Through K's Eyes

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.

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.