Krish, you are right about the black top - it is a bigger size and too big, so it has to go back. I'm not sold on the stripes for me, either, though. It just feels "off" somehow on me - too bold.

The skirts are identical. But the cobalt FEELS bigger/ longer (even though I measured them against each other and there is no difference!)

Do you think they could be shortened from the top? Will cutting them off take away the curve at the bottom? I didn't think of that. They are elastic waist. But of course that alteration would cost more than simply cutting them.

I hope Angie weighs in here. So far, I think EVERYTHING I've ordered from Nordstrom's is going back!

I think everything looks amazing. Would you *need* to always wear a jacket with the tops? If not, one jacket may be enough. How do you feel in the pieces? Close to your ideal style?

I'm so sorry for you! What a bummer. I do think the striped top looks really good and unique on you though.

For the skirts, I think the usual alteration is bottom and, if needed in order to keep the shape, sides. It's not a big alteration per say, but a little bit more expensive than just the hem. Also, think of the fabric: is it a difficult fabric, and is this why there are bumps?

IMO, it's always better to get a dress skirt along with its matching jacket, because otherwise it's a hell to try to match the lonely skirt afterwards.

I understand why you made those pics, though! I don't think you did anything wrong, it's just hard to get it right from afar.

Rae, I'd pretty much always want a topper in winter here, yeah - or really, any time. One I might take off, but something.

Do I feel close to my ideal style? No. I feel comfortable in the skirts and really like them. I like the shape of the tops but not the bold stripe too much; would prefer a thinner stripe. I see these more as sort of an underlayer for my inevitable JACKETS! Big smile....that's what feels right...jackets. But truly, I DO love the skirts and the style of the tops.

Maybe this is the long-legged person in me talking but I like the ink blue skirt, esp. with the tall docs--- not super elegant but a bit edgy. Then again I am on team mid-calf boots.

I wish the black top was the right size. the stripe isn't you, but the black in an XS would be a good layering piece if you were ok with black by your face--- I think the back of the shirt is elegant on you, and it has a nice high neckline which is good on you.

The cobalt skirt is not my favorite but I do like it with the animal pumps.

I like the cobalt skirt shortened. Love the teal top. I don't care for the black top because of where it ends. It's too long and doesn't end at a point that is as flattering as the teal top.
I don't notice any bumps at all in the black top though. Hold out for this top in a petite or something different.

Suz, I am not crazy about the length of the VC tops on you. These are all pretty good but nothing seems like a 10 to me. I'm sorry Nordstrom isn't working out!

Nordstrom seems like not such a good deal for Canadians. You guys miss out on a lot of what's great about it - free shipping, free alterations, free returns picked up at your front door, a soothing store atmosphere, etc.

I like the skirts the best from this lot -- it might be versatile as someone mentioned to keep one long and to shorten the other. But then again, they are pretty basic as far as skirts go.

The tops, beyond the fit issue -- are they fitting in your new color direction? I remember you saying you had a lot of black but were trying to move away from that--or maybe I am misremembering ;).