Help me choose: layering items and...bathrobes? :p

Yes, I know I just got a shipment in, but I have finally decided that I really need a few layering pieces, and so i turn to you for help.

I'm going to get what I believe to be the plus-size equivalent of the Caslon rib-knit tee, and I could use some input on which colours to get. I'm pretty well set on white and "deep cobalt," but am undecided on a third option? Cabernet? One of the purple shades?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....ltback=289

Why not black, you ask? Because Marianna suggested this piece, and it sounds appealing:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....ltback=289

Then there's the issue of bathrobes, i.e. my favourite item of loungewear (so shoot me). I love the kind that doesn't rely on a waist tie because there's so much less fussing involved. To that end, I'm humbly requesting descriptions of these two robes. How long are they? What's the neckline/pocket placement like? And in the case of the velvet one, is the fact that it comes only in black a deal-breaker? For some reason I have it in my head that black should be avoided for robes:

1. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....ltback=337
2. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....ltback=363

Thanks, Ladies!

15 years ago

cloud9

Veteran

Yes, the first black one only comes in black.. hard to see details, but it reminds me of choir robe.. no go.

The 2nd one is not much better, way too simple, I can't see pockets,as they are side pockets (meaning, the opening of the pocket is part of the side seams ripped open). No details up front, basically a plain piece of clothes with zipper front. Nay. sorry.

They are both very long, calf/floor length. The necklines are boring, the black one, the zipper comes a bit short of the top of "crewneck", so you see a little v-split right at front. The other one is a zipper all the way from bottom to the neckline, which is like the turtle neck length, I suppose you can fold it down with the zipper open lower. I noticed that all zipper front robes are more matronly (sack like, no shaping at all).

I found this one: http://www.amazon.com/Long-Zip.....038;sr=8-2
it's mandarin collar, seaming just at/below bust so empire style, then the rest gathers & flows out, more like a dress.

Becky

Cabernet would be gorgeous on you! I can also see Tide Pool working for you; it's a very nice, rich teal.

The first bathrobe hits just above the ankle on the model. The neckline is what I would call a crewneck, with a zipper in front that comes up to within about 2 inches of the neckline, leaving a little, narrow slit right in the center. I don't see any pockets at all on this robe. Hmm, about the color black: Remind me what color your dog is? The only reason I personally would steer away from it is if I felt it would constantly be unsightly because of pet hair. Velour tends to pick up hair badly, in my experience.

The second robe hits about mid-calf on the model. The second neckline has a bit of a demi-collar (for want of a better term). It looks it could be zipped up all the way to the neckline to form kind of a mock-turtleneck. The pockets look to be on-seam pockets at about hip level.

I actually prefer the first robe. I like the satin trim on the sleeves and the neckline. The second one kind of makes me think of my grandma's robes!

Steph

Michelle, for colors on the shirts, I second tide pool, and also think that the magenta (which is a nice, dark, rich raspberry color) would look really good on you. The cabernet would also work, but I think I prefer the other two colors. One thing about the cobalt, is that it doesn't really look like cobalt to me. It's not that deep, bright cobalt you love so much, but more of a navy, at least on my computer monitor.

I think you already have good descriptions of the robes, but one thing I'll say about the black velvet is that I think it would very easily get covered in fur from your dog and cat.

Sveta

(website)

I had the same though like Steph that this is not "your" cobalt color - too washed out. I think Caberne and Tide Pool are the only colors for you - well maybe Magenta too.
I like the black tank - it is a great layering piece as sleeves do not interfere with the top layer.

Anonymous

Michelle, on the tee colors I like the Cabernet (a deep rich purple), Palace Purple ( a medium purple...not dark or pastel), and tide pool (a teal that is slightly more greenish than blue) and Magenta (a rich rose). The Cobalt and Blueprint are almost the same color on the monitor, which makes me think that the cobalt may actually be a bit lighter than it shows. I wonder if they linked to the wrong color. Blueprint is a richer blue which I think would still look great on you. So would Cobalt, but it looks a bit less intense.
Love the black top Marianna picked!
On the robes, the first one (black) looks most like you. It falls 52" from the shoulder and hits the model on the lower calf...probably not long enough to trip on. This fabric wears like iron and washes and machine dries beautifully. You could leave it a bit unzipped at the neckline for a slit neck. The drawbacks I see are no mention of pockets and that the sleeves get wider at the wrists so that they would not stay pushed up. That may not be a problem for you like it is for me. Since Reva is black, this would be the best choice for hiding dog hair.
The second robe is cut narrower and is a bit shorter. The sleeves are more straight cut. The colors are pastel. It looks more like bedroom wear rather than something to lounge in to me but would serve the purpose. I guess I'd rather be wearing #1 than #2 if I had to answer the door.

marianna

I love the sequined black top! I wore it with my velvet blazer the other day -- you must do the same! Black or grey gets my vote. I may get the grey too. It has pretty silver sequins.

For the tee I vote cabernet. Not loving the cobalt... I've seen it in person and it's kinda blah. More navy than cobalt. I'd go for tide pool instead. It's a pretty emerald green color.

I have no input on the robes really. We sell Carol Hochman nightgowns at my store and they're all very soft. Customers like her items.

Michelle

You guys rock, seriously.
Cloud9, I don't really care about the fact that zip-robes don't define shape as much. I'm after fuss-free comfort in my loungewear, and this is one occasion when I'm happy to surrender the waistline. Interesting conflicting opinions on the black velvet one. Should I pass?
Ok, sounds like the Cabernet is a go for sure...I wish one of the blue options was a nice bright mid-tone blue of the sort that traditionally looks good on me! Marianna, since you've seen these irl, do any of them fit the bill? And are these tees in fact the same as the straight-size rib-knit ones that Angie loves?

ETA: Marianna, your outfit yesterday totally inspired me to get that tank (she sent me a text to tell me about it). I will copy you at the first opportunity and pair my purplish-grey velvet jacket with the tank and my black pencil skirt.

Michelle, let me know when you wear the sequined tank/velvet blazer outfit and we can post twin pics.

I think these tees are similar to the ones Angie posted but not exactly the same. These have less spandex/stretch and are more like a typical t-shirt material. People LOVE them though and buy them in multiples. They say they wash up great and last forever.

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