Belated: J. Crew reviews

I'm apparently too perfectionist to post unedited photos, and I have too many photos to edit; so if and when that gets finished and uploaded, I'm just going to do text reviews for now. I'm a writer first and foremost, anyway.

Purple shift dress, $20 (originally $70). The XS is too large and gives me the illusion of unattractive hips, which is pretty difficult!

White Cecilia dress in sz 00, which fits like Anthro 0 (can't-gain-any-weight snug). The top is cut badly for me, whether due to my petite torso or my flat chest, I'm not sure. Has a three-layer skirt for opacity. No size 0 was available, and I didn't bother trying on the 2 since the straps would just get even more awkward. This is a beautiful dress if it fits you, though.

A cotton bell skirt in army green (not J. Crew's actual color name) in sz 0, which is a little ridiculous because a 28" waist should not be size 0. The 0 fits at waist but is a tad too short for my comfort, so I would size up for length and to wear on my hips if I wanted to buy this, though I don't particularly.

Two pretty embroidered tops in white and sage green--both are opaque, which was a concern for the white. However, the bust gaps way too much to be appropriate even casually, and this is on MY chest. I can't imagine what this top would look like on someone who was busty and actually pulled the fabric taut, since this is the XXS and it's not very fitted, just poorly designed.

Belated: H&M reviews

Purple and indigo patterned tunic/dress was $15 down from $35, tried in sz 2 and 8. The 8 has enough length to be a dress but the top is way too big; even on the tunic-length size 2, the chest is overly blousy. I actually bought this and returned it last season at regular price, in size 4, because it's a gorgeous print--better in person--but a difficult cut. The dress length is kind of tight on my thighs, which measure as 35". Also, I can't bend over. A reluctant pass.

I've been looking for a white dress, but haven't found any cute ones at a reasonable price. This one, in sz 2 (equivalent to Anthro sz 0), has zero give at the empire waist--which usually isn't a problem for me, my underbust is only 29"--and practically see-through in the back. Also no price tag and obviously the only one available on the rack. If not for the sheerness, I would consider trying a size up.

Taupe lace-sleeved tee in sz XS, $7 down from $13. I love the sleeves, but the body is a very casual, plain, cheap cotton and not at all forgiving of a few lumps.

And finally, something that I actually bought! (Last month, AND I haven't returned it.) This blue paisley maxi was just $10 down from $20, last one left in sz 6. It's the right price for a trend I'm not sure I can pull off, and brushes the floor in flats, but I'm only 5'2". The surplice chest is huge, but I can make it work with a white tank underneath and a belt to cinch the empire waist. The surplice cut is mirrored in back, and there's no zipper, so I don't know how practical sewing the top closed would be. There would still be too much fabric to pass the bend-over test. So basically, this is a pretty fussy maxi dress, but with 3" wedges, it makes me feel like a goddess.

Addendum: I do plan on sewing the surplice together, I think, because it tends to fall off my shoulders otherwise if I'm not wearing a cardigan.

Belated: Anthropologie reviews (notes)

Not all of these have pictures because I went in quickly/with friends, but I want to note fit comments regardless.

A-Bit-Unruly Top: I've heard that this top fits different in the pink and brown colorways. I don't particularly like those two colors, though. Tried the XS in green stripe, which is a gorgeous seafoam green color. However, the modal is rather sheer and it's fundamentally a casual top, which makes it hard to pay $30 for.

Expanding Horizons Tank: tried XS in cobalt blue, lovely color but the front gaped open when I bent over.

The Gathering Tank: tried XS in green, the color and fit were great, but I didn't like the slubby thin cotton and I hated the raw edges. Also gaps a bit if I bend over, but that might be fixable with a different bra. I would pick this up on second cut, but not for $30, and I don't expect it to last until $20.

Tupelo Dress: fits TTS, straps are on the long side for petites.

Heartease Habotai Blouse: extremely low-cut and will not fit an A cup, even in sz 0.

Darting Dragonfly Dress: too small in sz 0, but fit fine in sz 2 when I tried it the first time at full price, so I wouldn't size down. Kind of regretting not tracking this down via charge-send when it first hit $40, but it is only a summer dress due to the styling--would look terrible with opaque tights.

Gathered Hemlock Dress: orange floral colorway; fits tight at the waist in sz XS, similar to the Whirligig. I later tried the S in the blue motif and it fit better, so I would take an S in this, though I'd probably take the XS in the Whirligig due to the extra drape up top.

Alstroemeria Tee: didn't try on, the yellow in the print is brighter IRL.

Splashed Palette Dress: has an adorable black polka-dot lining! Fits TTS, as I tried on the 0 and the 4 and neither fit. (The 0 zipped, but was uncomfortably tight in the thighs.) I would ideally want the petite version.

Strappy Dandelion Dress: runs small, as it has a back zipper and I still couldn't zip up the 0.

Vervain-Mallow Top: in rust, sz XS, fits well and surprisingly works with my Asian coloring, but I was bothered by the shoulder ruffle sticking out of my shoulder.

Also tried on a sale top with rolled sleeves and a pretty corset-style laced neckline which looks like it runs small but is actually TTS (I tried on the S and it was too big). Finally, I tried on a bunch of sale pants and discovered that I'm a sz 2/4 in pants at Anthro... but nonetheless ended up buying sz 28 (=sz 6) Pilcro High-Rise Flares, because they fit loosely and I couldn't pass up $10 pants. At least if I gain even more weight, they'll still fit once I chop off several inches from the hem.

Whirligig Dress in magenta (which Anthro calls medium pink) and dusty purple (lavender, I think?): elastic waist has a tendency to snap threads when stretched tight, which makes me frown--I expect better quality at this price point, especially for synthetic fabric. I tried on both the XS and S; the XS fit but was tight in the waist, the S gave me a tad too much drape at the top. And after trying the Vervain-Mallow Top, I'm intrigued by the orange colorway that I initially dismissed. Still, first cut is a bit much to pay for a jersey dress.

I tried on the Reflecting Pool Dress in sz 2 in case I decided to order the Verdant Slip [in the original mint green, I dislike the new blue colorway] online. It fits TTS, but I don't feel like the fit is particularly flattering, and I would prefer strapless to these tiny straps.

Calliope Dress, in size 2: loved the print online. I definitely need to size down in this, even at the waist. However, the pockets stick out unattractively, and I forgot about my irrational hatred for henley buttons. Later tried this in a 0 and it still looks shapeless. Maybe at a super-sale price.

Ah, Artist's Rendering Dress... how you taunt me so. I never wear shift-style dresses and they don't fit my body well either, but I loved the landscape print on this so much. I couldn't zip up the size 2, but even holding the top closed, the neckline gaps. The size 4 fits but gaps unacceptably at the neck. Has a lovely striped plaid lining.

Unknown Tracy Reese Dress, attractively priced at $30 but not my style and too short, not to mention too big for me. In sz P. This has since sold at my local Anthro, and I have no clue what it's called.

Magdalena Peasant Top: way too baggy in XS.

I've been coveting the Sagebrush Skirt ever since I saw it hanging on a display rack in the middle of the store, months ago. The size 4 fits snugly at high waist, and my store didn't have a 6 to compare. In comparison, I took a size 6 in the Inkwell Skirt, which ran small for most, and also the Plaited Brushwork Skirt [since returned, I didn't love the print], which was just non-stretchy. I love the color and the detailed embroidery. Now it's on sale for $70... I'm tempted to buy it, but will depend on whether I keep the Carica Bag (in beige, charge-send arrives today!) and whether I buy the Blurred Hydrangea Dress from an EA seller.

This green top (name? picture pending) is way too big and I can't bend over. Euch.

Runny Yoke Skirt in sz 4, black; the other is the Shaded Glory Skirt, also in sz 4 and on second cut $20, which comes in several colors besides taupe (I saw brown and purple for sure). Fit comfortably if snugly, so don't size up. I bought the Faded Glory Skirt, but ended up returning it because there was too much material in the hips.

Bright Bolts Sash, Slim, sz S/M... Caught my eye only because it was paired with the Eyeleted Corset Top in the May 2011 catalog. I returned that top, though, and I would never wear this belt otherwise. Since cut to $10 and my local Anthro still has a bunch.

Finally, an unknown brown belt that's way too big for my waist and drapes awkwardly on my hips. Pass.