Need Help: Keep, Return, or Sell?

I have a few new purchases that I need your opinion on. Not sure if my instincts are correct or not.

The first is a jacket that I bought/ordered on final sale. It is like nothing I own, and I really like it. My concern is the sleeves. They are a little long, but cannot be taken up due to the zippers on them. I can't return this. I do think that I could make it work if it meets with your approval. If not, I guess I will sell it. (This outfit is NOT styled how I would wear it.)

Next is a shirt dress from Boden. I thought this would be the perfect, versatile dress for me. I was disappointed in the blousy-ness of the chest area. Love the color and material. It has a drawstring waist. I tried it with a belt, too. Thinking this is a return.

Next is another dress from Boden. Colorful, casual...empire waist. I thought this looked more high waisted not empire online. Thinking it just emphasizes all the wrong things on me. I look pregnant and am not. Another return?

Finally, a sweater from Boden. Empire waist again, but this one feels/looks better to me because it is not so voluminous. Am I right? Is it a keeper?

Thanks for your help. I could do a whole rant thread on Boden and how they have let me down with their many busty, hourglass-unfriendly dresses and tops, but I don't think I will.

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15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I think your instincts are right. I do like the jacket... I'll bet you'll get some great outfits out of it. I would definitely return the shirt dress. The second dress doesn't look that bad to me actually, but if it makes you feel preggers then send it back.
I like the blue blouse on you.

Stephanie

I'd keep the jacket and return the rest--I don't think they are up to your normal standards of fabulousness!

Scarlet

I don't think the arms of the jacket are too long at all, actually.I would pass on the dresses. The blouse looks very nice on you. The only thing is that the sleeves stick out rigidly at the crease, but maybe after laundering that would go away.

Deb

Active Member

When I clicked on 8, it was love at first sight - I think the dress and shoes are pretty, and classic, and they suit you. I also think the dress will be a fab base to build outfits on.

Having said that, I return to what seems to becoming a mantra for me: if you feel tentative wearing it, and not 100% - then toss it back. Clothes should build confidence! For the record, though - I think it's flattering, and feminine - you don't look pregnant at all!

Ornella

(website)

My favorite is the navy top, that color looks beautiful on you. This is why I love navy, it's a strong, defined color, but still lively enough not to look too safe and boring. The style is also very, very nice.
The jacket is a keeper, the sleeves don't look too long (I probably wouldn't have noticed it without you mentioning it).
I love the green dress and to me you don't look pregnant from *any* angle (and I DID look carefully ). I like this color on you as well. But, same as I said on Astrid's thread earlier, if for whatever reason the garment makes you too self-contentious then return it, it's pointless to cause you the complete opposite effect of what you want from it.
Shirt-dress can go back.

Jenava

The jacket sleeve length looks perfect, actually. Aren't they usually supposed to hit right past your thumb knuckle?

Return the shirt dress. It's pulling in the bum, and doing nothing to emphasis your top half.

The empire dress doesn't make you look preggers at all. I like it, but I would hem it up to just above the knee. All the skirt material is a little overwhelming! But, if it makes you feel less than fab then return it...

The blouse with the white pants is soooooo cute. This just looks like *you*. Keep!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I really like the green dress and the kimono sleeve blouse! I vote keep on those.

Return the shirt dress.

I think the sleeves of the jacket are a fine length. I'm not convinced it's a winner though. Perhaps restyled? Is it me or does it look too snug?

Sveta

You can scrunch the sleeves of the jacket up or unzip them partway and roll them up like cuffs (can you tell I really like the jacket on you?:-)
I also like the last sweater - nice shape and color for you.
I am not a fan of the dresses though...however have you tried that blue dress without a belt tunic style? Maybe shortened up it can work as a tunic for you - color is so good for you!

catgirl

The green dress caught my eye immediately! I love the fit on top! So I would keep the green dress and return the blue dress. The other two I am waffling on... like the color of the navy top and the style of the jacket.

I am not ordering from Boden any more because everything seems low-cut or unflattering on me no matter what I try.

Lisa

8 and 10 are my favorites, I vote keep, lovely colors and the fit is nice. The jacket is only ok to me, that neckline may be hard to style. The shirtdress is "off" in the fit for me, I vote return.

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