when things are back to "normal" it will be so cute. The silk is beautiful and very lightweight (this is more of a spring dress to me) and the print is so fun. The waist is just a little drawstring which can be hit or miss on my body but I liked it. There are pockets placed just right so they don't add bulk to the hips. A-line skirt and love buttons down the front.

Pockets! I think it's so lovely and I think it flatter my body. These days it's hard to tell since everything is all out of whack still.

 Cropped Jacket (size 4)

Even on sale this was a bit pricey for me but oh my - adorable! Makes me want to get on my Vespa and scoot around town (ok I don't have a vespa, just a Jetta, but still). So comfortable and well made. Quite cropped so may not be for those with longer torsos.

 Saxxon Wool Button-Front Cape 

I was intrigued by this and I think it's really well done for a cape. There are little buttons at the bottom that help give it some shape. The wool is SOOOO thick and warm and nice. yum. Again, a bit pricey, but well made.

Back view - I don't feel like I get swallowed up by this thing. Somehow still flattering despite the swingy shape.

Gingham Shirt (size 4)

 Another well tailored fitted shirt. This is more formal than your average J Crew gingham shirt - the cotton is crisped and there is a red lining on the placket. Gorgeous and crisp. Comes in blue and currently on sale for only $30!

 Cashmere Sweater (size S) in Purple and Merino Wool Skirt (XS)

 The sweater color is purple but it's more like a magenta or fuschia (sorry I never know which is which). It's so soft and lovely and runs a bit snug IMO. I don't like the neckline being that high.

 The skirt really feels like a thick sweater. At first I thought it would be itchy but it really wasn't at all. Thick dense knit that hides (most) of the lumps and bumps. I am definitely carrying my baby weight in my butt so I would size up on this one. This thick knit waistband to help hide imperfections in that department as well.

 Eyelet A-Line Skirt (size 2)

 This was perhaps the winner of the day. Slight a-line, beautiful interesting eyelet, simple waist, no pockets (which I prefer on this sort of skirt). My usual size 2 fit perfectly. It is quite short - I'm 5'4" and this is about as mini as I like to go these days. I think it would be adorable for summer with some metallic sandals.

Those are my finds for now. What do you think?

Gap Reviews: Cable Knit Sweater, Lambswool Sweater and 1969 Always Skinny Cords

I don't shop at the Gap very often except for my daughters. I love their kids clothes. The cottons are usually very soft and they really hold up over time. Lately though, I've been exploring some of their offerings for me as well. A lot of the quality and fit is way off but there are some gems if you keep digging. Here's what I recently found:

Cable Knit Sweater (size S) in Ivory Frost

I've been a little bit obsessed with finding a cable knit slouchy ivory colored sweater. So, this isn't slouchy but it is ivory and cable knit and I think quite cute. I like the vertical pattern at the tummy because it feels like a little shield for my post-partum belly. The cable pattern is well placed and well done and I love the color. I sized up and am glad I did (tried on the XS in store and it felt too short and snug) - mostly because of the length. The sleeves are a bit too long but they lend themselves to folding over. The sweater is thick without feeling bulky. It is a mix of wool, cotton and the dreaded acrylic but I didn't mind it. Right now this sweater is in store for the clearance price of $4.97! Unfortunately my local store only had XS.

 Lambswool Sweater (size S) in Blue Heather

There is nothing wrong with this sweater. It's not particularly thick but I thought the lambswool was fine. What I didn't like was the neckline - SOOOO high. Not flattering in my opinion. Otherwise it is basic and cute and I like the little notch sides.

 1969 Always Skinny Cords (size 26) in Port Wine

I am always on the lookout for cords. Living in New England, I wear them for like 9 months of the year! This are so great. The fit is perfect in my usual size 26. I particularly love the fact that are a bit thicker. Not bulky thick but thick enough not to show every lump and bump. As you can see the length is great on my 5'4" frame and there is no gapping at the waist at all. I have not worn these out yet so once I do I will update my review to include how much they sag and bag. This color is great - I wouldn't call it particularly wine-y - more deep brown. Gorgeous. Loveth.

What have you found at the GAP lately?

Brooks Brothers Review: Black Fleece Fun Shirt Dress and Red Fleece Full Circle Skirt

Due to some unimpressive winter collections at my favorite retailers, I've decided to branch out a bit. I usually associated Brooks Brothers with stodgy men's work clothes (including my own husband's who is not stodgy but nonetheless) but I'm finding quite a bit to love there right now. My post-baby body really favors very nicely fitted clothes - accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative - and BB is a master at that. Loving their Red Fleece line especially since the fit and style is a bit updated.

Fun Shirt Dress (size BB1)

First of all - I don't entirely get the black fleece sizing. It seems that it should run smaller but this shirt dress definitely felt big all over. The material is a really nice, sturdy cotton. I was surprised by the length. I think it's a little awkward on my frame.

The back is what broke the deal for me. I don't know why they decided to make the stripes run vertically. I feel like it visually added lots of pounds to my derriere. Non bueno. Everything improves with a belt. Still think I may need a smaller size. Anyway, such an adorable idea but maybe better suited for someone taller.

Full Circle Skirt (size 2)

The crepe is so nice and heavy - drapes perfectly. I thought it was quite a lovely piece although ran a bit big in the waist (which is saying a lot since I have some work to do on my post-baby belly). I passed because it reminded me too much of a choir uniform. I think with the right, youthful top it could be really fun. Definitely a well-made piece.

Some more reviews to come.

In the meantime....

LOVE these pants. Sort of remind of the Cove Floral Pants from last year but a bit more simple. Really want to try them. 

and how fun flirty and feminine is this Cotton Textured Skirt?

Also love this candy-stripe colored crewneck. Delish!

Anything you're loving at Brooks Brothers?