Are these really so: Bad/Good? (lots of pics)

MNsara

I finally got my new camera figured out, and that means a bit of a backlog on needing advice (sorry!). Please feel free to comment on any/all items, as these are the ones I am unsure/insecure about

Pic #1: Express sweater tunic (too big?) and BDG Hi-Rise Grazer jeans (really bad length?). I just can't stay away from cropped pants!.

Pic #2-3: Poetic License Toughen Up boots. Love their looks, but I'm boot *rich* and wonder if they are too dramatic to get much use. And they're so buttery, just hug my calves, I wonder if they'll start to slouch/bunch up at the ankle -- that would NOT be pretty!

Pic #4. I found these at Nordstrom Rack and love them (slightly baggy trouser-like through the hips), but know they're unflattering length. So what say you all - are they so bad that I need to wear them in secret?:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tr.....rs/3104043

Pic #5: I have been trying to add some lace, but does this have any potential? (notice those grazers again ;-):

Pic #6-7 and 8-9: Karen Kane cowl neck in two sizes. Smaller size is better for body, but next size up is better for upper arms/upper back. Any preference (I usually err on the larger size)?

Pic #10: I've went to return this twice, but then I try it on again and keep it. Should it stay or should it go? (If it stays can I dress it down for more wear?).

If you made it this far, a big *thank you* to you

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13 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from CocoLion

MsMary

Veteran

Oh, I LOVE those boots!

Sad to say, I am not a fan of the cropped pants.

How about a belt with the lace top?

I like the dress in #10, but not with those shoes. Maybe a strappier sandal in nude? Or a pump?

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I really like the tunic in #1, the boots, the lace shirt, and both dresses -- please keep #10! I don't see a huge difference in the Karen Kane dresses... so I guess my vote is for the more comfy one.

As for the cropped pants, I think pictures 1 and 5 are much better than #4. Since 4 is less fitted, the leg-shortening effect seems even more obvious. Do you have dark-colored shoes? I think high, dark shoes would help lengthen the leg line with the cropped pants.

13 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I really like the express tunic. It doesn't look too big... I think you want it a bit loose.
I also love the boots and the last dress.... it is fab on you.
I'm not crazy about the either pair of cropped pants or the lace top. The lace top has potential though... I won't vote it off the island yet.
The KK dress looks better in the smaller size, IMO. The larger size looks sloppy to me. I'm not sure I'd give it a 10 though. I'm wondering if you would do better with less cowl going on.

13 years ago

Kate

Veteran

Pic #1: It's hard to tell if the top is supposed to be that way, or if it's big. I'm also not a big fan of the cropped pants

Pic #2-3: Can you find any reviews about whether they get slouchy? I agree that slouching would ruin their charm. I think they look great, but if you're not going to wear them much, then return.

Pic #4. They make your legs look shorter than they are. Return (or wear in secret if you must).

Pic #5: I realize lace is supposed to be see through, but I don't like how well I can see the cami underneath and how drastic the change is where your pants start (white over white vs. white over black). I would return, or find a longer top to wear underneath it, and maybe lighter pants under it too (though I know Angie's not a fan of khaki).

Pic #6-7 and 8-9: I would go with the larger size. It's not that noticeably bigger, and it allows for some slight shrinkage in the wash.

Pic #10: If you're so conflicted then I vote return. I think it could be dressed down a bit, but it will be "loud" no matter what it's paired with (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). I think you can find an equally spunky but more versatile option that you LOVE and would never consider returning.

13 years ago

morethanbeige

Veteran

I really like the tunic and boots, and I think the KK larger dress drapes better. Wow on the #10 dress, but if you have doubt...usually for me that means I won't wear as much.

13 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Without reading other responses:
1. I think you can do better with the cropper slim pants. OR, use only for tucking into boots.
2. Gorgeous boots and a great neutral color. I think you should keep them.
3. I really like these pants, even though the length is a bit controversial. I like that they are wide and cuffed.
4. I am not a fan of this. I think it's too boxy. If it were more fitted I think it would be good.
5. The bigger size looks like a sack. Stick to the smaller one (don't notice any issue with the arms, etc.
6. I personally love this dress. Denim jacket, some sandals, good to go. (-: What size are you? If you give it up, maybe you could send it to meeee!

ETA; overlooked commenting on the Express tunic; I think it looks great! Versatile, and a nice lenght with leggings.

13 years ago

Carole

Veteran

I like the first outfit, I think the crops look great with the tunic.

Love the boots, KEEP.

Not so sure about the crops in #4 and not sure about the lace top.. I'll defer on those...

Either cowl tunic looks great to my eye, and the last dress-FAB-!

13 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

I'm going to refrain from peeking at the other comments--here goes: I love the tunic. It looks like it fits perfectly. I love that silhouette! I'd probably swap out the capris for ponte leggings. The boots are adorable. I like the stacked heel but the style looks exclusive to pants? If that is the case, I would probably return because I'd want boots that were more versatile (disregard comment if you can wear these with skirts/dresses.) Not a fan of cropped pants but I do like the lace shirt. It looks like it would pair well with some light wash jeans or belted over a skirt. I think it's really pretty and the color is nice on you. I have the KK dress and really like it. I prefer the smaller size on you. I LOVE the last dress. I have something similar and find that the ruffles make for a very flattering and forgiving fit. I think the last dress is my fave of the lot. Nice haul, Sara!

13 years ago

Deb

Active Member

Hokay ... here are my two cents:

1) I love the sweater tunic - it would be perfect over leggings. Not a fan of the Grazer, unfortunately. I think they shorten your leg, esp. with the length of the tunic.

2-3) If you're "boot rich" then I suggest returning them. They're lovely, but too many question marks. Use the money somewhere else!

4) Hmmm. I'd like to see these styled on you with heels, like the model, and a shorter - possibly cropped - top. As they are, the details cannot be seen, and that's really what makes them. The heels will length your leg, and these are dressier rather than casual, to my eye. Potential.

5) This lace shirt also has potential, but you really need to work that puppy! If you wear it out, I would match the under layer to your pants or skirt; I'd wrap a wide, flat belt around your waist and then blouse the shirt up over the belt. Unbutton another one or two, add a chunky necklace for the shirt opening to frame. Second option is to tuck it in, and proceed as above. It looks like it may have too much fabric to smoothly disappear under pants or skirt, though.

6 - 9) I like the smaller size. The cowl in front is drapey enough, without the rest of the dress adding more fabric. It looks great on you!

10) Va-vooom! My favorite ... *love* it! Definitely needs higher heels with an open vamp to extend the line of your leg. It could dress down with a little cropped cardi in black or camel, and lower heeled sandals in beige to blend with your skin tone and "disappear." I don't know how casual you're thinking - but that look would work for dinner out, to me.

Quite a stash - and lots of goodies! I will love to see/hear how it goes!

ETA: Ooooh - I *like* Jenava's suggestion to throw a denim jacket over dress #10 ... w/boots ... ohhhh yeahhh! :o)

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I prefer the larger Karen Kane cowl neck dress (as I type here I am wearing mine!!!)

KILLER boots. Keep

The dress is photo #10 is KILLER too. I'll have an apoplexy if you return in.

The cropped pants are a return (sorry).

The lace blouse as potential but needs to be restyled.

The Express tunic is nice!

13 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I vote keep to #1, 2, 9 and 10.

13 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

Thank you, thank you all! With your help, I have decided to:

Pic #1: keep the tunic, but wear with different pants.

Pic #2-3: keep the boots and force myself to wear more boots (good idea, kate, about checking reviews and no one has compained so far. . .

Pic #4: I'm not discussing the fugly cropped pants further - hey, we all have our secrets. . .!

Pic #5: return the lace top -- too much work to style it properly.

Pic #6-9: keep the bigger cowl neck - mixed votes, but I trust Angie's experiences with it (dress twin, or are we past even dress quintuplets now?)

Pic #10: keep the fitted dress - actually I'm pretty happy to be talked into it and will try Jenava's denim jacket and Deb's little cardi amd MaryK's strappy sandal ideas (kellygirl, I already noticed how those ruffles camoflague my tummy

Again, a big thanks for your input, suggestions, comments. It makes such a difference -- otherwise I'd probably be in cropped pants all the time

13 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I like the tunic with the cropped jeans in #1; I don't think the tunic is too big just too long. If you shortened it so it was more tunic length (vs dress length) it would work better I think.

Boots are cute from the side, do you like them from the front?

I prefer the cropped jeans over the cropped pants from Nordstrom Rack. But honestly I am not a big fan of cropped pants or capris because they generally look awful on me at only 5'4". So that has prejudiced me against cropped pants or boyfriend jeans.

I think the white lace blouse is a keeper. It would look cute with lighter pants, i.e. khaki colored.

Honestly I can't tell the difference between either sizes in the KK dress. : )

The last dress fits you well and I like the length. Is it a good, easy hot weather option? If so, keep it. It's so easy to just throw on a dress in the summer.

Edit: I see you decided to return the white lace blouse, perhaps next time look for something more fitted and tuckable? I think the look of white lace on you is flattering.

13 years ago

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