K/R: Zara kimono (take 2), Asian blouse, floral blazer - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R: Zara kimono (take 2), Asian blouse, floral blazer

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

The first Zara kimono (Ceit's) I tried didn't work for me--too boxy and masculine on me, so I ordered this flowier one that Suz modeled, which I thought might work better with my style. Here it is with jeans and an obi belt (1-4), and over my origami sheath dress (5-8). When I put it on with the jeans, the response from my family (DH and my family visiting from out of town) was pretty lukewarm, so I ended up changing into something else. And I thought it would look great with the dress, but I kind of feel like I like the dress better on its own without the kimono. I don't know if I can really make kimonos work--what do you think?

And here are Sona's fish top (9-12) and Suz's floral blazer (13-16), both looked so fab on them, but don't seem to look right on me--the top is too low cut and baggy around the waist/arms and sheer in the back, and the floral blazer is too short and tight. All three of these pieces were size M, but they all fit so differently! So frustrating. I'm about ready to throw in the towel on Zara. Do you agree I should send these all back, or is there anything worth salvaging?

And by the way, I think I'm starting to hate these boyfriend jeans (Kut from the Kloth Catherine slim boyfriends). I always feel dumpy when I wear them...they're too low rise and keep sliding down. I don't think boyfriends are for me...sorry guys, I think I should stick to fitted skinny jeans!

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26 replies

Latest reply was from

Lyn D.

Veteran

I really like the fish top but agree with you on the others!

Anonymous

I like Suz's floral blazer over the orange dress, however I feel like something is missing. Perhaps a belt over the dress? I really like the fish top. It has a nice drape and flow to it. It looks refreshing.

Go with what makes you feel great. I haven't been around long on YLF, but I love your outfit shots because I can see the buzz of excitement and love you usually have for your outfits. Please continue that and don't settle if it doesn't rock your world! It's inspiring

Nicola

I like the colour of the first kimono best on you. To my eye the extra depth works well against your coloring compared to the floral jacket. Could be the lighting of the photo though so take that opinion with a grain of salt.

I see what you mean about the kimono with the dress. With its lovely neckline and tailoring I can tell you have a great figure, but the kimono seems to cover all the good bits up.

My gut reaction is to favour the fish top. Would a nice little cami solve some of the neckline/ see through issues for you?

Actually, I really like 1 as well. That belt and bag pull it all together for me.

Good luck!

rute

Veteran

My favorite outfit is one! Perfect! I love those boyfriends on you, I even prefer it to the dress of photo 4! You look younger and slimmer!

Jjsloane

Veteran

For your style I would lean towards the blazer (the others are not refined enough), but this one isn't as great as some others you already have. Have you tried a thick belt with the BFs? Without that they are just ill fitting jeans on anyone IMO.

Mona

Veteran

I think the fish top looks really good on you. I wouldn't mind returning the rest of the loot.

Gabrielle

What are you trying to achieve with the kimono? If it is casual lounge wear, I think it looks ok. There are times when I really want a big roomy comfortable top to slip into while watching TV and eating take out.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Truthfully my favorite things here are your red bag and blue shoes - they are both gorgeous. I like the bf jeans but no need to wear them if you don't. I don't think any of the tops are up to your standards.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Natalie, big hugs! It is so frustrating when we feel we are striking out with shopping!

I actually think you are being really tough on yourself. I think the blue kimono is lovely on you -- but I also understand that you have to "feel" it. I returned mine because I didn't think it would get enough wear to justify the cost and even though I may not have LOOKED swamped, I felt swamped.

I wonder if that is what is happening with you and the BFs? I actually find them more flattering on you than skinnies, to be completely frank. But then, you must keep my style preferences in mind (and take with a grain of salt) because like Angie, I tend to prefer the look of a looser fit or looser tailored fit. On the whole. (Laughing to myself because I certainly do wear my body con VC skirts often enough to put the lie to that idea!)

Anyway...I love the crossover blouse on you! I am wondering if a little fashion magjc such as what Angie performed in her blog post might fix it for you. That might not be possible due to the fabrication. But it looks really pretty.

I think I'm with you about the jacket, though. The fit doesn't seem quite right and the colour isn't as good on you as the others, from what I can tell. If it wouldn't be comfortable, back it goes.

donnat

Veteran

I think the boyfriend jeans are very flattering. I also love, love # 1. If you are not feeling it, it doesn't work though.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I absolutely love the fish blouse on you Natalie - I think it looks gorgeous on you. As Suz has suggested, is it possible to do a little magic on the blouse so that it is not as low cut in the front?

I'm not feeling the kimono or the floral blazer for you although I can't exactly put my finger on why. They just don't seem like "you".

I really like the fit of the BF jeans on you but if they don't suit your needs or your style, no need to wear them. You need to feel good in your clothes.

Glory

Veteran

I love t.he kimono but agree with you on its shortcomings. I had this one also, and returned it (without posting photos) because it felt ...not sure... just large, and I didn't love the gathering on the back. I think if you are lukewarm on it now, it won't get much wear.
I like the cut of the floral blazer but am not 100% on it.
I love the bf jeans on you - think you look like a fab motg in those and I can see those working well taking the 3 kiddos on their various activities.
I do like the fishy shirt - quite a bit

Sara L.

Veteran

I like the boyfriend jeans on you but I totally get how they make you feel frumpy. I feel that way in them too which is why my pair is only slightly loose and not a true BF jean. I really like the drapey fish blouse and think a white cami underneath would solve the neckline and sheer back issue. I like the floral blazer on you but if it feels too tight, you should send it back.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Thanks guys! I want to like the kimono, but I don't want it to look like I'm wearing loungewear. I don't know if people around here would get it if I wore it out and about. It seems maybe a little dressy for MOTG but too casual for work, KWIM? I agree, the floral blazer is not me. Too bad, I had a floral blazer in the 80's that I loved, so I was trying to recreate it.

Hmm, so you like the fish top after all? Maybe I will try it again, styled with a cami, or try to tweak it like Angie (very timely post!). And I guess the BF doesn't look as bad in the pics as I thought. It felt super baggy, but looking at the pics it actually looks more fitted than most BF jeans on here! I think I just need to wear it with a belt to keep it up. The problem is most of my belts are sized for the waist, as that's where I usually wear them. Plus I'm carrying a few extra pounds still. I'll try to find a belt I can use with it. I think I'm just not used to the silhouette of the blouse and pants (waist surrendering and baggy is not my typical style--I've always been all about fitted and waist definition), but I admit it looks better in the pics than I thought, so I think I might try to work with it.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Hm, the only one that seems like you is the blazer, if you can find the right size. You're the demure bombshell... I don't think you were big on artsy, flowy, voluminous tops except for when you had the bump. Just my two cents!

Anonymous

I agree with Rute and Suz. I love the boyfriend jeans on you better than skinnies. I had to buy new longer belts to fit these when DH was looking for his belt and I was wearing it
I love the kimono with the BFs but not as much with the dress. Second choice is the fish top., but the sheer back feels like it needs a cami. The floral jacket is pretty but something seems off. I think I would like it best on you with a skirt. Have you tried it with a pencil skirt?

Wendi1984

I love the fish top! I think it looks really good on you, and actually it's something I'd like to try. What is it called on Zara's website? Do you have a link?

Diana

Veteran

I like the fish top but I think you should return the others. The kimono looks like it is swamping you. (I feel the same way about me in most kimonos; Angie mentioned that a high-low one with short sleeves might work, if you are interested in trying again.) I like the idea of the floral blazer for you but I agree it's too short. Too bad!

For the fish top, I think you should try tucking it a la Angie in today's blog post! (And while you're at it you could try the nip and tuck she did on hers to make it a little more fitted in the neckline.) I like sheer blouses so that does not bother me at all - I'd just wear a cami.

Re: the BF jeans. I think they look good on you. Of my 2 pairs, the C/E ones are lower rise than the gap ones, and tend to slide down (in the front on me) even with a belt, and they create a small tummy pooch that I don't like. On the other hand, the Gap ones are slouchier and roomier elsewhere so they need a bit more structure up top. I've realized that the C/Es look better with an untucked looser top while the Gaps look better with a semi-tucked or fitted top. So maybe try different tucking styles?

Anonymous

I think the fish top with a pencil would look good.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You look great in the BF jeans. Wear a belt to keep them up!

Wear is the floral blazer too tight? That piece is SO Natalie.

Thistle

Veteran

Love you in BF jeans, natalie! So fun and fresh. And comfy too!

Could you size up to a large ont he floral blazer? So pretty and really fits with your style.

Marley

Veteran

I think that you look really good in those BFs - I think that part of the "solution" to making them feel more fab for you would be to wear a shoe with a slight heel/wedge with them. I almost always do that with my BFs because otherwise I feel pretty short and stumpy. I love the kimono - the color, style - everything - and I love it with the BFs (if you wear a heeled shoe.) Have you tried it with a pencil skirt? Also, I think the fish cross-over top is beautiful - love, love, love it with the jeans! Also, it would look great with a pencil skirt. I'm not crazy about the flowered jacket - its not just the fit, but the color just doesn't seem to be "right" for you. I think of you in brighter or deeper colors than this blue!

Marley

Veteran

Also - yes, Zara's sizing is very difficult to figure out. I can't imagine trying to order items on-line from them - I have a hard enough time when I'm in the actual store!

rachylou

Veteran

I like Suz's blazer on you. I think I prefer you in structured, tailored clothing. Thus I don't feel the kimono and blouse are 100%, altho I do really like them both.

Anonymous

Hi style sista'
1. Ditto on the BFs. I actaully just returned my copycat Kuts slim boyfriends. I could not make them work. I was reaching out for heels. That is my clue to know I feel frumpy. I still love the GAP BF's, go figure. I so wished that GAP had a white version.
2. Floral blazer: I own that one, for a while now abnd before Suz wisely acquired hers, but I am starting to regret the purchase. I am not reaching out for it as much as I thought I would. If I could do it again, I will probably return it. I think the lack of structure is what bothers me.
3. Not feeling the Kimono trend AT ALL. I am not qualified to express an opinion there.
4. Hey it happens. I happened to have an Anthro next to my office and I went to see the dress Janet bought. Well, it looks hideous on me. Boo. Copycatting often does not work for me.

Anonymous

and I like the fish top. I was not able to edit my psot above.