WIB, rise comparison, and K/R J. Crew edition

Hello, YLF friends. I am back from my extended work related trip. While away, I did a bit of online shopping and a bit of bricks and mortar shopping. The latter was somewhat disappointing. As Angie often reminds us, the good stuff tends to be available early in the season. And Vancouver turns out not to have the options that Toronto (a much bigger city) has. Ha, who'd have thunk it? ;)  However, I did pick up a few items in person while away. And I also received a few orders on my return.

Before going away, I availed myself of new white jeans and shorts from the Gap. All are stretchier fabrication than I prefer, but not sausage casing, and not see through.

This set of photos shows a comparison...Pic #1 is my older CoH Elsas (which I love, but which have a lowish mid rise on me); #2 is the higher rise button front Gap jeans; #3 is the Best GF Gap jeans -- their rise is somewhere between the other 2.  Since we're on the topic of rise measurements, I have longish décolletage, shortish (1.5 hands) waist and long rise. Do you have a preference of rise style for me? For comfort, I am gravitating to a higher rise these days more and more.

The shorts are a bit longer on me than on the model. They can also be rolled up. 

An in-store purchase was the Eileen Fisher Sport sandal in silver. I have had my eye on these for a few years but had never had an opportunity to try on. I used to own a knock off by Ecco but it never fit me properly and I had to pass it along after a season -- it did not give enough support. These do, and are very comfortable, although I admit I got blisters on the bottom of my feet from wearing them for an 8 mile walk on a hot day the first wearing! ;) These will replace my silver Camper sandals from last year which refuse to stay on my feet -- the curse of a narrow heel.

Another purchase was the HEWI soft grey cardigan to replace an old pilly one. It's nothing fancy but has a soft hand, a good length, and a pretty heathered tone of grey. (Sorry, no Find yet). 

The K/R portion: All J. Crew, all on sale

1. Silk striped top. In summer I have a need for breezy easy tops and prefer them in natural fibers. B&W stripe may be too bold for my relatively low contrast levels, however. 

2. Blue sack dress. Like LisaP, I adore unfitted dresses, especially in summer. This one has fantastic reviews and a nice drape. But it's viscose. Bad idea or okay? 

3. Striped sweatshirt with funnel neck. Boxy cut, cotton, easy to throw on over a dress or skirt as well as pants/ shorts, but I do have similar options without a funnel neck. 

Sorry for the photo quality -- I do my best with the poor lighting. 

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37 Comments

  • Kari replied 5 years ago

    That blue dress is SO pretty on you. I love that color!

    I like the two shorter rise jeans better with the tucked-in top.

  • Cardiff girl replied 5 years ago

    Love those high rise jeans on you and I m a fan of the knee length shorts .The sliver sandals are very funky and if they are comfortable too ,it’s a win,win situation .The viscose dress is a gorgeous colour and viscose is a cool and breathable fabric for the summer if that’s what is worrying you about it.I really like the stripy top ,l know what you mean ,it is a bold look but it really suits you.My only hesitation is the stripy jumper.It s a nice jumper but would a funnel neck be a good idea in the summer or would you always be wearing it rolled down?

  • The Cat replied 5 years ago

    Suz, you manage to look great in all these pics. However, #6 is stunning. The upper white part of the sweatshirt is echoing your hair in a gorgeous way. And the white bottom just adds to a perfect look.

    The outfit in #1 with the lowish mid rise looks surprisingly good on you. (Surprisingly, in view of what you have told about your body proportions.) As for myself (having similar body proportions), I can't wear such a low rise and look so great. But you really rock this look.

    I tend to think that the buttons in #2 and #3 draw attention to the mid section and a long rise, but perhaps that's just me. I think the untucked top in #6 makes you look very harmonious.

  • replied 5 years ago

    Wow, the funnel neck is amazing on you! I love how it creates a column of white (with some stripes mixed in).

    I also like your sack dress. I’m a big fan of them too.

    I prefer the high rise from a trendiness perspective but don’t think it is more or less flattering than the mid-rise jeans.

    I do think that straight lines work well—so the funnel neck outfit and the sack dress offer the straightest lines and to me, those are the best on you.

    The cardigan has straight lines too (looks good!) but is not as graphic, and I think graphic ensembles work the best on you.

  • replied 5 years ago

    Btw, love those sandals!

  • Gigi replied 5 years ago

    For the jeans, I prefer the two lower rises over the higher rise. Love the shorts too.

    I love the striped tank and don't think it is too high contrast for you at all. The sandals are too awesome for words; they bookend your hair extremely well.

    I'm not a huge fan of the striped sweatshirt. I have a low decolletage too, and I feel like the white expanse at the top of the sweatshirt emphasizes that trait. The sweatshirt also looks like it might be a little wide for you (?).

    The dress is beautiful, but I see from the product page that it is dry clean, and I seem to remember that you don't like to dry clean things. Since it is viscose, washing it might ruin the fabric. I think the dress looks really good on you and is an amazing color. I would keep it if you wouldn't mind dry cleaning it to keep it in good condition. Maybe you could put underarm shields to absorb the sweat so you could avoid dry cleaning very often? (I've never used them so can't comment on their effectiveness.) 

    It seems like more and more stuff is dry clean these days. Frustrating!

  • Suz replied 5 years ago

    Thank you all! The Cat, I think you are right about those buttons on the higher rise jeans and the vertical striped top probably accentuates it! Maybe with a non-vertical top. I should try that. 

    I should clarify that those Elsas are billed as mid-rise (I think it is 8 or 8.5 inches) but they feel on the low side on me, in part because I sized up in them. So they tend to fall a bit lower than they may look in this photo. But honestly, the semi-tuck is my friend -- with lower rise pants it hides a multitude of problems. 

    Cardiff Girl, your hesitation is mine. I am imagining maybe throwing the top on in the evenings if they are cooler, but really, maybe it's just seasonally confused! 

    Kari, I knew you'd love that blue! 

  • Suz replied 5 years ago

    Gigi, you are smart to look at the cleaning instructions! I didn't even bother. I would probably wash it anyway. If I can do silk in the washer, why not viscose (in cold, of course.) But you're right -- that might destroy it. Hmmm.. I definitely won't dry clean it. It's supposed to be a super casual day dress. 

    That is so interesting how you and The Cat seem to disagree on the sweater's effect. I love hearing people's different perceptions. I'm not sure what I think of it, TBH. You never really know until you wear it...

    Smittie, it is interesting -- I think graphic works on me, too, despite low contrast. Ditto straight lines and stripes. I don't know why. It goes beyond reason. 

  • unfrumped replied 5 years ago

    I love the blue dress. There’s viscose and viscose in terms of wrinkling, so I’d give it the squeeze test. Dresses are so hard for me that I don’t mind if they need dry cleaning or touch- up ironing, but then I wear them only off events , church, parties so I don’t expect them to be wash& wear as I do shorts and tops.

    I have the same problem with some too high- contrast prints , but the striped tank is great— something about the stripe width works.
    I am not as big a fan of the funnel necked top but not sure wh.y.

  • replied 5 years ago

    You are looking great these days my friend!  I'm dying at the idea of trying on scarves and sweaters and high necks at this time of year though ...;)

    I like the jeans and shorts,  with the exception of the exposed fly jeans.  It looks like the waistband is trying to fold over except the top button won't let it.  Now, I'm not a lover of exposed fly fronts, period, so take that for what it's worth, but the rises on the other jeans and shorts look better proportioned to my eye (or are flattering on you - I'm delirious from the heat here and should stop typing ).Great striped tank - I want it. And  - I was eyeing those EF sandals the other day too, but decided not to even look at the price as I'm sure they are way out of my range.  Walked away pleased with myself for resisting the urge. 

  • kellygirl replied 5 years ago

    It's so hard to tell when you look so good in everything. I really like the low/midrise and high rise Gap (non button.) I think those are my preference. I also think the bermudas are very flattering. I'm not sure if it's the button fly or the rise that I'm not crazy about on the second pair. The striped tank and dress are slam dunks!

  • kkards replied 5 years ago

    the silver sandals are TDF! as is the striped blouse. i like the blue dress, i say its more unstructure rather than a sack dress....as for the jeans, i like #1, very nice "everyday" jean look, i like #2 (but i'm biased, as i own a very similiar look jean) to me, the higher waist and buttons give the jeans a slightly dressier look...i have to be honest, i think the jeans in #4 aren't a great fit, and i'd pass...re the shorts, i'm going to be an outlier, i think the shorts are too long, i'd cut them so that they where about 2 inches above your knee. i'm conflicted on the striped sweatshirt with funnel neck, love it as a turtleneck, don't really like it openned

  • Christina F. replied 5 years ago

    I think all your new items look great! This includes the striped top, but if you won’t reach for it, that’s a consideration. Ditto with the seasonal confusion of the funnel neck.

    That blue dress is my favorite. I’ve had my eye on it too. If the wrinkling is not bad, please keep!

  • Sal replied 5 years ago

    You are in a great roll!!

    I wish I could wear knee length shorts as well as you do- I love them. All the pants are good but the exposed buttons are my least favourite. I think they are just a harder style to wear.

    Love the striped tank and silver sandals with no reservations. I like the look of the other two but question the use of a summer weight and high funnel neck - maybe because that is one of the first places I get hot. The dress looks wonderful if it can be easily washed.

  • replied 5 years ago

    Have to chime back in here to agree with Sal re the knee length shorts. Both you and Janet rock these - and I never think to try them.  I need to get on this - wish that the Gap ones came in something other than white denim because it looks like a good cut.  

  • Jaime replied 5 years ago

    I like the higher rises on you - could be a fashion thing, as my eye has been trained on them. LOVE the funnel neck - outstanding. Blue dress is a great color but I cannot assess the material. I think the beautiful white streak in your hair lets you carry off the striped tank fantastically.

  • Joy replied 5 years ago

    I like the higher rises on you but do not feel strongly about them. I am trying to replace my low rises with mid or high but it is hard to find a good balance. Love the striped tops, especially the JCrew vertical stripes, and the blue dress. I am another fan of sack dresses, especially for summer.
    Of corse I adore the silver EF sport sandals. Silver and Eileen Fisher! I will have to enjoy then vicariously on you.

  • Greyscale replied 5 years ago

    Well darn it, I ordered that striped top and returned it, but seeing it on you, I wish I'd kept it. I think the key is to wear it with light bottoms as you did. I tried it with my usual black jeans and it just didn't thrill me. Actually the whole outfit with the shorts is one we could almost be twins in - those Gap shorts are in my shopping cart too.

    I also like the blue dress and the funnelneck top. I'd avoid the viscose for myself, with my fabric pickiness but it really comes down to how it feels on you.

    And I also like the slightly higher rises on you.

  • Greyscale replied 5 years ago

    Which jeans are in photo #5?

  • Jane replied 5 years ago

    All great pieces.

    I like the funnel neck on the jumper, and I think it is stunning with your hair and the white jeans. 

    The dress looks lovely but I am 'worried' about it in terms of sitting and the creases and how quickly them may or may not drop out. 

    On the jeans, I really like the Gap ones with the silver buttons. But they are all great.

  • Liesbeth replied 5 years ago

    I like the high rise and the exposed buttons. All else looks fab too btw. As for viscose: I’ve had things that wrinkled easily and wore down quickly, but also things that were super easy to maintain and lasted very well. I second the idea of doing the wrinkle test (scrunching up) and maybe for durability you can check the fabric for tiny traces of pilling or tiny loose fibers, if you see those right off the rack it doesn’t bode well obviously.

  • Kathie replied 5 years ago

    I think all three jeans are great, with the higher rises being a slightly fresher look. Personally, I’m a fan of the exposed button fly, but go with what looks best to your eye. The blue dress is a great color, but I actually prefer the Boden Phoebe and notch neck dresses, from your other post, on you. Would you use all three? Love the striped silk top. I’m less keen on the funnel top, especially when buttoned. It’s fine, but it sounds like you have other similar and suitable items.

  • Janet replied 5 years ago

    You look great in all of these, but I have a strong preference for the jeans without the button front, but I might be a little biased against button fronts because they seem to emphasize that area (not that you have any concerns there!).

    LOVE the silver sandals. I have those in gunmetal and have worn them a bunch over the last couple of years. I wore them yesterday for the first time this year and they were kind of rubbing on the outside of my foot. What's up with that? Next time I'm wearing some Body Glide with them. Admittedly it was a very warm and humid day. This year I'm definitely finding some of my old summer favorite footwear is not as comfortable as it used to be. Aging feet, I suppose? Good thing I bought some new sandals! 

  • RobinF replied 5 years ago

    I love all of these on you and had to really study your pics to find any negatives. Of the white jeans I like the mid-rise ones the best. I think it’s the proportion that appeals to me. Love the tank-I don’t think it’s too high contrast- and the dress, gorgeous color. The dry cleaning bit would make me hesitate though. I’m not crazy about the funnel neck but I’m not a fan of the way they feel on me, I do think it looks good on you. I agree with kkards that i’d like them a little shorter. Love the style.

  • Suz replied 5 years ago

    Thank you so much for the comments everyone. Very helpful. It seems that opinions are mixed about the various rises and styles of jeans. I'm okay with the button front style for a change but will probably wear them with a different top to de-emphasize the vertical. What I like about this pair is the slightly wider (less tapered) leg opening. 

    Greyscale, the jeans in #5 are the Girlfriend jeans. Not sure they are the exact ones in my Find but they are called Mid rise GF. They are a bit of a more tapered fit towards the bottom and more like skinnies but are less fitted in the leg than the photo makes them appear.  

    Thanks to all who suggested a scrunch test on that dress. Most of the viscose I've seen before is a bit like rayon in appearance and feel. This is different -- it's sort of like a mid-weight polyester crepe. And the reviews say that the dress travels really well! So it's a mystery to me. Also, good question about whether I'd wear all these dresses (Boden and J. Crew). I may have to make some choices. ;)  In my current climate, nothing beats a loose dress in summer. But I'm changing homes (at least temporarily) and next summer will be quite different. 

    Janet, that is funny about your sandals but I have had the same experience with older footwear at times. I do think these particular sandals are a bit better on a non-humid day and I always use body glide at the start of sandal season because blisters are me! Seriously -- I cannot wear footwear without socks without getting blisters due to my narrow heels -- all shoes move on me in ways they are probably not supposed to, except flip flops which I guess are supposed to! ;)  But this style with the high straps and heel does keep me more secure than some. 

    Seems the striped top is a keeper and the funnel neck gets mixed reviews. I'll have to evaluate again in light of what I have. 

  • Staysfit replied 5 years ago

    I like the higher rise, but I’m not sure about the exposed buttons. I think they are too distracting. I love the knee length Bermuda’s, and the funnel neck sweater is obviously one to keep. Now let’s talk about the blue dress. WOW! It’s a gorgeous color for you, and it looks awesome! I also like the grey sweater which you’ve styled perfectly for us. I’m not as fond of the grey striped tank top. Maybe it’s how it’s styled? The shoes are wonderful.

  • Runcarla replied 5 years ago

    Suz, you can wear both rises. I quite like the high rise with the exposed silver button fly. I don't know how many pairs of white jeans you own (I have 3 pair) but seems like a good time to stock up. All the tops are keepers. I especially LOVE the funnel top, and though probably too warm for the heat we are now enjoying, it would be good for a night when the cool breezes come off the lake or when fall comes 'round. The dress shape is fab but I have a bias against synthetics. I remember reading an Angie post where she commented that synthetics are much improved and sometimes better than natural fibres. Of course fitness synthetics are quite amazing for wicking moisture and being cooler in heat - so I guess synthetic would not be a deal breaker for the dress. Of course the sandals are very modern looking. I've heard the style referred to as a 'utility sandal' and I just got a similar pair myself (see pic below). I'm seeing them trending steady in magazine fashion spreads and street style posts, so not only comfortable, but on trend.

    I really like your series of shots - white and stripes! What's not to love!

  • Elizabeth P replied 5 years ago

    Wow, what mixed opinions!

    I like all three jeans on you, but am not as crazy about the button front... it draws my eye too much.  I really like the silk top - I think the narrow stripe takes care of your low contrast preferences.  I do like the funnel neck top, and think you'd get lots of wear in summer evenings and spring/fall.  But will it split wears with other navy/white striped tops?

    And the dress... much as I like the colour, I have to admit I'm not crazy about the cut of it in the neck/sleeve area.  I can't put my finger on what it is, I just don't think it's as flattering as it could be.  I vote pass on that, esp if you have concerns about the fabric.

  • Suz replied 5 years ago

    Thanks, everyone. I'm keeping all the jeans and the shorts. Carla, you asked how many white jeans I have -- this makes 3 and 2 pair of shorts. They're a summer staple for me, as for you. 

    I'll keep the striped top. 

    Sending the dress and the funnel neck top back. The dress does wrinkle (I don't know what those reviewers were thinking!) and the colour is pretty much the same as the Boden Phoebe (though of course the styles are very different.) 

  • Beth Ann replied 5 years ago

    I'm reserving judgement, Suz, because I feel like I'm trying to explore new proportions myself and I can't decide what I like best on myself or others.  Right now, I'm trying to make sure I have a variety of rises, when possible.  I still prefer lower rises with the semi tuck, but I"m loving the fit of higher rises when I wear tops out.  I think I'd like to see you try out high rise with slightly cropped untucked tops, too!

    (I currently have one pair of full length, and 3 pairs of ankle length whites.  One pair is on the way out, so I don't think I have too many!

  • Katerina replied 5 years ago

    I have not read all the responses yet.
    I like all the jeans on you, they are all good, but I think the first low rise is great on you with the semi tucked top. I also like the open fly model a lot, the buttons create an interesting vertical line and make the jeans a little special. However, as they create a kind of a focal point, they will probably not be as “basic” versatile as the other too pairs. I can imagine they will look great with classic blazers for example and solid colour tops.
    The shorts are great.
    Really love the striped silk top - I would wear it in an instant. It suits you so well.
    The sweatshirt is great on you too - love the high neck. And it looks so crisp and somehow soft on you. Beautiful.
    Dress is gorgeous - amazing colour and looks really comfy for hot days. I have some viscose tops and scarves. They are breathable and soft, the only disadvantage is that they crease a bit more easily than silk or cotton. But actually, I don’t think it’s a big issue. I have a dress which is viscose-silk blend and it is also very good.
    GORGEOUS sandals!!!

  • Chris987 replied 5 years ago

    A little late to this party.....I think both rise lengths work on you. Lucky you to have both options, makes for a lot of different styling opportunities. I don't think that B/W striped top looks very bold....in the full outfit view it provides a good balance with the white and sliver. Viscose is tricky - sometimes it's good in the heat and sometimes not. The dress itself is fab. To me a funnel neck item would be for transitional seasons and not for deep summer, because I never want to cover my neck in the heat.. so make sure you know in which seasons it would work for you. It looks like it would work well under a sweater later on. The way you have styled it is spectacular!  

  • lyn67 replied 5 years ago

    Love it all!! Silver sandals and higher rise jeans included but love you better in lower mid rise jeans for a matter. And love the silk  stripe top-the  bigger  contrats suits you sooo well!!! Viscose dress looks great(of course-as is blue!:-)) but find viscose everything to wrinkle like crazy, hope  it is not the case here? Oh, and marine sweater is also beautiful!

  • LaPed replied 5 years ago

    Dress is nice, but I prefer your Boden dresses (I'm not thrilled by the cap sleeve on this one). 

    Both the striped top and funnel neck look super. I think this particular top looks better with the lower-rise jeans. It's the perfect shape for a semi-tuck. I don't love it quite as much with the high rise button-fly pair, but the jeans themselves look great. They just need a shorter, boxier top, or else a more fitted top that lies smoothly when you do a full-tuck. 

    Love those silver EF sandals! 

  • Angie replied 5 years ago

    I’m late but here, Suz.

    FWIW:

    - Dress looks fabulous, but I don’t trust 100% viscose. I vote return.

    - I love ALL the jeans. KILLER. The mid rise looks classic. The high rises look trendy. My fashionable eye is preferring visible high rises at the moment - which means with the tuck or semi tuck. I like visible button flys and wear them! The silver buttons pick up the colour of your hair. Great! I vote keep them all. White jeans are really good with your complexion.

    - Bermuda shorts are sensational. I prefer this longer length on you. KILLER.

    - Sleeveless stripe tank is an easy piece. Keep.

    - You are passed the window for wearing the striped funnel top. I vote return.

    - FABULOUS sandals, and a no-brainer grey cardi.

    Amazing haul.

  • Suz replied 5 years ago

    Thanks to you all for weighing in. Decisions made: 

    Dress and funnel neck going back, jeans and shorts and striped top staying. Easy peasy! 

    Angie, you are so right about the weather "window." We went from ice storms, brown grass, no leaves, freezing temps a few days before I left (beginning of May) to full on summer in about 10 days. We do not get much of a spring in Ontario and this year the situation is more marked than usual. We have everything blossoming at once. Lilacs and apple blossoms together with tulips, lily of the valley, irises, and poppies! The only things that aren't blooming yet are the chrysanthemums, I swear. Ridiculous. 30C yesterday and humid. No wonder I do not own closed shoes except for sneakers!! I need multiple sandals. 

  • anchie replied 5 years ago

    I am late to this and I see that you already made the decision. Just wanted to say that I think it is the right one :) I prefer Boden dresses and funnel neck top is nice but not for summer.

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