Through K's Eyes

 Here is the cute B&W striped dress I bought a few weeks ago from Forever 21 for $22.80. I think a lot of their clothes are overpriced for the quality, but this dress is all cotton and has real self-fabric belt loops (although the skirt hemline is pretty messy). The belt is really poor quality but easily swapped out.


Striped Dress w/ Belt

I usually wear a 2 in dresses at Anthropologie (0 in tops, 4-6 in skirts) and the size S fit well. It's a tad too long in the shoulder, but I'm petite and short-waisted so that's a typical issue for me. It DOES pass the bend-over test on my 32AA chest. The length feels a tad longer than 33", probably closer to 34" or 34.5".

I picked it up immediately because it reminded me of Anthro's lovely Monochromatic Corset Dress, albeit minus the corsetry detail:



Anthro's version is more unique, of course, but also dressier and probably not machine-washable (line dry, and I'd recommend sticking to that unless you don't mind shrinkage).

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.

Took a day off on Friday and went shopping at the outlets with my mother.  I snagged an amazing deal at Banana Republic Factory, which was running BOGO free on all clearance items: trouser jeans and a cardigan for $17 total. (Plus, no tax on clothes in PA.)

I also poked around J. Crew for a bit without seeing anything worthwhile, and Fossil for a long time at the pretty bags. Some good prices at the Fossil store, including 50% off certain clearance items--bringing one leather bag that I seriously considered down to only $40--but I'm still in love with the Lola Patchwork Hobo. The smaller version has a top zip, and I saw the larger version in-store at KOP and it's not large enough for textbooks anyway.

Other stores with good sales: Easy Spirit had a ton of shoes on promo for $15/20/30. Coach Factory was running another extra 30% promotion. Ann Taylor Factory had some decent prices on shirts and well-stocked clearance, though the style is a bit too classic for my taste (my mother picked up a few nice shells). I didn't venture into the Gap Outlet, and ran out of time for the new Talbots outlet at Lancaster (another store with classic, trending-older clothes).

We were there initially to make a return at Calvin Klein, and got merchandise credit because it was past 30 days, so I browsed for a while and tried on a bunch of different pants without finding any that fit perfectly. I did confirm that I'm between a 2 and a 4 in higher-waisted pant styles, that slim-cut styles tend to have a larger, lower waist (= perfect for my body type), and that a 29" inseam is NOT consistent at CK. Also that CK bras don't fit me well at all.

***

Aaaand in related shopping news, all of my recent online orders came in the mail. I'm very happy with my new Lands' End Canvas bikini, which will be debuted tomorrow. Eek. I ended up pairing the Heritage Mini Dot Bandeau Halter Swim Top (fits my 32AA chest surprisingly well in the XS, though I'll never ever wear it without the strap, and does run small per reviews) with the Heritage Retro Hipster Solid Swim Bottom in the matching Deep Sea color (sized up to an XS although I usually wear XXS at LEC), rather than the mini dot printed bottom. Despite my non-existent chest, I feel more comfortable drawing attention to my shoulders--which look surprisingly broad in a bikini--than my tummy.

Maybe I should have gone for the matching set after all, though. Navy solids are much easier to find later than the exact matching print, and I do feel like my shoulders are a little unbalanced. LE's return policy is such that I could wear the solid bottom tomorrow to the beach and still return it later with no problems... though I feel like this might be slightly unethical.

The Talbots T-strap sandals are less of a sure thing; they look exactly as pictured, but I just find them so bare on my feet; it feels a bit more casual than my ideal flat business-casual sandal. (My office has no official dress code and casual non-flip-flop sandals are definitely OK, but I like to be a little dressier than the bare minimum.) I know I shouldn't keep things I don't love, but I will wear them if I do keep them, and the price ($21 for leather, albeit not very much leather, and a reliable quality brand) is probably unbeatable.



Finally, I received an amazing gray jersey Anthro dress by Yoana Baraschi from an EA Trade Market seller. I expect it to get a ton of wear this summer at work, as it's a forgiving fit with interesting pleat/ruching details and a neutral color. (And unlike my neutral jersey J. Crew dress, which has similar pros, it isn't low-cut enough to require a scarf and doesn't have a funny between-rib-cage-and-waist elastic waistline. I mean, I still wear that dress a lot, but it's not quite effortless for those reasons.) The Baraschi dress is a little big up top when I bend over, but the neckline is modest enough that I can easily wear a cami underneath for coverage, and I expect it will stay put once I layer a cardigan over top.

[Sidebar: I am so going to be shopping for unique Anthro cardigans this winter break.]

Anthro's Verdant Slip Dress just came out in a new colorway, teal-ish blue.

      

Blue colorway on the left, original green (methinks seafoam) colorway on the right. I'm addicted to seafoam green, so I much prefer the original... however, I tried on the Reflecting Pool Dress, which is an exact twin except for the print, and wasn't much enamored with the fit of the slip style. I felt weirdly under- AND over-dressed in a casual, skimpy summer sundress made of silk.

Still, seafoam green floral... I'm tempted to compare it with my seafoam green floral silk scarf, actually. (Thrifted from the amazing Atlantic Canadian chain Frenchy's, the only--and thankfully decent--shopping in rural Nova Scotia.)

So, my Lands' End bikini order came today. Surprisingly, the padded halter top did not work at all and the bandeau top, which was only available in one size up from my usual XXS, fit perfectly. The reviews on the latter were accurate in saying that there is really not much fabric to cover the bust--I can't imagine what the XXS looks like, nor what the top would look like on anyone bigger than an A-cup (in swimsuits, sans bra, I'm a 32AA).

I had ordered two bottoms to go with the polka-dot bandeau top: striped size 2 from Lands' End proper and the matching polka top banded bottom from Lands' End Canvas. Honestly, I would probably want to exchange for a size up in either, although they both fit.

And I have had the same problem with pants recently... I'm closer to a size 4 than a size 2 right now. And I'm almost 10 lbs. above my ideal weight. Now that I'm finally home, I can't blame cafeteria food and/or my addiction to free dessert... but it is definitely time to start an exercise regime and be careful of how much I eat.

So here's my incentive deal with myself: I am allowed to use my belated Anthro birthday coupon no matter what, BUT if I want to splurge on something that costs more than $40, I need to have made real progress toward my ideal weight. I am probably also going to Otakon at the end of July; if I'm slimmer by then, and haven't spent too much money at Anthro, I'm allowed to buy a (useless but gorgeous) steel-boned corset.

And, I need to do yoga at least every other night. I despise the gym, and running, so hopefully that will be enough.

 Overall, I really like Heartsy.me (referral link), which is a group-buying daily deal site for handmade goods from Etsy and elsewhere on the web. It's different from Groupon in that there is no initial "tipping" point, but there's also a strict limit to the number of vouchers available for each deal.

I've purchased two Heartsy vouchers so far, both for Etsy, and it's really easy to check out with them. However, I ended up getting one of the vouchers refunded and had to argue with customer service by email for several days... so, I still recommend them, just be aware that they will make it difficult to get your money back and think of it as final sale. I did get my refund in the end by being persistent and aggressive. (The voucher was for custom-made clothing, and more expensive than most of Heartsy's deals, or I wouldn't have bothered.)



Secondly... somehow I managed to miss Anthro's Blurred Hydrangea Dress on second cut and only just noticed it on third cut to $50 from $400... obviously, it's all sold out by now. But I am willing to pay the second cut price of $100 for a size 0 or 2... maybe 4 if it's cheaper than $100 and will come out equivalent after alteration costs.

Just came back from a marathon 6-hour shopping trip. Lots of pictures and reviews to come, both of my many online orders that arrived over the past month and various fitting room reviews. But first, I wrote up an extensive sale room report of my local DE Anthro for Effortless Anthropologie's weekend community post, and I want to save it for posterity!

One trick I've found that works pretty well with clothes is to compare with Anthropologie: would I rather pass on this $30 trendy sundress and put it toward an $80 sale Anthro dress, or a $30 top at first cut? Usually, YES. I already have plenty of cheap sundresses in my closet, and I love the quirky, quality aesthetic of Anthro pieces. I don't see a ton of Anthro at my college, either, although I might just be hanging with the wrong crowd.

The challenge is only buying Anthro pieces that are appropriate for my lifestyle. For example, I adore the Overwhelmed Aster Dress, but the poofy crinoline makes it only appropriate for parties. I have way too many semi-formal dresses already in my closet. I keep going back and forth on the Verdant Slip Dress, which will certainly not make sale and comes in my favorite seafoam green color... I think it's a pass, pending try-on for amazing fit. The straight slip cut will fit but not flatter me, and I'm tired of dresses that require a strapless bra. (My strapless is far from my most flattering push-up, and it tends to slip down throughout the day.) The Eyeleted Corset Top is work-appropriate with a cardigan, but the colors are all brand-new to my wardrobe so I'd need to buy MORE pieces (like the lovely Anadyomene/Seashell Cardigan that the Anthro SA brought me to try on with the top) in order to make it work.

Recently, I've been thinking and comparing to the Anthro skirts that I ordered from the tag sale. $30 for an Anthro skirt or $30 for a sundress from Kohls (or H&M or F21)? I have a few H&M pieces that I love and are well-made, but in general, the quality difference is obvious. I also need to stay away from stores with a style that doesn't fit me and/or high prices for the quality: i.e. Express (except for their jeans, which I love), Forever 21, Urban Outfitters (returned a cardigan once for ridiculous stretching in the sleeves after just one wear), and others. Aeropostale clothes too, nowadays, though they still have good basics and I may pick up another sturdy fabric tote on sale. I can never resist wandering through F21 and UO, even though the clothes are always way too short and too tight at the waist. I've found that my "trend" price point is somewhere around $10-15, such as for a maxi dress; that means I'm limited to H&M and F21, which is fine. It will be a fun hunt!

Shoes are also on my purge-and-invest list. I've been searching forever for a pair of mid-heel black leather pumps. Being a size 5 makes it more difficult than usual. I have a ton of shoes stored away in boxes, but only wear the ones that are out on the floor at a given time. For Prom, I bought a pair of 4-inch silver heels, which I wore only once more at a photo shoot. However, the shoes look smashing in those photos, so they were worth it despite being horribly uncomfortable. Everyone needs one pair of impractical high heels.

Random sidebar: I can never remember the brands of my shoes. Clothes and bags are easy, most of my jewelry is non-branded, I don't own enough belts to make it difficult... but shoes, packed away in boxes, and in the downstairs coat closet instead of my own? They're tough. For example, I think those 4-inch heels were by Chinese Laundry because of the gorgeous box, but I'm not really sure.

Right now I'm in rural Canada, studying French, with essentially no access to IRL shopping. As a result, I'm a little afraid to count the number of packages waiting for me at home (plus a few still coming in the mail, including my Anthro sale haul--see below). True to form, I haven't actually spent that much $$ because I refuse to pay shipping and I prefer to order from shops that have a nearby B&M presence. My parents are probably rather unhappy about the growing pile of boxes, however, especially since they don't trust my lesser cheapskate instincts.

But! A huge Anthro sale with extra 25% off, how could I resist? This was actually my second online order from Anthropologie--I paid shipping for the Inkwell Skirt on second cut because I'd already bought it and loved it on first cut, but was just outside of the PA period. I only wore the skirt once for a few hours and the tag was already off (in the pocket) when I bought it, so I have no qualms about returning my original $40 purchase.

Inkwell Skirt by Edme & Esyllte (reviews; see also Anthro Flux, In Pursuit of Pretty Things)
purchased size 6 for $26 shipped, originally $98


By the way, this skirt currently has a popback in size 8. Reviews are mixed, but for $20, it's a great deal. I would definitely recommend it to straight-figured ladies who would appreciate looking a bit more hippy. Even at $40, I was happy: high quality cotton with a gorgeous lace-edged lining, beautifully muted cool colors that will go with everything in my jewel-toned closet, and classic A-line shape. And pockets! It does poof at the waist, but I prefer to wear tops over skirts to create a drop waist at my slim hips, and I expect the same poof to give me some illusion of curviness if I choose to wear it higher-waisted with a top tucked in.

Note that this skirt is marked as dry clean, but being 100% cotton, I will hand-wash and line dry. If not for the delicate lacy lining, I would probably throw it in the machine in a mesh bag. But uh, my clothing care standards usually fall one step below whatever is recommended on the label. For instance, if it's 100% silk or 100% wool, I will hand-wash and lay flat to dry even if the label says dry clean only, because according to my mother, the ancient Chinese never had dry-cleaning and their clothes held up just fine. I have never run into problems with shrinkage or damage.

I purchased a size 6 after first grabbing my usual size 2 without realizing that I cannot fit an unstretchy size 2 waistband around my 28.5" waist. (Actually, depending on how I measure, I could also be 29-33 rather than 28.5-34, but that's too depressing.) It doesn't quite fall as low as my hips, but that wouldn't work with the poofiness anyway. Certainly it's more comfortable than my size 8 H&M skirt that fits very snugly at natural waist.

Also, I didn't realize until after seeing the online listing that it comes in petite sizes as well. I bought the skirt in-store in a regular size, but since the petite is only 1.25" shorter, I don't think it makes too much difference (and I prefer longer skirts anyway).

And this post is getting long, as always with my wordiness, so I'll break here and start a separate post for my ACTUAL Anthro sale haul yesterday. Can you tell I have OCD-like organizational tendencies?