Here’s a new spin on sheer: a mesh overlayer. This is the Daylight Aurora Top ($78) from Bordeaux. It’s comprised of three layers: a basic tee at the bottom, a thick panel of lace emanating from one side, and the aforementioned mesh layer on top which is draped in such a way as to look like claws slashing across my torso. My first thought upon spying the tee? Oooh, pretty!
I tried on a medium. This top is very body-hugging; so much so that I’d like to try a large before committing to a size. Then again that skimming does wonders for your shape and I found the top very flattering. It would look great over a pair of dark jeans and boots. I could wear this top to work with a blazer or cardigan over it. Because the mesh doesn’t touch skin the top does not scratch or cause itching. It’s very comfortable, though it feels thick on if that makes any sense. You feel the weight of all three layers. It’s not heavy but it is enough to notice it’s there. More of a fall tee than a summer one.
The cut of the cap sleeve is a bit odd — they stick out in almost an elfish way. It wasn’t overly noticeable on but I would have preferred normal tee sleeves. Oh well. Wishlisted!
If you want a soft tee look no further than Velvet’s Sweet Biscuit Tee ($68). This pure cotton tee has heathering throughout and a spill of ruffles along the placket. I was really surprised to see that the website says this top is imported as the brand is normally Made in the USA. Not sure if that’s a mistake on the site or if this top was sourced elsewhere; if it’s the latter big boo. The top is beige but has flecks of orange within.
I tried on a medium which felt much too small. This top looks nice and long on the dress form — did my torso suddenly grow 4 inches? The sleeves were also too tight. Some online reviewers have felt this top was itchy. I wonder if that is the grey variation (which looks very purple in real life) as this beige one was soft as the softest jersey. No itch at all. I might have better success sizing up but this top is most likely a pass.
I applaud one.september’s efforts to make tees interesting, even as the Gathered Feathers Tee ($78) looked horrible on me. The twisted y running down the front of this tee is awesome! It has little gold beads collected in clusters along the twists. It’s subtle since the beads are a copper color against the dark green. I also adore the modern abstract print. Cowlnecks are getting overdone so I wish they’d chosen a different neckline but it’s a quibble. I truly wanted to love this shirt.
And love it I did, until I got it on. My reaction turned from love to just, oh. My usual medium accented my hips to a comical degree, throwing my entire body out of proportion. It looks really bad. Since the top is form-fitting a large wouldn’t have helped much, so I’m out of luck with this top. If the fit is better on you I recommend it though!
What lumberjacks wear on the weekend? The minimalist’s plaid? Gemma’s Look About Blouse ($98) has that slouchy style to it that is so popular right now. I think it looks tired personally but the green pulled me into trying this top on.
To my surprise, I really liked the top! I tried on a small which was still comfortably big on me. The top is made of slippery silk and has a pocket on one side. I like the scoop neckline and while oversized the top does not widen. Wear something structured over this (or add a wide belt a la the catalogue shot) and you have a winner. Wishlisted!
With ribbons now passing from haute into faux pas (though they will never escape my personal style), Anthropologie has become creative with its ruffle adornments. Deletta’s Loosely Looped Blouse ($58) is a refreshing take, with a look that reminds me of a neck-tie top. They’ve taken the liberty of spilling the ruffles down one side for us.
I found myself in-between sizes with this top. My usual small was tight across my hips but a medium was very loose in the back. I settled on looser so the photos above are the medium. The color is a nice jewel tone which is rare from Anthro. I could have done without the spandex mixed in with the cotton. I quite like the idea of this top but was underwhelmed with it on. I hate the sleeve length — what do you call it? 3/5ths? It hits at an awkward point and widens. I would have much preferred a bracelet sleeve on this tee, or alternately no sleeves. This top is pretty, but went back to the rack.
Pure & Good’s College Ruled Top ($58) is my idea fall weekend top. It’s nice and long — perfect for wearing over jeans. The stripes vaguely recall nautical while projecting a laid back look. This top was so comfortable on too.
I tried the medium, my usual size. I don’t like the v of solid when this top is viewed from the side but otherwise this shirt feels great! It’s just the right weight for fall and is begging to be worn under a vest. Wishlisted!
A few years ago, Anthropologie released several sweaters with mismatched buttons of different sizes. At the time they were out of my reach financially and I still pine for them. Isabella Sinclair made me happy by revisiting the style with her Button Parade Blouse ($78). The buttons start large at the bottom and shrink to itty-bitty at the neckline. It’s cute! The one negative is that it creates an odd effect visually if you have a larger chest. On me I felt it made me look wide across the chest and thin at the neck.
I tried a medium. It was a bit tight in the sleeves but loose everywhere else. I would stick with the medium though as I don’t want to lose my arms through loss of circulation. I kinda need them. I just adore both the warm wine color of the top and the little dots populating the tee. The shoulders have a nice band of ruching. I wish there was some kind of yoke to add shape in the torso. I plan to layer this — a review set this weekend will illustrate one idea. Wishlisted!
