It’s a thin line between twee and adorable. Anthropologie steps solidly into the space between with its Ribboned Collar Top ($58). This piece lands somewhere in the nautically-inspired realm with a bit of a 1970s feel. It’s not really what I go to Anthropologie for but I found this cute enough to try on. I was drawn to the mix of textures — the thick bands of the body of the top and the ticks along the wristband. The cotton mix is a bit rough to the touch but not itchy. Bracelet-length sleeves are complemented by button closures, though I found the keyhole effect to pull a bit. The length is great, hitting mid to low-hip.
I grabbed a medium and this was a mistake. The fitting room attendant noted that this top has run small and I agree. The medium hugged me everywhere for better or worse. I noticed the tightness mostly in the arms, where the material was making both muscle and cellulite look magnified. Not the look I’m going for! But I think that by sizing up this top will fit slightly looser and get the effect I’m going for. I see outfits where this top is tucked into a full skirt with mary-janes to finish off the look, or pairing it with high-rise widelegs for a slightly more modern take. It’s Zooey Deschanel quirk for the win! Wishlisted, but waiting for sale.
Moth gives the two-tone trend a spin in its Two Harbors Pullover ($98). I was intrigued by the idea of a showcase fabric in the back of a sweater instead of the front. The trim dances around to the front of the sweater in little triangles at the side. This tricks the eye into narrowing the silhouette to great effect — from the front anyway. From the side the straight fall of the back plate leaves you looking wide, wide wide. The sweater itself is a thin, soft linen with a silk panel that has a longer tail in the back.
I grabbed a small, noting the floaty shape. Even one size down from my normal medium left me swimming! I’d probably buy this in an extra small meaning the petite among us are likely sized out. The scoop on this sweater is perfect! It dips just below the collarbones without showing the chest. Keep this pattern Anthropologie! It’s the back I don’t like much. The idea of a silk panel is very cool but I do not like how it looks. It felt like a too-short cape for some flowy superhero. The box pleat in the back is a nice idea for tailoring but doesn’t work in the execution. It’s just not pretty to look at from the side or back. Pass.
Earlier this fall there was a Helmut Lang open-knit sweater I loved but couldn’t convince myself to buy. I felt like it was missing a little something. Anthropologie must have read my mind and answered my clothing prayers — along comes the Patched Heather Hoodie ($88) and I realized a hood was the missing component I desired. My goodness this sweater is beautiful and though it’s outside the usual Anthro aesthetic it continues their recent modern experimentation. For whatever reason this taupe (reads light brown) version isn’t on the website right now but I’ve seen it in several stores.
The knitwork is thicker than last year’s fine-gauge openknit sweaters. I appreciate the extra durability. I also love the jagged horizontal triangle. The sleeves are a bit long (workable) and the sweater is a good 2-3 inches shorter in real life than it looks on the dress form (also workable).
My usual size medium was a comfortable fit over the pale blue cami I was wearing. The v dips to a perfect position in the front while a slightly longer back adds an easy cool to the piece. I think this is a great weekend piece that I’m sure to wear in all four seasons. The $88 price point seems fair so I found no reason to wait — I purchased this version immediately and the moss is wishlisted.
After Gina’s lovely Eye Candy contribution (from this post), the Glendale CA Anthropologie left me curious about the Sequin Swirled Pullover (now $100 with 50% off). I sought the sweater out in-store. It’s a thick mustard-y eyelet top with sequin diamonds encircling each level. It’s kind of festive but low-key enough that I think you could get away with this top beyond the holidays. Or maybe it’s just that M from Stuff Jewish Girls like has convinced me that shiny/sparkly is the way to go in general. I do wish Anthropologie would move away from the tribal stuff — I think they’ve fallen into overkill with it — but I have to admit this top is lovely.
The website is clear that this top is boxy and that is no lie! It falls straight from shoulder to hip. I imagine layering something more structured over it will do the trick, but there’s also potential to wear this over leggings for an off-day dancer appearance. I found the top floaty in the back and a bit itchy from the sequin thread. Nothing I can’t handle but this top will bother those with low itch tolerance. I think $50 is still a bit much for this sweater so I’m holding out for another cut.
2011 has been the year where I’ve hated every trend. But the 90s kid in me kinda loves cropped sweaters. So of course I had to give the Sporadic Stitchery Pullover ($98) a try. The design is smart — a little longer in the back with easy cables down the front. The red color is beautiful, just beautiful. Not quite as bright as a candy apple fire engine and not as dark as a fine wine. It’s also very soft. This sweater will require special care to keep it looking new. I expect it will pill.
The trouble with cropped sweaters is that you can look overly busty and that was the case for me. I tried on a medium but would need to buy in a large to counteract this effect. I love the model shot on the product page and the idea of layering this over a lace top adds something special. But like the Sequin Swirled Pullover above this could also be used in an off-day dancer look or worn over a work dress as that finishing touch for warmth. I wish I’d seen this sweater during the recent 50% off sweaters/outerwear promotion! Instead it’s now wishlisted for sale.
The skirt with this sweater is the Corded Dots Pencil Skirt ($88), which I will cover in an upcoming reviews set.
As the community learned last week, Liamolly is currently running a special on several current pieces to celebrate its new knitting facility coming to New Orleans. The sale of these 504 specially-priced pieces will go towards the facility. To do my part I chose to buy the Swansong Sweaterjacket (special price $150) which Liamolly says is inspired by the bird but I prefer to think it’s inspired by little army men in Chevy Impalas triggering memories that allow vessels to take control back of their bodies. Ahem. Or birds!
The jacket arrived in record time and I couldn’t wait to pull it out of the box! Right away I noticed detailing that wasn’t visible in the product shot. The flower and ruffle details silk-like with intricate ruffle pleating and beads sewn between and in the center of each flower. The coat is a warm purple-red with light purple contrast stitching. This coat hits mid-thigh and is tailored to nip in nicely at the waist. The outfit you see on me is how I wore it — that’s the Eleonora Flight Shift ($128, reviewed here), blue Hue tights and J.Crew’s Mona Leather Pumps ($198) in pale peacock with the coat.
I ordered a size large in this coat and I’m glad I did. There is no way a medium would have closed on me. I love the snaps but I’m not a huge fan of the white contrast placket. I noticed when closed the jacket pulled across me, revealing the white placket lining. The sleeves are also a bit poufy for my taste — I would have preferred a more streamlined arm. Otherwise however I love this coat! Even in black-obsessed NYC I had three lovely ladies ask me where this coat came from plus one interested dude who wanted to buy it for his wife. I don’t think you can get a better endorsement than that! Consider me one satisfied Liamolly customer. (And though I shouldn’t have to say this, just to be clear Liamolly is in no way affiliated with this review. I bought the sweater myself because I liked it. I support Liamolly’s business as a fan just as I do with Anthropologie.)
The coat is nearly sold out but there a few left on Liamolly’s site. So if you want to be coat twins there is still time!
