Pinstripe Blouson Chemise ($58). I couldn't resist trying on a couple of chemises. I mean, a dress for $58 from Anthro? Yes, please. The only problem I usually have with these is the sheerness factor. However, I didn't find this particular one sheer at all. I tried on a medium and it fit WELL (happy, grammar popo's?). There was nothing really to dislike about it, but it just didn't do anything for me. Pass.
Topock Halter Dress ($128). The pattern on this dress kinda reminded me of 90's decor or a bedspread from a cheap motel, but there was also a Southwestern vibe to it that I was digging. I tried it on in a medium, and what do you know? I loved it! The roominess of this dress also called for a belt. Of course, since it's a halter that age old question came up: What kind of bra am I going to wear with this? Since it has a built in shelf bra, I decided to break bad and try it on sans bra. I was surprised to see that my boobs were locked and loaded into their proper places. That sealed the deal. I couldn't resist a dress I could wear without a bra. Free at last! Purchased.
Matunuck Chemise ($58). Here's the other chemise I spoke of. Since the skirt portion is double layered, this one didn't have any sheerness issues either. I tried on a size small, and I really loved it except for one minor issue: It had this weird excess fabric in the back. It was really odd. It was like they made it for a hunchback or something. I even tried on another one to make sure it wasn't that particular dress. Still, it wasn't a deal breaker. I considering purchasing it, but I rationalized with myself that I have a dress of similar color and style from Old Navy. Pass.
Stone Harbor Dress ($128). I was drawn to the vibrant color of this dress. I tried on a size 6, and it fit me well. However, the sleeves were so big they made me feel like a linebacker. Also, the dress felt a little matronly to me. Jerry actually liked it, but I wasn't convinced. Pass.
Parvati Maxi Dress ($298). Well, hello there, beautiful! I wasn't sure about this dress on the hanger. It's a little over the top with it's bright colors, but once I got it on, it was love. I tried on a size 6 and the fit was perfect. It was super flattering to my figure and just flowed beautifully when I walked. The length was perfect, as well. The shoulders are made out of a different fabric than the rest of the dress, and I found them to be a tad bit itchy. Still, I could probably deal with the itchy shoulders. A small sacrifice for a dress this beautiful. The price killed it, though. I'll just have to hold out hope there will be one around in my size once it goes on sale. Wishlisted.
Corvida Crossed Maxi Dress ($288). Who could resist this dress with the cute birdies? Actually, after taking a peak at the price tag it was pretty easy to resist, but I decided to try it on for fun. This dress was a beast to get into. The straps are really hard to figure out. In fact, I never did get them right. I decided to give up and just take the damn picture. I tried on a size 6, and I felt like it was a little big. There was too much volume up top, and it just wasn't flattering. Oh well, bye bye, birdies. Pass.
Caravan Patchwork Top ($88). I was really attracted to the embroidery on this top. I tried on a size small and it fit, but I just wasn't feeling it. First, it would require a cami underneath, and I don't like to layer during the Summer if I can help it. In addition, the drawstring just cheapened it for me. Pass.
Phlox-Dotted Peasant Blouse ($128). I can't resist a good peasant blouse, so taking this one back to the fitting room was a no brainer for me. This sucker looked huge, so I grabbed a XS. Once again, this top would require something underneath because it's virtually see through. (And yes, I know, my bra is blatantly on display for all to see. It's that darn dirty lighting again.) Unfortunately, the fit was just off on this top. It did nothing for me. Also, the fabric felt a little rough on the skin. Pass.
Hydrangea Border Cardigan ($128). I knew I wouldn't be purchasing this sweater, but it was so beautiful I couldn't resist trying it on. This is a size small, and it fit well. However, there would only be a handful of days I could wear this in North Carolina. It has a very Summer vibe to it, but the long sleeves would not bode well for 90 degree days. I could see this being a great piece for someone who lives in a locale with mild Summers. Alas, it just wouldn't be practical for me. Pass.
Posts
So in your last post you say you are going to shop less and work on yourself more, then next thing you're going clothes shopping? Also your clothes don't fit you properly, size up!
ReplyDeleteThat Glimmered Ankita dress is on my wish list! Love it! I probably wouldn't belt it. Looks great all loose and boho like that! And I do love that birdie dress on you! I really like the Sone Harbor dress too. I almost picked that one up when I was at Anthro a couple weeks ago, mostly because I loved the color! I think it is a little overpriced for what it is, which is why I'm holding out. So, that's it? You just bought 2 dresses? That's not that crazy, Bonnie! :)
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I feel that you and your readers are living on two separate planets. I swear your last post just said you over-purchased and were struggling with money. Please for the love of all that is holy, take that $200 muumuu back so you can pay your bills.
ReplyDeleteRock bottom isn't going out and buying $200 dresses to cheer yourself up! What are you thinking? You have a serious addiction to shopping, not unlike alcoholism. Buying a dress here and there is no big deal, but buying one every week? And FULL PRICED? Your happiness is wholly dependent on material goods and you wonder why you feel so bad so often. I hope you're still seeing your therapist.
ReplyDeleteMy posts are not always in chronological order of my life. I thought pointing out the fact that this trip occured this past weekend would indicate to anyone who has been reading the blog that this is the trip that caused me to go over budget this month and hit rock bottom. While I do not buy a dress every week (not sure how you came by this info other than speculation), I do admit I use it as a crutch sometimes when life gets me down. My last post was about my realization of this and my attempt to do better going forward.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry if my own unique style and independent thinking are foreign to you. (I happen to like muumuu's.) Also, I find it funny that you feel you can speak for all my readers. In your mind, I'm sure it would be a better, safer, and more comfortable planet if we all looked and thought the same way. Yes, I admitted I went over budget this month and was struggling financially. Of course, you left out the part where I said I was going to do better going FORWARD. I'm a big girl, and I will handle my bills. I've already got one over-controlling mother. I don't need another one, thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou mean you would let it just hang there without a belt, like a muumuu? What planet are you from, Catherine? ;-)
ReplyDeleteSecond sentence of this post: "I went to the store this past weekend..."
ReplyDeleteI realize these purchases predated the last post but if you hit rock bottom afterwards, why didn't you return them???!! Over $300 in dresses a month is insane and you just bought them this past weekend - so if you were at all serious about changing - you would return them. You are so selfish and twisted - time to grow up. Many of us would love to behave like this - but we learn to have self control. GO GET SOME! You knew this post would raise the ire of your readers after that sad-sack, self-pitying last one. I actually felt some sympathy for you and then you have the nerve to post this...you are something else.
ReplyDeleteHow do you know I didn't return them? Do you know how much I make in a month? If not, how can you say buying $300 in dresses is insane? You make an awful lot of assumptions and then attack me for them. That is not very adult behavior.
ReplyDeleteYes, this was all a part of my master plan to "raise the ire of my readers." Bahahahaha!
Calm down and look at the bright side. At least scumbags like me are around to make you feel better about yourself and validate your life choices.
That black maxi dress is the most flattering on you, while the Ankita is not so much.
ReplyDeleteI would return the two 'meh' dresses you purchased and get the Cordiva Maxi. You know, if you needed a dress and all ...
Seriously, I don't know why everyone's panties are in a twist. Why is it that I don't feel like I have to fly into a fit of rage every time I read your posts? (shrugs shoulders) I really just don't get what's up with some of these readers.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, back to clothes. Love the birdie dress and Parvati Maxi Dress on you. Both are super cute. The Glimmer Ankita dress I'm not as in love with... it looked awful on me (way to much volume), but it actually looks pretty good on you. Also, the pinstrip blouson chemise is a lounge piece (hence the lower pricepoint). I actually think the design is cute, but was put off by the sheerness too.
Bonnie, I know how it is to shop when you feel down-there's use something about putting on something pretty that's is like an automatic pick-me-up. I know it's not my place to give advice when I don't know you, but you have to know that your readers are going to get all riled up when they see this post after your last one. My suggestion is to do what you want-buy what you want, but in order to spare yourself all the criticism (which you have to hate because you always respond when someone makes mean comments) just don't post something like this so soon after a post in which you are claiming to hit rock bottom. It's your blog-do what you want, but in order to save yourself some grief, maybe you should just look at things in the perspective of your readers? Or don't-whatever. Maybe you like the drama that ensues after these kind of posts. Like I said before I don't know you. This blog may be your "creative outlet" but it sometimes seems as if it causes you more stress than joy when you are constantly have to defend your actions to others. Not to be nosy-but you never really mention any friends. Do you get out much with girlfriends? Have yourself a girls night out once a week, drink some margaritas, and complain about life to people who care about you. Then you won't have to put it on your blog and subject yourself to people's snarky comments. People would not know what to do if they came to this blog and had absolutely nothing to complain about besides some imaginary camel toe or back fat! Stop making it so easy for people to make you feel bad! You are a strong women that does not need people pitying her! Be proud and own your decisions! People may not agree with them-but if you are happy with them, who cares! Sorry for the long post.
ReplyDeleteHmmm--seems like your neighborhood is a lot like mine! I enjoyed seeing the clothes on you in these reviews--they are always worth checking out for inspiration. Thanks for taking the time.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, but honestely, I didn't know this post would get my readers all riled up. I said in my last post I bought some things and here's the evidence in this post. I didn't think people would assume I had gone on a spending frenzy hours after my last post, especially when I specified that I went "this past weekend." Silly me for assuming that people would come to the logical conclusion.
ReplyDeleteJust because I share the "not so pleasant" aspects of my life on here doesn't mean I'm a lonely, washed up recluse who never gets out of the house. I happen to think it's obnoxious that most of the fashion blogs out there paint this picture of a fairy tale life. I want to be someone people can relate to, and you know what, they do. I have many readers who appreciate my honesty, and those are the people I'm writing to.
These people are not making me feel bad. I've been attacked way too many times at this point to care anymore. I probably should have just deleted the negative comments, but I wanted to clarify some things in case anyone was confused. I agree with your philosophy and feel like I'm living it. Thanks for taking the time to reach out to me.
You mean I don't give you the rages? What's wrong with you? ;-)
ReplyDeleteLol! Muumuu wearers unite! And that dress is far from a muumuu. It is flowy, bohemian and gorgeous! I don't understand this idea that everything has to be skin tight or cinched. Loose dresses can be beautiful and leave a little to the imagination, which is good every now and then, right? And the fact that this is a rather short dress helps it lose any "muumuu" quality it may have had (though I completely disagree that this is a shapeless sack- certainly not on you! I have yet to try it on).
ReplyDeleteOh for shits' sake! Come on now, people! I find it incredibly hard to believe that you haven't spent money on something when you were feeling down in the dumps that maybe you shouldn't have. If it wasn't clothes, maybe it was a trip, or new camera stuff, furniture- whatever floats your boat. Most all of us, unless we are uber conservative have done this in our lifetimes. It was clear to me that these fitting room reviews were not done after the last post. I'm not really understanding the confusion there. It ain't rocket science. Clearly the "I feel bad because I spent so much money" post was about the dresses in THIS post. Even if you STILL couldn't figure that out, what I can't figure out is the nastiness.
ReplyDeleteI have always appreciated Bonnie's honesty with her blog. Life is full of ups and downs. We all feel insecure, down, restless, whatever from time to time. If all we ever heard from each other were rainbows and butterflies, I'm pretty sure we'd feel awful about ourselves when we actually experienced some of the realities of life- the down times. Think about friends in your life. They share with you. The good and the bad, even the stuff that they feel guilty about if they are really good friends. Bonnie just lays her soul out here sometimes. Let's try not to stomp on it, okay?
Completely agree, Renee!
ReplyDeleteAnd Bonnie, here's an example of a "rainbows and butterflies" blog that I read. http://www.kellehampton.com/
ReplyDeleteHer positive attitude is nice to see, though sometimes it feels a little disingenuous because she NEVER talks about any insecurities. Sometimes her "sucking the marrow" metaphors make me want to stab a fork in my eye.
Keep on keeping it real!
I don't think $300 in dresses in a month is insane. :) There are some presumptions being made here about Bonnie's budget.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews. I'm in the Carolinas too and totally get the not wanting to have to wear a cami under your clothes in the summer.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, this is Bonnie's blog. She can write what ever she wants to write about, She's writing for herself. If readers don't want to read it/find the content offensive, PLEASE stop being so abusive and rude and go read another blog that takes your fancy.
ReplyDeleteGosh, all these ridiculous comments of criticism of someone you don't even know of is really Childish, Sad and Annoying. You are attacking her right to free speech, thoughts and actions!
PS. your dresses were gorgeous and don't let other people get you down. Everyone hits rock bottom sometimes. We need to be supportive of people instead of being so catty and mean!
ReplyDelete$300 for dresses isn't insane for me either. People just like to make assumptions. Sometimes it's hard to imagine that anyone lives a life different than your own. Thanks for the reviews! I like the lounge dress, but wouldn't like the sheerness either. I'm more of a stepford dress type myself but I still like your reviews and the variety of clothes you pick out! :)
ReplyDeleteDon't think the dress looks like a mumuu to me.You are lucky enought to be tall enough to wear it.I am short and plan to tailor it to myself when it gets on sale.
ReplyDelete