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Monday, September 12, 2011

Anthropologie Fitting Room Reviews

Interspersed Ponte Dress
I have one word for this dress...ITCHY!  I don't even really care how it looked on me, as soon as I got it on, I just wanted to take it off.  From what I can recall and also based on the photo, this dress fits TTS.


Atrament Maxi  sale $79.95
Although I'm not a maxi person but I must say this is a pretty fabulous one.  The ruched bodice is pretty and flattering.  I'm wearing XS and fit is pretty good.  I would highly recommend this dress if you are looking for a dressier maxi.  The only complain I have is with the length, I'm 5'6 and this dress was way too long for me, the hem was dragging.


Quilted Eclipse Blouse
I don't foresee this being a hot seller but I really really really liked this blouse.  The slightly puffed shoulders were feminine and not overwhelming.  The color was like a pinkish orange.  The quilting along the shoulders were padded, which I thought was quite cool.  I loved the snap buttons on the cuffs as well as on the body, they were functional and provided a great contrast to the blouse.  Lastly, this blouse is 100% silk and it was pretty darn good silk!  Very well made and very cute on.  I highly recommend this one.



Sugared Dress sale $99.95
The Sugared Dress received no shortage of love from the blogosphere.  I was never taken by it so expectation was low.  I can't say that I loved this dress but I kind of liked it.  To be frank, I didn't quite care for the top part of this dress at all,  I felt it was almost a size too big (I tried on size 0), the cap sleeves did nothing for me since they didn't really mold nicely to my shoulders.  The skirt was really pretty though and I would've loved to have tried it on with a sweater.  The print looked much nicer in person, I was surprised to see lots of pink in the pattern.


Outlined Celandine Cardi
This is a fabulous cardigan.  Fabric wasn't scratchy, but not terribly soft either.   I love everything about this sweater, the color, the fit, the look, everything.  I think this cardigan will be very versatile to style.  You can choose from skirts and pants, colored bottoms, to your basic black and greys, or denims.  I really love this cardigan and highly recommend it.


Granite Gilia Pullover
I am not a fan of this pullover.  This top is quite sheer so you need to wear a layer underneath, I didn't have anything readily available other than my own tank I wore that day.  This top doesn't do anything for me, there's nothing positive I can say about it.



Frilled Echelons Peacoat
 I first reviewed this coat in turquoise size 0 here.  While I was in Anthro on the weekend I decided to try the Moss color in size 2.  The Moss color was surprising nice as well, I found myself liking it just as much.  The size 2 was noticeably bigger, especially in width.  I didn't think it was as flattering on as the size 0, so I would recommend to stick to your usual size.



Friday, September 9, 2011

Guest Post: Anthropologie Reviews by Steph

I was thrilled when J'Aime Shopping asked me if I wanted to post guest reviews. I am a loyal Anthro lover and I thoroughly enjoy reading J'Aime's musings and admiring her style.  My Anthro obsession involves checking the website and blogs daily, and trekking down to Anthro most Tuesdays (and then some).   My fingers are often numb from hauling my 15+ items into the fitting room and though I don't normally take photos of the beauties I try on, I hope these reviews will be helpful for you. 
Sigh. I love this cardigan. I'm wearing an XS here. For reference I am 5'5", 115lbs and wear a 0/XS in tops.  You can't see the ruffley details as well as in the neutral version, but this cardi was sold out in my size in the neutral. This cardi fit like a dream. It wasn't too itchy though I would definitely wear a tank underneath. This cardi has some stretch and just ever so slightly skims the body highlighting one's waist.  The quality is all there, as justified by the price tag. But even with the 25% off promo, I couldn't take this baby home with me. For one, it doesn't feel like an everyday sweater and would not get the wear it deserves. And secondly, I get cold easily in the winter and these sleeves would not suffice. A love I have to let go...

What initially attracted me to this top was the super soft material. That, and being made by Bordeaux, one of my fave brands for easy peasy effortless chic. The weight of the material was perfect, not too thin or thick. The colour choices were also nice, though my store didn't have the plum colour in stock.  This top had so much promise, but alas I did not find the fit very flattering. I own several blousy, boxy tops but this one just seemed to hang off me and give me linebacker shoulders. Pass.




Thousand Carat Pullover
This appears to be a popular sweater in the blogosphere. I'm wearing an XS in the cherry colour which actually is more orange than red. It's also available in a cream and light sea foamy green.  My store had all three colours and the green was my favorite being light and neutral enough to pair easily.

This sweater is very delicate to the touch and removal of jewelry is highly recommended to prevent snags. The detailing is oh so feminine and unique, without being grandma-ish. There is a zipper about 5" long in a dulled gold colour at the back which is more for decoration than necessity. The fit of this pullover is more straight than boxy or fitted, and the length is perfect. You definitely need to wear a tank or cami underneath, but I find this helps to modernize this sweater. I did not find it itchy at all being 100% wool. I'm fact it was light, soft and very comfy.  I noticed the SA wearing hers tucked into a skirt, so  the weight of this sweater is light enough to be very versatile. Overall, I liked this sweater, but am having a difficult time dealing with the delicacy of the knit as well as the dry clean only recommendation.  However, I may reconsider and pick it up in green during promo time.



lululemon reviews

I'm not sure why I've never bothered with skirts from Lululemon but now I'm quite obsessed.

Pace Setter Skirt  $44-$49
I'm not sure about the name of this skirt, the front looks the same as the Run Speed skirt but the back is quite different.  You should be able to find this skirt on sale at your local Lululemon stores, I've seen markdown prices ranging from $44-$49.  Hate that!!! We want price consistency! Well, I do anyways.  Fit is very TTS, some might even consider sizing up.



 Weightless Skirt  $78
This skirt is borderline streetwear.  True to its name skirt is feather light.  It's comfy and cute, except for the sticker shock.  Highly recommend it if you don't mind the price.  Fits TTS.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

the toughest decision

You know what I'm really not good at when making a purchase?  Deciding on the color.  The difficulty of this task grows exponentially with each additional color choice.  However, occasionally retailers like to spare our brain cells and make it easy, they will simply offer the item in only one color.  Lucky for me, such was the case with the Incorporated dress that I'm wearing.  One color, one dress, simple, done!




I am wearing:
Anthropologie dress and belt.
Lanvin flats.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

anything goes

Our summer weather ended rather abruptly last weekend, and has been replaced by gusty winds and chilly temperature.  This sudden change in weather has caught many of us off guard. While you will see some still stubbornly embracing their summer spirits, showing off their sunny glows flipflopping down the street, you will also find those that have thrown in the towel and chose to bundle up in their best fall gear.  Undecided as to which season I want to dress for, I opted to break out a thick sweater while sporting open toe sandal booties.  Clever I'd say, and man repelling



I am wearing:
Club Monaco cardigan, tee and skirt.
9 West shoes (here).
Love Quotes scarf.
Longchamp bag.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

formula

my fall/winter formula for putting together a quick outfit =  long cardigan + skinnies + scarf 










I am wearing:
Louis Vuitton leopard shawl.
Jbrand 10" skinnies.
Jcrew cardigan.
Prada pumps.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Joe Fresh $10 off Coupon



* Save $10 when you spend a minimum of $50 before applicable taxes on Joe Fresh® apparel, excluding sunglasses, jewellery, cosmetics, bath and beauty accessories, where available at Real Canadian Superstore®, Atlantic Superstore®, Maxi & Cie®, and participating Loblaws®, Zehrs®, Your Independent Grocer®, Fortinos® stores and at participating supermarkets in Newfoundland and Labrador where Joe Fresh® products are available. $10 will be deducted from the total purchase amount before sales taxes are applied. Limit one coupon per family and/or customer account. No cash value. No copies. Coupon must be presented to the cashier at time of purchase. Valid from Friday, August 26, 2011 until closing, Friday, September 9, 2011. Cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotional offers.


Link http://www.joefresh.com/en/coupons/

Frilled Echelons Peacoat

I thought my love affair with ruffles had ended, until I tried on this jacket.  Initially thinking it was rather unattractive looking given the cropped length and the wide appearance I had no interest in trying it on.  In chatting with reader Stephc who mentioned her fondness of it, then out of curiosity I decided to give it a try.  And wow did it not disappoint.

This jacket is so beautiful and comfortable.  The ruffles didn't make me look wide like I had expected, it was light and had movement.  The pockets were deep enough to be functional.  The jacket is well made with the most adorable lining, the buttons on the inner row are reinforced with small buttons on the other side (like any well constructed double breasted jackets/coats ought to be made).   The fabric is soft with very minimal itching factor, I had noticed a hint of itchiness the first time I tried it on but now I don't really notice it anymore.  The collar retains its shape nicely, you don't have to fidget with it for it to look in place.  I would say fit is TTS, I am wearing size 0 and there's room to spare, I can move about without feeling any pulling.  Be warned that the length is short, the jacket doesn't hit the waistband of my cord Stevies, but it's perfectly fine when you have something underneath with the hem peeking out.  I am totally smitten, this jacket is definitely highly recommended by me.

You can also see Elizabeth's review here.





Friday, September 2, 2011

Anthropologie Ascot Swing Coat

This coat is just as cute in person as you see online.  The color is beautiful (and true to the online catalogue pictures), the bow tie is really cute and easily executed by pulling the extra fabric through a loop hidden under the collar.  My only complain is that the wool is quite itchy, my neck was quite bothered but I am very sensitive to itchiness so some may find it tolerable.  I like this coat but not in love with it.  It's more of a 'fall' coat than a winter coat which is not the most practical for me since the fall season in Toronto lasts as long as the blink of an eye.





Thursday, September 1, 2011

colored skinnies

I don't know about you but I LOATHE shopping for jeans or bottoms in general.  I know I'm skinny but I still have my own body flaws that get accentuated with the wrong fit.  I look for jeans that fit well in the thigh without too much pulling/bunching or excess fabric; has a nice lift in the bum, and comfortable waistband that don't dig in.  Besides hemming the legs I am not big on alterations, mainly because I don't have a good seamstress and secondly they can be costly.

Comfort is a big deal, I need to be able to sit and squad while wearing them.  I remember in the old days when I would go jean shopping and the sales people would always tell me to go a size down because "they stretch so much".  I no longer purchase jeans that are one size too small in consideration for the "potential stretch" because I never end up wearing them long enough for them to stretch out.  

I hope these reviews will be of help to you with your hunt for the perfect colored skinnies. 

Hudson  $225cad

These are most denim like in terms of thickness and texture.  It's definitely more red and not as orangey in my photos.  I tried on the size 25 and I couldn't button up.  The fabric is quite rigid with some stretch.  It's a shorter rise and a longer inseam.  



Rag & Bone $195cad/$165usd
These had the highest rise and the shortest inseam out of the ones I tried on.  The color is absolutely gorgeous! Fabric is a nice cotton with a good amount of stretch.  Front pockets are faux.  I am happy with the fit of the 25, it's snug but not uncomfortably so.





Jbrand twill skinnies $215cad/$176usd

I had tried them on in bright red a while back.  For some reason I remembered the fabric being stretchier than the ones I tried on today, which is a new delivery in a darker red.  Front two pockets are faux.  The fabric is stiffer and coarser compared to the Rag&Bones and not as stretchy.  I found the 25 to be tight, even though I can button up but I was not comfortable.  Inseam is longer than the Rag&Bone but shorter than Hudson.



AG Stevies $205
Original review can be found here.  I just want to add that in comparison, Stevies has the softest and stretchiest fabric.  IMO the quality of the Rag&Bone fabric is the best, it had a softness and the right amount of stretch and the fabric looks like it will hold shape and is of great quality cotton.  Stevies on the other hand does stretch quite a bit and has a thinner fabric almost like jeggings.  The fit is undeniably amazing though.




I don't have photos but I have previous tried Current Elliot colored jeans which were awful me.  It's more of a casual boyfriend fit with very loose fitting legs, not a good look on me but probably will look cute on the right person. 

Have you tried on any of these colored skinnies? I'd love to hear your thoughts or recommendations.