Sylvie 2013 NAS: Cream blouse hunt (decision made)

I think I tried on (almost) every single cream/white colored silk blouse that Nordstrom stocks. These two were the best options (I'll spare you the rest of the photos). I'm about to place an order online for the spouse's stuff so I'd like to tack on one of these if you think they'd work.

1) Joie sleeveless blouse in smaller size. Fine if tucked in but too tight around the hips untucked,

2) Joie sleeveless blouse in larger size. The armholes would expose my bra so a camisole is even more imperative. I had plenty of clearance for my hips, but does it look too big on the shoulders?

3)-6) Theory NAS blouse. Tucked (front/back) and untucked (front/back).
I really like the design detail of the double layer as well as how it makes me feel much more secure about potential show-through. It's too tight on me untucked (I'm sporting a few extra pounds right now) but I think it is fine tucked in. I can afford to buy/hold onto it for a few months to see if my weight has settled down by the time it gets cold.

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11 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

How would you wear these? They seem like very different blouses--the first one more like a shell, the second more like a shirt. I think #2 fits you best, but I'm not 100% sold on the cap sleeve shape on you. Have you tried a size up on the shirt, if it's too tight?

Firecracker (Sharan)

I love that Theory blouse, and I think it looks good untucked, too. It is slightly snug; did you try the next size? It looks like a good fit in the shoulders, but even if they were just a little dropped, the blouse might be fine. Either way, I think it's worth getting and trying it out, as you suggest. For me it's the hands-down choice because the styling is so beautiful and different. I agree with you that it's a bonus you wouldn't have to find a cami when you want to wear it--no fuss!

Sylvie

Natalie: Both would be worn to work with jeans. For the sleeveless one I might throw a jacket on top... or not. I don't own a single cream colored top, so I'm happy to add either a sleeved or sleeveless top.

Firecracker: I think I had a bit of an ego issue because I had to go up to a Medium and I didn't want to try on a Large. I just checked the sizing chart and the Medium does match my physical measurements. I know that six months ago, it would have fit.

If I do size up and I lose weight, is it easy enough to tailor? I guess I need to get over myself and just buy the Large.

Sylvie, I think that Theory blouse would look great in a large. I don't know much about tailoring, but would think that if you lose weight it's better to be a little loose (with all this talk of fluid fit and oversized being in) than to be too tight. I hear you on the sizing but don't look at the tag. I wear stuff from XS to L and size 2 (Gap) to size 12 (H&M). Crazy!

Diana

I like the Theory blouse but I'd size up too. Theory runs tiny in my experience.

Not sure I like the Joie. It seems very square.

I agree with Goldenpig; Theory runs small. I tried on the blouse and had to wear a size larger than my usual. If you size up and could wear it now, and later you lost weight and it became a little looser and more flowy, I think it could still look gorgeous. Still, you might be fine with the size you're showing here. It is really just slightly borderline snug, not even what I would call tight, and it could be partly the way you're holding the camera, and how the light falls, etc. I know my own photos can make things look so different than I feel they look in real life. It's a close call.

rae

Yep, Theory runs small! Try one more size up. I think it will still look great flowy when you lose weight, but you can always tailor it down, too, if you prefer. Remember you get at least $100 of free tailoring every year with the Nordies card.

Thanks ladies! I'm going to order the Theory blouse in the Large (because I did love the design).

So hard to be rational about "the number on the tag" sometimes. Also, that's some seriously exclusionary sizing. I'm below "average US size" so that means the average woman has no chance of wearing Theory clothing.

So true; it's odd, huh?
I hope it works for you! Maybe you should the medium, too, just in case? (and return one, I mean, not keep both--ha ha!)
Anyway, it would be great to see it on you when it arrives!

Adelfa

Silvie, I had the same struggle when I ordered some Equipment blouses in Large. So glad I did though. I don't have a history of wearing silk so I had no idea how, if there is some ease in the cut, it flows gently over problem areas and makes them seem invisible! It's wonderful!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

I really like the Theory blouse - and to my eye, I think it looks nice on you, but I'm Team Body Con. I know I am going against consensus, and I realize looser-fit is in now. But if you prefer a more fitted look, and you know you're pretty good at being able to take a few pounds off, then I would say keep this around awhile. If you are someone who likes the look of a looser fit, then size up

@Firecracker: I will definitely post when the larger size arrives. And if it doesn't work out, well, that's ok, there will be other blouses.

@Adelfa: I love silk too! I'm on a real natural fibers kick now. I bet those Equipment blouses look fantastic on you.

@LBD: Thanks for finding and looking up my thread. I'm Team Body-Con too, which is why people are *always* telling me to size up already.

Lisa

I also find Theory runs small. I do like their quality, I have a sweater from them 3 years old and still going strong!

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