Anthropologie Fitting Room Reviews (One More Thing...)

 Crop Rocket Highrise in Fizzle by Citizen of Humanity. Size 28.
I've actually been stalking these jeans for months. But like other things that we think are "perfect", I worried that it might have only been love at first sight, and not an affair that could last. Alas, I was wrong. They are still perfect, and I don't have any denim this color in my closet.
Even though I found these at Anthro, I ended up using my Gap rewards and ordering them from Piperlime. (Sorry Anthro, you'll always be my first love.) They arrive Tuesday.
I'm a huge fan of the high rise jeans, perfect for tucking all that "mom flesh" into, and keeping my tummy looking flat all day. I'm pretty excited about the fact that Gap is jumping into the pool with their version, and hope to try them on in the near future.

1969 High-Rise Skinny Jeans

1969 High-Rise Skinny Jeans

Have you tried hi-waist jeans? What is your favorite denim brand?

Anthropologie Reviews, Finally! (Tops & Sweaters)

I've been a little shy of the peplum craze, because I'm just not sure about it on my body type. This trip, I bit the bullet and tried more than usual. I'm still not 100% sold, but here we go....

Float On Tank by Maeve. Size Small.
I love this simple, but whimsical printed blouse. It's perfect for layering with your favorite cardigan or blazer. I think this would also be perfect with the J Crew Cafe Capri in any color. I could have probably sized down to an extra small, but I like the room in the small, since it blouses a bit when tucked. Wishlisted.

Ruffled Calin Blazer by Cartonnier. Size Small.
I should have sized down to an extra small in this one, since I was swimming in it. Blazers never seem to lay right on me, due to my long chest/short waist. I feel like this is another example. The chest darts don't lie correctly. Maybe if I had tried the extra small, I would have found the fit to work, but I didn't love the color and considering my everyday style, this doesn't fit. However, I love the idea of it and the cut is cute. It's worth a try for you blazer lovers.

Stitched Anthea Top by Meadow Rue. Size Small.
This top was a perfect fit and so cute! The empire waist hits at just the right spot and flares away at the waist without looking like a maternity top. Even though it is double layered in most spots, you might consider a camisole or nude bra underneath. The fabric is very linen-like.

Ruffled Cetara Wrap by Rosie Neira. Size Extra Small.
I love the softness of this linen cardigan, and the color was perfect as well. I would size up to a small to buy, since the arms were fitted, so that I could layer long sleeves underneath in the cooler weather. The ruffled collar is flattering without being overwhelming. Wishlisted.
Basic Layering Tank by T. La. Size Extra Small.
The under tank I am wearing with this sweater is by newer Anthro brand T La. This is the second time I have tried on anything by them, and my opinion is the same. I love that they offer a basic tank, in tons of great colors, and it seems they are high enough on the chest to offer some coverage. The downside is that the knit seems very thin, and likely to stretch out another size in a small matter of time. Just in the time I had the tank on to try the sweater, I felt it stretched enough to warrant sizing down. But I was already wearing the extra small! Back to the rack.

Pleated Peplum V-Neck by Deletta. Size Small.
Here we roll into the world of big-girl peplum. This isn't your average high yoke/flared waist blouse. And hey, I liked it!
This is the small, and I think I had the fit right on this. I'd definitely layer under, since the fabric is see-through. I felt like the arm holes were slightly big, but in the pictures, they don't look bad. I love the stripes, and I think this is another that would be versatile for all seasons. With my body type, I think I'd stick with a slim piece on bottom. I like these (a LOT), these and this. Wishlisted.

Scrolling Lace Peplum Blouse by Deletta. Size 6.
I really liked this one, too. But the arm holes were way too big. I'd need to size down to a 4 for the arms, but then the waist would have been snug, I think. The cutest part of this outfit is the crazy girl poking her head in....

Laced Solstice Shell by Deletta. Size Small.
This lace peplum has a bit of shimmer in the threads, causing it to appear very formal-wear'ish, but the rough edge along the hem brings the formality back down to earth. However, I think it's still to dressy for my real life. The shape is pretty, but I just don't want to work very hard at making it casual.

Thus concludes my foray into the peplum world. I know we aren't solving world peace or anything, but thoughts?

Anthropologie Fitting Room Reviews (Winter 2012) Sweaters

Next up are sweaters!

Spaulder Pullover by Lili's Closet. Size X-Small.
I was drawn to the beautiful lace back, and thought it would be a cute, comfy option for days I do shipment at work (it's always cold). However, the fit is so big and slouchy, it was uncomfortable. The arm-pits are very loose, as highlighted in the first photo. I tried on the smallest size, so going down isn't an option. I have a bin of lace a friend sent me, so I think I could easily re-create this at home. Pass.

Dimensional Doe Pullover by Charlie & Robin. Size X-Small.
I love color, so of course, I love the rainbow of color all over the front of this sweater. But the real reason I tried it on is because my husband is a hunter, and I thought it was an adorable take on a deer sweater.
It's very comfortable, with no wool content, so no itching. The fit is spot on, and I love the sleeve length. I have a feeling this will be a love/hate item, so I feel good about holding out for sale. Wishlisted. (Mine was fraying at the bottom edge, so check the yarn carefully before buying.)

Rose Snapshot Top by Moth. Size Small.
The product shot for this sweater does it no justice online, but thankfully I hadn't seen it when I went into the store. The front is single-layer silk, and the back, sides and sleeves are all light-weight sweater. I loved it instantly. It will require layering on cooler days, but purchased it, and already wore it with a dark bra underneath, and it's not sheer. Love it!

Houndstooth Windowpane Cardigan by Field Flower. Size X-Small.
I believe this could be worn front way, and back way, but it doesn't matter. The quality is so terrible I wouldn't wear it any way. The one I tried on was the only one in this store, since it was an online return, and I could see why. The one in these photos was already fraying, one button was missing, and the others were loose. I tried it on very carefully. Since trying this on, I have looked at several in other stores, and they all seem to have serious quality issues. I have no idea how these made it out of production to the stores in this condition. This is an example of design not matching execution. The fabric that holds the buttons on does not lend itself to wear and tear. Flop.

Peter-Pan Paillettes Sweater by Corey Lynn Calter. Size Small.
This gorgeous sweater was hiding behind several items in this store, so I had to do a little digging to find it, but it was worth it! Now on sale, this beautiful sweater is made of angora, but wasn't itchy, in my opinion. I tried on the small, because it looked to run small to me, and in the length, the small is right, but since the jeweled neckline is a bit heavy, an extra small my be the better choice. I love the catalog shot with the tulle skirt, and that would be a fantastic look for a party, but since I have no call for such a delicate and formal outfit, I have to let this beautiful sweater go. Sadly, a pass.

Skirted Fisherman Cardigan by Far Away From Close. Size X-Small.
This is another sweater I would never have noticed online, especially since the shot hides the beautiful back, and the print detail in the peplum edge (which peeks out when it moves). This store only had an extra small and a large, so my try-on options were limited, but thankfully, the extra small worked. This sweater does have a mild itch factor, but since I will only ever layer, I wasn't concerned.  I purchased this, and have already worn it to work, but I noticed after I got dressed and got to work that there is a small spot on the front edge collar where the yarn is pulling, like it was a quality error. So be sure to look yours over before purchase. This sweater is now on sale, and worth a second look.

Dimensional Petals Cardigan by Yellow Bird. Size Small.
I saw this online when upon it's debut, but wasn't sure if it would fit into my lifestyle. After seeing it in person, I wanted to at least give it a try-on. The small is a little bit roomy, and I could probably go down to an extra small, but I wouldn't. Since this is such a detailed sweater, and not something I'd reach for often, I would love to score on second cuts. FYI: this is wool and was itchy and would require a layer underneath. Reminds me of Anthropologie of old...

Dotty Knit Blazer by Cartonnier. Size X-Small.
I loved this blazer! Since it is knit, it is a bit more forgiving than a traditional blazer would be. This is an extra small, and I needed a small, which wasn't available at this store, but the shape is fantastic, and I love the polka dot detail and the contrasting trim. Wishlisted.

Next up....
Dresses and Bottoms!

Anthropologie Fitting Room Reviews: Tops (Early Winter 2012)

The weekend before Thanksgiving, Jay and I took the two younger kids down to Dallas for the Cowboys game. We went down early enough on Saturday to hit Southlake Townsquare shopping center. (One of my favorites.) Jay and the kids went off to the Apple store and the pizza place, so I would have time to look and try on loads of goodies.

Here are the tops.

 Embroidered Peasant Tee by Meadow Rue. Size X-Small.
This top is still available online in 3 colors (the online description has this as a Vanessa Virginia top, but the product tags are Meadow Rue), including this coral, a blue and a lovely creamy white with silvery foil embroidery. I like this top, its a beautiful take on a casual shape, and one that I find very flattering. I didn't see the cream in the store, but I think I would prefer it. The extra small fit perfectly, but since this would be a top I would wash and dry often, I'd size up to a small to buy. The ruching at the placket is just enough to be able to freely enjoy chips & salsa (hola!), without looking like a maternity top.

 Puckered Placket Turtleneck by Deletta. Size Small.
And thus continues my love affair with Deletta. I am so glad they have returned to Anthro with their signature pieces. This one is exactly what I love about them. Perfect for layering and substantial enough  to stand alone. Again, I might have been able to go down to an extra small in this, but since I plan to wash & dry it, I purchased the small. I love that it is not too short, although I suspect it will shrink up a bit after washing. The only down-side is that I wish it had full sleeves, instead of 3/4 length. Purchased.

 Banter Tee by Postmark. Size X-Small.
Who could say anything bad about such a cute tee? Anyone who knows me could see why I was drawn to it. The perfect turquoise color, and the bicycles printed on it. I love both, turquoise and biking. Add in tab-sleeves, and a boatneck and you have the perfect t-shirt. The only down-side was the size on me. I felt like the shoulders were a little snug in the extra small, but I couldn't find a small in the store. Wishlisted.

 Eyelash Lace Tee by Eloise. Size Small.
Although this is thin (granted, it IS a loungewear piece), I like it. The lace is a nice detail, and the body is relaxed. The grey knit balances out the lace and makes it a great every day shirt. Warning: this is hand wash only, and my experience with this type of knit tells me it will need a tender hand.

Partitioned Bands Tee by Left of Center. Size Small.
I picked this up in several colors and sizes. The navy/white stripe was also very cute, but I was looking for a top in a great shape to be able to wear in layering with my necklaces that stand alone. I ended up with the Perpetual Wear Tee in black in a size x-small. The striped versions were too thin. The solids were better. I found the fit to be the same in all of them, just the coloring was different. The small was way too big, so I went down to the x-small, and it is still very roomy. Since I have already worn it several times, I know it was a wise purchase. Slightly longer in the back than front, but not drastic. Very comfy, and I have machine washed twice on delicate.

Twirl Tee by Pure & Good. Size Small.
(Now on sale.) I almost didn't use these pictures, because you can see what color bra I chose to wear that day, but since it wasn't a perfect fit, I felt like I should review it anyway. This was another I picked up to try as a basic color tee in a cute shape to show off necklaces. I love the color, but it is very sheer (I don't understand why everything is so thin?!) Also, this is a size small, and the fit is great in the shoulders and neck, but the length is too short. As long as you never raise your arms. Ever. You would be fine. Since it isn't exactly the type of top you typically layer over something, it doesn't work for me. If I sized up, it would be way too wide and big in the shoulders. Still, I love the shape and the color selection, so I carried it around the store until finally deciding that it just doesn't work for me. Petite girls, check it out.

Twirl Tee in Dark Grey Same as above, in the darker color. Size Small.

Wilton Cowlneck by Sunday Monday. Size X-Small.
(Now on sale.) Another in my quest for solid tee's. I love the relaxed fit, full-length sleeves and interesting neckline. I brought this home, but as a trial, and I am still on the fence.  I can't decide if it is too close to the other grey tee-ish tops I already own. Thoughts?

Tonalities Boatneck by One September. Size X-Small.
(Now on sale.) This top is a great take on a striped tee! The stripe placement is excellent, and the cotton was soft and comfortable. I love it. Only downside- I wish it had full sleeves. (You like my photo bomber? She joined me 1/2 way thru. :)

In Spades Blouse by Leifnotes. Size 4.
(Now on sale.) I picked this up purely for it's "Alice In Wonderland" vibe, as I have always loved Alice. The style is way off my normal compass. It is actually a very creative blouse, and the patterns and ruffles are well-placed. I thought it was neat, but not something I would end up incorporating well. Madison called it, "a little crazy."

Spit Hues Henley by Spendid. Size X-Small.
I'd like to know what method they used on the model shot to get this tee to look fitted, because in real life, it's a hot mess. I am wearing the smallest size, and still swimming in it. I loved the color combo, but  all that is lost on such an ill-fitting top. Too short, too wide.

Bagatelle Buttondown by Maeve. Size 4.
Who could resist a blouse with penguins? I have mentioned my love for penguins previously. I used to collect penguins as a child. (We always had to have the a/c on, year round.) I ran like a crazy person to this, as I did the penguin blouse from last year. Thankfully, this time the fit was great, so I could justify it's purchase, as opposed to last years version by Charlotte Taylor.
This blouse is substantial enough wear alone, but machine washable, since it's rayon- no dry cleaning worries. I think I'll wear this for Christmas. How festive?!

Clipped Dot Peasant Blouse by Leifnotes. Size 2.
I sized down to a size 2 in this blouse, and it was just right. I was drawn to the color and lace, but it also comes in navy. I looked at this both with and without the tie belt, and it works both ways, in my opinion. This looks much prettier on, than on the hanger.

Jemima Cowlneck by Rosie Neira. Size X-Small.
This is my first time trying on RN, as far as I know. This top is thin like a tee, but made of a wool sweaterish blend, thus making it feel like a sweater, and dry clean only. (Price tag also reflects t-shirt quality.) I am completely on the fence with this top. It's the only thing I stepped out of the dressing room for, to ask an opinion about fit. I felt like I could use a small for the shoulder room, but that would make the waist too wide, as I already had the bow cinched tight. It's cute, but I just can't decide how much I love it. Thoughts on this one?

Jeweled Collar Cowlneck by Leifnotes. Size X-Small.
(Now on sale.) I wish this came in any color but white! I love the shape and collar, but don't love the color on me. The sale price makes me re-consider a little, but I just don't think I would reach for it as often as I should....

That wraps up tops, next up...
Sweaters!