Bit by bit, I will buy the entire outfit you see above. Oh yes, it will be mine.
Most of the components haven’t hit my local stores yet but I did get a chance to try on the Milady Skirt ($88) by Elevenses. Does anyone else always want to add an extra syllable to their name? Elevenses-ses. Uh, anyway, I was picturing this skirt as silk or rayon or something shiny and sleek but in fact it’s corduroy. Very soft slim wale corduroy. Since it’s pencil shape I went for a 10 (one size up) to fit over my thighs and hips. The guess paid off as the skirt fit perfectly.
I love the metal clasps adorning the front. There is an exposed zip in the back but it blends right in, which thank goodness! I was getting really sick of the “hey, here I am!” zippers. There’s a decorative tie-down in the back that adds some sexiness. The slit is reasonable and you can take generous strides despite the pencil shape. I really loved this skirt and would have bought it if I hadn’t just dropped a bunch of coin for my birthday excursion the night before (post on that coming up later this week). I plan on buying this very soon though.
Ali included Tracy Reese’s Gainsborough Pencil Skirt ($148) in her recent guest post, so now you’ve seen it on a couple of different body types. While the skirt looked amazing on her I ran into some fit issues with it. I grabbed a 10, one size up, but it was so tight! Especially around my thighs. I easily needed a 12. So I had the fitting attendant grab a 12 and it was of course seriously gapping at my waist. This skirt, though beautiful, became a no-go for me.
I love the print on the skirt. The front seams were not great for me though — they widen out right over your thighs. Not very flattering. The skirt is lined and I like the back vent. I’m sad the shape didn’t work for me as I love all the colors. Sadly I walked this one back to the rack.
Maeve’s Fifth Form Shift ($128) is so freakin adorable. The bodice looks kind of like a bow and it’s made of light, soft poplin. And it has pockets! Miraculously my true size 6 fit. That’s two Maeve dresses in a row! Will wonders never cease? There was a little bit of extra room in the back but the top was perfect so this dress seems true to size.
The skirt is slightly bubbled in by a band but I don’t mind. Some will not like the volume in the middle, caused by the change from bow to skirt. I think it’s kind of cute. With a cardigan over it you could easily wear this one now. Again, had my budget allowed I would have brought this home with me right then. It’s in my cart awaiting a paycheck.
This is the Hold-the-Lines Jumper ($98) by Maeve as seen in the last outfit set. Never would have considered it before. I was able to shimmy the 6 over my jeans. It looks a lot bigger on the rack then it fits. I put on the Foliage Fancy Tee ($58) underneath to recreate the look, though I had to sub in the grey.
The jumper is a cotton-linen mix that’s sure to attract every piece of dust, pet hair and white fuzz. I don’t know; I like it but is it worth $98? I’m dubious. It’s got pockets! Love that. And the buttons are cute. The skirt has subtle raw-edge detail to add some fun. But it’s just a jumper and a pretty basic one at that. Wishlisted, waiting for sale.
Hi Roxy,I love the Fifth Form Shift on you–looks great! Thanks for the reviews!Sarah
Awesome review I'm glad the Fifth Form Shift turned out great, I want it! I will most likely get it next pay too 😀
The Fifth Form Shift looks great on you! Now you've piqued my interest – must try it on next time.Btw, I saw Hollyhock Dresses got further marked down to $40 today at Rock Center Anthro and there're quite a few. I don't think I came across the Fifth Form Shift on the floor – which store did you find it?
Thanks Sarah and Stephanie! I was really pleased with the dress. Yay Maeve, I'm not mad at you anymore. ;)jjc – it was at Rockefeller actually. It was upstairs by the jewelry.
Yes. Seriously. The Fifth Form Shift is insane. I really need to try it on now!!
I finally got to try on the Spotlights Tank today and was really disappointed 🙁 I felt like the colors were more dull/less vibrant than I was expecting and I felt like my girls were hanging out a little too much(and I'm a B). But I did try on the Through the Clouds Tank in the light grey color and I LOVED it! It made me feel so pretty and girly and I will definitely be bringing this home next paycheck!
Roxy: Fifth Form Shift is on my wish list as well. Glad you liked it and our body types are similar. Yes, the Milady skirt looks great and you confirmed what I feared about the Gainsborough Pencil skirt. Print is lovely, but I heard from the SA's that it is a true pencil and those with hips need not apply :-(. I cannot buy another thing from Anthro for a while after picking up another couple of things during todays sale. However I did see the Spotlight Tank today and managed to snag it. Finally, sorry to see you weren't able to get the Chie Mihara's, but there will be others……
How funny I tried on both the Fifth shift and Gainsborough skirt today but didn't bring either one home. The Fifth dress looks so cute on you and I am thinking maybe I just had an off one since the one I tried on created extra pouf on the backside. Will be going back to try that one on again. As for the Gainsborough skirt loved the print but the skirt came up so high about 1/2 between my waist and chest. As always thanks for the reviews.
Thanks much, Roxy. Guess my eyes were trained on those tops you reviewed! :)As always, thanks for the reviews.
Fifth Form dress is lovely on you! The fit is great. <3 I'm def. gonna have to try this one. Milady is really cute except for how it's pulling across the hips.
*You* look freakin' adorable in the Fifth Form Shift! It's a classic piece that'll be a keeper. Also, I'm totally with you on the exposed zipper trend on skirts–hopefully, they're going away!
Sara22185: Re: Spotlight Tank: yes, it wasn't as vibrant as photgraphed in the catalog, but is still a cute top. I'm a 34B and didn't feel like my "girls" were going to fall out. Now, I did have one of my better fitting bras on and had read other reviews about it being low. I tried on both the S and the M and went with the M.Frankly I found this top less revealing than the Rare Bloom Tee where I have to wear a cami under it to work. Now would i wear the Spotlight in the office without a cardi, no. I did end up purchasing it despite it being a little less vibrant.
Hi ladies, I've been lusting after the Spotlights tank since end of December but my San Francisco store still doesn't have it yet. Which stores did you gals see it in? That top NEEDS to be in my closest!Thanks,May
I love the Fifth Form Shift on you. I tried it on as well, and I love it! I didn't think I would, but I do, and am waiting for next month for new budget before I get it.
Thanks for the reviews! Love the Fifth Form Shift on you, as well. Since some of you have been to Rock Center store recently, did you guys see that blue Moulinette Souers print dress upstairs? It's a very bright blue with flowers, silk, and wraps at the waist. Dying to find out the name. I tried it on for my blog, but don't recall seeing it online.
I saw it in Short Hills NJ store. They were supposed to get it by 1/29/10, but looks like between last Thursday when I was there (I know, I know)but was there today. I know that the No Brunswick NJ store is supposed to get it and also the Princeton NJ store.
Maria – I hope it works on you…I'm sure it will!sara22185 – thanks for the review of the Spotlight Tank. I am concerned about how it will fit over my bust (or if it will).Bronzi congrats on snagging the Spotlight Tank! I am with you — out of budget until next month. amers72 – LOL that the skirt was so high on you. I don't know about you but when I like something it is so hard to put it back. I talk myself into buying it 10 different ways. Willpower? I have none.Anon @ 9:42 pretty much all skirts do that on me. It's not that it's too tight, it's that my thighs are made of thunder.Thanks Glenda! Be gone, exposed zippers. please?Tien – same here. Feb. 1 cannot come fast enough.Chrissy – hmm, I'm mentally recycling my trip to Rock but I can't recall that dress. Do you have photos up on your blog?
hey roxy i have a little dilemma about an anthro item i hope you or other readers can advise me on. so awhile back, i bought an anthro necklace at full price (forget the name, but it's red and chunky). NEVER wore it, and had thoughts of returning it. then it went on sale yesterday, and i would love to keep it if i can get it at price. but obviously, my PA grace period is long overdue. so, i was thinking of returning it at the store, then buying it again at the sale price. does anthro allow that? is that super ghetto/shady of me?? lol
Hi Roxy, I love the Milady skirt on you. It's very flattering. I can almost hear it saying.. buy me! buy me! Swoon!
Great choices. I tried on the Fifth Form over the weekend and I love it just as much as you. I've also been curious about the jumper so thanks for the review.
hi roxy love the milady skirt and the maeve dress. thanks for the reviews.;d
Does anyone know how the Garnet Dress runs? Big, small, true to size? Thanks!
Blondmoma — It runs true to size — review with IRLs here.
Lauren T you could return and repurchase it…I dunno though…I personally would not. Even if you've never worn it, you bought it and you've had time to love it. The time limit is there for a reason. Just my $0.02.
I adore the fifth form dress! I bought it last week and have already worn it twice – with boots and cardigans! I think I need some cute red flats to go with it though.