Angie, so interesting! OK, so I'm glad to see that I wasn't barking up the wrong tree with these items and that returning them without question was not the right answer.

On the mint sweater: I think maybe I would be more enthusiastic about it if I actually styled it instead of pulling it on over my sweatpants. The L is too long and too baggy in the body, but I guess the fit of the hem on the M made me pause. I'll give it another try with some styling before I decide for sure.

I do still like the trench-tunic. I think that is the right way to think about this piece. I wouldn't wear it as a dress, and it's not really outerwear -- it's a completer piece, capable of functioning much like my black BCBG jacket, but in a romantic, unstructured fashion (unlike the strict structured vibe of the BCBG jacket). You're right, Angie, I *do* like to balance the rocker with pieces that are flowy and sensuous, but it's not always easy to make them play well with my figure (they seem to work so much better on straighter figures as they so often hang nicely from broad shoulders and skim the hips). I may go back and buy the trench-tunic and try styling and photographing it at home before writing it off.

OK, back to work for now. I'll ponder it more. Thank you!

I think you did a GREAT job with these pieces, Janet. Not barking up the wrong tree at all. Play around with them at home. Style them properly. See if you love them that way.

Janet, I really like the tunic/coat for you, and mint really is your color.

Thumbs up on the mint sweater in "M", especially with a lighter colored bottom---white/khaki would look great, I think.Terrific color on you!!! I'm going to Anthro today on a different mission, and will see if I can see the jacket with my own eyes---it doesn't look like a jacket to me---more like an artist's frock, or something you throw on at the salon….

Trench: Nay. It looks like it has serious identity confusion. As I know Anthro runs on the more expensive side, I would not put the $ into this. Also, too pale.
Sweater: Yay for the M! Great colour and sits well on you.

The sweater in M is great, I don't even understand why would you need it bigger to accomodate your hips?? I see the coat rather a shirt-dress/dress cover up, or so- and, it ALL DEPENDS. I wouldn't wear it over jeans like pictured here, as I feel the light, no structure fabric look has nothing to add to the look, but can imagine it over a plain summer dress, unbuttoned, or even on it's very own like a dress (then buttoned up, of course:-)). It certainly as a bit of an artsy, casual feel, and think it goes with your proffession as an artist and lifestyle(?).

Okay, so I am answering without reading any other reply

I like the sweater. Size up to accommodate your hips. The color is spectacular, and I love the neckline. It is a bit loose, but looks intentionally so as it fits well over the shoulders. And I love the color, did I mention that already?

I don't much care for the coat, but that could just be me. Nothing looks wrong with the fit, so I can't say what's wrong. Just my eye, perhaps, or perhaps having a very different spring than you do, I know it would never ever get worn.

UPDATE: I went to Anthro today to look at some wide legged pants, and HUNTED for the trench…. Hunted, Hunted, Hunted and found it---hanging with its friends and relatives, an assortment of TUNICS. LOL. The fabric is GREAT---I love the nifty print so much, and it looks so different than I imagined from your photo, more blue is evident. I was thrown off base by the categorization of this piece as a "trench". They can call it whatever they want to, but I think its role would be what I'd call either a stand alone tunic, or at best, an "overshirt". It's really cute, the tie at the waist is adorable, and I think it would look really smashing over something equally breezy. If you loved it, I think it could be a real hit. Unique, in a good way.

There is something care free and (yes) sensual about the tunic/dress. I'm thinking this over dark denim skinnies with great shoe. I'm loving the sweater. And maybe I have a poison eye for that color.

ETA: I meant to say I'm NOT loving the sweater. Sorry. I think I have a poison eye for that color.

When I read your description, I thought I wouldn't like the jacket. When I opened the photo - I loved it. I don't think it looks like a jacket, though. To me it looks like a dress over jeans.

I'm not in love with the sweaters. Compared to the style of the dress/trench they seem a bit more mundane. However, the colour is fab on you, and I'm sure they'd be great for day to day wear. Everything doesn't have to be a statement right?

Ha, it is funny how we all disagree on this one!

I LOVE the trench dress (or whatever it is!!) I think it is simple and yet interesting, which is often a tough balance to achieve.

I like the first piece as a tunic or dress, but it's a complete nay for me as an overcoat/trench. And I LOVE the idea of something to match those lovely shoes in colour, but I am not fond of this particular sweater.