Cotton Cardigan in Colorblock and Altuzarra Sabrina Dress

This cardigan was the first thing that caught my attention, when I perused the new arrivals on J.Crew site last Thursday:

Featherweight cotton cardigan in colorblock

I like the colorblock effect and the pink/navy combination is one of my favorites. So I have asked for measurements, decided I needed size M and promptly placed an order. I did not think I would keep it at full price, but I wanted to try it on for the blog and in case I would want to stalk it in the final sale one day.

The colorblock effect did not disappoint me IRL.  I love navy and this is a great way to wear neon pink, since the navy tones it down and separates it from being next to your skin.

Size Medium

I also guessed the size right, I think Small would be too snug.
 

Fit TTS to slightly small

It looks good open and closed, but I had trouble coming up with styling ideas. The vintage bateau t-shirt was accidental, I just happened to be wearing it, when I received the sweater, but I think it actually works. I can also see it with navy striped top or white top, the way it is styled on the website. I think pink would be a little tricky to match, but maybe a white/natural t-shirt with some pink/navy design in the middle?

Navy tones down the neon

The cotton on this cardi is indeed featherweight, it is very thin and airy which may make it a perfect summer layer, but I think it would also be prone to developing holes quickly.

With vintage bateau (in olive?)

I liked the yellow version of this cardi with the tonal stripes of vintage bateau, that tells me the navy one will look great with navy striped top. But bear in mind the yellow hue is pretty acidic and neon, as well.

Very thin and see through

It definitely is very see through, especially in lighter colorway. It also tends to show any lumps and bumps you may or may not have.

Overpriced

Overall, I am returning it, for now anyway, I definitely think the price is too high for a very thin cotton cardi, you are only paying for the colorblock design here.

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I was also curious about  Altuzarra for J.Crew collection and I have ordered both Sabrina and Patricia dresses. Sabrina dress was in stock and I just received it yesterday.

Altuzarra for J.Crew Sabrina dress

When I asked for measurements I decided to order size 8 since the chest measurements was listed at only 36.5", waist 30.5", hips 42" and skirt length 24.75". 

Size 8

This was a good call, as I think 8 is probably the best size for me. Best, does not mean that it fits well. It looks better in the pictures but irl the measurement just under the bust is too wide and because of that my breasts are 'falling in' with not enough support. This would probably be better in size 6 but then the cups will not be big enough. (Full disclosure: for the sake of decency I did pick the most modest looking pictures)

It definitely creates cleavage

The hip measurement is proportionally large but I did not find it sticking out. Nevertheless, I think this dress would look better on those who are pear shaped and small busted.

I think it would be ideal if you are a B or C cup. This dress is meant to be used without a bra as it has a build in corset and boning on the sides. It does have the bra snaps but it seems silly to wear a bra and it would have to fit the mold. I was not able to fit a bra under it. I think this is best if you happen to have right proportions and can wear it without a bra .

The straps were slightly too long on me. The length was perfect, fell right to the knee ( I am 5'6).

Back view attempt

The dress seems very well made and the lining felt very silky.  The top portion of the lining is cotton and the skirt portion is polyester. I thought cotton lining of the bodice was a good choice.

inside out

bow detail

I think you could remove the bow detail if you think it is too cutesy since it seems to have gingham fabric underneath. I think the pencil silhouette and the fitted style prevents it from being too "Dorothy" or too young.  hoesIt you remove the bow that will also give you an option of wearing it with say brown or black belt to offset the Wizard of Oz effect (also, don't try wearing red Glitteratti shoes with it, lol).

I would wear this dress if it fitted me correctly. It does seem well made and the fabric is very nice to touch,
Is it worth the price? Probably not, I would think it will go on sale because it will mot fit most people correctly. So if you are lucky to have the right proportions and you are patient you can probably score it for less. Of course, it will also depend how many of those dresses they made.

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That's all folks!

I will try to post a review of Altuzarra for J.Crew Patricia dress tomorrow.

What do you think?

Do you like the colorblock cardigan?

Are you contemplating Sabrina dress?

Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!