For a long time, I have been very strong in resisting the urge to order the Cinched Medallions blouse. There's just no denying how gorgeous it is. I love the Art Deco feel, the color, and I'm a huge fan of embroidery. All the right ingredients are there. I've been battling with the frugal side of me that just refused to let me pay the full price of this blouse, but the blouse wouldn't go on sale and so the frugal side finally lost to the "I have to have it because it's perfect side" (yes, it's a side of mine that just refuses to be pushed down. Luckily this side is very selective and very few things are perfect after all).So, I headed to my not so local Anthropologie store on 5th Ave to try it on. In person the blouse is everything you'd expect it to be and more. The fabric is beautiful with a hint of shimmer. The blouse was very well made and almost flawless. I say almost, because the front medallions did not line up with the back medallions to form a circle as I thought they would. I'm not sure if this was intentional or just a fluke. Still, I was not deterred.
OOH
AHHI tried on a size 2, which is what I usually wear. It was completely loose on me. Hmm. I tried size 0 next. It fit perfectly in the waist and was a perfect length on me (Ok, I'm on the petite side), but it still hung completely loose in the chest, which is strange because without going into details, I am not flat chested by any standards. Where does one go from a size 0? As my sister put it, "maybe if you were shaped like Dolly Parton".
Still, I refused to give up and stood there in front of the mirror trying to figure out where a seamstress might take the blouse in. There was no place as far as I can see. The blouse cannot be taken in by the side seams because of the embroidery, and there's no meddling with the front pleats. Why?! Why?! I want it dammit!
As you have probably already guessed, I left the store without my beloved medallions blouse. What a disappointment. I miss it. Not sure why, but I still visit it on Anthropologie.com (In hopes it will shrink?)
Any volunteers out there who would like to take up reconstructing this blouse for me?
Didn't think so...
15 comments:
I never gave that blouse a good look before now, but it is beautiful. I am so sorry it didn't work out for you sizing-wise, but thank you for the wonderful review!
Did you try on more than one size zero? This happens more with the cut and sew shirts, sometimes they have weird little size related defects and I have to bring out another in the same size for a customer. It most likely wasn't the problem, but if you really love it..it might be worth a shot!
Hmm, it's an interesting point you're making, Maile.
They only had one blouse in size o, but maybe I should try another store.
If you try another one, and it it still too large, a tailor could fix it for you (especially in NY
;-) I usually have to have things fixed, (i'm a zero too) so don't give up on it!
Oh it is lovely. I hate when I get really excited about clothes and then they just look awful. Re read are you there god it's me margaret and maybe they will grow (kidding) xoxo
I've been eyeing that same shirt for so long! I stalk the anthropologie site seeing if my size has gone out of stock. I figured it might go on sale and then I'll give it a go.
I haven't visited your blog in awhile! It always makes me want to get ready and dash out to Anthropologie! The blouse is beautiful! So sorry it didn't work!
Are you familiar with Elsa Mora and her style blog. She did an interview with the designer who created that medallion shirt. See here if you haven't already: http://elsita.typepad.com/thehiddenseed/2009/09/lisa-at-anthropologie.html#comments
If I were you, I would purchase the top. Then I would go to your local tailor, let them take a look at it. If they don't think they can take it in properly, return it. As someone who shops a little too much, my rule of thumb is that if I go home thinking about it, I probably should have bought it. Good luck! :) Hope it works out. It is a darling top!
http://cupcakestand.blogspot.com/
Hi,
Nice review. Thank you.
It's on sale now for $49.95. sold out online, but if you are interested in purchasing it, it's available in size 2, 4, 6, and 8 in at least 2 San Francisco bay area stores for the same sale price!
Cupcake Stand,
I liked your advise, so I went ahead and bought the blouse :-).
Since I got it on sale, I don't feel bad having to pay for alterations. I just hope the seamstress wont send me packing when I show her the blouse.
Anonymous,
I hunted mine down in Newport Beach. San Jose also had some in size 0.
you should tell your tailor to put in two darts in the back...it seems as though that's the only blank canvas on the entire blouse that allows for alterations. since you only need the bust made smaller the two darts should only go to the black waiste line. (i own a tailor shop in southern california...that's what i would do if you brought it in to me to alter it :) good luck...the shirt is definitely worth trying to fix
Ugh I love anthro! Look at this cozy scarf and window display from anthropologie: http://glammed.blogspot.com/2009/10/cashmere-please.html
Any chance you have the style # for this shirt still? I love it and would like to track it down myself! Would have never picked it w/out your review! Thank you so much!
Christy,
The website style # is 913428.
If you call the catalog # and give them this style #, they should be able to do a store search for the blouse. Good luck!
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