Madewell Flowersketch Peplum Top

I saw Madewell Sketchbook Flowers Peplum Top on the display mannequin couple of months ago. I loved the print and immediately inquired about it, but it was only available on pre-order and since the associates did not know the price or the release date, I did not want to bother with it.

When it finally debuted on the website, I was on vacation and I wasn't following Madewell new arrivals but when I saw a review on life as a cat, I called the store and asked them to put a Medium on hold for me.

Size Medium

Medium turned out to be a correct size. I would say this top fits TTS. Print is very pretty and I loved the color combination. It is definitely more coral than orange. The flowers are stylized and indeed reminded me of some antique flower sketch.

The fabric (100% silk) is rather thin but not see through or clingy. Peplum is subtle and lays flat but creates nice waist definition. I never though a peplum top would work for me. In fact, when I tried J.Crew peplum blouse few months agi, I thought it was laughable.

I was always afraid that a peplum would create a bulk in the midsection but I think it actually works here and it is rather slimming.  Maybe it is because the proportions are better, the fabric is thinner and there is not too much gathering at the seam.

I had slight problem with sleeves being a bit puffy and too wide at the elbow. It does not look like that in the pictures, but I thought they would look better if they were a little bit narrower. If I'd purchased this top, I think I would alter the sleeves (which should be super easy).

with skinny skinny highriser in black

Peplum flower topin coral pink was definitely NOT on my list and I can probably substitute it with something already in my closet, but if I catch it on sale I will definitely be tempted to buy it. I loved it with skinny jeans but I can see it with capris or a pencil skirt. In addition, I liked the sleeve length because it is harder to come by than a sleeveless shell or long sleeved blouse.

Flowersketch Peplum Top is currently sold out on the website but seems to be still available in stores. It is priced at $108.

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That's all folks!

Are you attracted to the peplum tops this season? 

How do you like Madewell Flowersketch Peplum Top?

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

Jacket and sweaters

Do you like peplum jackets? I do, but the peplum has to fall in the right place. Personally, I like it a little lower and not very puffy. I like the way it is done in this little jacket:

Size Medium, TTS

This jacket also comes in navy but I like the silver version better. But that may be because it is more summery color and when I was trying it on it was 100F outside.

I don't mind the two way zipper

This jacket is unlined (except for peplum) and it feels more like a sweater. I thought that would actually be more practical for my lifestyle. I tend not to wear many of my lined jackets too much because they feel too stiff. I like the fit and the peplum was not adding bulk. I thought it looked good with jeans and I think it will work with skirt as well.

does not stick out too much

$148, style 11654

78% cotton, 21% Rayon, 1% nylon

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The houndstooth sweatshirt.

Size Medium, runs big

I did not like this sweatshirt. It was boxy and old ladyish, imo. Medium was big, but I think Small would be too short. It did feelcomfortable. I forgot to take a picture of a tag and I don't remember a price, sorry.

Boxy

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What I did like was this cashmere sweater. The colors were gorgeous, fitting wth my fall color story and flattering. 

Size Small

I could not find a Medium, but I actually thing Small was a correct fit. Not too close, too short or too tight in the sleeves. I loved the neckline. It was plush an thick.

I would love to buy it and I think I would wear it a lot. But it is pricey.

$228. I will wait.

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That's all folks!

What do you think?

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

I have a review of a new purple tweed skirt coming up plus gallery of polka dots outfits.

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I am on vacation this week. I am not sure if I have access to the Internet but I will eagerly anticipate your comments and I will try to respond to you but my replies may be delayed

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Fitting Room Reviews - Feb 2012

My J.Crew store is a 'concept store' and gets the new arrivals couple weeks ahead of other stores.
I got excited when I saw that they have already received the green flower print peplum top from Spring 2012 Lookbook because I knew quite a few JCAs were interested in it. I also spotted new tipped schoolboy blazer and I thought I would take few pictures of Edie Attache bag.

For the purpose of judging how the items run I am 5'6, 135 pounds (on a good day), 34D, 30" waist, 37" hips. I almost always wear size 4 in J.Crew pencil skirts and city fit pants, 27 in denim, 6 in high waisted items, size 6-8 in dresses and tops, and I am between Small and Medium in non numerical items. Oh, and my arms are relatively short, many times the long sleeves are too long on me.

Spring 2012 Lookbook Look #7 Peplum Flower Blouse 

also wearing double serge cotton pencil skirt in casablanca blue

See great review of this skirt here on xoxo

Size 6

size 8 - I think I like the fit better than 6

Inside out - I am learning from xoxo

Side zipper

The tags

$350 - Are they kidding?

97% cotton 3% elastane  lining 100% acetate dry clean only

Edie Attache Bag in pecan $288

Attache Bag

Metal Feet

Very Open Top - Deal breaker for me

Can be used cross-body

Scroll below to see it on me.

Tipped linen schoolboy blazer

Size 6

With Edie Attache

 close up

It wrinkles!

Edie Attache side view - it sticks out

Unbuttoned

The Tags

100% linen, lining 52% rayon, 46% polyester

$185

What do you think?

Here is my take:

I think the flower top would be cute if you are young, tall, willowy and, if in any circumstances, you are never ever mistaken for your (wealthy) aunt Mildred, currently happily retired in some sunny location. If you aswered yes to all the above, you can add a tulip shaped puffy skirt (in what color?) and rock the  Dior Spring 2012 silhouette.

Unfortunately, I am past the  ironic stage and curtain style flower prints may be taken all too seriously on me. This top is not for me, but I can see it looking fabulous on many of you. The peplum puffs away from a body, I was trying to get side shot but it was above my self photographing skills. I think it fits TTS, not much difference between 6 & 8, see the pictures. I'd prefer 8 because of the lower waist.

Edie Attache Bag is very nice, beautiful color and right size, and being able to carry it cross body is a plus. But the lack of secure closure on top is a deal breaker for me. If I put my laptop/ipad there I would worry that it might get wet. What if I leaned over to pick up something, would  my lipstick and keys fly out through the opening? It is a very structure bag, which also means it sticks away from the body, I don't like that look.

The schoolboy blazer is very nice. It has the usual schoolboy fit, not the greatest on me but that is expected, I am not a fan of schoolboy cut. Since it is linen it wrinkles but that gives it more relaxed fit, not a bag thing.
It is soft and it would be easy to wear with any color top underneath. It will go well with jeans and dresses.
I like the piping, since I never got a tipped double serge blazer I am not so bored with the look. On the other hand, the price is steep for this kind of blazer, I think you can find something similar for less.

That's all folks.
No, I still I did not buy anything and nothing went on my wishlist.

How about you?