A cardigan that packs an intense punch.
Tabitha can be relied upon to unveil diverse shapes and styles. I always look forward to the brand’s releases and the Pick A Bunch Cardi ($128) is no different. The print is rather springlike but the palette is decidedly fall. I had not noticed the cluster of 3D flowers on the right side (flipped to left by my iPhone’s camera shooting into the mirror).
I tried on both my usual size medium and later a large. These shots above are the medium which fit comfortably. I wasn’t thrilled with the length on this cardigan. I felt it looked as though I’d shrunk it a bit in the wash. It was neither long nor cropped, but it was just a bit too short for comfort. So I’d tried the large to see if it was any better. (It wasn’t.)
Here’s how the cardigan looks open. That’s the Ambling Twists Tank (now $30, review here) underneath. It’s quite cute and work-ready which I like. However I will probably be passing on this cardigan.
You’re probably noticing the layer beneath. It’s the Higgledy-Piggledy Pencil Skirt ($148) from Eva Franco. I brought 3 sizes with me to the fitting room since this brand’s sizing is wildly inconsistent in pencils. I ended up being between a 10 and a 12. These photos above are the 10, though I would buy in the 12 and have it tailored down.
The first thing I noticed is that the skirt isn’t yellowy golden brown like it looks in the catalogue. It’s green. Jacquelyn got this skirt in the mail and I have to say the store version looks completely different from what she got too, so I’m not really sure what’s going on here. The version I tried on had the same herringbone and texture as the catalogue shot, just in green instead of brown.
Oddly enough, this pencil skirt seemed to have difficulties with my curves. The pleating sat funny in the 10 and even the 12 was sitting oddly. The diagonal pleats kept trying to sit straight no matter which way I twisted or contorted. The 12 was practically falling off of me so it seems as though the fit is just off. Consider my desire for this skirt significantly lessened. I’ll reconsider upon sale, but pass for now.
This Yoana Baraschi beauty is the Lustrous Lavaliere Top ($88). I tried on the a medium. The color is labeled as turquoise on the tag but I’m going to go with medium blue.
I love the pleating, twists and knots of the front design! If that bottom front loop weren’t there this top would have a real deco quality to it. And even with the loop it’s gorgeous. The empire waist adds a nice fit detail to take this one step above tee shirt. I almost bought this one on the spot but decided to wait. The medium was pretty loose on me so I’d buy in a small. This one goes to the wishlist whenever it shows up online.
This next top is the Three Rivers Top ($68). I recognized the label but wasn’t sure who it belongs to. The website says Deletta though if it is it’s from a different factory than usual. I tried on my usual size medium.
After some careful draping I was able to cover up enough for these shots, but I would definitely want a camisole underneath. The shirt has soft pinstriping and I love the gathering details at the shoulders and left hip. The four buttons are really cool, too. The sleeves are flutter style and long enough to not make my arms look big. It’s a cool top that will be joining my wishlist once it’s online.
I paired the top with the Finishing School Skirt ($78). This corduroy piece from Cartonnier begs to be the fall/winter work staple in your closet, and you should say yes! The button front can be set center or offset as you like, though it will affect the placement of the back pleat. I gave my usual 10 a shot and found it loose at the waist (though barely fine across the thighs). If I didn’t already own 86 cord skirts this one would have come home with me. In fact I couldn’t resist giving the red version a try too…
…so later on at Chelsea Market it came into the fitting room with me. This time around it was the size 8 that I tried. Definitely too tight across the thighs. Too bad, because the waist was perfect. Sigh. Highly recommended!
Looking for something fun, I picked out the Under Water Blouse ($118) to go on top. This blouse has split sleeves and a drawstring waist. I was amused by the blotchy print. My usual size medium fit easily.
The silk of this J/J by Julie Haus blouse is so nice. Really great quality and $110 under what Leifsdottir charges. I am sadly not on board with the sleeves. They are too long in my opinion and kept trying to peel back on me. If I could button them together halfway down they’d be perfect. Alas, I’m not making edits at full price. Wishlisted for sale.
