Part two of this week’s Anthropologie reviews

Rushcliffe cardigan

I’ve been dying to try on this cardigan but was disappointed as soon as I saw it irl. The color and texture are just not as rich as I was expecting. The fur collar was soft and nice looking but I felt like it was swallowing me. I couldn’t seem to get the collar to drape correctly. I kept checking and it looked like I had it buttoned right. I only saw one button. I would have really liked it too have another button to nip in the waist. The cardi did not fit snug under the bust and through the waist on me like it does on the model. Underneath the fur the sweater has a large fold over collar and I think this was messing with the fur laying correctly. I took the XS, it had the best body fit but the sleeves were very tight and short. The Rushcliffe cardigan and High Tea trouser look that I so loved in the catalog was a total fail on me. The front length on the cardigan is very awkward. Maybe sizing up is the answer but I sense it would just be baggy in the body. Perhaps sizing up and adding a button but I’m not going to waste my time with all that unless it is on super sale.

Aylesbury Corduroys

Did I mention I love me some plaid? Oh yes I did but plaid pants especially. Funny though, I don’t own a single pair because I can never find the right fit. The Aylesbury cords come close! I took the size 27 and the pants had a very snug fit through the hips and bottom. The waist gaped though, so I would have to get them taken in. The fabric is a very fine soft corduroy but also very thin. Surprisingly considering how thin, they are not overly judgmental of the booty. I had a nice smooth fit although this may have been helped by the fact that I was still wearing my tights from that day’s outfit. (Yes, tights in August. The weather here is retarded). The color of the cords did not show up at in my pics, they are actually quite green. Almost an ugly green but I kind of like that about them. I love plaid best when it’s a bit ugly and weird. A fabric you think only an eccentric old Englishman would wear but then turned into something cute. Anyway, due to the alterations needed and super thin fabric I think these will have to wait until sale…or a late night moment of weakness.

Ruffled Plaid dress

Ah yes more plaid. I was in search of all of the plaid this time around. Too bad there was no Perthshire dress to be found. I grabbed the Ruffled Plaid dress in a size 2 because I am sick of risking my skin on side zips. Am I the only one who hates side zips? Trying to get that thing up over my hips and chest is a bitch. Once zipped the dress usually looks fantastic but give me a back zip that I can just step into any day. So in the 2, the plaid dress was easy to get on but I didn’t love the waist fit on me. I think this dress is better suited to ruler figures because it just did not nip in enough at the waist and left me feeling wide. The dress felt high quality, a nice weighty fabric. Decent belt as well. The wool was pretty scratchy but of course the dress is fully lined, so that shouldn’t be an issue. I could have done with out the flower. The dress looks great from the size so maybe I should have braved the size 0 for a better front fit.

Garment District blazer

I grabbed the Garment District blazer in a size 0. I think I could have gone up to a 2 instead. If I moved around too much one button would pop open. The fit in the shoulders and chest was great but the sleeves were much too long. On the other hand, the overall length of the jacket was very short. I see the blazer comes in petite online but I can’t wrap my head around which size might fix all these issues for me. Besides the problem of getting the lengths sorted, the jacktet is adorable. The blue and green plaid is perfect although maybe not that unique. The best thing about the jacket is the peplum that extends around back, so cute and flattering. The feather I could do without since it was kind of gigantic.

Alma Mater jacket

When I saw this jacket on the table I didn’t know if it was hideous or the best thing ever. When I got it on it became pretty clear. The jacket is patched together with several different wools and unfortunely altogether they really add bulk. There is also a built in vest that adds another layer. .And big shoulder pads…more bulk. What a shame because I think the idea was a great one. This is the size 0.