Proving once again that pattern can make all the difference, the latest version of the Wrap Around Blouse ($98) jumps from a 3-star item in its previous review to a 5-star must-have this time around. I’ll admit that my fondness for all things blue probably helped! This pure silk tank has three snaps at the neckline which allow you to get in and out of the otherwise pullover style. The necktie is set slightly off to the side; it’s a small twist that makes this top more modern. But what really gets me is the mix of patterns. Streaks of white pour down the main body of the top while polka dots take over on the neck and side tie. Love!!! I immediately envisioned tucking this into a pencil skirt…or wearing it over jeans…or perhaps under a jumper.
I wasn’t disappointed with the top on either. Because of the proportion of my hips and bust I needed to size up to an 8. Those with straighter shapes may be fine in their usual size. The top sits a little loose on the frame. I noticed plenty of billowing around my midsection. I only wish there was the slightest flare at the hips so I could have chosen a 6. Oh well. I do have some pause about the price — $78 would be far more appealing than $98 — but I couldn’t resist picking this up as part of my birthday haul.
Several years back, Anthropologie carried an expensive Nicole Miller bracelet that I fell in love with. I saved and saved and saved and eventually had enough to buy it. Buy it I did. The next year, Anthropologie came out with a knockoff of its own item that was over $300 less expensive. It left me feeling like a chump for paying so much for the designer item the year before.
Which brings me to the Scalloped Strings Tank ($68). Leifsdottir remade its own 125th Street Blouse from a silk crepe piece into a more casual viscose version. The price difference is explained by the different materials yet I was still surprised to see this deja vu-inducing top. And yes there are slight differences here and no I’m not suggesting one should feel like a chump as I did, but it does strike me as odd to see two so similar items from essentially the same brand so close together. I suppose the good news is that if the original was out of your reach here’s something similar.
This new version is soft and flowy, growing almost tentlike at the bottom. I sized down to a small and still found that to run large. The arm holes on this top are very long — my bra showed clearly on the sides, and the neckline took some finagling to avoid displaying the top of my chest too clearly. It’s a good length, though I think it would be difficult to tuck in with all that fabric at the bottom. This top is cute like its predecessor but still didn’t win my heart. Back to the rack.
A comically elusive model shot belies the true nature of Weston Wear’s Drape & Scallop Top ($68). This top has ruching around the bottom third and then drapes loosely over the bust until ruching returns at the shoulders. It’s a scary-looking shape that I feared in-store. A SA encouraged me to try it on, noting that curvy gals were looking great in it. She warned me that of the low cut thankfully. This shirt is a slippery rayon-spandex combination that doesn’t feel awful against the skin. It skims along your curves with just a touch of give.
I initially tried on a medium before sizing up to the large you see on me above. The medium was too small over the bust; the shirt kept slipping down in wardrobe malfunction fashion. A large worked well though it’s wide at the neckline. It’s a revealing top to be sure but for the right evening occasion I think it’s awesome. The length is great on my 5’8″ frame. I think it would be tough to layer a cami below this one but I wouldn’t be angry to be proved wrong either! Here’s another top that came home with me in January.
In NYC, the Anthropologies often have way more in-stock than what fits out on the floor. So when I had been searching endlessly for the Frosted Boucle Pullover (now $50) and couldn’t find it, I eventually just asked the Chelsea Market Anthro if they were hiding any in backstock. To my delight they were! I finally got a chance to try on this top that had been taunting me since, what, November? The top has boucle in the front and rayon in the back. It’s slightly cropped with little flecks that catch the light.
Fitwise, I’m undecided. I tried on my usual size medium which was boxy and a touch short. Would it make more sense to size down and pair it with high-waisted trousers like the model? Or should I size up and wear it as a slubby, oversized top? Decisions, decisions. At full price I passed but now that this top is on sale I plan to seek it out once again for a second shot. If you’ve purchased this top I’d love to hear your thoughts on sizing and styling in the comments!
Olives no longer, it’s now ping pong paddles that the Anthro-loving community has declared to cover the adorable Ping Pong Tank ($68). This is exactly the kind of top I expect to see at Anthropologie! It’s a straight-set tank with tuxedo pleats down the front and cute buttons that show attention was paid to the details. Even more so when you examine the space between the top two buttons, revealing a tiny snap to keep the shirt closed. This is a great touch that deserves accolades, though I must ruin it somewhat by bemoaning that it’s really the second set of buttons that needs the snap. You know Anthro, the buttons that are over the bust? Still, the touch is noted and appreciated.
Fitwise I found my usual size 6 to be nearly perfect. Just a little short. Else I really don’t have much to complain about. This top is simply delightful! Whimsical yet not hit-you-over-the-head whimsy, pretty from afar or up close, great for work or weekend. I’d wear this under my J.Crew Tweed Schoolboy Blazer in sepia for a great workday look. Wishlisted!!!
It’s easy to recognize a one.september tank from afar, a bit harder to determine the fit. This brand runs either very large or very small in my experience. The Ripple Pleated Tank (now $30) fell into the latter category. When I finally saw this tank in store I knew it was close to hitting sale. Can’t say I’m surprised — the material is so thin! The beautiful futuristic print has little structure to sit on and I fear this top will fall apart after even a hand wash. (Anthropologie notes this top should be handled with care.)
My usual size medium was too tight, pulling across my chest. So it would have to be a large for me. Alas, although I like the pattern the quality just isn’t there with this top. A pretty pattern that deserves better. Pass.
