https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 07 May 2026 17:04:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-721881 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 14:13:02 +0000 Mo 721881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ooh, good to have another back up option - thanks! The free shipping/returns is a sigh of relief after my merry go round to the post office lately too And just maybe it'll go on sale by the time I can actually wear a long sleeved black shirt lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-721794 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 05:00:48 +0000 catgirl 721794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Charmian, I was just going to note the pocket issue, which would make a difference for me in the bust area, but if you're right, then those are really nice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-721773 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 03:48:31 +0000 Charmian 721773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo! I was just at Nordies an hour ago and saw their Vince Camuto silk blouse -- dead ringer for the Equipment Signature -- at $99. I know it's a bit higher than your ideal price, but I thought you'd want to know in case the Costco version doesn't work out. It's a true, deep black and has the same sueded feel and gorgeous drape of the Equipments.</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/two-by-vince-camuto-silk-utility-shirt/3358983" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tw.....rt/3358983</a></p> <p>FYI: the pocket style in the pics for both the pesto and the black is wrong: it's the basic, non-pleated pocket you see on the Equipment Signature, and in all other colors for this blouse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-721396 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:12:57 +0000 Mo 721396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, if you don't mind - just grab me one black if it's available. I assume I'd be a small, but as you say, you have a good grasp on my size :)<br /> If no black, a dark grey could work too. It's to go with red, wine, and olive bottoms. Thanks a bunch! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-721393 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:05:54 +0000 catgirl 721393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Mo, will be going to Costco this weekend so do you want me to just get one, or let you know details? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-721130 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:24:41 +0000 Mo 721130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For now, I am going to see if Una can turn up a Costco one in the $20 - $30 range.<br /> Jenava, although it is a basic, I'm not so sure if it'll be *my* basic. I've gone down this road before with vests, pencil skirts, denim jackets. Declared basic and essential by many here, but just did not work out that way in my wardrobe. So, $100 (or more!) on a shirt who's style I may not end up liking or wearing is a huge amount of money for me to ponder. I've never spent $100 on any top - including those I know I love already.<br /> I imagine it with my wine skinny cords and maybe my red moto pants. Maybe open over other cami's but not sure. See, I'm just not sure how it'll work lol. I might try it with a cargo skirt or two, but that might feel frumpy and conservative to me. Just don't know . . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720966 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 04:34:00 +0000 jayne 720966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dont think I would use a jersey interim, but a polysester one. But in your heat, well, maybe it would have to wait for winter. And I support fully the try cheap path first. I find it helps me take the next step when I love the style but just want better quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720948 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 03:49:13 +0000 Jenava 720948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I think you should save your money and just buy the equipment shirt. They are a basic. You will wear it! Buying interim pieces will just fritter away you money.</p> <p>If you want a cheaper alternative I'd go with the Nexx shirt or with this Trouve shirt:</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/trouve-pocket-shirt/3277518" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/tr.....rt/3277518</a></p> <p>but if you really want the Equipment blouse, then go for it. The fit wonderfully and have great fabrics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720872 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 01:16:56 +0000 RunnerChick 720872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I bought myself a couple of silk shirts from J Jill outlet (normally retailing at 89.99, they're now marked down to 29.99 and when I bought them, there was another 30% off, so I paid $20 for a shirt). Good news was that they were available in my colors. I've handwashed one, and with a light iron, it retains its texture. I think they're totally worth it. J Jill does run big, though; I'm usually a S, but I for XS and it worked out well. (if you want to see a pic of the shirt, it's at <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/vince-camuto-kr" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-camuto-kr</a>).</p> <p>ETA: looks like some are still available for 29.99. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720852 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:58:05 +0000 lynne 720852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the review of the Gap's Perfect shirt, texstyle! I bought one on Sunday, and was wondering whether I should go back for another. I won't wear anything I have to iron. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720841 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:43:02 +0000 jen 720841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once you become an 'Equipment Shirt' gal you will NEVER turn back! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720771 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 23:38:46 +0000 catgirl 720771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo there is no difference in postage - if I stuff it in a priority mail envelope it should be $5. I'll let you know if we have it, and I have a good idea of your size! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720717 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 23:04:43 +0000 Charmian 720717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, just saw your update about a preference for a black blouse. Be careful there; I've seen a lot of black silk whose color just didn't look "right" to me. I don't know if silk doesn't take dye well or if it's just that I was looking at sueded silks (which have that fuzziness which reflect light differently), but there were a lot of greeny-blacks or faded-blacks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720680 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 22:40:01 +0000 Charmian 720680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I took the Nexx shirt home with me and dipped a corner of the tab (that holds the sleeves up) in water; totally ruined the sueded feel. I <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anybody-washed-their-nexx-blouse-successfully">asked on the forum</a> for success stories, and the results seemed to be mixed so I took it right back to Nordies rather than risk washing it for real.</p> <p>OTOH, I bought the Equipment shirt and already hand washed it once. I know Rae Dryels hers (and I think Una was on the fence about her washing strategy?), but I had mostly positive results; the texture is the same, but the thread around the pockets shrunk infinitesimally. I promise you, no one except me notices (and only because I'm super self-conscious about my bust). </p> <p>If you're looking for a starter silk shirt, I've been pointed at J. Jill's, which are both machine-washable and jaw-droppingly cheap. There were been a few mentions on the forum earlier in the summer, and you can probably find some YLFers who can comment in more detail. Right now, they're only $29.99! <a href="http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/product/itempage.aspx?BID=305104650&#038;PFID=15&#038;item=P7068A&#038;h=M&#038;sk=M" rel="nofollow">http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&#038;sk=M</a> Sadly, J. Jill doesn't carry any of "my" colors -- hope you have better luck.</p> <p>I agree with the others: the texture of heavy silk is like nothing else, and I <em>adore</em> mine. If money weren't a problem (HAH!) I'd pick up another one in a heartbeat. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720677 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 22:35:52 +0000 Mo 720677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, that would be so sweet of you! It's still under $50 with shipping from AK? I can do $50 but not much more . . .<br /> looking for black, by the way </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720674 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 22:34:09 +0000 catgirl 720674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I'm happy to check our Costco for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720661 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 22:22:57 +0000 Glory 720661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like this shirt but likely you will need a cami or a jacket over it. I have a similar one from Mossamo and it is like a tshirt with sleeves and a colour. But I agree it will fill a different need than an equipment shirt. Joe Fresh has this silk shirt on for $49 in 6 different colours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720639 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:54:34 +0000 Mo 720639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yeah, I may have to do some trying on of nice silk tops next time we go to Tampa. Just to get the feel for the movement and drape. My one and only silk button up top is from Kmart half a decade ago. Likely not representative of most silk button fronts lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720637 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:53:27 +0000 K. Period. 720637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, definitely washing issues with the Nexx, and so will you if you wash it. That sanded finish will not hand wash (I know from several experiences in the past, so I don't even try anymore). The shirt will probably be fine, but it won't have the lovely finish. If you want to keep the finish, you'll need to dry clean it. Same thing with the Equipment one, though. So, if you aren't ready to dry clean, then I'd reconsider the Equipment one too. The polyester knock offs are a good bet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720636 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:52:27 +0000 Suz 720636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it's a question of wanting to experiment with the style, I'd say go for it. But the feel and drape of a knit is really different from silk, so it's going to be a different experience. As long as you know that, going in, you're all set. </p> <p>I have a really nice quality knit shirt (I'm actually going to post with it tomorrow) that I got on sale last winter. It's an Eileen Fisher. It's nothing like a silk shirt, but I really like the way it...I don't know how to put it...conforms to the body. It's easy to scrunch the sleeves, it's easy to move in (that stretchyness) and it's an interesting combination between "buttoned up" (the style) and casual (the fabrication). </p> <p>Silk is so much more luxe, cooler against the skin, more drapey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720631 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:42:52 +0000 Mo 720631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks K - maybe Nexx. Didn't some here have washing issues though?<br /> Not a Costco member. I have a friend 3,000 miles away who is and takes us along sometimes. Not very helpful right now lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720626 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:40:01 +0000 K. Period. 720626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about the knock off that everyone saw at Costco? Could you try that? Or the Nexx one? You'll really have to dry clean the Equipment blouse if you don't want the sanded texture to change, so the Nexx one would let you get your toes wet before you take the plunge. The ON one is lovely, and I definitely think that it could be a hard wearing item. However, jersey is so different from silk that I don't think it will give you as much of an idea of how much you'll wear it as another, silkier shirt will. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720625 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:39:11 +0000 Mo 720625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>thx, Texstyle - I'll have to look into the Gap shirt. ETA: too much like a traditional button down/oxford for what I'm looking for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720623 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:38:14 +0000 Mo 720623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fern, I'd likely size up and then machine wash gentle, fully expecting shrinkage lol. I am interested in the difference of material from the Equipment, though. I don't want it if it wears like a t shirt. Maybe I don't know *what* I want. Oh, yeah I do - a nice silk shirt under $50. Not holding my breath on that lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720620 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:37:23 +0000 texstyle 720620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried one of these a while back attracted by the low price. It was very thin, drapey knit and for me to make it work I guess I might have sized up, but I decided it just wasn't for me. I didn't like how the collar/ lapel didn't hold it's shape and you could see the lines of my bra straps in back. Good silk seems to glide over things like bra straps better. Then again, I didn't try it in black which would hide things more. And I"m looking for a bit more structure these days. I went with a totally different feeling shirt by ordering the "Perfect" shirt from Gap. I just got it yesterday. It's a bit stiffer of course but I really like the way it fits and the way it holds it's shape. Tags came off quickly. It washed well and for my lifestyle I won't be ironing it unless I'm going out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720617 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:34:52 +0000 cinnamon fern 720617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The shirt looks cute but I don't think it would really fill the place of an Equipment shirt - since it's jersey instead of woven the drape would be really different.</p> <p>Also, it would bother me that it requires hand-washing, but that's maybe just me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-good-starter-shirt-before-i-invest-in-a-silk-button-front#post-720605 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:29:37 +0000 Mo 720605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking maybe of trying this jersey ON shirt as an entry level piece before I go spending $100+ on an Equipment shirt. <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=10018&#038;pid=253508&#038;vid=1&#038;scid=253508012" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=253508012</a> I'm not sure how often I would wear the silhouette itself, so that's why I was thinking of a cheaper starter top to dip my toes in. I tried on the mixed media Pleoine at NAS and liked it, except for the fullness from the back. This seems similar to the Pleione to me. But maybe neither are anything like the Equipment silk and I'm just spinning my wheels here?<br /> I believe someone here had mentioned this top earlier in the year but don't remember who. I'm wondering if I should size up, since some reviews mention shrinking. And/or if it's horrible quality or fit - I'd love to know!! </p>