Reviews: Since my office has summer Fridays now, I get out of work early and get to frolic around Manhattan as I please ... until Hubby gets home. He usually doesn't like standing around while I shop, so I try to get all my window shopping done while he is at work.
Decided to go try on some stuff that definitely had me taking a second look, though I didn't have any intention of buying anything. First up ...
Daring Dart Blouse-This lovely is on sale now, and though it may look pretty cute on some girls, it definitely was not cute on me. I really like Edme & Esyllte's style, but this blouse wasn't doing anything fabulous for me. As always, I sized down because Edme & Esyllte seems to run large.
Ring of Bows Tank-This tank top is actually really cute. I was drawn to the various bows. I'm not usually a fan of cotton knit shirts, but I could see this as being a good buy at a lower end store. I couldn't justify the price for something knit from Anthro.
Flutter-Flutter Blouse-This knit confection might not look the price, but it sure was comfy. I love the little surprise tail in the back. I would definitely wear something like this if it was more affordable because it was so summer perfect.
All Ports Tank- I wish this top were a dress instead. The EK Jam Factory clothes are definitely styles I would love to own, though the prices are steep according to my budget. This dress would have really tugged at my wallet if it were in dress form. I love the little bit of pink at the collar, though I generally dislike the color pink. The stripes are not too childish, and the trapeze cut is not too flared to make one get lost in the fabric.
Fair Winds Blouse- Another shirt I wouldn't have minded seeing as a dress. Very comfortable. And I loved that the armholes were lined with cotton piping. This fabric would not be friendly against sweaty skin on a hot day, but the cotton parts would definitely help to keep this top comfortably on [instead of you wishing you could rip it off in discomfort].
Nearby Coast Dress- This is a EK Jam Factory confection I probably would have rather seen as a shirt. The dress is a lovely bright red, and the print is adorable. But it might be TOO red. The white piping really does a great job of breaking it up, but a softer color would probably have made this sailor style dress more appealing at its price point. Very comfortable otherwise.
Two-Wheeler Shirtdress- I only tried this dress on because so many bloggers seem to be in love with it. I was not in love with it. I felt like I looked really bulky, and the sleeves were really tight. I'm kinda glad that I didn't wait around for this dress to come back in stock and got the Beda dress instead. I think I look better in the Beda.
Grand Island Dress- I wanted to love this dress so bad. It was so much fun to put on with all the buttons. It looked like a good idea ... on the hanger. But on me, it was a mess. I didn't know what to do with the cowl neck. I couldn't get it to look appealing ... and I feel like I'm wearing a sack [though my husband says I can make a sack look good]. I loved the color. I loved the concept. I didn't love my execution of it. Very saddened by this.
[UPDATE]
Polynesia Greetings Dress-
This dress isn't even listed on the website it seems, but it is very nice in person. Though ... it is also a possible train-wreck for me. I loved the print. I loved the cut of it. But my body didn't like it. My chest tried to make a break out through the neckline of this dress. The print is lovely, and made me think about my pending honeymoon. The bows on the shoulders scream summer getaway dress, maybe on a beach or boardwalk ... with a margarita in hand. This dress was not for my larger-than-the-rest-of-me chest/body type, but I'm sure many other girls can pull of this very comfortable dress. Well worth the price if you can keep your chest from spilling out.
Fragmented Reflections Dress- This dress was a nightmare. I couldn't even get the zipper up. The lace on top is lovely in concept, but one would definitely need the help of their significant other to get into it. I hooked it in the back and only got the zipper up an inch before giving up. The slip is also really transparent. For a dress that is lined, I could still see my undies. Not good ... not good at all. I would not recommend this dress.
Roasted Serrano Dress- Love the construction of this dress. I usually hate halter dresses, but this one was great once on. The dress has a side zip instead of the annoying back zip accompanied by difficult-to-tie sash. The sash, once tied, does not need to be untied to get in and out of this dress. Definitely a feature I like. The design and thread work is beautiful. I loved the eyelet hem. This would probably be on top of my list of summer must-have dresses.
