What I bought and what I am returning this week: ETA on the bottom

I blame Angie! I was not going to buy any clothing this month and then her post propelled me to BR website:
http://youlookfab.com/store/20.....een-shirt/
I like shirts and ink blue shirt was on my wish list forever. I have a summer version from Le Chateau but it has 3/4 sleeves so it is hard to layer in winter and the fabric is too thin. So I could not resist.
Alas Canadian BR does not have these shirts in Tall sizes. I know from experience that too short shirts drive me crazy and make me feel less than fab. However I still ordered it one size up (in 14) in hope that maybe it will be longer...
I also checked out fitted style and was happy to discover that they do come in Tall sizes! The color selection is pretty limited but they have them in black and white and these are my main colors for shirts so I ordered them too - in size 14 (I like to size up in BR):
http://bananarepublic.gapcanad.....=715604003
Then while I was on the website I decided to check out Sale section and I found tuxedo white shirts in Tall so I ordered this one too:
http://bananarepublic.gapcanad.....=231892003
I am also on the lookout for longer jackets so I checked the jackets as well and found a black Monogram tux jacket on more than 50% sale and in one size only - 14. Unfortunately I cannot link to it because it disappeared after I placed my order: I think I got the last one!
They arrived yesterday and his is the verdict:
1. Ink blue tailored fit - lovely but TOO SHORT (pic 2)
2. Tuxedo shirt. Perfect length but how i is overall? It is not non-iron shirt so I don't know how it would look. Angie, you must have seen it in person - do you think it is worth keeping? (pic 1)
3. I did not take pictures of fitted style in Tall size. The length is perfect but it is too tight in the hips! I still can button it but it is tight enough to drive me crazy!
3. pic 3-5 Monogram tuxedo jacket. I like it a lot but I think it is too big! I need size 12! If it was a straight cut like BF blazer I think it could have worked but this one has a tailored fit and I think it is too big - what do you think? It is well made and would be terrific with my WW Monogram trousers ... Ah well, I will consult my mom if it can be taken in but if not then back it goes - unless you tell me it is OK in this size.
Even if this jacket should go back I would like to know if this is the right length for me or if I need a longer one. Angie?
So non-iron shirts all go back; tuxedo shirt awaits your verdict and Jacket awaits my mom verdict. I am going to monitor BR I hope that Canadian site will get tailored fit shirts in Tall sizes - they fit me better than the fitted style.
So far my first shopping of 2013 as not a resounding success...:-(

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13 years ago

Nadya

Veteran

I really like how the jacket fits, I think it's kind is sassy. I'm sure you could go down a size - it's whether you're after strictly tailored or a bit more of a lounge suit look.

Suz

(website)

Oh! What a pity about the non-iron shirt, Sveta. I think the tailored style is new and in contrast to Brooks Brothers it seems BR's tailored works better for curvier figures while their fitted shirt works a bit better for straighter figures. (At Brooks Brothers I think it is the opposite with tailored being the slimmer fit.) I am hopeful for you that they get the talls in this style as well because it will be a real boon. I find the fabric works pretty well on these shirts, although I do not wear them in high summer because they are too hot for those temperatures (for me, living and working without air conditioning).

I love the drama of the tuxedo shirt on you! If you think you will wear and the price is right, then why not?!

The jacket is gorgeous on you!! I can't really tell about sizing - it seems looser in the back? Definitely check with your mother on it. As for the length, I am not 100% sure. Can you get a full body shot?

Karie

That's too bad about the ink blue shirt, Sveta! I am tall, actually right on the border between a tall / regular size for length, so I am forever trying on both sizes and I HATE it when a shirt is too short.
I think the jacket is a little big (especially in the back) and I would like to see the smaller size on you. Are returns to BR free? It would be nice if you could purchase the smaller size for comparison and then choose one to return. If not, and your mom doesn't mind altering this one for you, then you would get a nice custom fit.
As long as having to iron the tuxedo shirt won't keep you from wearing it, I vote to keep it - the fit looks perfect on you!

Krista

Love the jacket but I agree that it's too big in the back. If you do end up buying a smaller size or getting this one altered, though, you will definitely have a wardrobe workhorse on your hands!

Emily

Not Angie, but I think the length of the tux jacket is correct. The tux shirt looks like a good fit, too, so I say keep

Too bad about the non-iron shirts! They didn't work for me either - the cuffs were too tight, of all things. Oh well.

Sveta

Nadya, Karie and Krista, the jacket is sold out in any size so exchange is not an option. Looks like I got the last one! Too bad because I really like it and the quality is good. The price was also very good ( $83 down from $215 ). My last hope is my mom: it maybe worth the effort to alter it for this price.
Suz, I also noticed that the fit of BR shirts is the opposite from BB My ultimate wish is for BB to make the shirts in Tall - I really LOVE the quality but cannot stand the shorter length! It is also interesting that I have BR fitted shirt in size 12 R and it fits well. I guess these couple of extra inches of length fall lower enough on my hips to cause this tightness..Oh well, the world is definitely not perfect!
Emily, I wish the cuffs were my problem: I scrunch sleeves anyway

MNsara

I hope your mom can work her magic on the jacket! Even if smaller was an option, then it would be a bit shorter.

Love the white tuxedo shirt on you. I'm hoping Angie chimes in, but I bet you just have to make peace with a days worth of wrinkling, and ironing it.

I do agree that the ink blue one looks rather short. Boo

Amy

The bak of the jacket is too wide. Thankfully, it has a center back seam, which should make alterations go more smoothly.mi like it otherwise. I like the tuxedo blouse too!

Sara, my current white shirt requires ironing so this one would be no different - but LONGER!
Amy, as a sewing pro you give me hope!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I'd like to see the tux shirt with a white cami under it if you don't mind. Length is fab, but the fit on the hips could be a little snug - especially when you sit down.

Tina.b

I hope your Mom can make some alternations to the jacket, that would be a stellar piece for your wardrobe Sveta!

Angie, I will try with a white cami. The body of the shirt has some slight transparency which makes jeans grin.. I did a sit down test and it is not tight on the hips. I also can move the buttons for a couple of millimeters to get more give in the hips.
What do you think about a tux jacket? Have you seen it IRL? Is it worth altering or am I better to look elsewhere?

Kyle

I agree with all that has been said. That blue color is fab on you, sad about the fit. I don't think the jacket is fab enough for you, Sveta. I, too, lament the shortness of the BB shirts, and boy do the BR shirts run small, but I love the non iron feature and the talls are generous in length. I hope the tuxedo style works for you!

Anonymous

I like the tux shirt. I think it is snug but it's not tight. I think it has a good tailored fit. The tux jacket is too big in the back. Perhaps your mom can tailor it? Ah, quite sad about the ink blouse but yep, too short is a no go.

I love the tux jacket on you from the front and was sad to see it was so big in the back. The length is great on you! I feel you on the too short shirts. Sometimes I size up...but they get wider and still don't fit right.

Jonesy

My fave is the blue shirt :). The tux shirt looks too snug through the hips, IMHO, and the jacket just looks too roomy through the back (but maybe if it's an easy alteration? Your mom has certainly tackled much more formidable alternations, no?).

I brought the tux blazer to my mom and we are altering it. I have already ripped off the sleeves and she is going to take in the back. Fingers crossed it works out well...
I am still thinking about the tuxedo shirt, maybe I will wear it around the house a bit to get a feel if it is comfortable.

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