My Contribution to the Economy: New Purchases - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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My Contribution to the Economy: New Purchases

Becky

Veteran

In my quest to single-handedly bolster the sagging economy, I have embarked on a fall shopping spree and have some purchases for your review. Please excuse the flat hair (we got caught in a downpour on our way home after lunch) and the cockeyed angles (DH is coaching our DD5 to be my next YLF photographer!).

1. Round hill turquoise short-sleeve belted sweater – BR
Tweed welt-pocket curvy pants – Gap

http://i285.photobucket.com/al.....oo/061.jpg

I’m wondering if I should go down a size in the pants…these are somewhat roomy.

2. Berry twist-front v-neck top – AT
Essential jeans – Gap

http://i285.photobucket.com/al.....oo/056.jpg

Also wondering about going down a size in the jeans?

3. Snapdragon cardi – AT

http://i285.photobucket.com/al.....oo/050.jpg

Please make suggestions for other combinations/accessories for this cardi.

4. Black crewneck cardi – BR
Rasperry silk doupioni ruffled blouse – Talbots

http://i285.photobucket.com/al.....oo/046.jpg

Based on Imogen’s recent post about wearing black (http://insideoutstyle.blogspot.....riend.html), I am really second-guessing the purchase of this black cardi. I selected the black because I felt it would be most versatile and work well with the bright colors I like to wear. Thoughts on this? The ruffle blouse underneath was one I chose hoping to use it like Ana does her J. Crew Elizabeth halter. However, when I saw it I wasn’t crazy about the gold buttons (which weren’t pictured on the site), and I wonder if my neck is too short to wear a ruffled collar this high?

CRS is great if you feel comfortable with it; otherwise, all other comments and feedback welcome. Please be honest, as all these purchases can and will go back if they don’t meet YLF muster.

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

shiny

Veteran

I am giggling at the subject header.

First, I think you did really well - and the colors are smashing! I like all the tops and think they fit and flatter very well.

As for the pants, and whether to size down - I never feel qualified on this, particularly with dress pants. But, it wouldn't hurt to try the next size down and compare. Do you find you often go back and forth in the dressing room endlessly debating between two sizes? I know I do!

I would say for the jeans you are definetly safe sizing down, only because jeans stretch. The dress pants... not as sure. Will let others comment!

The skirt - what colors are in it? I'm wondering if it's not a tad too long. Just a tad. Is it at knee? Or below?

How does the snapdragon cardi look over the ruffle blouse? Lately I've been experimenting with tone on tone - two nearly but not quite matching colors for blouse and jacket/cardi. Might be worth a try.

As for the black cardi, I am not as opposed to black - it is highly versatile. You need at least one black cardi, so if you love the fit, I'd keep it. And goodness, you are young so you don't need to be worrying about the age effect with black. Plus, you're wearing a bright pop of color next to your face, so that negates any wash-out effect right there.

The black cardi with the skirt - that might be more of the issue than the cardi itself. How does it look unbuttoned to show more of the ruffle top? Or what about a belt in a bright color? The skirt does look nicer with the pink top.

It's hard to say whether the neckline is too high - unless you do a closer up photo. I also have a short neck. I would say go with your gut instinct - does it feel too high? Is it annoying you in any way? Will make-up (if you wear it) rub all over the blouse Those would all be signs of a too high neckline for me, personally.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Wow, Becky! Shiny posted a lo, and I agree with everything she said, especially the jeans/dress pants part (I'm not good at fitting dress pants, either). I LOVE the colors you picked out for the sweaters and tops, especially the first blue one. It look so comfortable and easy, yet it's still polished and pretty. And I also agree with Shiny about the black cardi. I think it looks fine, especially with the red ruffle top close to your face. Does the ruffle top unbutton a little bit? I've found that my Elizabeth halter sometimes looks better if I unbutton it a few buttons so it opens up a little. I do think it looks nice the way you have it in the photo though. I'd love to see a closeup of the ruffle detail. I'm definitely going to have to check out Talbots--everyone on here is getting such neat stuff there!

Anonymous

You look beautiful in the deep rich tones of your new tops. I love them all. I also love your hair and glasses. You look very polished. Good job on finding your personal style.
I love the black cardigan with the ruffle neck blouse. I think you should keep it even if you only wear it with this blouse because it is really stricking. I'm sure you will find it to be versatile with other things also. I bought several black cardigans on sale a few months ago and it really was over kill, but I think having one or two in your warderobe is good.
I love the boots with skirt, and the jeans and plaid pants. I am going to try some plaid like you have.
Did you try a smaller size in the jeans and pants while you were shopping?

Amanda

LOVE all the tops - definitely 10s I think that you can do a lot with the snapdragon cardigan -- wear it over white, cream, black. It looks like you could go a size down in the jeans. I'm still unsure myself about dress pant sizing but I think they should skim rather than hug your legs (jeans should hug because they have stretch). I've been debating about a black cardigan too, but I think with the bright color near your face it looks really good.

Becky

Veteran

Thanks so much for your feedback, everyone. I'm still at the stage where I need affirmation that an item of clothing does indeed fit and flatter before I feel totally confident, so your assistance is appreciated!

I think I will try a size down in both the pants and jeans. Since I ordered online, I wasn't sure what size to start with. I've pretty much given up on the usefulness of size charts.

Shiny, the skirt isn't actually a new purchase. It's a flannel gray with fine black plaid (Old Navy, purchased for $2 at consignment!) and hits right at the middle of my kneecap, which is the length I prefer. The top of the kneecap looks fine as long as I'm standing, but I hate the way skirts ride up when I sit. (Am I alone in this? Is it just because of my big behind?) Thus, I have tended to go a bit longer. Also, my thighs get meaty above my knee, and I don't like to show that

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

What Shiny said.

I love the snapdragon cardi best of all. The color is awesome.

Antje

Veteran

Nice job keeping the econonmy humming, Becky Love your new purchases. I'm unsure about the pants size. It's hard to say in the pictures because of the extra length at the bottom. Can you pin them to the right length and take another picture?
Love all the tops, esp. the belted blue top in the first picture and the snapdragon cardi. The latter would look very nice over a white button down or ruffle-y top. Love you in skirt and boots. And your hair is great!

marianne

The first 2 tops are amazing! The cardis are great too - I think you should keep the black one, it's very versatile. I would try sizing down with the pants. The jeans look good, but if you have doubts, I'd also try a size down.

I understand your issue with the shirt - I have a short neck and broad shoulders and I try to avoid high collars, even though I love the look. That's not to say it doesn't look good, but it's not the most flattering neckline. Love the color though. Maybe try unbuttoning like Ana suggests?

Can't think of color combinations for the red cardi except obvious black and white, but I am not very daring with colors.

kellygirl

Veteran

You have a great figure, Becky! I love the tops. They are gorgeous on you--perfect colors and fit! I think you are wise to try a smaller size in the pants--the jeans especially look a bit voluminous (but it could be the extra fabric at the bottom.) I love the skirt--it's very flattering and cute with the boots.

Great purchases!

Anonymous

Becky, you look wonderful. Everyone has said pretty much what I'm thinking..it all looks good, but try smaller sizes in pants and jeans. My favorite on you is the blue belted sweater, but I love the snapdragon cardi too. A black cardi is a great basic. I need to find one too. I almost bought the same raspberry blouse at Talbots today but ended up with cream cord pants instead. I envy you being able to wear shiny fabrics.

susan

Becky-You look great in every outfit. I really can't add anything to the suggestions, but a girl can't get too many complements! You did very well!

Violet

Great purchases Becky! It looks like you've gotten some great feedback already, but I'll go ahead and throw in my two cents.

1. LOVE the sweater. That is a great color on you. It wouldn't hurt to try one size smaller in the pants. I know it's hard to figure out sizes when you are shopping online. With the Gap, you an return online items directly to the store.

2. Wow, another great shirt and another great color on you. Also, I think you are right about the pants. A size smaller might fit better.

3. I like the cardi with how you have paired it with the gray skirt. I think you could also wear it with the tweed pants or jeans. I'm still getting used to mixing different colors, but I think it would look cute with a white or cream cami underneath. I like wearing camis with lace edging for a little more visual interest. I think for accessories you could wear a long statment necklace or maybe even a scarf.

4. I don't think it is a bad idea to buy a black cardi. I think it is a good basic piece to have in a wardrobe.

Alecia

Veteran

I think most everything has been covered. I want to second (or third, or fourth) trying a smaller size in the pants. In particular, the dress pants seem big. I love the ruffle top with the cardigan combination. It's really beautiful.

Patience

Veteran

Becky, you look fantastic!

1. & 2. 9+ The berry top is my favorite. Definitely go down a size in the pants and jeans. If you sport these kinds of looks on a regular basis you'll be sizzling.

3. 8.5 I love the color

4. 8.5 I think the blouse would look better unbuttoned at the top too. Experiment with it. I think it's good to have a black cardi too. But if you'd rather get something else (i.e. you don't love it), then return it.

Tanya

Veteran

Great purchases Becky! I love all the new tops, particularly the berry one. I would try a size down in both the pants and the jeans.

Becky

Veteran

Thank you, ladies, for taking the time to comment. It sounds pretty much unanimous, so I'll exchange the pants and jeans for a size down and then post the results so you can help me decide!

Becky

Veteran

Bump for Angie.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yooohoo, Becky. Thanks for bumping. (I’m amazed at how well little children take pictures).

You look wonderful. LOOOOOVE your boots. Beautiful berry and blue knit tops! Love the snap dragon cardi too. Definitely go down a size on the jeans and pants. Black is not for everybody for sure. Remember these posts:

http://youlookfab.com/2006/04/.....%E2%80%9D/

http://youlookfab.com/2006/10/.....ad-to-toe/

But I like your black cardi. Keep! Love you in a skirt. That’s a great little look for you. Well done