Review: Banana Republic Non-Iron Dress Shirt in 00P

Those who have been reading my blog for a while may know that I detest button-up shirts. It is almost impossible to find one that fits perfectly (for many women, not even just petites), plus I'm not a big fan of the look. I'd much rather wear a pretty silk blouse, than some bunchy, wrinkle-prone button up shirt.

Please forgive this winter-y ensemble..I grabbed the first pencil skirt I could find, and ran outside for pics!

Shirt: Banana Republic Fitted Non-Iron Button Up Shirt in Indigo Sateen, sz 00P

Skirt: Theory Joanie sz 00

Wedges: Tory Burch Sophie sz 5.5

 Continue reading for my review...



Fit: The 00P is very narrow and fits me well in the aspects of shoulder width, bust, waist, and sleeve width. Those with chests larger than 32B might bust out of this size. As you can see, the chest area of my shirt is almost stretched taught. The sleeves are also an inch or two too long for me. This is not surprising, because a petites line must accommodate women up to 5'4" and I am just 5.'

Sidenote: To combat the bust button-gap issue, readers have suggested using a pin, fashion tape, as well as wearing a similar-colored cami underneath. Any other suggestions for preventing an inadvertent peek show?

Material: Too early for me to tell, but there's no way this will remain completely wrinkle-free. In the last photo, the parts where the sleeves were folded up are already very creasy. I much preferred the sateen material over the regular one as it was smoother and cooler to the touch. I would say overall quality is a few notches above H&M.

Price: Affordable. BR frequently has 40% off coupons which would make this shirt about $36. All of these are on sale right now from $29-$44.

Accessibility: Very good. 00P can be found in-store (petite sections) and seems to be well-stocked online, currently available in every color but one.

Yeech...not liking the side view of those wedges. Makes my feet look huge! Must stick with pumps...

Back view: tucked vs. untucked, typical frump-a-licious fit of a button-up shirt.

Sleeves too long. I don't want to pay $20+ for alterations, so will just wear these cuffed.

Verdict: Overall, a good shirt for tiny petites. I don't own any button-up dress shirts, so I'm leaning towards keeping it. Also, I only paid...

While I was in BR, I also stopped to try on their new Logan pants. I saw their horrid fit on AlterationsNeeded, but I am bigger than her so I thought they may fit me. In sz 00P:

Erm...nope. The waist was 4+ inches too bit, and was super bunchy throughout. Worst 00P fit ever.

Also tried on the shoes that I was eying from their Fall collection (a sz 6 surprisingly fit)...

Union Flannel Pump

Heel and platform are way too chunky for my tiny calves/legs. Looked a bit dis-proportionate.

Maritza High Heel Pump

Normal pump, but in my opinion the shape is not as flattering as Ann Taylor's perfect pumps.

Sigh...BR just didn't do it for me this time! What do you guys think of their offerings as of late? And do any of you own this non-iron button up shirt?

Petite Bustier Pieces that Run Small

Ever since I discovered Chloe's blog, I've become corset and bustier-obsessed (see my fave Nanette Lepore corsets on her here and here). Sadly, I have yet to come across a nice (non-racy, non-gothic...) structured bustier that fits me right. Either the boning is awkward, the molded cups are too big, or the length is too long. I came close to taking an F21 one to the tailor, then realized how silly that was.

When I first browsed Henrietta Pertuz's petites collection, my eyes were instantly drawn to the gingham Lisa bustier and the seersucker Ford dress. These pieces come in sizes 0P-12P, and have the classic bustier shape I am seeking with some contemporary details. Henrietta kindly offered to send me the Ford dress, and without hesitation I asked for the smallest size - 0P.

To my surprise, the 0p was too small for me. Not just a little suck-in-yer-tummy small, but much too small. I guess this is promising news for ladies who are more petite than I am. The back closure of the dress is comprised of a zipper at the skirt, and hook-and-eye closure clips at the bust. I managed to get the zipper up but there was no hope for the clips - I hastily snapped some photos (see bottom of post) and returned the dress to Henrietta. This is what she sent back, in size 2P:

Top: Henrietta Pertuz Lisa bustier, sz 2P (sold here)

Pants: brand unknown, waist taken in by my tailor

Shoes: Banana Republic 5.5

The 2P fits me much better, but I still think it is too small for me. Hopefully Henrietta will let me exchange it for another size up. If I had to compare sizing, I would say a 2P in this bustier fits half to one size smaller than Banana Republic 00P fitted tops.

My own approximate measurements of the bustier pieces:
Size 0P: 28" around the widest part of the top; 23" around the smallest part of the waist
Size 2P: 29" around the widest part of the top; 24" around the smallest part of the waist. 15" length.

Disclosure: I received this item courtesy of Henrietta Pertuz. My review here is my personal opinion.
 
What I like: quality, details, and silhouette. The workmanship on these corset pieces blew me away. I used to sew myself so I really appreciate features such as a full lining, non-slip grip trim, tiny pleats along the waist, and perfectly placed boning in the cups and down both sides. These items are not cheap at $168 (top) and $185 (dress), but for really well-crafted, lined & structured pieces, I think the pricing is fair. For reference, the Nanette Lepore corsets I covet retail for $275.

I love how the fitted silhouette gives me an hourglass figure. The layered sweetheart neckline flatters my bust, and the cut makes my waist look small. This top was surprisingly wearable over skirts, jeans, and pants alike. I decided to show it with boot-cut slacks that I don't wear very often.

Suggestions for improvement: sizing consistency. I took a 0P here in the Molly dress but may need a 4P in the bustier pieces - a pretty big difference. I also suggested using stretch fabrics (although a full lining would then be less practical) or incorporate an elastic back panel (like this Theory dress) for more expandable fit. As for the Ford dress, I personally prefer shorter length with higher-waisted skirts. Henrietta responded that she is working with a new pattern maker on sizing and will be using stretch fabrics in her Fall 2010 collection. If anyone is interested in these lovely bustier pieces, I recommend taking accurate upper body measurements and emailing Henrietta for sizing advice.

Here are some photos that I took in the Ford dress to show the silhouette. This is such a sweet dress that reminds me of the old south. Keep in mind that these photos are not representative of how the 0P fits - the dress was too small for me so the back is actually halfway open. Click photos to enlarge.

Belt: H&M sz XS; Necklace: J.Crew; Wedges: BCBGirls 5.5

Truly awesome craftsmanship:

Even the side pockets are lined in floral print. The bustier is also lined in the same print, but in pink.

Stay tuned for Henrietta's petite giveaway in the next day or two. I'll post the rules and prize as soon as I have time to make an entry form.

Quick Review: Ann Taylor Petal Shell and Perfect Pumps

Sorry for yet another Ann Taylor post, but I wanted to share the last of my work loot from last week. This top didn't catch my eye the first time around, but I added it on with my shoe spree:

 Ann Taylor Petal Front Shell in PXXS (sold in Dusty Mauve and Dark Basalt)

The top doesn't look like much online, but the details are so pretty in person. The shirt itself is a stretchy and soft rayon/spandex blend that actually draped and fit as expected. The arm holes are trimmed with layered chiffon, and the petals are hand-sewn on with beaded centers. My only complaint is the larger-than-usual arm holes, but I can deal with that. Here's how it looks under a jacket and tucked into a skirt:

Top: Ann Taylor Petal Front Shell sz PXXS

Jacket: Theory Gratian Blazer sz 00

Skirt: H&M sz 4 (waist and sides taken in, hemmed)

Shoes: Ann Taylor Elle Pump, sz 5

Annnd my shoe spree:

AT Pumps (in exotic, black leather, black patent, and soft pewter)

I admit I did go a little crazy, but I don't like shopping for work shoes. When I find something that works I tend to grab it in a variety of colors, then wear them happily for the following year. These pumps are exactly what I was looking for - classic, round toe pumps showing just enough toe cleav. with a comfy, work-appropriate 3.5" heel.

A word of warning, though - if you are between sizes you should probably size down. I can wear a 5.5 to 6 normally and I bought these pumps in sizes 5 and 5.5. Also, I take back what I said previously about AT carrying 5's in store ... that was a complete and utter lie told to me by a sales associate! The closest store to me carries 6.5 as the smallest size. How crazy is that?

AT Perfect Pump in Soft Pewter (sold out online, but still available in this purrty, rich Cognac color)

Review: Ann Taylor Spring Tops in Petite XXS and XXS

There were lots of sales to be had on AnnTaylor.com last week, and I kind of went to town on petite tops for work. As soon as I thought I was done, they go ahead and have another big sale on "perfect pieces." AT, you're killing me! I'm oogling this pocketed dress from this week's sale:

Ribbon Front Shirtdress in 00P, $138 just $62.65 after sale and SHOP30

Two more picks in size 00P: The Perfect Button-Up $68 is now $35 with SHOP30. The Ponte Pencil Skirt $78 in black or charcoal is also just $35 with SHOP30. I actually have little experience with Ann Taylor's 00P, but I assume that it fits similar to Banana Republic?

Apparently I made several mistakes last week while ordering online and didn't get a few things I "thought" I ordered, instead getting the same blouse in the same color twice. Oh well. I'll start with the good ...

1. Ann Taylor Cut-in ruffle shell in Petite XXS, was $48 before discounts and coupons:

On me in "Soft Ribbon" :

Pants: Theory "Mark B" sz 00; hemmed and legs slimmed throughout (were wide-leg)

Pros: Fabric was drapey and fit as expected.

Cons: Fabric (rayon/spandex mix) seems pilling-prone again. 100% polyester neck and ruffle detailing causes mad static every time I pulled it over my head. Thinner material showed bra lines, but I probably just need more seamless bras.

Verdict: Keep.

The okay...

2. Ann Taylor Petite Silk Perfect Shell in PXXS, $58 before discounts and coupons:

On me in "Lavender Oil":

On me in "Dusty Mauve" :

I love silk blouses for work and have been looking for a "perfect" silk shell. Unfortunately silk is tricky for petites because it has little stretch and is usually cut to drape more generously. It also costs more to alter.

Pros: Pretty colors and slightly stretchy material. Contoured seams on both sides. A petite one size up from me should fit perfectly into the PXXS. It's on sale this week, too, for only $35 after SHOP30.

Cons: Armholes too loose (16" measured from armpit to armpit), and length (22") too long on me. Also looks funky tucked into pants, but would probably fare better tucked into high-waisted skirts.

Verdict: Don't want to spend $ on alterations...return. But again, would probably look nice on someone a little bigger.


And the bad experiment...

3.  Ann Taylor Cotton / Modal Tee with Chiffon Trim in womens XXS, was $38 before discounts and coupons.

This shirt was sold out in PXXS and PXS in every color (back in stock, though!). I thought it would be a great basic so I took a leap and ordered it in womens XXS. After all, it's just a stretchy knit top...so I expected it to just be a little long.

On me in Womens XXS in "Pale Iris" :

Pros: Comfy, smooth material with lots of stretch. Pretty satin trim.

Cons: Looks awful on me above, but I can't fairly judge since I didn't order from the petites department. Crazy, though, how generous an "XXS" can be these days ... I've definitely tried on womens Smalls in other brands that don't fit nearly this big!

Verdict: Return. May re-order in petite XXS now that it's back online.

Review: J.Crew Cardigans - not all XS's created equal

After finding success with a J.Crew size XS cardigan from this post, I fell under the false impression that all of their sweaters would fit equally well in XS. I ordered a bunch online, looking for the word "fitted" under descriptions and scoped out all the model photos to see which sweaters seemed the most snug. I ended up with the following three:

*Warning - it was a frizzy hair day to say the least. I literally rolled out of bed and decided to start the day w/ some blogging pics*

1. First up, the dream crewneck cardigan in XS. $85 only $35 with EXTRA30 (extended til Sunday!). They really sold me on the product description, and I liked the unique exposed seaming at the arms and down the back. The sweater looks so snug on the online model - I was SURE it would fit great on petites.

Click for more info

In real life (hrmm, notice that the sweater kind of "gained 5 lbs" from the image above? As in, it looks wider and dumpier than the sleek sweater shown above?):

And on me:

Verdict: return. Too much baggage around the torso. Loose and long sleeves. A nice knit though, and some very pretty color options. Someone 1 size up would fit much better in this, especially if it shrinks a little in the wash.

Click "Read More" for more sweaters.

2. Jackie Cotton Cardigan in XS, $62. Select colors were $21 but apparently they are sold out. I like this cardigan because it looked kind of "shrunken" on the model and it comes in a myriad of colors.

Click for more info

In real life (sleeves look shorter than on the model):

And the pewter color, on me:

 

 

I didn't think the fit was bad at all, esp for $21. There was a lil' room to spare, but the material is a cotton blend so I imagine it will shrink in the wash. I liked the cut as well - a classic crewneck style.

Verdict: I would have kept this cardigan, except I was so irked about the final sale item (sweater # 3) that I made myself return this to save $. I will probably track this sweater again online until the more vibrant colors go on sale.

3. Bling-Button Cardigan in XS, $68 now $28 with EXTRA30. This one also looked so snug on the model. I've also been looking for a more "airy" cardigan and the material read: "Spun from a lightweight blend of acrylic/alpaca/wool in a 7-gauge knit." Sounds nice, right?

Click for more info

The material was airy alright - it was soo flimsy that snag-able that I'm sure I'll destroy this cardigan in no time. I like tighter knits that don't really leave any holes to be snagged by pens, pencils, or hooks. I already caught this on a necklace just while trying it on.

Verdict: Final Sale...boo. But at least the fit is "acceptable!"