Fit (and other) failures

I was so excited about Brooklyn's cotton-linen Grace Kelly tops that I did a search and ordered them (on sale!) to see if they might work for me. 

Alas, 'twas not to be. The green (which is gorgeous, by the way, and I think suits me -- though you can't really tell it is green in my photo, it's a lovely dark forest) is the correct size, but proportioned wrong for my short body. The neck part is much too tall (it might be hard to tell from the photo, but I assure you, it's true) so the back sort of sags, while the bust was snug, and the bottom part of the wrap was also snug because it was coming down too low over my shortish waist. 

Meanwhile, the white one had a defective zip, so I couldn't even try it on. :(   I am sad, because they could have been perfect for me. But such is life. 

I also tried a skirt -- a version of which I had in the 90s. I love the idea of this (cotton-linen, gored) and don't even mind the colour (though I might have dyed it) but the fabric was too thin and didn't feel like good quality. 

Finally, a pair of oyster white PJ style wide wale cords. Like the top, these are technically the right size (though a bit long) but I don't like the fit -- too snug in the thigh, just not comfy. So back they go. 

Onwards! But I do encourage others to try the tops if they are of interest -- on the right person, these would be fab, as we've already seen! I think if I were even an inch or two taller (or longer waisted) this would have worked great. 

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12 Comments

  • Runcarla replied 1 week ago

    When you posted about ordering the draped tops, I got very twitchy!  That style is right up my sartorial alley, and I’m looking to grow my green capsule as well as add to my summer stuff. I’m sitting on my hands!  Summer is 5 months away

    The cords style looks very nice on you, but agree there are some fit issues.  Are you long through the hip to waist?  Do you need a longer rise to get the waist in the right place and the ease at the top of the thigh?  


    To quote Angie - NEXT!

  • kkards replied 1 week ago

    Bummer…I’ve given up on that style top, my shape is just not for the off the shelf offerings. If I ever found someone who could custom make things for me, that style would be something I’d consider. 

    Now the skirt I hope that you find something similar in a better quantity, love that silhouette 

  • Roberta replied 1 week ago

    I really like outfits one and two, so even if that top and skirt don't work, I hope you find versions that do. That style of top is very sexy!

  • Angie replied 1 week ago

    Always good to try items that tickle your fancy! Nothing ventured - nothing gained :)

    Always good to say "no thank you", to items that aren't quite right ;) 

    Suz, looks like you needed a petite-sized version of Brooklyn's top. Had gorgeous potential on you, though. Very elegant. Blast!

    Love the '90s skirt silhouette on you too! Also elegant. Blast the inferior fabric.

    The cord fabric and colour are yummy! Blast to the ill-fit. Too straight, somehow. 

    The sihouettes in #1 are sooooo pretty and gorgeous. Like Roberta, I hope you find the right versions for Summer!

    NEXT. 

     

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 1 week ago

    Thanks for the review, Suz! Nothing ventured, nothing gained. (As Angie says. Actually I typed before reading her response--haha!) So, onward!

  • Suz replied 1 week ago

    Thanks, all! 

    Carla, you'd look smashing in these tops for sure, and they might in fact work for you! On sale now. And returnable. I think Angie is right -- I need a petite version (or a knit version that is a bit more forgiving and adjustable.) 

    I am short from bust to waist, and long from waist to crotch point, i.e. short waisted with a long rise. So, Carla and Angie, you are correct that the pants are straight where they shouldn't be, on me. Now, with an elastic waist, the waist placement is adjustable, so it's not as bad as it could be, but I'm going to keep my eyes open for a better fitting version of oyster or ecru or optic white pants. I do have my ecru jeans but I don't have any other white pants right now and am thinking ahead. 

    Kkards and Roberta -- I love this style of skirt and it would be super wearable for me -- i wore the ones I had in the 90s literally into the ground -- so I will keep looking. Maybe Massimo Dutti will carry something like it next summer. I really love Brooklyn's summer uniform of top plus long practical skirt and this formula could work extremely well for me, too, but I've had trouble sourcing the right items. The skirt has to be wide enough and casual enough that I can use it when I'm on my bike as well as walking, and the tops need to fit, obviously, LOL. 

  • Irina replied 1 week ago

    Oh, that’s unfortunate. Honestly, I don’t care much about the pants, they do like PJs, imo but top and skirt are interesting. Too bad about their issues. Hope you will find something similar but better. 

  • Lisa replied 1 week ago

    Beautiful selection of classic items with drape and fluidity, but bummer the fits were off. But now you know what to look for, with a few minor tweaks for the next time! 

  • Cookie replied 1 week ago

    A shame! The top does look quite lovely in the photo but I know that can be deceiving. The skirt seems appallingly flimsy.

  • Brooklyn replied 1 week ago

    That’s a bummer Suz. I do have a long torso so it makes sense that it fits differently. I find it quite generous at the bust (admittedly I am not generous in that department). It is a little snug for me around the back and rib cage but not snug enough to put me off. Given it is linen cotton I figure it will give. I did find the larger size perfectly acceptable too. I will dye that one.

    Zara also had a top described as a “drape top” which has a similar vibe and might work better for you. No v neck and a little longer than the Grace Kelly top but still a great top for the price, imo. Cotton. I got one of those too! (I sized up, everything seems to run small at Zara.)

    Good luck with the search!

  • Suz replied 1 week ago

    Thanks, Brooklyn. I could try a size up in those tops but I think then they'd be too big all over. Still, it might be worth it to see, and I will check out the other top also. Eventually, I'll find the right options! 

  • Jaime replied 1 week ago

    Too bad but good for you for being so selective and judicious Suz! The better top will come along.

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