A good 'starter' shirt before I 'invest' in a silk button front? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

A good 'starter' shirt before I 'invest' in a silk button front?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I was thinking maybe of trying this jersey ON shirt as an entry level piece before I go spending $100+ on an Equipment shirt. http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=253508012 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?
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!!

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Shopping

26 replies

Latest reply was from Mo

cinnamon fern

Veteran

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.

Also, it would bother me that it requires hand-washing, but that's maybe just me.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

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.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

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!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

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.

K. Period.

Veteran

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.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Thanks K - maybe Nexx. Didn't some here have washing issues though?
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.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

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.

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).

Silk is so much more luxe, cooler against the skin, more drapey.

K. Period.

Veteran

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.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

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!

Glory

Veteran

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.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

catgirl

Veteran

Mo, I'm happy to check our Costco for you.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

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 . . .
looking for black, by the way

Charmian

Veteran

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 asked on the forum 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.

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).

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! http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M Sadly, J. Jill doesn't carry any of "my" colors -- hope you have better luck.

I agree with the others: the texture of heavy silk is like nothing else, and I adore mine. If money weren't a problem (HAH!) I'd pick up another one in a heartbeat. Good luck!

Charmian

Veteran

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.

catgirl

Veteran

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!

jen

Once you become an 'Equipment Shirt' gal you will NEVER turn back!

lynne

Veteran

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.

RunnerChick

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 http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-camuto-kr).

ETA: looks like some are still available for 29.99.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

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.

If you want a cheaper alternative I'd go with the Nexx shirt or with this Trouve shirt:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/tr.....rt/3277518

but if you really want the Equipment blouse, then go for it. The fit wonderfully and have great fabrics.

jayne

Veteran

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.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

For now, I am going to see if Una can turn up a Costco one in the $20 - $30 range.
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.
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 . . .

catgirl

Veteran

Hey Mo, will be going to Costco this weekend so do you want me to just get one, or let you know details?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

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
If no black, a dark grey could work too. It's to go with red, wine, and olive bottoms. Thanks a bunch!

Charmian

Veteran

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.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tw.....rt/3358983

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.

catgirl

Veteran

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!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

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.