Keep, Return, or Alter: black and emerald dotty blouse - YouLookFab Forum

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Keep, Return, or Alter: black and emerald dotty blouse

Aida

Veteran

My sweet sister bought me this lovely blouse as a late birthday gift, but unfortunately the size is one (or two) too large. It is still returnable, but there are no smaller sizes.

Concerns: Very, very boxy. LOTS of width from the side due primarily to strong swayback, and the straight front hem seems to emphasize this. Also, the fluttery sleeves aren't exactly IT friendly and I'm not sure how I feel about them.

Questions: Should I (and is it possible to) have the waist taken in as in the right of #2? I would have it still be cut a bit loose, just not so straight. Also, should I have the sleeves removed so it's a sleeveless blouse instead? Or should I just have her return it?

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19 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

Jonesy

Veteran

Do you love the style? If yes, then maybe it's worth extensive altering. If not, then I would return it and find something you love. I have a bit of a poison eye for fluttery sleeves like that, so I would vote to make it sleeveless.

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, I kind of like the oversized, flowy nature of this top but I do think it's a little big. I think the easiest way to have it taken in would be at the side seams so maybe try pinning it there are seeing what it looks like?

The top I was wearing today (with the slouchy black pants) also does that hugely deep from the side thing that yours is doing. I usually just combat this by either tucking (or, as I did today, pseudo tucking to rein in that back-to-front volume) or sticking it under a blazer, which sort of functions to flatten it a bit.

I really like the shape it makes in the back!

Lyn D.

Veteran

I don't mind the sleeves but it does look too big as is. If you love it I would alter or try with a belt to bring it in at the waist. The print and colour are lovely and suit you well. Is there an option to size down?

rae

(website)

Veteran

I think my vote is to return... between the sleeves and sides, that's a lot of alteration.

Kyle

Veteran

Great top, Aida, but I'm not feeling it at this size. It seems really girly girl -- maybe it is the sleeves -- and feels a little out of synch with what I am used to seeing you wear. I am NOT saying that your looks are not feminine because they are, but I never get a frilly girly vibe if that makes sense. I'm a sucker for emerald and for polka dots, though. I think you could find ways to make it work if you want to keep it because it's a gift from your sis.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Rae.

Meredith1953

Veteran

How does it look belted? That would rein in the volume which is the main thing that is throwing me off.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I love the colours but the fit isn't the best. I vote return Aida.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I also don't love the sleeves and it is way too big as is, obviously. Colors and pattern are smashing.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

It is too boxy in the wrong way and alterations may be expensive. I vote return also.

catgirl

Veteran

I'd return - it's too big and the fiddling with it doesn't seem worth it. Too bad because it's lovely, but the other blouse is too!

Joy

Veteran

Another return vote. This blouse just doesn't look like your style to me besides being way too big.

ManidipaM

Veteran

I'm with Diana.

Deborah

Veteran

I think I would return. Fiddly to alteramd I must admit I am not crazy about the fluttery sleeves. I think you could do much better.

Kiwichik

Veteran

I like what the blouse looks like when you pull it in to define your waist but if the alterations are significant it might be better to return.

Scarlet

Veteran

I think it looks great with the sides taken in a little. It also looks like a great blouse for tucking when you want to or layering under something else because the material is so light. FWIW I do tend to keep gifts and make them work when possible.

harmonica

Veteran

I'm with Deborah and Joy. Return

Heather

Veteran

May I ask if it will hurt your sister's feelings if you return?

I agree with everyone else that it is too large for you. Is it lined? Perhaps it is worth the alterations just because it was a gift from your sweet sis.

Happy Belated Birthday, BTW! <3 Sorry I missed it!

Aida

Veteran

Thank you all for the great and wise input. The alterations are iffy and may not solve all the issues so I think I will return. My sister wouldn't be offended in the least (she'd rather I have something awesome that I'll wear a lot), and then we can shop together for something better

Kyle, yes it is definitely girlier (probably too much so) than what I normally go for so thank you for pointing that out. I think the pretty colors and giant polka dots had me roped in!

Heather, thank youuu