It loves me? It loves me not....(Extensive reviews: Antique Magnolia Blouse & Grass Court Dress)

So I have been drooling over this little pretty number here and curious as to how it fits since my local store doesn't seem to carry it. I decided to order it before free shipping ended last week...and it arrived today!
I tore the box open.

Ooooh Ahhhh

oh gosh, this blouse is so pretty..and I love the details. This is one of the very few pieces that I love from Anthro's last year's 2011 collection. It's very well made and it's safe to say this is a classic, timeless piece.

I have a thing for close up pictures on precious details such as these...

The blouse consists of 3 layers: soft mesh on the outer layer (flowers are embroidered onto this layer), then the lace in the middle, and a yellow-ish tan rayon, cotton blend (from what I read in the care tag) inner layer

definitely not sheer! which is a nice change : )

and it's not a surprise it's dry clean only

Anyways, onto the fit. this is the part where it disappointed me.

I ordered this in a size 6 which is the size I usually generally take and the fit is a bit off on me.

There are darts under the chest to give it a shape. This fits my bust well (36B) but it bunches in an odd, unflattering way. The waist fits a bit big for me as I can pinch a good inch on the side. The structured shape is...sort of there but not really..It just kind of hung on me. from looking at the photo again, I think it makes me look a bit bigger than I really am.

Also another problem area for me is the cap sleeve. It pinches my arms when I extend them forward..actually any kind of arm movements in this blouse feels uncomfortable for me. If I were to get this, I would take it to a tailor and have the sleeves cut off. Also, I wouldn't be able to size down because it fits just right in the bust area for me due to my wider rib cage and sizing up will just be extra loose everywhere on me.

I was curious if this particular cap sleeves problem is just an isolated case of mine. So I had my sister tried it on for me as she is usually a size 6 or 8 depending if the clothes would fit her bust.

Details on her measurements:
Bust 36D (she took my share in that department)
Waist: 28

So this is what it looks like on her...

She said it fits well in the bust and feels comfortable for her though it does make the neckline gape a little bit (she actually doesn't mind this). She also doesn't have the cap sleeves-pinching-arms problem so it is probably because I have a bigger frame up top (broader shoulders). The waist area is also a bit big on her but I do think it looks more flattering on her because she fills out the top more than I did in it.

What do you all think?

I will be returning this since not only it's still at a steep price tag of $188, this top simply does not love me back. Yes, I'm sad this blouse isn't going to work for me as I already styled this blouse in my head in many different ways. boo. I might still buy it if I happen to stumble on it with a 3rd cut price then have it tailored. Oh well, I think I'll live vicariously through the other ladies who are made for this blouse!

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Next up is the Grass Court Dress $168 *not by Moulinette Soeurs btw, I believe it's by the same maker as the Bike Lane Dress*

I was intrigued with this dress when I saw it online though my initial reaction is somewhat indifferent. I don't love it but I don't hate it..sort of..meh. When I saw it debuted in my local store, I was willing to give it a try so I took it back with me to the dressing room.

the eyelet details are cute but I don't care for the belt at all. I suppose it goes with the Tennis theme (which I'm really bad at) but I would definitely use a different belt if I'm going to wear it. As you can see from the picture above, the area under the bust have been modified to flatter the chest area which works with me.

I took a size 6 and it fits perfectly; not too tight or too loose. although I have had to size up in some dresses due to my rib cage area so someone with a smaller frame up top might find it a bit loose. I also feel the top have enough material to accommodate larger busted ladies without having to size up  (my sister wasn't with me to try on this dress for comparison) but there was a lot of space in the chest area for me. I did not encounter an issue with the waist sitting too high like the one reviewer on the web site, although it's probably because she also happens to be a bit taller than I am by 2 inches according to her description so it's likely she is with a longer torso. Lengthwise, It's similar to the Bike Lane dress since this one also came down to my knees so shorter ladies might find it a bit too long. The color is more accurate in the second picture instead of the first. Also, it is lined with cotton lining and does come with pockets : )

yep, that's the label. anyone knows what it's called? it just looks like a postcard to me.
Overall, I'm still feeling unsure. I suppose it's a cute dress but it doesn't wow me as much. I'll be considering it again when it goes on sale.

As always, you can always email me for further questions and I'll try my best to answer it thoroughly : )

A busy weekend with Anthro

I've been super excited this weekend ever since Roxy of Effortless Anthropologie announced Anthro will be doing a sale promotion of 50% off full priced sweaters and outerwear (including 30% off sale price items starting today!).  From the wishlist roundup I did recently, I knew exactly the 2 items I wanted to buy: Outlined Celandine Cardigan (black motif) and Rising Snowdrops Cardigan (both by Tabitha). I managed to grab them both when I strolled into the store in the a.m. I also had some time to do a couple of reviews (which includes Aubergine Sky Dress!!!)

First up:

 Rising Snowdrops Cardigan. tried on my usual size S.

I may have found my sweater blanket. it's soo soft and comfy to wear. i love the stitching though the embroidery material also pills already. I do think it's a bit too big on me even though it's an open cardigan. i did grab this one up for the sweater promotion but may exchange it for an xs since there weren't any at my local store. I also like the sleeve length on this one since my hands are always unnaturally frozen cold during wintertime. I would definitely size down on this one if you are looking to buy it in the near future.

 Tucked Peplum Tank ( i believe this was the name of this product though I could be wrong) on sale for $60

tried on my usual size S. I do think it's flattering but it's an awkward length for me. the material is thicker than i expected it to be but it's soft and also comfortable. i think this was by Bailey 44. I may try this one in a Medium next time if there's one still hanging around in the sale rack.

 Nolana Skirt

I've been waiting to try on this skirt ever since I saw it hanging in store a couple of weeks ago. I tried on my usual size 6 and I do think this one runs a bit big. there's a lot of room to give even after a big meal though I will try on a size 4 for comparison.  I love the lace rust color and the underlining is lavender mauve color. the lace is also sturdy, i don't think it would easily tear if you accidentally snag it on something. It's also longer than I expected it to be and at 5'6, it hits past my knees. I'm definitely getting this one in petite length when it goes on sale.

yes i'm flashing my belly button :p 

 

 

 

Sweetheart Shrug Tee now $40. I tried on this one before with my usual size S and it was a bit too tight. I sized up to a large which is less form fitting for the lumps and dumps but still flattering. (hey look! i have curves! yay!). The bra straps does make an appearance now and then but I think it will be a quick fix at home with a little stitching. I will be getting this one very soon. 

and I saved the best for last....

Aubergine Sky Dress $168 by Girls from Savoy. This brand have occupied my heart ever since the disappearance of other favorite brand, Floreat. This dress is certainly a winner in my book. I just wrote up a lengthy review at Anthro site which hasn't appeared yet..and I also forgot to copy it for this blog. oops. so here we go..

I tried on my usual size 6 in dresses though I usually size up to an 8 for strapless due to my wider ribcage. This one fits comfortably everywhere...except that I haven't had a single meal that day (bad habit of mine). It has stretchy panels just on the sides (instead of all around like its predecessors Traced Twirls dress) for extra room. the sweetheart neckline is also a favorite of mine because it flatters my bust (yes, i do already have the traced twirls dress but I think this one is different enough..tralalala). Girls from Savoy also does a good job for making sure this strapless number stays up and with my smaller bust, i need reinforcements!

The subtle black print among the base dark purple color is certainly a delightful surprise. It's a busy print but very subtle and hard to notice unless someone gets too close to your personal bubble space to examine it. I love the contrasting yellow embroidery around the waist too. it definitely allures the eye and creates an illusion for an hourglass shape. One thing that I dislike about this dress is the length. at 5'6, it hits past my knees which I don't prefer. I think it makes my legs look stumpy and also, it's harder to style it casually which I plan to do with this dress. I'm not sure if it would look as cute if I alter the length and making the embroidery at the edge of the dress instead of 1/4 way up the edge.

I also forgot to check if this dress has pockets or not though I don't think it doesn't (but I could definitely be wrong). i love that this dress is machine washable too! yay! it's almost made of good quality cotton and sturdy enough to hold up the shape. I wish it comes in petite size but it's wishlisted for sale time for which I will definitely pick this one up!

close up of the print

and I will leave you with a blurry phone outfit picture from thursday, I believe. nothing too exciting but it does feature one of my favorite pants ever!

Headwaters Tee, Checked Crops, Sweeping Stitch heels.

more (delayed) reviews!

Hi everyone!eep,  is it almost December now? I've been a bad blogger. Actually, not sure if I would call myself a blogger since I don't really ..umm blog?

Anyways, I've got a bunch of reviews for you all here. Some are old, some are new. 

First up is...

Stitched & Spindles Coat $268 by Tracy Reese

This one caught my eyes when it came out online. I love the classic structure of the coat and I love the pretty stitching on the bottom of the coat that makes it more special. The embroidery is also as vibrant as it looks online.I grabbed a size 10 which is my usual size for coats and it fits nicely. I have a thick sweater underneath which I would need since this coat isn't the thickest coat for the east coast winter. Underneath the buttons, it zips up and it's a double zipper! There's also a hook and eye at the waist to keep the shape. The buttons were big and it was a bit hard for me to button up the coat. I'm not sure if it's flattering on the hips portion for me, it might've bulged out a bit because of the thick sweater underneath? I definitely recommend this one if you are in need of a new winter coat. I'm wishlisting this one for further consideration when it goes on sale. 

Stitched & Spindles Coat

Glowing Horizons Trench $188 by Cartonnier

I love this trench coat but I don't think I need another one since I already have 2 trench coats. I can only justify this purchase if I sell my Two Paths Trench. I love the classic style and the double collar on this. I tried on the size 8 which is my usual size for trench coats and it fits fine (i have a thick sweater underneath this!) except for the arms that was a bit snug for me but nothing too constricting. I'll be waiting for this one to go on sale since it's getting a bit too cold now for trench coats.

Glowing Horizons Trench

Eyelet Peplum Blouse $88 by Two Of Us

I grabbed a size 6 and it fits TTS. I like this blouse and the lace reminds of me of the Tracy Reese lace shirtdress that I have (can't remember the name of it..I know, I'm very helpful right?) Anyways, the lace is soft but it is also unlined on the bottom..not sure why they neglected that so you will definitely need a cami/tank underneath. the peplum part doesn't flare out much which is good for my hips. the chest area fits fine without having too much room for my bust. This is the one top I'm very much looking forward to pick this up when it goes on sale. wishlisted in this teal color. 

Back Porch Dress $70 by Deletta

 I grabbed my usual size S in Deletta which fits nicely. I think it's quite flattering and the fabric feels comfortable on my body. but it does have its cons and at 5'6, the length of the dress went over my knees which I'm not a fan. Also, the sleeves are connected? (is there a technical term for this? I'm sure there is one lol) to the body so when I raise my arms, the dress rises up. This one is a pass for me. Unless I can grab it for $20 or something which will allow me to have it altered to my liking. 

Back Porch Dress

Twist & Refresh Dress $168 by Ganni

I'm not sure how I feel with this dress. The fabric is the same as Noon and Night dress so it's as comfortable but I also think it makes me look wider (my sister also shares the same sentiment). I grabbed a size small which is what I took in the Noon and Night....and the zipper broke on me. I took this picture with the zipper half down my back. I'm not sure if the dress was too small for me or if the zipper was already broken when I grabbed it from the hanger. This one is a pass for me since I'm not really impressed with this.

Twist & Refresh Dress

Tiered Stripes Dress $188 by Bailey 44

I tried this one for a joke, I suppose. I already knew when I brought it with me to the dressing room that it wasn't going to work for me. I don't have anything in my closet from Bailey 44 but their clothes are always comfortable. This dress is definitely not my style though. I grabbed a size M with the intention to make it less clingy to the body and it fits fine. Both my bf and my guy friends agreed that it makes me look like a mummy. I'm sure this dress will work wonderfully for the right person...just not me. pass.

Tiered Stripes Dress

Thuja Dress $200 by Project Alabama

I grabbed a size Small for this dress. I thought the bodice was pretty so I took it back to the dressing room. Since the edges are unfinished, it frayed and was tangled up horribly by the time I got to the dressing room with it. I could not take it off fast enough after I took this picture, it looks very frumpy on me and just all around unflattering.

Thuja Dress

frayed, tangled bottom mess. eek.

Gathered Lace Dress $178 by Maeve

I took my usual size 6 in Maeve and this fits TTS as usual for Maeve. The length is quite modest as it falls on my knees. I do like the beautiful lavender color and the heavy, thicker lace so it's not as fragile. Not sure if it's 100% flattering on me though. the waist sat a little bit above my natural waist and it created a weird silhouette around my hips. Pass for me.

Gathered Lace Dress

Pilcro Flared Cords $30

I'm not a big fan of flares since it can make me look juvenile. I tried this on to see what it looks like since the price is quite reasonable. I tried on my usual size 6 and it is a comfortable fit for me. I still don't like how it looks on me and it was easy for me to pass on this.

Tuberose Lace Skirt $130 by Moulinette Soeurs

I grabbed my size 6 and it fits TTS. The lace is a sturdy, thicker fabric with a sheer, crinkled yellow chiffon-like lining. I didn't have the zipper problem like other people seemed to encounter with this skirt. I prefer the green version over the orange. I like this one and I plan to pick this one up when the price gets a second or preferably, a third cut in the future.

Tuberose Lace Skirt

Flickering Slip Dress $198 by Lil

I took my size 6 for this dress. I'm more interested in what the green version looks like but they didn't have those in the store. It fits TTS to a big snug if you have a wide ribcage like I do. The beading details are pretty and the silk fabric is nice. but wearing a strapless bra will be required as the top portion is sheer when it's not lined. I don't think the empire waist dress works for me though and it does reminds me of a nightgown.

Flickering Slip Dress

details

I will leave you all with an OOTD featuring one of my most favorite skirt and also one of the first purchases from Anthro I made years ago..

Anthro Diaphanous Tunic, Daisy Quarters Skirt, Miss Albright Scalloped Spatz boots