I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the Calderbrook Blouse ($118) from the August 2010 catalogue. I love the way it looks on the model but would it work on me? It was off to Soho to find out.
It should first be noted that this top is completely sheer yet comes with no lining or layering cami. Grumble. For once I’d thought ahead and had grabbed a layering cami from the lounge section. The gentle v-neck of the Reversible Seamless Tank ($24) wasn’t quite optimal but it did the job. (And it was comfy in my usual size medium.) The Calderbrook Blouse itself turned out more or less how I expected — pretty poufy at the waist.
I usually size up in Lil so I’d grabbed an 8. That was the right choice to fit over my chest but it hung loosely from there. If there had just been some better waist definition I would have loved this top! It was a little short on me though so the waist sat too high, leaving pouf covering my natural waist. Close, but not quite right for me. No complaints about the design or quality of this blouse. It’s truly beautiful and well-done. Peeking at the top inside out I loved the tight stitchwork done to hold the top together. The pricetag seems justified to me.
Just for kicks I wanted to see if layering over the top would help, so I grabbed the Tomasina Blazer ($128). The blazer, made by Tabitha, has drawn the eye of several style sites with its wavy lapels.
I tried on the size 10. This blazer has a single hook-and-eye closure at the waist. I’m happy to report that the closure was actually at my waist, which nipped my shape well. But the shape of the blazer closed did me no favors. I liked how it looked open much better. Closed I felt the blazer looked pretty sloppy which is the opposite of the intended effect. The tencel material of the jacket was smooth and comfortable. A few well-placed seams would probably make the blazer look streamlined on someone less busty. It didn’t help me though, and it didn’t help the blouse’s cause either. Both items went back to the rack.
I was thinking in outfits so I threw together this look for some fitting room shots. The top piece is Bailey 44’s Choose Your Path Cardi ($98). This color is called brown motif on the website…read green to me. I was pleasantly surprised that the cardi wasn’t $128 or $148 like Bailey 44’s items tend to be. The price feels about right. The main attraction of this cardigan is the twisty ruching covering the chest. It’s a cool effect that leaves the front gently pleated below. My usual size medium was a good fit. It’s made from a ripply rayon-spandex mix — I love the cardigan despite the materials. Wishlisted.
Underneath is Odille’s Forgotten Pond Tank ($98). It looked like it was going to be loose on the rack so I grabbed my usual size 6. The bottom band is a lot tighter than it looks though. Faced with my curvy hips the top refused to sit correctly, so an 8 would be my choice to buy. Otherwise I liked this top quite a bit. I love the color palette and there are plenty of pretty details, like the lattice collar with a row of pleats underneath, or the multi-tiered hem at the bottom. I was even fooled into thinking this top is silk though it’s actually polyester. Wishlisted for sale!
The final component in this look are the crops. They are the Seamed & Slouched Crops ($118) from Daughters of the Liberation. I think my equestrienne past bred the temptation with the crops, as I stopped in my tracks when I saw them in-store. They’re a shiny twill that looks like sateen and were oh so comfortable when I slipped them on. The tarnished brass buttons are the perfect detail choice and the inside of each leg has a seamed section just like my jodphurs for riding did. Swoon! Each leg is held up by a button-tab hem.
The pants are meant to be slouchy which my true size 10 did well, but the waist was a bit loose so I sized down to an 8 for the shots above. The overall look was a closer fit which I liked better. Even in the fitting room the pants started to loosen quickly. I couldn’t resist taking these home with me and decided on the 8s. I’ve already worn these once and they’ll be a great late summer to fall transitional piece.
I’m not sure what happened to the Soft Scallops Cardi ($118) between product photo and general production, but I’d like the version on the website please! I first saw this reviewed by Kathleen, who noted that the sweater seemed to close only in front and not wrap style as the product shot shows. Sadly I found the same thing. I tried on the large hoping to wrap it around me but found no discernible way to do so. The tie waist is hidden until it emerges at the middle of the cardigan and the string wasn’t long enough to double wrap. When closed in front the sweater just wasn’t as appealing. If Anthro decides to release this sweater to close wrap-style I am there. Otherwise, pass.
Fei’s Cavorting Flora Blouse ($98) made a good base layer for the cardi. I also liked it by itself. I didn’t have a cami with me when I tried this top on unfortunately but it clearly calls for one. My usual size 6 was an easy fit though it took some work to slide the button sleeves into place. The mandarin collar and pintuck pleats are nice touches. I think this top would look great under my green All Trades Dress. To wear it by itself I’d add either a belt or a cardigan over it. This top is irresistibly appealing. Wishlisted!!
Pilcro’s Blooming Button-Down ($78) seemed like a great work shirt to me when I saw it online. Finally it arrived at the 5th Ave Anthro so I could finally give it a whirl. It comes in two colorways — I tried both. Shots of the ivory below. I started with the blue version in my usual size medium. The fit was great. Close to the body with a comforting softness. I have also found Pilcro’s tops stretch quite a bit over the course of the day so stay with your normal size even if it’s a bit tight at first.
I love the flower-adorned placket of this top and how it trails along the bottom hem. With a denim pencil skirt this version is ready to go. And the ivory?
I wasn’t as big of a fan. You probably already know my main complaint — hello, sheerness. I’m truly baffled. Why oh why is this shirt sheer? I actually like it better than the blue version except for the damn see-through aspect. I could only laugh in the fitting room. Even a cami isn’t going to help because the sleeves are still sheer. So this one went back to the rack altogether. Boo sheerness.
