K/R: Nas Jacket and Top Edition

The wardrobe holes I'm trying to fill are:

A jacket I can just throw on (as opposed to my trench which is buttoned and belted)
Long sleeved knit tops (1-2)

1) Zella Moto Jacket (Update: RETURNED)
The photos aren't doing justice to how good this looks from the front.

2) Elie Tahari Tilly jacket (Update: RETURNED)
The sangria color is browner than I expected and I'm getting wrinkled at the back due to shortwaistedness. The collar hits my chin if I zip it all the way up. Leather is super soft though.

3) Caslon Chevron Stripe sweater in the right size and color. (Update: KEPT)
I don't expect this to get much love as it looks really awkward in the photo. In person, I feel the drape is flattering, but maybe I'm just imagining it.

RULED OUT: 4) Halogen Pintuck Chiffon Pleat Blouse
I think I'll have to return these as the fit is sloppy on me. The sleeves were too short for me in the petite sizes.

5) Vince Camuto Bandage Top (Update: RETURNED)
I know I showed this to you before, but I would like an honest opinion as to whether this top is compatible with my belly or not. I don't want to look like I'm stuffed into my clothes. If it doesn't work, I'm ok passing on it.

6) Caslon Drape Neck Sweater (Update: RETURNED)
I think this is ok but not great. The husband likes it a lot. If I keep, should I get the grey/black one for versatility?

7) Foxcroft Denim Shirt (Update: KEPT)
I think the fit on this is good, but I have no clue what I'd wear it with except red jeans. Denim shirt + skirt just doesn't feel like me right now. The fit is probably the best on this out of all of the tops.

#1, #2, #3 and #6 meet the "I could walk out the door wearing these tomorrow" test. Honest opinions are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

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11 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

Hi Sylvie,
I prefer the black jacket but would like to see a pic of you in the next size up.
The bandage top is flattering and the colour is very pretty, as is the drape neck sweater.
Pic 3 is my least favourite but it may just be the one dimensional picture, and it would be a good one to wear underneath a structured jacket.
A nice mixture of versatile pieces!

CocoLion

(website)

I love the Zella jacket in #1. I think I'm going to spring for it myself! I got the color block sweater (6) and Angie put her foot down and made me return it. However I do think it is very flattering on you! I also like #3, great colors and neckline. But it's a casual look, if you're OK with that. You are right on the blouses in #4, they unfortunately look off because of the poor fit. Compare those to #7 which fits much better and looks flattering and modern. I do like the bandage Vince Camuto top but need to know how you would wear it, I think with the legging skinnies it's two garments that look too fitted together. My rule is to go with one fitted item at a time.

I'm on the fence with the jacket in #2. I like the front view, but the bunching in back is throwing me off. I have had to pass on NAS leather jackets because I could not find one in my price range that accommodates my own very short waist. A lot of cropped jackets hit me too low on my hip, so they ride up and bunch. While they do work unzipped/unfastened, it's nice to know a garment can be closed for cooler weather!

Kirti

I like #1, #5, #6 and #7!

cinnamon fern

I like 1 but am curious about how a size up looks in the shoulders. 7 looks great on you - if you don't like the idea of it with skirts, do you wear non-denim pants? The bandage top looks fabulous front the front, but in the picture from the back your shoulders look kind of hunched - is that the shirt, or just the photo?

cjh

I have to go rogue here and say I prefer jacket #2 for the smooth leather - looks more polished to me. LOVE the chevron sweater, both the design and colors. Agree about the blouses in #4 - sloppy is the word.

As to the bandage top - I would feel a bit uncomfortable myself in such a clingy top but maybe the next size up would give it the right fit.

I really like your test: can I wear it out the door right now? Something to think about.

Sylvie

Thanks ladies!

@Lyn: Thanks! I will try ordering #1 a size up. I didn't consider #3 as a layering item, but you're right that it would be perfect under a blazer.

@Cocolion: Being shortwaisted is such a challenge when shopping isn't it? My lifestyle does required more casual clothes - #3 is my version of the printed t-shirts and jeans worn by my social circle. I would definitely not wear the bandage top with skinny jeans! This may be another top best worn layered, as per Angie's blog post.

@Kirti: Thank you for chiming in. If you had access to NAS, I think #5 would be very flattering on you.

@Cinnamon fern: You ladies have sharp eyes - that's the second vote to size up on #1. Re: bandage shirt, the shoulders are just me hunching and looking down - I have to remind myself not to do that when my back is to the camera. I don't wear non denim pants at all - branching out into skirts past denim is a big step for me to start.

Current plan:

#1: Try a size up.
#2: Send back.
#3: Try a size up. Also, try under a jacket.
#4: Return
#5: Try under a jacket
#6: Continue to gather votes.
#7: Undecided, leaning towards return.

My main issue with denim shirts is that they're washed out and I feel they age me/make me look frumpy. I just don't feel they're flattering with my skin color.

Jenava

I say bandage top (in more colors if possible because this is soooo flattering on you!) and leather jacket. I think the fit on the jacket is good, and the slight amount of wrinkling here, caused by your curvy waist, doesn't bother me.

I think the other knit tops are too boxy on you and hide your shape...and I agree the #1 is a size too small, but I like the brown leather on you better anyway for the color.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I love #2! That's a GREAT leather jacket.

Return the Zella. Far too snug. Not sure if a size up in the right thing to do.

Size up in the Foxcroft. It has great potential.

I wonder if you need to size up on the bandage top?

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