Angie's blouse recommendations - keep or return?

I picked up my order of some of Angie's blouse recommendations at Nordstrom's yesterday - the Bellatrix, Collective Concepts, and Sandra Ingrish. Note that none are available in petite. I returned the Bellatrix right away - it's beautiful, but I think would definitely need petite sizing in this - it was too long and the proportions were 'off'.

#1/2 - Collective Concepts. This is gorgeous, but I don't think this voluminous, unstructured style works on short, rectangular me. Thoughts?

#3/4 - Sandra Ingrish. Even though this would be a bit better in a petite (it would be a touch shorter-waisted), I think that this works, and the short-sleeve cotton would be great when it gets hot here (which it will *eventually*). Thoughts?

I'm starting to conclude that more fitted tops work the best for me, and even though I absolutely love the look of more flowy tops on others, I should probably just give up on them for my body type. If you all agree, this would be a major break-through in my thinking.

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15 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

I actually think these blouses look great on you....both the colors and styles! The Collective Concepts top isn't as voluminous to my eye as you seem to think it is. Its long, lean shape helps streamline its volume. The Sandra Ingrish is particularly flattering on you. I wouldn't change to petite at all.

I think both look really lovely, and they will be so nice for hot weather!

sarah

Thanks, Nancy!

Just to clarify - neither one comes in petite, so I have to make sure they work despite that (I nearly always require petite sizing).

lyn*

(website)

I think I like the fit of top #2 on you better

cheryle (Dianthus)

I think #2 is a bit more tapered at the waist as well. I see what you mean in the pics from the front as they could be more waist defining but from the side they look great. I think #2 is worth reconsidering at least.

kellygirl

LOVE #1. I think it's a gorgeous, floaty silhouette on you. I prefer it to #2 which is lovely but looks more conservative to me. I think the photos can be deceiving because they are static--I can imagine it is quite soft and drapey when you are moving. It looks like a perfect summer top to me and I love it with the white jeans.

Lynne

Love love love the Sandra Ingrish top on you, Sarah, it's very flattering. I agree the CC blouse is not as good with pants; have you tried it with a skirt?

Refugee

I am a rectangle as well but on the taller end of the spectrum. I often put things back (flowy blouses especially) because they give me what I refer to as the "Sponge Mom Square Pants look.' I have not given up on them entirely, I am just very selective about them. A slight nip at the waist is a must. Like the Sandra Ingish you're sporting. I think that one is a keeper.

catgirl

The second one is a definite keeper. The first one looks like it fits, but I'm not sure it's as flattering - I have a hard time with the voluminous look from the side in general. It may be one that looks better in motion...

Scarlet

I actually like both a lot. I think that kellygirl makes a good point about the movement of the blouse. I don't think top 2 needs to be shorter at all.

Linn

Active Member

You look great in outfit #2. Love the red shoes - cute touch!

ticksgirl

I love them both on you. Yes, the first one is less waist-defining, but it's supposed to be loose and floaty, right? That's how it's supposed to look! But you could probably have it taken in on the sides to give it a bit more shape if you wanted to.

As a fellow rectangle, I hear you. I've finally accepted the fact that fitted tops are more flattering on me. However, I don't feel like confining myself to fitted tops when it's sweltering outside, so I've accepted the fact that during the summer I'm going to have to loosen up a bit.

cheryl

I think they both look really good. #2 is my fav but think #1 looks good especially the side view with the back longer than the front. Its an interesting silhouette.

tarzy

I love #2 on you!

I think #1 looks fine in terms of fit, but I wonder if the issue is more with the print?

To me, #2 has a clean, modern classic vibe, whereas #1 is more girly. I also wonder if the colors might be throwing you? They seem a bit bright/electric (at least on my monitor.)

Of course, only you know what you prefer - they both look fine, objectively. Just something to think about!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You look great in both! Keep whichever floats your boat, Sarah.

christy

I like them both! The second one is particularly flattering, I think.

Jonesy

I like them both a lot!

lynn

I like both a lot!

The second one looks fantastic! Very flattering. I like the first one too, but don't keep it unless you love it. If it doesn't make you feel great, back it goes is my new philosophy.

Thanks, everyone. I think I'll definitely keep #2. Kelly - it is a bit more "conservative" feeling than I'm usually comfortable with, but I have two conferences to go to this summer (one in TX, no less), and this would really fill a wardrobe hole. Perhaps with a jacket I can 'spunkify' it. No clear consensus on #1. I'm leaning against it, even tho Angie and a whole bunch of you whose opinions I trust gave it the thumbs up. But I'll think about it a bit more.

Sounds like #2 will be a perfect top for you--it is super flattering and gotta love that it is cotton (it is cotton, right?) I can see it with clams, bermudas, coral/red pencil skirt, cropped moto, denim jacket--lots of fun stuff. I think #1 is super cute on you but you have to love it to keep it!

Queen Mum

Sarah- I love #2 on you (I bought that very one last week too I think it looks more conservative in the pictures than IRL actually I had tried mine on with white bermuda shorts and I felt very summery chic.

I"m not loving #1 on you. I don't know if it is the coloring or the cut, but something seems not quite perfect to me. I almost feel that it is too "weak" on you. Funny too, because I would have thought that blouse would be great on any blonde who tried it.

Kim, I think you summed it up for me. And it's not like it's an inexpensive blouse. Oh well, now I'll order some shoes I've had my eye on...

Debbie

I also have blouse number two. Love it on you!

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