Refined Cord(uroy) Reed Shirtdress Review

Like many I loved the simple 1950s inspired shape of last spring's Reed Shirtdress. When it was released in corduroy for fall as the Refined Cord Shirtdress, I was a bit hesitant because what I liked about the silhouette from before was its lightness.

Though this photo is a little blurry, you can see how the wind gives it movement. It moves really nicely and the heaviness of a cord might negate that. I tried on an 8 this week and was surprised that it seemed less poofy than the Reed. Perhaps the heaviness of the corduroy streamlined the skirt? Regardless, I found this to run larger than the earlier version. The elastic panel in the back of the Refined Cord is much stretchier than it's previous iteration. The metal buttons are really nice and the cord is thick and durable. I am not sure that I will buy this since I have the Reed in a solid and a plaid, but it is definitely a great dress that fits a bit larger than the other.

Spring Reed

Reed Shirtdress (Anthro)

 Marc by Marc Jacobs Daisy Ruffle Cardigan (in black here)

Anthro belt

Hue tights

Chloe flats

One of my favorite birthday discount buys of last year was the Reed Shirtdress (on sale to boot!). I hadn't really thought about winterizing this one but I did think it looked great when paired with tights. I wore it to campus last week with a new cardigan. I bought this MBMJ sweater on final sale from Piperlime with a Friends and Family 30% off coupon. It was such a steal but I worried about spilling tea on it all day.

Red Reed

Don't forget to enter the Consume or Consumed Blogiversary Giveaway! 

I was torn over whether or not to keep solid red Reed Shirtdress after I bought it in red plaid. I used my Anthropologie bday discount and got both on sale. I thought I *really* wanted the solid green (I still kind of do) but the orangey red grew on me. I don't usually wear a color this bright on its own, so I styled it a few ways to make it less of an announcement dress and more of simply an outfit.

The Red Reed is sold out, along with all the other combinations, online. But a few occasionally are spotted in stores. I follow the trading community over at Effortless Anthropologie to keep abreast of store stocks.

I like that the solid Reeds are slightly shorter than the plaids. They run a little smaller, too in my opinion. This is a size 8 but it is a little more snug than the plaid was.
Shown with:
Levis denim jacket
Vintage Coach satchel
Coach Shine flats in gray*
Aqua cashmere cardigan (budget similar in cotton here)
Chloe flats (budget similar here)
Linea Pelle belt  (budget similar here)
Hue tights

*I hadn't really thought about Coach lately, beyond the vintage satchel I bought from ebay. But the  incredibly stylish Owls influenced me to take another look. I found those flats on clearance at Marshalls for even less than the above sale price.

Cartography Cardigan and Map Print Handbags

Perhaps this isn't the smartest combo of pieces but I have been trying to find a way to wear the orange Reed shirtdress without feeling like a neon sign. I paired it with the neutral palette of the Cartography Cardigan.
Reed shirtdress in orange from Anthropologie (similar here and here)
Cartography cardigan from Anthropologie
Studded belt from Forever 21 (similar here)
Very Volatile shoes from zappos
Vintage Kenneth Cole bag from a clothing swap

After seeing the map print for the first time in the store months ago, I was reminded of the very popular leather handbags featuring map prints. They were everywhere in the 90s. 

Cardigans by Anthropologie
Shoulder Bags by Alviero Martini

I decided to seek one out on ebay because they retailed for way too much. Apparently they are still made by Alviero Martini. 

(Orange) Red Reed on a Hot Bloomfield Day

Tried to get Speck out for a walk before it got too hot to handle. Obviously it is not cardigan weather anymore.
Reed Shirtdress from Anthropologie
Vintage belt (that is apparently a little heavy at the clasp because it is sagging here)
Burberry jeweled flats
Striped tote bag from Steve and Barry's SJP Bitten line

Off to find a pool for swimming! Happy Fourth to American readers! If you are looking for some inspiration, look no further (but bring some tissues).

Fitting Room Reviews: Anthropologie

I loved the interior fabric lining of the Two Paths Trench by Idra and was thrilled to see that it came in dress form, called the Rainforest Morning Shirtdress. I tried it on in store and was not disappointed.

 

Although the skirt was not straight in the photo, the fit was true to size (I took an 8 which is what I typically wear in this style of dress). I really liked the pockets! The sleeves were a bit snug but I sometimes have that problem. 

The Blooming Sapphire Wrap dress was plentiful in my local Anthropologie's sale section and when I tried it on, the reason became clear to me.

It was not flattering on my curvy figure at all. They were out of my regular size so I took one down and that might have caused the problem. It was too shortwaisted and although I liked the look of the flowy fabric (it looked beautiful amid a dressing room twirl, for example), it just looked dumpy on me.

The Reed Shirtdress comes in solids and plaids. It has been a favorite among Anthropologie addicts but it was far less exciting on me. I think perhaps the length was the problem. I found it to be TTS but I have heard one should size up. This is an 8.

I think belting this dress makes a huge difference as shown by the lovely and stylish Rosa of Love at First Shop and Becca of Bea is for Beautiful. But I had no belt with me to see. The retail of $118 is just low enough (relatively speaking, for Anthropologie) that I wonder if it will last long enough to go on sale?

The New York New York dress looked so pretty when I saw it on Golden Means, that I just couldn't resist trying it on in person. 

I loved the neckline. I loved the saturated painterly colors of the print. But I wasn't impressed by the quality. I also don't often buy sleeveless dresses. Although I didn't buy anything I am glad to know the size I would need, should sales render some of these items more tempting! Thanks for reading!

Mad for Feminine "New" Look Plaid!

Wore Anthropologie's Reed Shirtdress in red plaid yesterday in anticipation of Mad Men season 4 episode 1. Sure it is a little 1950s and not at all new look in length, but the weather was just cool enough to pull off after a spate of 90+degree heat and unfathomable humidity.

I threw my hair up in a messy French twist (that unfortunately didn't last through my dog walk because I forgot about the necessity of hair spray) and put on my exaggerated cat eye frames. Went to a friend's house to watch the premier with many other friends. Chris made a pitcher (yes, an entire pitcher) of gimlets that went quickly. Afterwards we had those who walked home from the party over for nightcaps. The men had Cuban cigars in the back yard. It felt very appropriate but I didn't get to bed 'til almost 3am.

It was a fantastic episode and sartorially speaking I was most thrilled by Joanie's violet blue, body-conscious ruffle bib sheath. Disappointed by Betty's desperate wardrobe attempts to dress age appropriately in adaptation to her role as new wife of Henry Francis. Honorable mention goes to Peggy's excellent bubble bob hairdo! Did anyone else dress for the occasion?

Weekend Dress Haul

Old Navy dress

In addition to the lion's share of heirloom tomatoes and other produce I bought from Farmers at the Firehouse, this weekend I grabbed an Old Navy dress I've wanted for a while. One of my fellow fashionism.org posters who blogs at overcaffeinated wrote about it originally.  It was always sold out in my size online and the fit reviews were mixed so I was glad to track one down in store. With the friends and family coupon from last weekend, it ended up costing around $25, which I think is a decent deal. For people interested in the chambray or navy version of this simple shirt dress, I've included my review below.

Although most of the clothing at Old Navy runs large, this dress runs true to size. I tried both an 8 and a 10, and bought the 10. It is especially snug across the bust and the 10 offered additional space plus a bit more length. It's kind of short, it is unlined, the buttons are a bit difficult to undo, and the fabric is thicker/stiffer than a nicer quality chambray. It doesn't have a side zip so the button functionality is important, in my opinion. But the skirt's pleats are really flattering, it has pockets, and the sleeves can button to be above elbow or 3/4 length. It is offered in navy and chambray. I view it as a more casual, slightly shorter, less poofy, and much cheaper version of the popular Reed Shirtdress from Anthropologie (see my review and posts of that here).

If you want to track one down, you can call Old Navy customer service and see if your local store is stocked. The item number (at least for chambray) is 889438. I don't know the item number for navy. If you do want to buy one in store, be sure to run a search for any current Old Navy coupons before your visit. I didn't even have to print anything out. I just showed the friends and family coupon on my phone and the sales person used her store coupon for application. Hope this helps!

Also, be sure to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway, if you've not already done so!

Base 10: Gift roundup and gift outfits

People often speak, think, and mythologize about the past and their own lives in terms of decades. The last week marked the first days of my third. For this particular milestone, I was showered with love, friendship, and gifts. And because this blog is mostly about materiality, I'm going to share with you some details on the latter category.

Beautiful flowers (from my parents and my neighbor), additional stock for my liquor cabinet (featuring my favorite gins, micros/Belgians, and wine from various friends), hot rollers, and a garment steamer from my parents.

A set of wooden salad and serving bowls from my parents and some lovely bracelets/cuffs (similar ones here) from my sister. Gardening stuff and a collection of classic films  (not pictured) from my brother.

This Nanette Lepore Cafe Sheath dress (similar here) from Chris's mom and stepdad. An Amazon giftcard from his dad and stepmom. Beautiful Bloomfield artwork (not pictured) inspired by the street where I live from my future stepsister-in-law and her partner.

The Gatsby bag by Jenny Yuen (similar here) and vinyl copies of She and Him Vols. 1 and 2 from Chris.

With the Anthropologie birthday coupon I bought myself some gifts. The Reed Shirtdress (similar on sale here) shown with Linea Pelle belt, Burberry flats on the left, Chie Mihara t-straps on the right. Two-Paths trenchcoat with Steven Director pumps on the left and Chloe zipper flats on the right.

Epic gifts for an epic birthday!