I found some duds and some winners these past weeks.
what had to be returned and why
I had to send back the size medium tall black utility strap dress, for a – wait for it – small tall. Like what? The fact of the matter is that this dress fits massively. But nevertheless, it is a fantastic dress! I could not pass it up, especially since the length is right and the back straps and the D buckles details.
I kept one of the two sizes in the bold print crop top and full skirt set. Back went the size extra large top, into my closet went the size large. It looks fabulous with the matching skirt. Sidebar: It also comes in coral.
I love this striped set but the shorts run small, especially compared to the oversized button down top. Because I was having issues on the website in requesting an exchange for a different size in lieu of a return, I just sent back both pieces, final.
Finally, the nail in the coffin for the black and white print silk dress that I was debating. The white splotches are too sheer and the neckline is too low to wear to the office which is where I would have liked to wear it. This dress just does not blow my skirt up enough to spend upwards of one hundred dollars.
what I loved and kept
Alo was having a thirty percent off sitewide sale, which I understand never happens. As such, I indulged in a cozy sweatshirt and two pairs of socks. Why – pray tell – do I never seem to have a clean set of identical socks when I need them?
I was thrilled to find the Lilly Pulitzer Annabelle Shift Dress. This dress serves the taller than average woman in that it has a longer length at 38 inches than the typical shift at 34 inches. The new length offering reminds me of the longer and longest options of the Lilly Pulitzer shift dresses of the summer of 2019. I regretted not buying the Mila dress from back then so even though I was not crazy about the print, the style with the front pockets and front vents and the crochet trim motivated me to click order.
I spied a stylish woman in Philadelphia sporting a rain coat such as this one. Though I suspect that hers was a luxury brand, I went with a label that offers tall size range. I knew I wanted something elevated than my gorpcore Patagonia coat. This will be the ideal coat to wear over workwear, to protect my office outfit against the summer onslaught of rain.
It happened. I bought a crop top but only because I was struggling to find a match for the full midi length bold print skirt that was available in a tall size range. See above: the green eyelet top from J.Crew Factory. Nevertheless, the crop top worked out in a way that I did not expect, better in fact.
Finally, I score this awning striped bag with tan leather trim from the Staud sample sale. I have only shopped Staud previously for a gown for a specific occasion. This bag was my first and only Staud purchase I made that was not purpose-driven. I just love the stripe and the shape.
