Reviews: Tie-Back Tank, Triple-Strap Tank , Ternary Strap Tank, Trapeze Tunic , Expanding Universe Tank, Gallica Tank, Alchemilla Tee

Tie-Back Tank (now $40) by Weston Wear, size down
style # 20918348, grey motif (008) or 4 other options
★★★☆☆

Apologies for not getting this review out before the top went on sale! Weston Wear’s Tie-Back Tank (now $40) is one of the brand’s classic shapes — the slightly tented long tank. Even though this shape can trouble for my hips I like it. It’s very easy to toss this style of top on over jeans, layer a structured jacket on top and be out the door. Plus Weston Wear is one of my favorite non-house brand at Anthro: it’s made in the USA and their items last forever. The material of this top is rayon and spandex which is a a slight bummer, but it does help the top breathe for warm weather. I notice that the variations of the top felt a bit different to the touch — the grey motif and orange motif feel slippery, the white motif feels like cotton and the other two feel like I expected the top to feel. Perhaps different patterns were treated differently during the production process.

I am almost always a small in Weston Wear tops and this one was no exception. That’s one size down from my usual medium. Ironically the motif I tried on (the grey motif) is the version I like the least. The flowers are a little too messy and it drags the style down a bit. The black motif is my favorite with the blue motif close behind. Fitwise this top is easy and loose with a ruched-tie racerback and a flare from the waist down that lies in easy pleats. I would not wear this top alone — it makes me look even more pear than I really am, but as a layering top this is a good buy at sale price. This top will be coming home with me soon.

Triple-Strap Tank ($58) by Deletta, size down
style # 21311840, brown motif (029) or blue motif (049)
★★★☆☆

I can’t resist trying on a good long top, so of course the Triple-Strap Tank ($58) had to come to the fitting rooms with me. The brown motif I tried has what looks like little Japanese blossoms all over it in a pink that makes the brown base look purple. A “blue” motif that looked black to me has a more tribal print. I liked both versions equally. The top has triple straps on either shoulder that converge in the back, meaning a racerback bra or a layering tank will be required.

I grabbed my usual size medium but was swimming in this top! It’s clearly made to be loose yet I will size down to a small for a better fit. The medium was an awkward length on me. I think that if I were shorter I could wear this as a dress. At 5’8″ though I wish this top were about two inches shorter or that it had some kind of shape around the waistline. On the other hand the looseness means this would make a nice flowy maternity top. On the other other hand, I don’t see myself needing maternity wear anytime soon.

I can see working with this with a wide belt over a straight skirt. This is exactly the kind of top where I love the idea enough to buy the top and try to make it work…but I should hold myself back. Wishlisted for now.

Ternary Strap Tank (now $20) by Deletta, TTS
style # 22548697, navy (041), turquoise (046) or ivory (011)
★★★★★

The Ternary Strap Tank (now $20) is basically a solid cousin of the Triple-Strap Tank ($58) I just reviewed above. It has the same three straps meeting in back but in colors instead of motifs. But unlike it’s cousin the Ternary is made from cotton! It’s also several inches shorter, landing at my hips instead of mid-thigh.

At full price this top is nothing to get excited about, but for $20 I think it’s a great versatile top. The fit is spot-on to use this as an exercise top layer, a super casual summer top or a lounging around the house top. A couple of subtle pleats where the straps meet tank keep everything in order and the back falls gently from the center shoulder. I don’t want Anthropologie to take this as a signal to churn out hundreds of basic tops, but I do like this one quite a bit for $20. I’ll probably pick up all three colors in my usual size medium.

Trapeze Tunic ($78) by Maple by Some Odd Rubies, size down
style # 22209332, neutral motif (015) or purple motif (059)
 ★★★☆☆

At least Anthropologie is honest about this shirt’s intentions right in the name. The Trapeze Tunic ($78) is part of a collaboration with Some Odd Rubies, a well-known Lower East Side vintage revival and customization boutique. It’s not a style I really wear so I’m less familiar with their wares, but after seeing this top I want to go check the place out. I love the confetti pattern and yes, I even dig the tribal alternative.

My usual size medium was, well, like a tent. Hugemongous. A small was somewhat better. The top is rougher cotton that falls between soft and scratchy. Anthropologie if you’re reading I’d love to see your styling ideas for this top. Because I love the neckline and I could get into the overall shape with some styling cues. The only way I can think to wear it is belted or with a cardi thrown over it. I’d love to see what the pros would do. For now, back to the rack.

Expanding Universe Tank ($58) by one.september, size up
style # 21214283, green (030), red (060) or navy (041)
★★☆☆☆

My initial excitement over the Expanding Universe Tank ($58) waned a bit as I saw blogger after blogger relay that this top doesn’t quite live up to expectations. Had I attended ComicCon in San Diego last week this would have been a great outfit component. And since my side design/social media strategy business is called Secret Identitie, I’m always looking for clothes that suggest superhero by night and Jane Doe by day. It adds to the allure. Or the delusion.

Anyway, reality was a bit of a letdown. I had to size up to a large in the top as the medium barely squeezed over my hips. But the top of the shirt still has some wonkiness. I’m not really sure what’s going on in the shoulders but no matter what I did the top wanted to slide inwards and strangle me. It was like a booby trap. The top would start on my shoulders and then gradually gravitate towards my throat as though it were alive and evil. Evil I tell you! Which is such a bummer because I love the design. I might give this top another shot on sale but for now it’s a pass.

Gallica Tank ($78) by Meadow Rue, size up for curves
style # 22592224, neutral motif (015)
 ★★★☆☆

Sweet and feminine, the Gallica Tank ($78) has a softness I can get behind. The pretty ivory base sports small blooms in blue and red with some gold thrown in for seasonal transition. For added cuteness there is a lone button in the back to bring the neckline together. This reminds me of the tops Anthropologie used to issue circa 2003, an era I’d love to revisit in the brand’s designs. I hope Anthropologie continues to explore this provincial chic as I’d love to see more. This top is a classic without feeling staid.

Much as I like the design the fit was off for my body shape. This shirt wants to fall straight, and I have curves. So at my chest and hips the shirt and I are fighting each other. The solution will be for me to size up to an 8 and have the top tailored. It’s a pain but will be worth it in this case. If your body has a straighter shape to it give this top a try — I think you’ll love it! For me, wishlisted and waiting for sale.

Alchemilla Tee ($68) by one.september, TTS
style # 21272752, green (030), dark grey (005) or purple motif (059)
★★★★☆
I grew up riding and showing horses. I think a little of that showmanship remains in me and attracts me to embellished shirts like the Alchemilla Tee ($68). The top has what feels like a show ribbon set on one shoulder. It’s an alternative to the ruffles with just as much visual interest. The color choices of this top are a bit odd and I found myself drawn to the mint version, which Kim from Anthroholic also reviewed recently. The top is thin rayon with silk thrown into the shoulder adornment. The dark grey is not sheer, but both the purple and mint are slightly see-through. Why? I have no clue.

Despite the sheerness issue I delight in this top! Love the mint color, love the trailing silk vine across the front of the shirt. It probably is not the best idea to wear this top over a pleated skirt as I did…it will look great over jeans or a straight skirt though. The length of the top is good and I really like the rolled neckline. My fear is that the material of this shirt will not hold up to steady wear. So I’m waiting for now to see what the feedback is in the community. If you buy this top let us know how it holds up! For now, wishlisted!

I’ll be hitting the store a few times this week to shop for a few of my styling clients, so if there’s something you want to see reviewed let me know in the comments and I’ll scour the NYC Anthros for it!


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