Help-2nd round Ann Taylor K/R - YouLookFab Forum

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Help-2nd round Ann Taylor K/R

Carole

Veteran

I returned the whole lot of my last K/R from Ann Taylor...nothing was a 10 so I begin again with these replacements....

1)Angie recommended the faux leather trim vest and I'm trying it here with the tunic that so many forum members are enjoying.

Opened, closed and a side view...it seems this would be a fun statement piece..a dressed up version of a vest that could be dressed up or down and worn with so many different tops and bottoms. What do you think?

2) Merino color block sweater; also worn under the long vest.

Really love the soft colors in this and it's very comfortable, I ended up sizing up because they didn't have my size but I'm thinking it looks and feels like a pretty good fit. Also, will be a good sweater with my gray skinnies and other gray accessories I've added to my wardrobe this fall.

3) I had admired this dress online and it was on the clearance rack...yay..seems like it would be a fun dress for the holidays. It might seem a tad short and I could take the hem down about an inch and 1/2...what do you think?

Honest feedback welcome and appreciated. Thanks fabbers!

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Faux Leather Trim Crepe Vest

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18 replies

Latest reply was from Carole

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I like the colorblock sweater on you and it and the dress are a lovely color on you. The dress seems a bit big around the shoulders and upper body - maybe it was how you are standing? I agree that it's rather short; not that you don't have killer legs in it, you do! But I personally would not be comfortable wearing it at that length. If you can let out the hem I think it could become a useful piece.

I have a poison eye for long vests so I will let others give you feedback on that.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The vest is really cool - I think you can get great use from it, and how lucky you are to be able to carry a piece like this off so easily!

I love the colour of the sweater and dress on you, but worry that both are a bit short. The sweater would work with skirts for sure but is a bit tricky for pants, I think? Or do my eyes misjudge that?

As for the dress, I would see how long you can make it. If it can be taken down enough, it is just gorgeous and I can see how a shift dress would be a terrific holiday option.

unfrumped

Veteran

The sweater colors are wonderful on you. I'd only wear this length with skirts and not with skinnies or pants--though I realize non-pear shapes can wear shorter tops. I'd also consider sizing up even more. There were a lot of longer and more fluid options in sweaters, perhaps?
I'm not the expert on this type of vest but I think you look good in it. I'd try it with several outfits and see if it's something you'll reach for.
To me the dress is too short, and in the photo does not look as if it has adequate hem to let out. Again, the cream color is gorgeous on you, so I can see why you like it.

Speaking as an AT groupie--have just bought & returned many items in the past month--trying out which sizes fit "correctly" is maddening, which items translate as good quality or good value and which don't measure up. A couple items seemed good in store and then seem too fussy or need special underlayers at home. I'm a sucker for the fit of the AT skirts and curvy pants, and then there'll be tops in that color palette, and there I go down the rabbit hole. So, currently have a couple items with tags on that I should probably take back and go, Next! It is a good source brand for me, has provided some major essentials and workhorses, but I have to be very, very careful not to get sales goggles or just plain over-do in some categories just because it's convenient. Need to mix things up.

Carole

Veteran

Laura, thanks for your opinion...I think the way I'm positioned taking photos with the propped up mirror isn't helping:(. You get a view of the dress from below which makes it look shorter than it is..if that make sense.

Suz, I appreciate the feedback...it didn't even occur to me that the sweater was short, hmmm, I do have a gray skirt this would work nicely with, but I don't have the life to wear skirts or dresses often, so need to think about that...now I'm wondering if I could layer the tunic under it.....the angle of the mirror and my phone camera skills aren't doing the dress any favors....the length really didn't seem all that bad to me, but then I'm used to having things shorter because of my height, not that that's an excuse:)

Unfrumped-I selected the sweater because they featured it with this vest and I loved the look and lighter contrast....so apparently it doesn't look quite right with the vest? I mentioned above that perhaps the tunic under it would be better. Since I don't wear skirts often maybe this needs to go back too. I was hoping 11/2 inches to hem down would have helped to make the dress work for me.....

I'm so discouraged...I feel like I have wasted so much time shopping, getting excited then disappointed because nothing is quite right. Insert unhappy face....maybe I don't need anything after all.

Sara L.

Veteran

I think the vest is great! What a fun piece. I like the color blocking on the sweater and think you probably need to try it on with a few different bottoms to figure out whether it will work the way you want it to. I like the dress and the length seems fine to me.

unfrumped

Veteran

Ah, Carole, now I fear I've been a discourager, and I've been very discouraged at times myself, and needed a boost . I'm probably channeling my own foibles of settling, fixing, and wear with one- thing- itis. I was buying things that just added to closet mayhem and not earning their keep re: style or convenience. So maybe that is not where you are.
For the sweater, for me discernment comes with tryons. If you think it works with a variety of bottoms( or all that you planned on) that is the thing. Or if it does its job as an underlayer support act, that's good. And you know what type of fit you're going for.
( That's been an issue for me-- what SIZE? Recently bought top in petite large to get a boxy fit to go with skirts. Sheesh!)

Carole

Veteran

Sara, thanks for vest love, and you are right, need to try the sweater on with more bottoms and see how it works. Thx!!

Unfrumped- sorry to have made you feel responsible for any of my frustration, trust me, I appreciate your honesty, I need it. Like you, I want to make wise purchases that fit me and my lifestyle. I thought the sweater would work so well with my gray neutrals this year and with this statement vest...and I just didn't get that it was too short. Comments were made on another post of mine about the tops being too short, again, no clue here. Where are they suppose to end to be workable with pants? I guess I need a tutor! At any rate, THANK YOU for taking time to help me ponder this! Mwah!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE the black gillet and the tunic shirt, Carol. I vote killer pieces.

The colour block sweater is the right size and fits how it is suppose to. A smaller size would have been off. Super little piece. Nice with a pencil skirt too.

And a fabulous cream shift. You cleaned up at AT. Nicely done. xo

Carole

Veteran

Oh, Angie, bless your heart. Thank you so much!!! I was beginning to think I struck out again....so you think the dress is ok at this length or if I can bring the hem down an inch or so? And the sweater, would it work with slacks or no?

Xoxoxo mwah!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Oh, the vest! I was admiring it online and it looks great on you - I like it much better that the ink knit vest you returned. Such a classy piece!
Tunic shirt is great but I am biased
The sweater is nice, It is a bit short for skinnies but good length for slouchy pants and bootcuts with a semi tuck - and also to layer over shirts (like your new tunic.) - then you can wear it even with skinnies and fitted slacks!

The dress is gorgeous.It is not indecently short but did it pass the sit down test? I would say if you feel comfortable in it then keep, wear and enjoy ( for myself I would let that 1.5 inch out though...)
Love the dress and vest together!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You're very welcome, Carol. You did a great job at AT.

And what Sveta said. Do the sit-down test with hose and cross your legs. The dress is not at all tight so I suspect you'll be fine.

Carole

Veteran

Angie, thanks for clearing that up! I appreciate your steering me to the vest. I really needed a few statement pieces, and this one will be fun. You are sweet as a peach!

Sveta, thank you so much for chiming in! Because we have similar fit issues, you are my inspiration and role Model. I've learned so much from your WIW's and I probably wouldn't have ventured into vest territory without seeing you in your stunning long vest...so classy and chic. I really appreciate the honest feedback, too..excellent tips on making the sweater work...I was hoping it might work to layer under..love having lots of ways to use my new pieces! Xoxo

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Carole, you are welcome!
As for the sweater: other than with tight skinnies you can wear it with semi-tuck with virtually any other bottom style. Semi-tuck is pure magic!

Carole

Veteran

Sveta, thanks for the added tips! I'm so excited to give these pieces a road test. You have helped me learn so much. Thanks for taking time to be my teacher!

Zibbets

Veteran

Carole, I missed this before but I was curious when you mentioned it. The vest is a statement but you can totally pull it off! You look fantastic! I like it best with the skinny black pants and white shirt. Wear it confidently. You look mahvelous!

I like the dress a lot too. Would you consider trying it with tights and boots? I can't tell what the fabrication is, so maybe I'm way off base. It's short, but for holiday parties, I think it could be fabulous. You definitely have the legs for it!

Carole

Veteran

Zibbets, thanks for weighing in and your encouragement. I haven't worn the vest yet, but I'm still looking forward too it. Seems a little dressy for my very casual life but I'm thinking I might give it a go tomorrow! And definitely would, wear the dress with tights and boots...I'm limited to these booties that I have on because of my bad feet. I have a riding style type boot that would be to casual for the dress. Shoes are the hardest part for me to make a great looking outfit, sadly no heels for me:(

shemarie

I really like the pieces you've chosen (I think they were all in my cart at one point or another) and think they look lovely on you. As a fellow tall IT, I learn so much from your thoughts and analysis. Top length for different bottoms is something I'd never even contemplated before YLF and I know I likely get it wrong more often than right. Loved Sveta's and Angie's styling suggestions and I'm taking mental notes. Can't wait to see all the outfit renditions with these fab pieces!

Carole

Veteran

Thanks, shemarie! I'm continually learning here on the forum. It does really help to see everyone model and share their thoughts about why things are or are not working. I am anxious to see some of your WIW's! I've been a little MIA for awhile and am happy to be back exploring and improving my style!