Brooks Brothers: 2 wins and uncertainty

Thanks to Laura (rhubarb girl) for posting about Zac Posen for Brooks Brothers earlier this year. Brooks Brothers is a retailer I'd never considered for myself before. But their red silk shirt dress caught my eye so I put them on my list of online stores to check in with when I have time to browse. Online clearance, up to 70% off, happening now . Test driving these three things:

Wool Moto Jacket - It is hard for me to describe my love for this jacket. Sleek yet slightly blousey, it blurs the line for me between moto and bomber style, I feel cozy and protected in it. I adore the plaid. It fits my 34DD bust. And the lining feels silky/luxurious. Two quibbles: despite the nice lining I do feel some scratchiness around neck and sleeves. (If you have a problem with wool this piece won't work for you.) And you can't really wear it unzipped. I'm keeping it because I need a fall jacket that isn't gear. And because, well, cozy, protected love.

Jacquard Cashmere Cardigan - Another keep. The fit is good. I am an hourglassy 10/12 and the Large fits well on me (little to no button-gapping, nips in at the waist). The cashmere is nice medium weight (not tissue-thin, but not thick either). Given how pricey this cardigan was at full price I am surprised the cashmere isn't thicker, but on sale it feels more than just right.

Silk Shirt Dress - On the fence with this one. This dress is beautifully made. The silk is weighty and swings when you move. The red is stunning, saturated. I sized down two sizes per the reviews and the fit is almost perfect, just a little bit of button gap. (Can you see wearing this open with a cami underneath?) Husband likes. Alas, and I'm not sure why, it isn't passing the closet test. I hang new clothes in my closet to see if how I feel when I look at them before I decide to keep or return and something about this one, I can't put my finger on it, agitates.

Brooks Brothers

Wool Moto Jacket

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Brooks Brothers

Jacquard Cashmere Cardigan

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Brooks Brothers

Silk Shirt Dress

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8 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

They look like great picks to me. Will we get to see you model them?

Sara L.

The first two sound great but it seems like the dress needs to go back. Maybe wear it around the house a bit (not to cook or anything, just general wandering, sitting) and see if something clicks with you. Maybe you'll be able to pinpoint what the problem is. Or maybe you'll start to like it more.

Isabel

WOWZA !!! I have always LOVED BB for their button down shirts and tunics. But not much more. THIS however is swoon worthy. The moto jacket and the sweater are just divine. Talk about "basics" with a modern edge. Personally, I don't like the wide sleeves on the dress. It just sees a bit off with the wide sleeve and the wider skirt. : )

Anonymous

That cardigan is gorgeous!

Jane

The red colour of the dress is gorgeous, and it is a lovely classic shape, to my eye. But I think I would feel like there is a little too much fabric, so I think I can see your concerns. The other items are lovely, I love the plaid in the jacket and the colours in the cardigan.

I live for "cozy, protected love." Going to the website now.

I really love the red dress in concept. Based on one single picture, it seems that there is too much fabric there. But it would certainly make a statement. Do you have occasions to wear a dress that like that?

Oh GJ---I need to back away from the computer because I love that plaid Moto so much but must not purchase it as I am focussing on footwear. And $90!? What a deal!

Also love the cardi.

The dress is a really nice colour and has a very romantic vibe. I wonder about the sleeve width. On me, I would prefer something tighter and shorter.

Greenjeans

Thanks for the validation, people!

Your insightful comments yesterday about the shirtdress' fabric and sleeves were spot on. As lovely as it is, the dress has a heaviness or intensity that almost feels theatrical to me, as if it's a costume for a stage play. I feel intense when I look at it so have decided to return. Thanks for helping me get clear about this.

Love the cardi-appreciation! It's colors are even prettier IRL than in the photo, if you can believe that. They are richer and more saturated. Too bad it appears to have sold out.

FWIW, I'm rebuilding my wardrobe from scratch after years of not shopping and have needed just about everything. Don't have a lot to spend so trying to pick things that are in my budget that work with all the other things. I am an artist so most of my small wardrobe consists of studio clothes (work pants/jeans, and drug store tees, things I don't mind ruining) and opening/event clothes (dresses). Severe lack of presentable, casual clothes or anything professional looking (as in sometimes I don't go to things I should probably go to because can't dress self). The cardi and jacket will help with that. Since I love dresses and find them the most fun and easy thing to shop I'm happy, and my budget is happy, to pass on this one for now.

rachylou

Nice! I'm sure I overlook Brooks too... I think of them as suits and shirts I won't wear...

Runcarla

Take note of your guy's appreciation of the dress, and maybe see if a red dress, or something 50's 'New Look'/waist defining should have a place in your closet? You probably look like a modern Marilyn Munroe in the BB dress.

I remember Clinton Kelly (on 'What Not to Wear') telling a woman 'throw the dog a bone' in reference to a figure flattering cocktail dress in a sumptuous velvet suggested for 'date night' with her husband. (She spent most of her time in baggy jeans and sweat shirts or scrubs, if I recall.)

Though I would never let my husband pick my clothes (horror!) I do take his likes into consideration when dressing for a 'date'. Sure, they love us for who we are, yadda, yadda - but it never hurts to remind them of the glorious, glamourous creatures we can be - in a red dress!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Your picks are gorgeous, eyecatching and wearable for lots of occasions. I love the way each of them brings a twist to a classic look. The shirtdress is a very cool updated retro look--June Cleaver with serious attitude. I think your decision to pass on this one for now is sound. Given your situation and rebuilding a wardrobe, you might want a dress that makes less of an impression, one that you would feel happy wearing to multiple openings and events.

Thank you, Runcarla and Firecracker! I'm touched by your thoughtful comments.

And yes, I hear you, rachylou. Brooks Brothers is for Manhattan lawyers, right? I was in one of their outlet stores recently and could not relate. Love, love, love their website though.

I want to give Geenjeans and Laura a shout out for letting me know about the Brooks Brothers sale. I bought several white blouses (or are they called shirts?) for work. I am crossing my fingers that the white is not too sheer for work. I used to buy one Brooks Brothers blouse for work every single year when they went on sale. I guess I forgot this year so the PSA was greatly appreciated.

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