Reviews: Balletomane Tank, Striped Pursuit Top, Oscillating Folds Blouse, Debonair Doily Top


A non-sequitur start to the post: I have a February catalog preview up on Facebook! Plus lots of new arrivals this morning. I always love it when Anthro goes to the circus.


This post is dedicated to tops. Each day Anthropologie seems to be releasing 2 or 3 new ones that I want. This spring is going to be budget-deadly I can already tell. First up is Burlapp’s Balletomane Tank ($78). Frills in the front, business in the back. This top is made of layer upon layer of tulle with a flower on the left shoulder for good effect.

I tried on my true size medium and it was a bit big on me. I’d size down to a small to buy this. I wasn’t expecting to like this top. It was a very pleasant surprise! The color reads as greyish-blue in real life. I wish it was a richer shade like red or purple. I suppose this shade makes it more versatile as a layering piece though. Added to my wishlist; see it on the lovely Kim from Anthroholic here.


I was eager to see Odille’s Striped Pursuit Top ($98) to evaluate its summer vacation potential. I was hoping to try on an 8 (one size up) as I’d heard this top runs short. Unfortunately the 8s were all gone so I tried on a 6 instead. The overall fit of the 6 was fine but I’d have preferred the 8 for an extra inch at the bottom.

The top is made of smooth silk and has a beautiful smocking detail at the waist. It was pretty friendly on my larger bust and I also saw this looking fab on a mannequin. The split shoulders aren’t really my favorite though the look works on this top. No complaints besides the length. It seems perfect for summer but it’s only 38 degrees here. So for now this top is content on my wishlist.


Sine continues to impress me. Their most recent effort at Anthro is the Oscillating Folds Blouse ($88) which comes in grey or the lovely yellow (with slight hints of citrus orange) you see above. Anthro calls this shade “taupe.” Not in my estimation. Sine normally runs small so I sized up to an 8. That was a mistake — it was loosely hanging off of me. This top is true to size.

Other bias cut ruffle tops have done an unflattering number on me — I’m looking at you, Tutu Tank!!! ($68, review here) — but this one looked pretty good. The ruffles are almost like a sash across the shoulder. I can see this top looking very cute with shorts or a mini skirt (I’ll go for knee-length though, thanks). Yet another top on the wishlist!


This is one.september’s Debonair Doily Top ($98). It’s unfortunately unlined…I guess Anthro figures this way you can throw whatever color tank you want underneath. The size medium was just about perfect on me. I felt a little bit like I was wearing a tablecloth. It’s a slightly thicker alternative to straight lace though and I appreciate that.

This top is a little outside my comfort zone but it’s very cute. Just another beautiful top for the wishlist. 4 for 4, Anthro!

34 Comments

  1. January 27, 2010 / 1:33 pm

    I did! There are lots of beautiful dresses and tops. I think the Ode to Spring Top is my fave.

  2. Anonymous
    January 27, 2010 / 1:33 pm

    Re: this morning's new arrivals:I. Give. Up. The dresses! Oh, the dresses!Budget, I hardly knew ye.Sarah

  3. Anonymous
    January 27, 2010 / 1:39 pm

    I am loving that greyish blue balletomane tank on you!! I do wish the color was different though as well. And yes, LOVING the new tops and arrivals. Really pushes me to want to shop for spring.

  4. Anonymous
    January 27, 2010 / 1:49 pm

    I purchased the Debonair Doily Top last week and wore the Paramount Scoopneck in ivory underneath. The compliments kept coming and coming! I have that long sleeve tee in other colors as well, and look forward to layering those through the rest of the winter before moving on to colored tanks this spring and summer! LOVE IT! 🙂

  5. January 27, 2010 / 1:53 pm

    Also, I added this to Ali's guest reviews post from yesterday but the Moulinette Soeurs dress with the dots is now online.

  6. January 27, 2010 / 1:58 pm

    Online I was really liking the orange-yellow-ish blouse, but in your IRL photos I'm underwhelmed by the color. It doesn't seem as rich as it did on the website. Oh well, not like I need another thing to spend money on. =P Loving the optimist dress — and what a perfect name for someone like me who wears pretty clothes to feel happy! — but it just can't compete with my love for the Around the World dress. I just hope that one works on me when I try it on.One top that I've been really wanting to see IRL is the Sunny Escape Tank (here: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/produ…!

  7. January 27, 2010 / 2:03 pm

    must have the striped pursuit top! Thanks for the reviews.

  8. January 27, 2010 / 2:03 pm

    love the oscillating folds blouse, lol-the last blouse does remind me of a tablecloth my momhas.

  9. January 27, 2010 / 2:19 pm

    I probably could make the Debonair Doily top, but still liked it. I tried in the Balletomane tank and although cute, color didn't work for me.Nice job on reviews!

  10. January 27, 2010 / 2:33 pm

    I just did a post on a top from Anthropologie that I'm in love with! Love your blog and will definitely keep visiting! Sarahhttp://pittsburgh-odds-and-sods.blogspot.com/2010/01/faux-pocket-pullover-from-anthropologie.html

  11. January 27, 2010 / 2:50 pm

    everyone who likes anthro and fashion check out my blog :))sunnypeaches.blogspot.com

  12. January 27, 2010 / 3:01 pm

    I WANT THE NEW DRESSES BADLY!!!!! Especially the Grasslands dress!I'm glad the new arrivals didn't disappear this time. last time the vanilla bean blouse & a few others appeared & disappeared about 2 weeks before they officially debuted.

  13. January 27, 2010 / 4:28 pm

    The Balletoname Top looks nice on you. I love this top (on the hanger) but unfortunately on me, it wasn't so great. All their spring stuff is so pretty! I'm definitely going to be in trouble too!

  14. January 27, 2010 / 4:51 pm

    Roxy – thanks for the link love 🙂 I LOVE the Balletomane tank on you and I hope you get it – it's super flattering on you!Thanks for the catalog teaser – I'm insane for the catalog shot in the header of this post.

  15. January 27, 2010 / 4:55 pm

    I love the Striped Pursuit Top, but what about that trim under the bust? Maybe I just need to see it in person, but I thought it made it look cheap…

  16. January 27, 2010 / 5:07 pm

    Sarah – Hahaha! I felt much the same. I was doing such a good job in January and, well, let's be glad that Feb. only has 28 days so I can only blow so much money…Anon @ 8:49 – I LOVE that pairing! What a great styling idea. :)Katie – me too on the Sunny Escape Tank. I asked about it last weekend at Anthro and none of the NYC stores seemed to know if they were getting it. I will check again this week.Taryn – sure thing. :)ali – I'm having a hard time picking my favorite from this set, but the Oscillating Folds Blouse might take the cake.Thanks Bronzi!Sarah – *waves* Welcome!Sophie – cute pups.Meli22 – LOL. Right there with you. I keep looking, and each time I add at least one more item to my hugemongous wishlist.Thank you Kathleen. Budget + new anthro arrivals = scary.Thanks Kim! I was inspired to try it after seeing it on you, otherwise I'd probably have passed it by.drizellaqt – I hear you on the waist detail. Normally I find them to be cheap-looking but in this case I think the detail adds to the shirt instead of taking away. It’s stitched on well and looks good.

  17. January 27, 2010 / 5:50 pm

    I love the whole outfit from the catalog shot in this post, especially the sweater and shoes!I've added all of it to my wishlist.

  18. Anonymous
    January 27, 2010 / 5:54 pm

    Oh no…they had to bring out some new leifsdottir pieces. I justs LOVE their spring collection. The pollen promise skirt… MINE!! The abuzz cardi..at that price is also great. Very nice!Marge

  19. January 27, 2010 / 5:56 pm

    Is it me or foes the Bucolic Denim Skirt look totally different on the model than it does on the product shot?

  20. January 27, 2010 / 6:01 pm

    Tien, I too am confused about the Bucolic skirt. The description says it is 14.5" long, and if so, holy mini! Yet on the model it looks knee-length. And you are spot-on that the product pic looks different than the way it lays on the model. I like the look of the product shot best.

  21. January 27, 2010 / 6:02 pm

    Tien & Jacquelyn – I love those shoes too! And yes, the Bucolic Denim Skirt looks 100% different on the model…odd.Marge – I too love the Spring Leifsdottir stuff. WANT!

  22. Anonymous
    January 27, 2010 / 6:09 pm

    OMG! the skirt on the model with the Bluebell Awaken cardi and the Pictureshow Dress by tracy reese are screaming at me:"take me home". I fell in love with these two pieces. I definitely am going broke this spring, not that I have recovered from Winter Anthro sale. God please help me!Yay, I know, I am too emotional with Anthro lace skirts and dresses.Cindy

  23. January 27, 2010 / 6:13 pm

    Thanks for the reviews! They're all so lovely. I love the Striped Pursuit top on you!

  24. January 27, 2010 / 10:18 pm

    Yay for February catalog items! There are finally some dresses that I'm excited about.

  25. Stephanie
    January 27, 2010 / 10:19 pm

    The Striped Pursuit Top looks really good on you! I want it! I can totally see that blouse in my head…maybe summer in Greece lol Did you see the new Anthro updates today? wow Anthro is totally nuking my wallet 🙁

  26. January 27, 2010 / 11:43 pm

    re: new arrivals- I tried on the thick & thin blouse today; again, Odille makes a pretty blouse that isn't long enough in the torso for me. Also, the string used to cinch the waist doesn't do a very good job, and feels like it might break. I also tried on a new mystery dress- may be Odille as well- came in navy, ivory, and one other color (can't remember). Cotton, yoked front, sash around the waist. Loved it, but I'm on a ban since my Winding Ruffles boots came today 🙂 They are so comfy, if a little big.

  27. Anonymous
    January 28, 2010 / 1:58 am

    As always, thank you for these reviews. It really is helpful to see these on a similar body type. When you are able, would you please, please review the Snipped and Stitched Tank? Many thanks!

  28. January 28, 2010 / 2:37 am

    I am dying to try on the Balletomane tank but my store does not have it yet. Looks like so much fun!Thanks for the review Roxy.

  29. Anonymous
    January 28, 2010 / 3:00 am

    Molly Darling,Was the Odille dress you tried on the All Seasons Shirtdress? It's been getting bad reviews online, but I like the pic and can't wait to see it IRL.Sarah

  30. January 28, 2010 / 3:42 am

    You're right Sarah- I'm obviously not up to date on the current inventory 🙂 I tried it on in navy and liked it- it fit well, felt good on, and ran TTS- my normal size 4 fit well. Nice and lightweight for spring.

  31. January 30, 2010 / 11:32 am

    Per your review I ended up buying the Sine top in gray and I love it. I would have never given it a second glance had I not seen it on a "real person". Question…do you think it would be too much if I paired it with a long sleeve top? I tried it on over a long sleeve black tee last night and while I think it's still missing something, it didn't look bad. What are your thoughts?

  32. January 30, 2010 / 1:10 pm

    Hi Julie, absolutely. I think you find a solid underlayer too blocky. Maybe try breaking it up with the striped shirts that are everywhere right now? You can try two variations — a mostly grey with black stripes or a mostly white with blue stripes. Target has a few good options. Check this post on Gigi's blog for some inspiration.If that idea is a bit too trendy, you could go more classic by putting a turtleneck under it. (I feel like I've been saying this a lot lately but it really works!) Try a lighter grey, a greyish-blue or a taupey brown. Hope that helps a bit.


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