It’s like Anthropologie and J.Crew have swapped brains sometimes. Long cardigan? A J.Crew staple, now on the racks at Anthro. That cardigan and more in this reviews set.
I have said it before and will say it once more: 70s shapes don’t really work on me. I was unsure what to make of the Soutache Flora Blouse ($128) on the hanger. Made by Zehavale (the same brand as the Macchiato Jumper), the top has a loose bottom that ties into a hem of sorts right above the bust. I can see how this would be very cute on someone. On me? Bleh.
I tried a size 6 which felt very loose. The main issue of course is that my bust sticks out from below the petal part of the top in an unflattering way. Those flowers aren’t the pretty pink color of the product shot but more of a dusty peach. I still liked the color. Light cotton made for an airy feeling, though the bottom portion was oddly see-through. This top is not for me, so it went back to the rack.
Ella Moss’s Drifting Sprigs Tee ($78) has a loosely comfortable feel and longer tail hems at the side. I immediately loved the moss color and the sleeve length. I could tell this top would be large so I grabbed a small instead of my usual size medium.
That seemed to work well — the small fit fine. It was loose but not overly so. The view from the side was better than the view from the front. I felt from the front that the tails added width since they landed across my hips. As a layering top I believe this has a lot of potential. Wishlisted for further consideration come sale time.
I have a fondness for grandpa cardigans that led me to try on the Wrinkled Grandpa Cardigan ($78). I also wanted to try layering something over the Drifting Sprigs Tee. The moss version of the cardigan worked well; I love the dark green color. Another thing I love is how long the cardigan is. For a while last year everything was so cropped. You could argue retailers have gone too far in the other direction but for a tall person like me this is not bad news.
My usual size medium sat well open and was OK closed, though it was close across my hips. The placement of the pockets is unfortunate for my hips. This light wool mix was breathable but still provided some warmth. I imagine it would do well with a long-sleeve layer underneath. The sleeves are nice and loose but not overly so. I liked this cardigan well enough. It’s just that this design is so blah and you could find something similar at just about any store. $78 is pricey for a basic. Pass.
Another tie-neck blouse! Glad to see so many, hopefully some short sleeved ones are on the horizon too. This is Lil’s Precious Particulars Blouse ($98). It has a diamond pattern with lines and striations, and a thin tie neck that lends a Peter Pan quality to the top. Or maybe that’s just the green speaking to me.
I have to size up, up, up in Lil and this top was no exception. This is a 10 — two sizes above normal for me — and it’s still tight across the hips. So I’d need a 12. The fit elsewhere was good aside from loose material in the back. I would prep this top up by pairing it with a dark denim pencil skirt, high heels and a sweater vest. A thin layering sweater vest, not a varsity-style one. Outfit ideas abound and this top lands right on my wishlist.
This sweater isn’t online yet, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to run my review. (You win again, Anthropologie.) If this looks familiar it’s because this sweater is basically the Remaining Lilies Cardigan reworked with different flowers. The community seems to be split on which version is better. Personally I like the larger flowers on this one. Like its predecessor this version is $128.
A size large was best for me in this sweater. I wish it were a bit longer which is my constant refrain for Field Flower. Still, the material is nice and the fit is overall lovely. This cardigan is a nice mix of traditional Anthro florals and a bit of band geek. Which means we’ll probably see someone on TV in this thing. Sigh. Wishlisted anyway!
Do not trust the website — this top is by We Love Vera, not Deletta. (Seriously, Anthro? Of all the brands to confuse for each other those two would not make my list.) The top is called the Whippletree Tee ($78) which sounds like something out of the Narnia books to me. Dogwoods are some of my favorite blossoms and I instantly recognized them on this tee. I also love the petals along the neckline and front.
I was able to size down to a small easily in this top. The petite among us will probably be sized out. The sleeves are just a bit shorter than I’d like. Otherwise I have no complaints about this top. I appreciate the higher neckline because it makes this top work appropriate on its own. Hooray for not having to layer a cami underneath! Though it is pale in color it is not sheer. Another great thing! I actually might buy this one at full price. It’s sure to be universally flattering. In my cart as we speak.
