I went to the mall to return white jeans and guess what?

Of course, you are right, I came home with something else! It is a danger of returning stuff to the mall All my budget damage was done at Banana Republic.

pic 1 Denim shirt. Angie recommended this shirt from BR some time ago and I succumbed at last (they have 30% off sale today) This is size L as medium is a bit snug in the sleeves and shoulders. I think it is too big for me in the body even though the shoulders fit well. The length in the body and sleeves is good too (very seldom occurrence for me). Should I take it in in the body to make it more fitted or is it supposed to fir loosely like this? The photo on the left is how it fits, in the photo on the right I am holding the excess of the fabric in the back to make it more fitted. What do you think?

pic 2-3
I found this dress on the sale rack, put it on and fell in love with the coral color and the style. I want to add a couple of summer dresses which I can wear to work with a jacket and also wear casually with or without a cover up depending on the weather and I felt this one fits the bill. It is a bit big in the bodice (usual problem for me - see pic. 3) - I can put it on without unzipping but it should be an easy alteration. I can also let it down 1" - should I do it or the length is good as is? I cannot return it as it is a final sale but I really like it. It was $80 down from $160 which is still pretty expensive but I can live with this. This is one of the very few pastel colors I can wear I think.
Another interesting thing is that I found that BR sale prices on the website are much higher than in the store. This dress is listed on sale for $128 on their website right now - it was $80 in the store.

After the mall I went to Costco to buy some food and they had an underwear event there so I bought some. I can return them if they do not work but I tried them on and I think they are good. The fabric is similar to Shimera boyshorts but these are different cut. The interesting thing is that they do not have any elastic, just the raw edge and they lay very flat against the body. I am going to try them with those white trousers and check for VPL. They are made in Canada and the brand is Elita if anybody is interested.
That was my unexpected haul for today. Please let me know if denim shirt does not work for me - I can return it.
Thanks!

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13 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love the dress on you and think it is totally worth altering. I also love (and own) the BR top, and like how it fits as is. Cool underwear at costco - I like the camis I get there!

Jjsloane

I have the same problem with most button down shirts. In order to fit the chest the rest is a little big. I think without the prefold pleat it's ok as is, but it does also look good more fitted. Love that coral dress on you. I like the length as is, with the alteration you described. I find much better deals in store than online for Gap and BR.

I have bought clothing from all sorts of retail - Costco, World Market come to mind. I think it was Christianne who said "leave no retail stone unturned". You never know what you'll find when you're shopping for bulk food items...

annagybe

I like the fit as is on the denim shirt. I like them a little big. I think the length is good on the dress, great summer color.

Sveta

Shevia, I don't have luck with Costco camis - they are too short on me.
Jjsloane, this is one of Angie's favorite sayings - "leave no retail stone unturned"

Lyn D.

Beautiful coral colour on you Sveta!
Given the length of the denim shirt I agree that some tapering through the body would be great.

Vicki

That coral dress is so beautiful and sometimes returns bring you more good things. My brother went to Costco today, too.

Transcona Shannon

i actually like the BR shirt as is. Will you ever tuck it in Sveta? I think that's the kicker - if you're planning to tuck it. you'd want to take it in a bit. If not, then leave as is.

The coral dress is lovely and definitely worth the alteration. I wouldn't change the length - it's great as is.

Fab finds Sveta!

sarah

That coral dress is going to be gorgeous once your mom is done with it! I think that the shirt could stay just as is. Can't wait to see you in your new undies ; )

Jonesy

Love both! I don't see much difference in the denim shirt when you are pulling at it in the second pic. In the first it doesn't look boxy, just looser fitting, which I like.

Suz

Sveta! I am going to be your twin! I just bought the BR denim shirt, too. It fits me exactly the same way. I will try to get a pic tomorrow. I have pretty much decided to keep mine unless the forum says it's horrible. Yes, it is on the looser side, but I'm pretty sure it's meant to be that way.

I like the dress, too. I know just what you mean about summer dresses. I was out shopping for similar this week. Unfortunately that colour doesn't work so well on me.

The undies look fab, too! Please report to us how they are!!

christieanne

I love the dress and that is a great color for you. Just alter in the top a bit and ready to roll. The shirt seems a bit big but maybe the sides could be nipped in a bit? Lucky you have a wonderful mom seamstress to consult on that. I have bought basics like tanks and u/w and socks at Costco too - those look good for curing vpl.

JJ- I was guoting Angie when I used that term for sure!

Scarlet

Hi Sveta, I like the fit of the shirt as is. I don't think the dress needs to be longer. Good job finding a summer dress. I am still looking. I have very similar underwear (laser cut edges and style) from an Austrian(?) brand called Palmers. They work well for me. Especially the nude color under white jeans works well, more so than my usual thongs because they lie flatter to the body. I did find sizing up was good because the particular ones I have don't have much give.

Makrame

Great shirt and dress! I like the subtle coral color on you. Simple and flattering summer dresses like this one are great wardrobe staples - I am sure you'll get a lot of wear out of it.

Anonymous

Fantastic haul!

Meredith1953

I love both pieces on you! The color of that dress is fantastic and I also like the shape and length. It is a wee bit large under the arms but that is not tough to fix.

marianna

Nice! Great, versatile items. Good haul.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I have that denim shirt and wear it that big

Is your Mum going to alter the armholes of the frock for you? It will look great with your off white shrunken jacket!

Kyle

Can't wait to see your magical styling skills at work with these fab new pieces, Sveta. You will not regret that denim blouse -- it can be styled up or down -- and you'll wear the dress so much in the summer.

Irene

I think the shirt is supposed to fit exactly like that. The dress is pretty and given the price, worth altering

Thank you everybody for chiming in!
Angie has spoken and denim shirt stays as is with her blessing. I am taking the dress to my mom this afternoon to take in the top - armholes and in the waist. She is really used to this kind of alterations for me because I have to do it for 80% of tops, jackets and dresses: if they fit my shoulders they are way too big in the chest and back. The skirt fits perfectly. I have already tried this dress with my denim and non-denim cropped jackets and I think it works really well. I hope to get the CPW of this $80 dress well down this summer!

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