Buying What You Want

Back in August 2012, when  I posted about my wishlist crisis, this top was on my fantasy list.  You know, the style you aspire to and feel like it should be yours, only it isn't, for one reason or another. Well, during the months of my abstinence from J.Crew I was able to think of my style as more of an extension of my personality, rather than being driven by endless retail cycle. Actually, I did not think of my style too much, but I did think of who I am and what I want, and it only seemed natural that my clothes should follow me, not the other way around. 

A-Line Mod Top

I like to think that I am a modern, professional, urban women.  I value simplicity and quality in my life.  I hate anything fussy, uncomfortable, too ornamental but also too sweet or too cute.  I also want to feel a bit sexy without revealing too much.

Suddenly, I felt compelled to go ahead and place an order.  I don't know why I haven't done it before. Sure, it is expensive, but in the past, I easily spent the same amount in a month on a few tops from J.Crew.  Is it dressing for a fantasy life?  Much less, in my case, than 'walk in the meadows' flower dresses or Mad Men style skirt suits.  I also own way too much Glee style when what I really like is House of Cards Robin Wright character's wardrobe. 

But this top I can easily wear for a night out in the city and I think this is a perfect date outfit, even if it is a date with your hubby.  In fact, this is the type of clothing that I was lacking, since for long time I focused on my 'wear to work'  and 'wear to weddings' clothes. Well, I have more than enough to wear to work and nobody invites me to weddings anymore.  But I do go out, at least once every two weeks, sometimes more.  If I want to own my style I need to buy the clothes I love.

The package arrived after couple of days and once I took it out of its beautiful box, I knew it was exactly what I wanted.  The quality seems superb, as much as I can tell.  It is made of heavy and substantial cotton, almost like suiting items.  This gives it shape and structure, which is essential for this type of top. The way the armholes are cut is perfect, on me the fabric does not stay away from the body but it is not tight.  I don't know much about garment construction but I think it is because it is cut under slight angle, forming a slight v.  I love the geometric lines, it is such a sharp, modern shape.

Obviously, you cannot wear a regular bra with it, but a simple strapless bra will do.  In fact, the structure of the top will let you easily wear it without the bra, as long as you don't need a lot of support.

I think this top is best without a necklace, but I tried it with simple strand of pearls and I though it was OK, if I wanted to brighten it up.  However, chunky bracelet would be very nice with it.

My only pair of black skinny jeans is at the tailor's, being shortened to ankle length, so I tried it with white and I think it works well.  Really, any color skinnies would do, including blue denim for a more casual look.  I do think I would most likely wear it with black, the way they have it styled in the website pictures.

It looks good from the back, and the length is perfect.  I like how it is fitted under arms and only flares away from the waist down. I have followed website advice and ordered smaller of my sizes.  This is a size Small.  I would say it corresponds to numerical size 4-6 in J.Crew. You need it to fit in the upper part of your chest, then the rest should work.

I love the pockets, you can probably store your key, license and lipstick there if you'd want.

Details of the construction. You can leave the front open or close it with one or two sets of hook and eye. If you leave it open it reveals very little, it does not really come apart much.

If you are a sucker for nice packaging they will get you here. The top came in beautiful box, wrapped in tissue sealed with gold logo, your bill comes in elegant envelope and the package includes wooden hanger and lavender sachet.  The top is expensive but when it arrives it does give you that feeling of getting luxury.

The only problem is that  now I want the white version as well, but let's not be greedy here...

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Do you only buy the styles you truly like or do you often settle for things off target?
Is there something you always wanted but somehow never bought?