IRL blog - September-Decemeber 2006 (archived) |
Le Train Bleu
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IRL
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November 4, 2005:
Bronze Ruffle Belt by Pelle Melle
> $98 retail
> Le Train Bleu
Coming soon! |
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Le Train Bleu
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IRL
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November 4, 2005:
Mindi Drawstring Boots in Dark Chocolate
> $90 retail
> Le Train Bleu
Coming soon! |
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Target
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IRL
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November 4, 2005:
Purple Notch-Collar Cardigan by Mossimo
> $23 retail
> Target
Coming soon! |
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Banana Republic
IRL
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October 28, 2005:
Cotton/Angora Cable Sweater in Light Blue Heather
> $54 retail
> Banana Republic
Coming soon! |
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Blaec
IRL
closeup: front
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October 28, 2005:
Fleurette Tank by Porridge
> $65 retail, $15 ebay
> Blaec
This was my first chance to try out Porridge items. Honestly, I'm not sure if these were meant to be jammies or what, but they are extremely soft and lightweight. Not in a C&C kind of way--there's a waffle rib to it that gives the fabric great texture, so there's definitely more going on than with a plain thin tank. The texture helps give it that soft worn-in feel. Very comfortable. The patterns remind me of PJ/lounge-type stuff, and as you can see from my pic, they're so thin that they're a tad sheer under the flash. But don't get me wrong--this could definitely be worn out as well. This particular pattern is the same Fleurette pattern of the other Porridge (pink) tee I got, with grey flowers against a periwinkle background. While I guess you could say it's just an ordinary tank, something about the color, pattern, and texture makes it feel a little unique. It's a nice change from all the solid ribbed boybeaters you see around!
Blaec is carrying this in a "scribble" pattern. I'd say this tank runs TTS to a bit small. I got a 1, which is equivalent to a small, but I'd say this is an XS/S item. The armholes feel a bit small to me, but the fit overall is normal. Nice long length too--I'm hoping this doesn't change when it comes out of the dryer! |
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Blaec
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October 28, 2005:
Fleurette Tee by Porridge
> $80 retail
This is the same fabric as the tank I reviewed above, so I won't go into that. However, I will say this somehow feels even softer and cushier than the tank. I got this tee in a 2, which is equivalent to a medium. However, this runs big, so I'd say it's good for a M/L range. It's also very very long. Much longer than the tank, though again, I'm sure it will shrink at least a bit. I didn't post an IRL pic of it just because it's at least one size too big on me, and that wouldn't look good no matter how great the item is. I do wish I could have it in my size though, since the color and pattern are so cute. I especially love the open neckline and longer length of the sleeves--very flattering. |
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Sun Walters
IRL
closeup: front
closeup: side
closeup: back
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October 26, 2005:
Corduroy Gauchos in Teal by Soda Blu
> $49 retail, $18 ebay
> Sun Walters
I'm so used to seeing outrageous price tags these days that it's become commonplace. So when I see something with a retail sticker of $49, I automatically think there's something wrong with it. Cheap quality, bad fit, impractical color, etc. But since these were only $18 on ebay, I figured I might as well give them a shot since I'd be saving on shipping anyway. It's practically free, after all...right?
Well, I just got these in yesterday (from a wonderful seller, trend*setter), and I was quite surprised when I saw how nice they were. "Okay, so I bet once I put them on, they'll look terrible." Nope. Just comparing the cut and style, these are incredibly similar to the Lauren Moffatt cord gauchos I reviewed below. In fact, I think these might actually be better, simply because they aren't as low-cut. I have to admit, I do love the "raspberry" color of the Moffatt ones better and the leather detailing, but this toned down dark teal color of the Soda Blu is very pretty and versatile. I also think these are more flattering to your bum.
Sizing is pretty TTS. I ordered a small and they fit perfectly. I'm thinking these will probably shrink in the wash though, but I'll just have to update if that happens. I believe the seller still might have a pair or two left, so scour ebay for these, because they're out of stock at Sun Walters. |
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Active Endeavors
IRL
closeup: front
closeup: side
closeup: detail
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September 1, 2005:
Raspberry Cord Gauchos by Lauren Moffatt
> $242 retail, $193.6 after code
> Active Endeavors
I have fallen in love with Lauren Moffatt's fall collection this year. There are so many great pieces to choose from...but at those prices, I figured I would treat myself to just one. I got these gauchos and the dress below and decided I'd keep the one I like better. It's a tough choice, as both have their pros and cons.
I'm loving red this season, so I just had to get these shorts. They also come in a more neutral taupe color, but this red is such a rich beautiful color. Other than the color, I love the long length and the flared legs. The one thing that could be improved is the low rise. These are dangerously low on me. I'm wearing them with a very long tank from Banana Republic, and these shorts start just a lil above where the tank ends. Since I have a long torso, most of my tees will leave an open gap. However, as long as I pair these with longer shirts, I think this would be a pretty versatile piece in my wardrobe. Living in the south, I can see myself wearing this well into winter with some boots or tights. On the flip side, since they're basically shorts, I can start wearing them now.
I'm leaning towards keeping this one. |
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Active Endeavors
IRL
closeup: front
closeup: side
closeup: skirt
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September 1, 2005:
Cotton Print Dress by Lauren Moffatt
> $321 retail, $256.8 after code
> Active Endeavors
This is such a cute dress! The top is a beautiful turquoise blue with gold threads that shimmer as you move, and the skirt flows out with an ethnic vibe, though the print is supposed to be pilgrim-inspired. The material is very lightweight, so it's comfortable to wear. The top is actually a bit sheer--something that is more noticeable with the flash of a camera. Since it's made of 100% cotton, you could definitely wear this for casual occasions--it's not dressy enough for anything semi-formal and beyond. This is probably a good thing, because we can wear it more often. One thing I don't like is that the gathers at the waist give off a very pregnant look (see side closeup)...more so than other empire waist dresses I've tried in the past. On the other hand, if you'd like something to disguise a small bulge, this is the dress for you. Secondly, I feel that this style will be passe more quickly than the gauchos. That's often the case with these super cute whimsical pieces. I'll be sending this one back. |
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Archives
July 2005: White by Development, Y-Yigal
March-April 2005: Hollister, Botkier, Vince, James Perse, Stephanie Johnson, White + Warren
February 2005: Cole Haan, C&C, Juicy, Splendid, Alice + Olivia, Diesel
January 2005: Anthropologie, Blumarine, Mint, Ruth, Anna Molinari, Mona & Holly, Plenty, Moyna
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