Reviews: Fontes Blouse, Time Lapse Tee, Pattern Gather Shell, Dots & Dahlias Chambray Buttondown, Novelty Collar Tee

Anthropologie knows my weakness for embellished necklines. The Pattern Gather Shell ($68), reviewed.

It was sweaters this morning and now for some light afternoon reading featuring top reviews! I promise there’s no belly-baring in this set.

Fontes Blouse ($88) by Moulinette Soeurs, size down
Style #: 26512871; pink (066), blue motif (049) or orange (089)
★★★☆☆

Note: If you’re wondering my sizing measurements/height/etc, they’re detailed on this page.

A silk top for under $100? Had to try on the Fontes Blouse ($88) for that reason alone. I love the paisley kerchief-like print. It’s a little less encompassing on the blue motif and orange version. On this pink version the pattern covers nearly the whole top, front and back. It has a low scoop neck and two unfortunately center-front pleats that gave me fit fits.

I found this top to run large. I tried on my usual medium which pretty much hung off of me, except around my hips where the top was less loose. That wouldn’t bother me so much — it’s easy to size down — but I strongly dislike the front pleats, which combined with the pattern placement make my chest look spread out and odd. So not into that! In the back it’s much the same thanks to another inverted pleat. Not sure what the thinking was behind that design choice. Not a fan.

Pretty print but a hopeless fit for me. Back to the rack.

Wear it with: The Cuffed Twill Shorts ($68), the Pilcro Stet Roll-Ups ($78) or the Stellina Skirt ($78).

Time Lapse Tee ($78) by Weston Wear, size down
Style #: 26989574; blue motif (049), grey motif (008), red motif (069)
★★★★☆

The Time Lapse Tee ($78) is another top where two versions (the red and blue motifs) look very similar while another color (grey motif) is like a totally different top. I spotted the blue motif version in-store first so it’s the one I tried on. This version is probably my least favorite of the three. There’s just something about the color combination and pattern that says 13-year-old skater to me. Let me see if I can dig out my old wide-leg JNCOs and it’d be 1995 all over again. That’s scary to think about! I do like the grey motif pattern quite a bit.

This rayon-spandex tee is super comfortable and soft. It’s pretty long, hitting me mid-hip and has nice tee sleeves. I like how the yoke is a different pattern from the body of the shirt. I could see this being a summer staple, something easy to throw on over my bikini on the way to surf at the beach or when we break at lunch. Although cotton is always preferable for me, I do like how light this top is. Hopefully the pattern won’t fade in the wash.

A cool tee that will come home with me, eventually. Wishlisted and waiting for sale.

Wear it with: The Ping Embroidered Maxi Skirt ($168), the Sunburst Eyelet Shorts ($88), over the Joey Dropwaist Day Dress ($58).

Pattern Gather Shell ($68) by Deletta, size down
Style #: 26891960; blue motif (049), orange (089), taupe (023)
★★★☆☆

Little shell-like paillettes populate the Pattern Gather Shell ($68), a cool tank from Deletta that’s part crochet and part basic patterned tank. It’s got a cinched waistline with a front gathering effect. There is so much seam pattern mismatch going on I nearly cried. It’s probably not noticeable from afar but it’s one of those things that makes my eye tic. It’s much easier to see on the orange version where ikat diamonds become triangles at the waistline. It looks so weird!

The tank is very soft cotton modal and it’s nice and long. It hit me below the hips, not long enough to be a dress but certainly enough to be a tunic. It would be fun to belt this and wear it over cutoffs. I tried on my usual medium but it was super roomy. I’d size down to a small to buy.

This top is very cute! Just wish the pattern lined up at the waistline. Wishlisted for reconsideration at sale time.

Wear it with: the La Festa Pencil Skirt ($148, review), the Level 99 Linen Bermudas ($88), the AG Stevie Roll-Up ($162). 

Dots & Dahlias Chambray Buttondown ($88) by Holding Horses, TTS
Style #: 27190917; sky (045)
★★★★☆

Anthropologie’s neverending parade of chambray continues with the Dots & Dahlias Chambray Buttondown ($88). Although this top doesn’t really fit into my style I like it quite a bit. The little dahlia and dot print is downright adorable, and the fit on this top is really nice. There’s a gentle fit-and-flare happening, with a nip in at the waist before gently flowing outward again over the hips. I like the rolled up sleeves and the one pocket, which almost blends in if not for the white stitching. This is one case where the pattern mismatch is OK with me.

I tried on a size 6, my usual size. It was easy and somewhat loose but I wouldn’t go down to a 4. I don’t think the 4 would close correctly over my chest. I recommend sticking with your normal size. The sleeves are very roomy which makes them easier to roll up but does leave some room around the shoulders. I like the size of the collar and how the sides of the shirt are a little shorter than the front or back.

If chambray were my thing this is probably the top I’d choose. A pass for me, recommended for others.

Wear it with: the Sausalito High-Low Tank Dress ($148), the Blushed Catalina Shift ($148), the Pilcro Stet Slim Printed Crop Jeans ($98).

Novelty Collar Tee ($48) by Postmark, TTS
Style #: 27200245; black motif (009) or five other colors
★★★★☆

Postmark’s Novelty Collar Tee ($48) picks up right where Anthropologie’s winter line left off. You can choose from 6 different variations of this top, 4 printed and 2 solids. Horses are still my favorite so I chose the black motif version to try on. There’s a cute Peter Pan collar and elasticized sleeves. The top falls pretty straight, ending low hip. In the back, a little keyhole at the nape is topped by a lone button. You don’t need to undo it to get the top on or off. It’s a nice little detail.

A medium felt good on. It was a little loose in the back but the front was perfect so I wouldn’t mess with it by sizing down. Aside from a feisty collar that wanted to pop up on me, the top felt great. It’s cotton (YAY!) and machine-washable. If only every Anthro top could have such nice material at this reasonable price point. Might have to invest in more than one.

For now, wishlisted!!

Wear it with: Just about anything really. Maybe the Calvi Lacework Shorts ($88), the Tiled Mosaic Shorts ($88, review) or perhaps the navy version of this tee tucked into the Caraiva Pencil Skirt ($298)? 

Jonesing for more top reviews? I tried on several recently in this post, and a little while back some more tops got reviewed here. Got a request for an item you’d like to see reviewed? Let me know in the comments! If you’ve tried or own any of these items let us know what you think of them.


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