March 29, 2013
PRODUCT FIT
ShortLong
LOOKS GREAT
QUALITY
Runs BIG/Wide waist/Odd, short tail
I loved this top online, and even ordered two sizes (S and M) to be safe. I wound up taking the tags off the S, but regretted it immediately-- i still haven't worn it out of the house because I don't feel attractive wearing it.
I am 5'7" and 135 lbs., tall-ish and thin-ish (athletic, not super-skinny or petite). My body shape is "heavier on top" with skinny legs and narrow hips, tending toward "apple" shape (my love handle region is the first place extra weight goes and the last place it leaves).
Often with tops (but not in THIS case) the M/L fits across my shoulders and chest, but below the bust, I don't need extra space along the sides, and generally prefer the S for overall fit (true for brands like J. Crew, Gap, etc.) That said, "petite" is not a fitting descriptor of my swimmer's shoulders/wide ribcage, or my naturally endowed 34E cup size. Whether you see this as a blessing or a curse (myself, the latter), I include this detail to convey how big this black & blue (faux) "peplum" top runs.
The medium was immediately out. Enormous in the body, and way too loose. Had I tried this on without knowing the size, I would have guessed it was at least an XL and most likely plus-sized. If this top were to flatter any body type, my guess would be a plus size figure with full hips.
The small fit me on top, but I've tried it on a few different times, and just can't get myself to wear it out-in order for the peplum effect to be flattering. When I look in the mirror, the not-snug fit makes me appear really wide. Making me even less likely to wear this in public is the height of the waistline (too high for peplum, too low for empire waist). The peplum tail itself isn't long enough or stiff enough to completely cover my (only slightly pudgy) middle, creating a very real version of what I only look like in my worst fears of muffin top.
I give the quality of the material and stitching a good/acceptable rating, but the stretchy material is thicker than I pictured based on the website. It also has zero stiffness, so without extra length, it bubbles like an inter-tube instead of flaring/falling flat.
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