K/R Another shopping spree - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R Another shopping spree

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

I went on a speedy shopping spree last night--I had only a half hour before closing.

I want to get your opinions.

1. Cardigan with existing fall/winter pants and shirt. I like how the greys match.

2 &3. Striped sweater. I sized up--made it easier to push the sleeves up. I like it, not exciting--not happy with the solid black back. I know it's a "thing" but here, I think, it just looks like they ran out of fabric or something.

4. Cotton tunic--made to look like a big dark wash denim skirt--worn here with my walmart leggings rolled up. I don't like the way it sits on my bottom and creates a "shelf."--but I wanted to ask you about the silhouette generally--is this a good one for me--or should I just say no? This particular piece is going back. It is so dark, it makes me depressed just to look at it. (It is available in that faded washed out denim blue colour as well--but it isn't crisp. It's quite light and soft--so I'm afraid it will just look like a great big painting shirt.)

5. White 100% rayon tunic. I love it, but I think it has to go back. It slides around like crazy -- and can show too much cleavage. I do have a teenaged boy in the house, lol!

6. The blue top is pretty--love the princess seams--but it slides up and exposes my belly when I raise my arms. Weird. And, today, it's giving me that nurse's uniform top vibe. I actually wore one of those during my sloppy "I don't care" years--so I think that's kaput for this one.

Anyway, I'd like to know what you would say, if you don't mind. I don't mind sending it all back if I have to, either. It is early days even yet.

PS: I'm not being too picky, am I?

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Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from Alana in Canada

frannieb

Veteran

okay my two cents
1. Can't go wrong with a grey sweater. I actually find grey more versatile then black many time.
2. I have the poison eye toward the sweater look of front one color and back a solid color. I know it is a style, my eye doesn't like it.
4. I like the top on you
5. I like the white top - looks great with the black shorts
6. With the white jeans the top does look like a nurses top.

Lastly - if you don't love it return them - there will be other clothes. A meh means you don't love it. From personal experience when i am a meh on something I may wear it once or twice but it never makes it into solid rotation and gets donated quickly.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Frannie b--appreciate it.

I'd like to figure out a solution for the tunic top (#5) as I am currently sorely lacking in tops with sleeves--and the weather is turning coolish, finally.

Meredith

Veteran

I think the sweater and tunic are really flattering (although I can't see what's bothering you at the back). I don't dislike the other tops, but I'd go with your gut and hold out for things you're going to want to "live in."

Meredith

Veteran

If you belt the tunic will it diminish the "shelf" look?

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Sorry, Meredith--no belts. And when you say sweater, do you mean the black and white or the grey?

Von

Veteran

I really like that dark tunic top on you, I think it's quite nice. Sometimes, if you have a shelf in the back, you have a shelf in the back! I wear them but always belt if I can.

I agree about the floral top, I'm not a fan of how it looks.

I don't like that the striped top is "blank" on the back - it's my personal fashion peeve this year.

The white tunic is also nice, I think with a cami, it might be a contender! The neckline is flattering on you. Aside from the floral top, I think I prefer tops where you can show a little neck. The dark tunic is SO versatile if you have tank tops or camis in different colors. It would allow you to unbutton and show a nice neck line, but keep covered. Is there any way you would have it tailored in at the sides, if you don't do belts?

Dee

Veteran

I like the grey cardigan and the rayon (white) tunic the best. I'm also the odd one out and don't mind the black back of 2/3. Agree with you/everyone about the floral top. As far as the denim tunic, I like the color and the collar on you, but I think the fit could be better or needs a little tailoring.

shedev

Veteran

I think the whole lot looks good on you, but you have to be really comfortable with your choices. I'd take bake the ones you have issues with. You will find clothes that get you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

From what you have said: KEEP the grey cardigan.

Take back the rest.

It's not that it doesn't look good. It's that you do not love it.

Onward!!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Thanks everyone--I have to rush off to work, now, but I will respond more fully tonight--or tomorrow morning, depending how it goes.

Glory

Veteran

I really like the grey sweater on you and just came home from shopping for one just like it. So I say keep - it can work with many items.
I love the stripe sweater but not the back of it. I know it is the thing but I agree with you on it. I think you could perhaps look for a stripe sweater for your f/w wardrobe.
I purchased one last year and have worn it to death.
I also really like the white tunic on you. Can you wear a cami under? If not, then agree it should go back. I like the length.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

What Suz said. You don't sound happy with the others

unfrumped

Veteran

Picky is good. Means you are honing in on what you like.
Keep gray sweater. White top has potential as a guide to others you like better- some kinds of wovens, also curved hems, v or open neck but one you like. Striped top is a fun look on you, so hold out for one that is fully made in stripes.

missvee

Veteran

Agree - keep the cardi and return the rest.
I love the silhouette of 4, but you don't like the colour or the back view. But maybe there's something similar out there that will tick all of the boxes.
Also love the look of 5 but I think the fabric might be a bit flimsy. You could try a cami or tank top underneath. That can be fiddly though.

Jen W

I think the silhouettes of 4 and 5 are good ones for you, if not these particular renditions. Maybe look for a tunic like #4 with deeper slits on the sides or the ability to be altered? I have demanding shoulders that insist on being the first thing fitted in a garment. But when my shoulders are happy, I wear those items the most.

Meredith

Veteran

Oh, I meant the cardigan

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

You are not being too picky, Alana. You are making an effort to get clothes that you like and that flatter you. There are bound to be a lot of no-gos.

Another vote for keeping the gray cardigan. I like it on you with this outfit, and I know it will go with others, too. It's great when you have a long cardi and pants that go together like these--they can give you an instant outfit with just about any top you want to add.

I also like the denim tunic and think it's a style worth pursuing, even if you don't keep this one. You might try it with the leggings down and tucked into short boots for colder weather. Or tall boots if you have them. You might also look for one in a fabric with more drape. I have a chambray shirt that is tencel, so it has that chambray-shirt look, but with the drape of the white rayon top that you are liking.

Too bad the white tunic doesn't work for you. I like the suggestion of wearing a cami under it--would you wear it that way, or does that make it too hot/not versatile enough?

Interesting thing about the striped top--I'm not a fan of the high-contrast back, either, but I can see that the vertical line created by the different fabrics is quite flattering. So I wouldn't give up on the idea entirely. I think the effect would be a lot different if the front and back pieces had less contrast, though--it wouldn't look as jarring to me.

I agree with you that any top that makes you feel like you're reverting to your "I don't care" years is not a keeper.

catgirl

Veteran

I am with Suz. The first outfit is fantastic - now don't settle for less than total love!

RB

Everyone else has said it but I'll add my two cents.

Cardigan with existing fall/winter pants and shirt. I like how the greys match.

Agreed Keep this it looks great, I like the softness of the grey on you and it is a really versatile piece - depending on the price it's the sort of thing I would consider buying more than one.

2 &3. Striped sweater. I sized up--made it easier to push the sleeves up. I like it, not exciting--not happy with the solid black back. I know it's a "thing" but here, I think, it just looks like they ran out of fabric or something.

Firecracker has said it well so I won't repeat it - concept is ok but not such a high contrast.

4. Cotton tunic----but I wanted to ask you about the silhouette generally--is this a good one for me--or should I just say no?

I think that this silhouette looks great on you - I'd definitely pursue it in a better quality and nicely drapey fabric.

5. White 100% rayon tunic. I love it, but I think it has to go back. It slides around like crazy -- and can show too much cleavage. I do have a teenaged boy in the house, lol!

Again, great silhouette and style on you - too bad this isn't the one, but I'd look for another that was better behaved

6. The blue top is pretty--love the princess seams--but it slides up and exposes my belly when I raise my arms. Weird. And, today, it's giving me that nurse's uniform top vibe. I actually wore one of those during my sloppy "I don't care" years--so I think that's kaput for this one.

Have to say I don't love this on you either, not compared to the other silhouettes

PS: I'm not being too picky, am I? - No you're not at all, in fact I think that you are developing a really good critical eye at the same time as joining the "to get shelf space in my wardrobe I have to love it - it will do is not good enough team" which at times is frustrating but the end result is really satisfying (I think - I haven't got there yet).

And because sometimes it is hard to see the wood for the trees - I have to say that I think that this shopping trip is a big win - you spent less than 30 minutes and grabbed five items, four of which are great silhouettes / concepts on you - that's impressive. So the fabric wasn't right on a couple and the contrast not as good as it could be on another - these are things that you will be able to sort as more spring/summer stock hits the shops

Emily

Veteran

Suz nailed it. Keep only what you love. And no, you are not being too picky!!

That said, I like the #4 tunic. Worth trying the other colour? It might look cute with a sweater layered over, also...

Windchime

Veteran

To answer your last question first, no, you definitely aren't being too picky! It's really okay to hold out for items that make you look and feel fab, such as the gorgeous grey cardigan in your first pic. Since YLF, I not infrequently walk out of stores empty-handed because nothing I try on works on all the levels I now want it to. Or I buy things, try them on a few times at home, and decide to return them, as you are doing.

I would, along with others, advocate for your trying a cami with the white tunic before giving up on it.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Ditto what the others said, keep the first, send back the rest. I think that the rounded, more open necklines on the striped sweater and the white tunic really frame your beautiful face! Maybe keep an eye out for that type of neckline in the future

Beth Ann

Veteran

It's time to be picky! The only thing is -- you will find yourself taking more shopping trips, and sometimes you will walk away with nothing. I did this for awhile, and I'm glad I did. I still try on a lot more than I come home with, but it's more because I already have a wardrobe, and am filling in specific holes. I fight not to be distracted by the "pretty item that doesn't fit with the plan."

I agree with the others to keep what you love and leave the rest. As for the tunic --- I love the silhouette on you and think it's very practical. A "slicker" fabric will slide more over the bum -- and I speak as a women with a 3 dimensional booty! You might be on the lookout for short dresses to wear as tunics over leggings.

Anonymous

Alana - you are so funny - I almost laughed out loud when I read the line "half hour before closing". Don't do that - it's such a bad way to shop, you end up running around not knowing what you're doing - or at least I do:)

Agreeing with liking #1 and I really do like the denim tunic- it's a little hard to see detail or quality of fabric here as it's a dark picture, but I find the silhouette modern and flattering on you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The entire lot looks GREAT. But do only keep what you love. xo

BethL

(website)

Veteran

Hi Alana - just wanted to chime in and say how great I think you're doing! You are definitely not being too picky! Like everyone else, I love the grey cardigan, and I agree about everything else going back. Don't keep it if it doesn't make you feel good. I'm curvy, so two things I want to support you on: the dark tunic looks great from the front, but I know what that "shelf" looks like. It's the cut and fabric of the top, not you. As Angie would say, "Next!" Also, the white tunic that moves around: if you have to worry about cleavage every 5 seconds, that one is probably not cut quite right for you either. I went through this with a bunch of tees from the Gap a few years ago when my stepson was younger. Oy! They just wouldn't stay in place, and it was because they were actually too big in the shoulders; I finally got rid of them.

Keep going on your journey!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Von, Dee-- good idea to have the long tunic tailored--perhaps I will have tha done to one that isn't quite so dark. I am surprised you like the colour, Dee. I would not have thought black/blue would be flattering. Good o know.

shedev--thanks for the encouragement. This is a lot harder than I'd anticipated!

Suz--thank you. Onward indeed. I don't think three pieces is quite a "wardrobe" yet, capsule or otherwise!

Glory--good luck in your search for the cardigan! I like the length of the white tunic, too. I don't know if I want to wear a cami underneath it? I don't have any. Where does one find such things? And would I get flesh coloured?

caro in oz-- thanks. I think I will do that--I wanted feedback on the others tough, for the sake of mt education, lol!

unfrumped--I love those stripes! I am so dissapointed the sweater is so wonky.

missveee-I think Mom might make me a top similar to #5. I know she has patterns just like it. I am glad you like the silhouette in 4--I have a lot of pins just like it.

Jen W--interesting point about the shoulders. I think a different fabric is definitely in order.

Thanks, Meredith, I thought you meant the cardigan! (I used to say sweater for anything knitted, too.)

Firecracker--The cardi plus pants is almost a "suit" look, isn't it--albeit very relaxed. Still, I like it. Glad you do, too.

Yes, I was envisioning boots with the tunic for fall. If I can find a tunic that's for me. Fingers crossed. So that's what tencel is! Thanks so much for that explanation--I have see it in the nordstrom clothes when I click through, but I had no idea. Excellent points both about the vertical line and the high contrast. Good thoughts. I'll be on the look out for less contrast, then, I think.

alaskagirl--thank you! I appreciate it.

RB-- thank for your detailed reply--duplicate? Interesting thought. I have a navy blue cardigan, similar to this but with 3/4 length sleeves that I love. It s starting to be on its last legs though and I will be very upset when it it is its time to retire.

Emily-- thanks for the assurance I am not being too picky. It's hard when all I have lined up for fall/winter is a few sweaters, cardigans and two bottoms and one top.

Windchime--gah--I am not a shopper! I don't know if I will have the patience for this process.

La Belle--thanks you! It is helpful to know that the necklines are flattering.

Beth Ann-- short dresses? slicker fabric? Great ideas. Thanks.

lisap-- thanks for feedback on the tunic. I had only a 1/2 hour because I'd been to two other stores before stopping at this one--and I had been at another locationof the same store earlier that day.

Angie-- thanks for the encouragement.

BethL--thanks for your support! You know, My mom thought maybe the white tunic was too big in the shoulders--but I had tried a size smaller and it didn't sit comfortably on the chest--so, yeah, bad fit. Good to know a beter fabric will eliminate that shelf! Thanks for getting it.

Thanks everyone. I am humbled --and greatly encouraged-- by your support on this journey. You are remarkable.

Neel

Veteran

The cardi is just fantastic! Glad you are keeping that

BethL

(website)

Veteran

Alana, if I need an under layer, I typically wear something like a tank as a camisole, especially during the warmer months. I gave up wearing nylon/polyester lingerie style camisoles years ago - too uncomfortable. You can get two different kinds: ones that look more like tanks with wider straps that cover your bra straps or thin spaghetti strap ones. The ones I prefer are cotton, sometimes with a bit of stretch. I sometimes wear a plus size to accommodate my chest, so I know they're fairly easy to find in an array of sizes. My favorite ones are from J. Jill, even though I don't do much shopping there anymore. I still like some of their basic tees and stuff. I have a couple of tanks from Old Navy that I wear under things as camisoles, too. I picked up a couple at the NAS that are synthetic; they were an Angie pick, and they're made by Shimera, and I already had undies of that brand and knew I liked the fabric. I won't wear them until the weather gets cooler, though. FWIW, I think it's more modern NOT to wear flesh toned camisoles these days, but to match or contrast your top.

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