Guest post: Reviews by Robin

Please welcome Robin to the guest post fold! She’s another New Yorker with impeccable style who was kind enough to send over some reviews from a recent trip to the Rockefeller Center Anthropologie. If you’re interested in writing a guest post please email me or click the “contact” link near the top of the blog. On to the guest post…

I spent the past two days browsing the new merchandise and sales racks at the flagship Rockefeller Center store. I work only a couple of blocks away, so it’s amazing that this was my first visit of 2010!

About me: I am just shy of 5’9” and usually an 8, occasionally veering a size up or down. I’m average in most sizing regards—not busty or curvy. I usually wear a size medium or large. I don’t like clothing that clings, and you may see some of that sentiment reflected below.

Eloise Plain-And-Simple Nude Cami ($24) &
Anna Sui Montgolfier Skirt (now $40, cached link)

Like I said, I don’t go to Anthropologie often, so what brought me there this week was the search for the perfect nude camisole to wear under sheer clothing. I wanted it to match my skin as close as possible, and not get in the way. Now I know everyone’s definition of the perfect nude naturally differs. Being Asian (of average color), I thought the appropriately named Plain-And-Simple Cami would fit the bill.

Here it is in a size medium paired with an Anna Sui skirt. It felt comfortable, long enough, with good top coverage, but the color was too light for my skin, and at $24 I didn’t feel it was worth it. (I ended up getting THE perfect skin-tone cami with built-in bra at American Apparel for $19!)

The Anna Sui balloon-print and bubble-hem skirt is a gem—and a steal at the $39.95 sale price. The black silk print is accented with a vibrant green trim at the waist. It is fully lined and well made. I’m wearing a size 8 above, which fit fine. I also tried it on in a 10 (below) and didn’t notice that much difference.

As cute as it was, I didn’t get it, as it isn’t versatile enough for me.

Leifsdottir Blooming Brilliance Blouse ($228)

I tend to steer clear of any full-priced, expensive items, but the brilliant blue of this blouse stood out. I tried an 8, and probably could’ve downsized as it was loose everywhere.

My first thought was the same expressed in Roxy’s review: either it should have two sleeves or none. I also thought the sleeve was huge—possibly comical on someone petite.

I can’t see myself wearing it with any regularity, and for $228, it’s not even lined.

Ruffian Tie-and-Tails Jacket (now $20, cached link)

I had no intention of trying this on, but when something goes from $198 to $19.95, you try it on. The biggest size left was an 8, and even though it looked like it ran small, I gave it a shot.

I have no idea if the front part is supposed to touch, because the jacket doesn’t have buttons, but I would’ve needed a bigger size if so. I have broad shoulders, but it fit fine there.

Not terrible, right? I don’t recommend it for busty women, though. The material is luxurious and the jacket is tailored well.

So did I get it? No. I can’t get around the idea that it’s just too small without a bigger size for comparison. Plus I can’t see the versatility of this color and style with the rest of my wardrobe. I am going to think about this one some more.

Here & Now Tee ($88)

I grabbed this top on a whim because I love stripes. They were out of larges, so I settled for a medium.

I wasn’t sure if the neckline should be worn as a cowl neck (I see that it should, based on the Web site), so I also decided to pull it straight across my shoulders in a sorta Greased Lightning way.

For such a clingy top, this shirt is pretty flattering and soft. But I felt it highlighted areas I don’t like to highlight (i.e. clinging to my midsection). If you have any qualms about form-fitting tops or your upper arms, this might not be the top for you. Also it costs $88. Did I mention that Ruffian brocade thingamajig is $19.95?

I’d consider this top if it goes on sale. Stripes seem to be everywhere these days, and this top is a nice departure from the traditional French marinière. Roxy did a review of this top here.

Leifsdottir Precious Stones Dress (now $130)

Also on the sale is this harlequin-meets-Fellini frock. I was immediately attracted to its shape—loose with a dropped waist and pockets. Also I loved the jangly caged ball buttons! They jingle whenever you move and are a nice addition. I got a size 8, and it fit perfectly.

This was probably my favorite item, although I didn’t love the back-opening panel. I could see myself layering it with colorful tights and a turtleneck now, and wearing it alone in the spring and summer. Roxy also tried on this dress here.

At $129.95, this dress still costs more than I am willing to pay.

I hope this was helpful!