Note: there were no new markdowns on Anthropologie’s site this morning.
Ruffian’s Mise en Scene collaboration is starting to wind its way back into Anthropologie stores for spring. Just two pieces so far, both of which are covered in this reviews set. First up is the Aristocratic Leanings Blouse ($148), a hammered silk high-collared work-ready piece. I love the feeling of hammered silk and this blouse delivers quality-wise. I tried on my normal size 6 and it fit a little close. Might size up to an 8 for this one. The blouse has subtle darting for a tailored fit and the collar, while slightly ridiculous is somehow tastefully done. How are you feeling about ruffles after a few years? If your love knows no bounds you’ll love this blouse; if you’re ready to say au revoir and not a teut a l’heure ruches this piece is only going to aggravate you more. I’m still pondering myself.
I fared far better with the skirt. This Spring Tweed Skirt ($148) has threads of yellow, green and pink in it. Unlike the product shot I found the yellow to be most prominent, not pink. I don’t mind one bit. Unsure of what size to grab I settled on a 10 (one size up) which was quite roomy. I would have been fine in my normal size 8. There are functional pockets adorned with gold plated buttons. If the buttons were 2/3 of their current size I’d like them much better. They’re a bit overpowering at their current size. I expect most to find this skirt versatile as an easy go-to piece for work. Nicely done, Ruffian. Wishlisted. Still, I’m left wondering where all the pretty dresses are. Please don’t let this collaboration expire without a few!
I turned to We Love Vera next for the Stars And Stripes Skirt ($88). The product shot shows an a-line skirt but I found a tapered hem once on. I sized up one size to a 10 as this brand tends to run small. That turned out to be the right move. I love the 50s nautical pinnings of this skirt! The print is quite bold such that I can only see wearing this a few times a year (otherwise it becomes that skirt your annoying co-worker always notices you in). The material is light cotton and it’s lined with more light cotton. The nice sash is adjustable and slideable for placement at center, off to the side or even in back. Love this one. Wishlisted.
Odille’s Drifting Jasmine Skirt ($98) runs tight. Be prepared to size up if you have hips and thighs like me. I tried the 10 and even that was too close for comfort so it would be up again to a 12 to buy this one. Most will probably be fine one size up. I am not a fan of the print on this skirt. Anytime white is the primary but not only color I end up looking wide. No exception here! The skirt is silk with a front triangle pleat…somewhere. This would have looked better as a shirt. Back to the rack.
The Bucolic Denim Skirt ($98) by Ett Twa gets its own disclaimer: warning, skirts are different than they appear in the February catalogue! The length is the biggest difference. This skirt in production is only 19″ long. I tried on a 10 and it was big. My normal size 8 would have been perfect had it been available. This soft skirt is a cotton-tencel combination that reads like denim. The ruffles across the front are a little prairie to me. This skirt has twee written all over it which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your personal style. I can’t imagine wearing this in the city but on weekends up in the country this will be a great skirt. Wishlisted.
I love that you wear skirts! I rarely do (life style) – so I like living vicariously through you. Thanks as always for the reviews.
Hi Roxy,Reading your blog is now part of my morning-cuppa ritual BTW.Love the stars & stripes skirt, but thought it would be limited to the hot summer months & out of season post…..it has summer written all over it.So thought would get limited wear….The ruffian navy top reminds me of JCrew 2009 styling…I was so 'ruffled out' I started shopping Anthro, looking for alternatives to explore.Thumbs up on the stars & strpes….very slimmng & striking !
The Spring Tweed skirt looks good on you but I understand your concern about the buttons.sugarandspiceandnice.blogspot.com
I'm somewhat finished with the ruffles/chiffon flower appliques on shirts and tanks. Unless something is really special and has lasting appeal, I have been bypassing them. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for some pretty summer dresses.
Thank you for the reviews…love the skirts.Jumping in with an off-topic question but I am hoping one of you ladies can help me ID a blouse. It is from Odille, and here is a picture: <a href="http://i.ebayimg.com/21/!Bm1j!cQBGk~$(KGrHqEOKjkEtkfgq!1kBLhFQGVJqQ~~_12.JPGhttp://i.ebayimg.com/21/!Bm1j!cQBGk~$(KGrHqEOKjkE… />Does anyone remember the name of this top? THANKS!! 🙂
I don't know how you pull off some of these patterns. The Stars and Stripes Skirt is absolutely ridiculous yet somehow you look great!I think the Drifting Jasmine Skirt looks nice on you too – I can't see any pulling. I liked this pattern, but if you are already thinking about a 12, my big ole thighs are definitely sized out unless Anthro randomly makes a size 34 in this one!
Roxy, I think you need the Star & Stripes skirt! I agree that it's one of those items you can only wear a few times a year, but I think it looks fabulous on you!
Gah, no sales today? I so wanted to get the most use out of the last of the free shipping! D:
I really like the Aristocratic Leanings Blouse on you. I'm still not sure about it. I don't think I have a long enough neck to pull it off. I'm not sick of ruffles yet, but I am paring down on them. I think that's what is preventing me from purchasing the Curlytop Cardigan.I'm with you on more pretty dresses from the collab of Ruffian and Anthro. Some pretty spring frocks would be lovely!
I love you in that Spring Tweed Skirt! I want it, but ack, that price point! Haha…thanks for the great reviews. Can't wait to go try them on myself.
love love love the stars and stripes skirt and the jasmine skirt on you!I am so in love with ALL the 6 'fantasy knits' picks at Anthro's site:http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/category.jsp?_DARGS=/anthro/catalog/common/highlited_itemcount.jsp_A&_DAV=true&_dynSessConf=1765651170149286946&viewAllOnOnePage=yes&itemCount=-1&pushId=CLOTHES-FANTASY&selectedProductSize=&startValue=1&id=CLOTHES-FANTASY&selectedProductColor=&defaultSort=&navCount=15&sortView=&templateType=B1&navAction=top&displayNumber=6&selectedProductSize1=&sortby=&prepushId=&popId=CLOTHES
Georgine – I used to be anti-skirt, big time. Then I moved to NYC and if you don't wear skirts here in the summer you fry. Shalu – I love that EA is part of your morning routine!! I agree the S&S skirt is very summer with hints of July 4th all over it. And yes, the Aristocratic Leanings Blouse struck me as very J.Crew also! I tried not to mention it only because I feel like I've railed on them enough lately when I actually do like the brand…JenLynn – thank you! I don't think the buttons would be enough to stop me from buying it. I love the colors.TeriLynn13 – pretty dresses, pretty dresses, pretty dresses please!!!lleila – hmm, don't recognize the skirt at first glance but I will try to figure it out later (unless someone from the community beats me to it).Kathleen – ahh, thank you for the vote of confidence on the S&S skirt. I'm strongly considering it; it's sitting in my cart at the moment.Athena – OK, I'm convinced. I need this skirt. :)Meg – not even a bit! Tricky Anthro, hopefully next week's sale will be made of awesome.Tien – I will say it again! Pretty dresses, pretty dresses, pretty dresses please!!! ;)Carol – Yeah, the price is a bit high for Anthro but it's very low for Ruffian so I'm loathe to complain.chaya – oooh, prettiness.
I love the Mise en Scene skirt! Mine just arrived yesterday. It looks like a 60's classic. And it looks great on you! It's such a cute vintage item without all the vintage store hunting (and old smell). I hope you get it!!!
RoxyI have to tell you, this blog is awesome. I love the photos and reviews of the clothes by real women. And your writing is terrific! Keep up the good work.
I love the spring tweed skirt on you! And the red and black one… for some reason, is really drawing my attention! I may have to try it on!BTW I passed on a blogging award to you, check out my blog for more info!http://notjustanotherblondeinbeijing.blogspot.com/