One part impressionism and one part bold print, the Drenched Helenium Tee ($78) is a delectable mix of fall hues. It seems to be high on everyone’s wish list, my own included. Created by Weston Wear, I’m happy to report that this top was Made in the USA. I love supporting a brand that creates domestic jobs.
I wish I could say that I loved the top on. I liked it but it had a few issues. The cowlneck is great. I wasn’t as crazy about the pleated yoke. It had a very odd effect on my chest — I felt as though it made my breasts look very apart from each other. The length of the top is good, hitting me mid-hip. I wouldn’t have minded another inch or two. I tried on the small and may go back to try on the x-small just for comparison.
I was not loving the sleeves. The product description describes them as flutter sleeves. They didn’t really flutter on me though. They stuck straight out. On the product page shot, take a look at the left sleeve. See how it sticks out straight? That’s what I’m referring to. I wonder if the sleeve would soften and cascade over time. For now I see this top as a great layering piece under a cardi. I think I’ll take the plunge with this one to see how it holds up over time.
Sixty-eight dollars is a lot to pay for a lounging-around shirt. C. Keer’s Chasing Rainbows Henley ($68) has me tempted. It comes in either a dark grey solid or an ivory striped version. I love the little clusters of 4 buttons that line the placket (and the four button holes at each stop — it’s the details that count!). The mix of thick and thin stripes on the ivory version can help create shape where there is none…but it can also accentuate things you might not want to draw attention to. I sized down to a small for the photos. There was a bit of room in the tummy but not enough to justify sizing down one more size.
In the end, I have to circle back to the original point…is this shirt worth $68? I feel like I could find this shirt somewhere else for less. Would it be as cute with four buttons per stop? Questionable. Decisions, decisions.
I love the Helenium Tee on you! It looks gorgeous!!!
How about buying something similar somewhere and sewing on a few extra buttons to mimic the idea? Then you'll have money left to go back to anthro for something else!
That first tee looks great on you! I agree wish it could be about 2 inches longer…
Yep, I found the sleeves on the Hellenium tee to be so wonky. I could not get past how they stuck straight out.
Jenn, that is a great idea and I just might try it. Prepare to laugh hysterically at my sewing skills!Thanks for the compliments ladies.
Eek, I cannot wait to get the Helenium tee! It'll likely be a layered piece for me if the sleeves stick out strangely, but I'm prepared for that. I also might try spraying the shit out of them with Downey Wrinkle Release to see what happens.Hee.
I like the Chasing Rainbows tee. It is a bit spendy, but do you necessarily have to lounge in it? It looks cute with jeans, maybe some Uggs. I do casual every day, so for me it might be worth it.
I wore the Helenium Tee today with a black boyfriend cardigan with a black belt at the waist and black pants. Yes, the sleeves are weird, but amazing how they stop sticking out after being under a cardi all day. 🙂
I thought it said something like "Made in San Francisco" in the tag. I assumed that was the brand name (not WestonWear). HA! It's got gorgeous colors and looks great on you.
Chloe, I can't wait to see this top on you! I think I will also attempt to de-straighten the shit out of the sleeves.Georgine, so true. I've been dressing up at work lately because I'm on the Sr. Mgmt team but truth be told I'm a jeans-and-tee kinda gal.Bronzi, that is really encouraging! Good to hear the sleeves settled down.Anon, you are 100% correct. The tag does say Made in San Francisco on it. I know some of Weston Wear's other items say that on the tag, though I feel like I've seen other variations as well.
Actually, I have been thinking of buying that chasing rainbows henley myself. Did you know it is knw on sale for $40? If you haven't already purchased it, it think you should look again.