It's been reviewed a few times, but here is my take on it. The color is like the website, but not. It's silk, so it has a sheen and I think that bumps up the color intensity more. It's really a pretty shade of peachy pink, but it's not subtle. I think long dark hair would balance the color out, take it down a notch.
The fresh guava is the same in both the Harlowe (left) and the Kelly blouse (right). The silk, as I said, makes the color stronger. They are the same color in person.
Adding a necklace makes a huge difference. It's no longer just a block of color. I think it's ok/pretty good with my skin color. It's definitely shouting -- hey look at me, instead of -- hey look at her nice skin.
Adding a black blazer makes a big difference. I also think this color could work with a deep navy suit.
I love the fit and I love the feel of the silk on my skin. It's pretty good for chicks with small pooches. I aaalmost grabs at mine, but it falls over it ok. I am a 34C and this is a size 4. The blouse is 23" from shoulder to hem, measuring down the front. I was concerned about the fact that it buttons down the back. I was able to easily undo the top 2 buttons, pull the blouse overhead and rebutton it.
12/13/08 ETA: I received the snow leopard Harlow and it's beautiful. Not for me, though. The pattern is too busy for me and makes me look extra big. Something about the sheen of it doesn't work. I really think hair is a factor and if I had long hair, it would work. My short, sometimes spiky, hair competes with prints. So it's me, not the blouse.
12/13/08 Regarding fit: I tried it on again and the 4 extends a bit past my shoulders. I wish I had the size 2 to compare. I think a 2 would still fit in the bust, but the darts at the bottom (about 5" in length) would grab at my stomach. I think I'm happy with the 4. I'd say if you are on the bustier side, it's TTS for you. If you are thin boned and/or are on the smaller side in the chest department, size down one.
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I also purchased this blouse ... I love it, even though most people did not! Super soft and the color is fabulous.
ReplyDeletebirdiebutter -- Did you get fresh guava?
ReplyDeleteWhat size are you wearing? I don't know what size to get...I usually wear a size 10 in JCrew blouses like the Francine this summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the IRL pictures. Wonderful. Love all the views.
I purchased the Harlow in Snow Leopard, Honey Glaze, and Ivory...I LOVE the blouse, but will probably only keep the Snow Leopard. The Honey Glaze color doesn't look right on me in this blouse, and the Ivory is a size 4, and the size 2 fits best. The Ivory is extremely transparent, and would require a cami to be worn underneath it. Is the guava that way too?
ReplyDeletelooks cute on you! I bought this same shirt in the fresh guava full price when it came out, I wanted to love it so much, but it just did NOTHING for me. I think the length was too short and it just made me look frumpy. :( I still want it, but know I shouldn't order it because it doesn't matter how hard I try, I don't think I could make it work.
ReplyDeleteanon@1:55a - Thanks for the warm words! As far as size, I am wearing a 4. I usually take a 4 in J Crew tops and I'd say this is TTS.
ReplyDeleteFFM -- I am waiting for the blouse in snow leopard. I fear it will be too busy of a pattern, but we'll see. I'm sure it would be fine under a cardi. And the silk feels good. I ordered the ivory as well, which I imagine will be too see-thru. I had to get the honey glaze also even though I have the Annette in hg. I just love the silk!
anon@2:49a - Hi. I can see how this wouldn't work on some people now that you mention length.
The Snow Leopard print is really pretty...I think it looks best with jeans, though. The black and ivory are both hard to *match*, and the denim dresses down the pattern, making it less *busy*. :) Be sure to let me know what you think when it comes! :)
ReplyDeleteI purchased the guava ... I ordered a size 6 but I should've ordered a 4 ... it looks great even though it's a little loose. I'm keeping it!
ReplyDeleteFFM -- The snow leopard arrives tomorrow. I agree that it it probably best paired w/jeans.
ReplyDeletebirdie butter - I have sized up to a 6 in some items if a 4 is not available. I'm definitely keeping the guava.
I am Anony on Dec. 11
ReplyDeleteWell, I ordered the 10 on Thurs. night b/c I thought it was TTS but now I wish I had ordered the 8 b/c I am small busted. Oh well......
Gigi, I just discovered your blog and I it's great what you do - gives everyone an idea of what these items look like IRL. And, since I've just discoverd you, I'm bummed that you're on "indefinite hiatus," but hope you enjoy your time off. . . .
ReplyDelete