Vintagey tops with sleeves are always on my want-list, and work-appropriate ones at the top of that list. I liked the look of the Lindsey top, in a soft jersey (comfy), but with cuffs and collar to smarten it up a bit for a day at the office. My first impression was that the fabric is lovely, a nice thick jersey that is comfy and cosy. Unfortunately, the top runs a bit big. I ordered my usual size 12, but it's not a snug enough fit. I also noticed a few loose threads, and that the neckline doesn't quite line-up properly. Finally, the collar is just odd. I thought it ran all the way around the back like a normal collar, but the lapels are free-standing. I don't know how to explain this any other way, so see the pictures to understand what I mean!
Next up, the Monroe jeans. The denim is a nice quality and a good colour, and there's a tad stretch to help get a good fit. Unfortunately these again seemed to run a little big. This gave rise to a bit of a weird issue - because the waist isn't tight enough, the top part of the fabric 'sags' after a few minutes and creates a line across the front. "It's like you're wearing a denim mini skirt over leggings" was the husband's view. Again, you'll have to look at the pictures to fully understand what I'm talking about. I also don't like the way they fit over my derriere, it's not flattering. Finally, the length wasn't right for me. I usually prefer my cropped jeans with turn-ups, but on my leg length, that just looked oddly short. So, I think if you're tall you might be better just getting the long leg version and rolling them up.
My verdict then is to return both of these. My attempt at a shopping spree isn't going well is it?
The Collectif Monroe cropped jeans are now in the sale at just £10, and the Lindybop Lindsey top is also on sale, for £13.99. Let me know if you've purchased either, I'm curious to know if it's just me that's having these issues!
I tried those jeans too but they didn't work for me either. I found the fit true but the waist just didn't sit in the right place on me - I couldn't sit down, it was so uncomfortable! So they obviously don't work for the tall or the short! Shame about the Lindy Bop top - it's surprising that something so simple could be got so wrong! Their stuff really is so hit and miss - when it's good, it's very very good and when it's bad it's awful! xx
ReplyDeleteI haven't had much luck with shopping recently, am either sending it all back or I buy something that is out of stock (that Tatyana fan skirt). I have a few more parcels arriving this week, so fingers crossed! The Clarks shoes are fab but I can't wear suede in this foul weather! Xx
DeleteSuch a shame your shopping is not going to plan. I struggle with jeans, they have to be spot on!
ReplyDeleteYes, and they vary so much within brands as well! Trial and error... x
DeleteThat is a very odd fold! There's nothing wrong with your figure, they're just not your jeans, I guess. The right pair will be out there, though.
ReplyDeleteI can't wear high-waisted trousers or jeans at all; I so badly wanted to get a pair of Heyday trousers but ended up with what the Fug Girls call 'polterwang'!
What an amazing term that is!! What a shame about the trousers not working out for you. Have you tried the 20th Century Foxy ones? They're not as high waisted as the Heyday ones, and I wear them a bit loose so they skim more than hug.
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When I first started wearing vintage style full time I bought from cheaper companies like Lindybop and Collectif and was always disappointed with the look and fit but I kept them anyway because I just wanted to fill my wardrobe with vintage style clothes. I quickly realised that the cheaper brands tended to cut their clothes in a way that saved money by using as little fabric as possible, but at the same time compromised the quality and look, so I stopped buying from them. I then turned to the middle of the road brands like 20th Century Foxy, Vivien of Holloway, Heyday! and Freddies of Pinewood and realised that quality and fit were more important to me that the volume of pieces I owned. This transformed my wardrobe and I always ever buy something now if it fits me well and is cut well.
ReplyDeleteI'd highly recommend the slash neck tops and raglan blouses from Vivien of Holloway and the jeans from Freddies, although you may need to try a few Freddies styles before you find the right one for you. I have the 1950s button jeans and love them but tried about six different pairs before I decided on these! xx
Yes, you need to get a bit ruthless don't you and if it's not 'amazing' then let it go!! It's hard to do that sometimes but I have made such an effort this year to go through my wardrobe and get rid of the stuff that doesn't fit properly, and to only buy new stuff that fits well. Hence lots of sending things back this year! I do like 20th Century Foxy, their dresses are too expensive for me but I buy their separates, I have 3 pairs of their swing trousers, and 1 pair of Heyday trousers (before they changed their pattern, so the new ones no longer fit me).
DeleteI buy a lot of good brands on Ebay now, so I'll look out for some Freddies in my size! Thanks for the tips. xx
That is too bad that neither of these items worked out! If you're looking for a new pair of high waisted jeans, though, I've had really good luck with Judy Blue jeans. I think ModCloth is the only store that carries them at the moment, but they fit perfectly and are so comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tip Lindsey! x
DeleteI have those jeans in full lenght and the waist was spot on in UK10 (28 inches), but they're really large on the legs and I think I have quite heavy thighs for my size. I don't know about the hips and/or butt, but I think they fit well enough on that part so that they don't feel unconfortable. It's just that they don't fall down straight enough to look good on my thighs (I know they're not meant to be fitted, but I'd prefer it that way) and when I washed my jeans, they became really wrinkled.
ReplyDeleteSeems like you have a very tiny waist in comparison to your hips, or that these are fitted slightly larger on the waist compared to the full length Monroes. I hope you'll find some jeans that fit perfect :)
Oh that's a shame about the fit on the thighs, and the wrinkling after washing issue! Who irons jeans?! xx
DeleteI love this series! I'm always looking for good comfortable vintage-y tops too and I struggle. Just trying on jeans makes me want to cry, it's a shame these were off the mark because the style looks nice. However as somone wit bg legs I don't think these would work for me.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the issues with fit is the reason why both these items are reduced? The fit of the blouse looks OK to me but the collar is very odd; the jeans are pretty terrible, and if they aren't flattering on a gorgeous figure like yours, I wonder who on earth will look good wearing them! Ah well, you live and learn. I suspect Cate makes some astute points about quality and price of repro brands - you probably do get what you pay for! xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's weird with price and quality, because the two don't necessarily go together ALL of the time - I have some buys that were cheap that have been fab quality and lasted a decade, whereas a quick snoop around a designer dress shop recently left me frustrated that the £300 dress didn't have seams that were finished properly, and I spoke to a lady the other day who payed hundreds for a dress only to have all the sequins drop off in the first hour she wore it! But as a general rule, yes, it probably does reflect the pricing. I have really been impressed with House of Foxy and Heyday stuff. xx
DeleteOh dear, I'm sorry that neither of these were winners. They feel like they'd have so much potential and together they're quite the charming pair, but if you're not feeling them, back they should go for sure. Fingers crossed that the next chapter in your shopping journey will end with far more favourable results.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Oof. Those jeans are not great, are they? I can see how they could be cute, if the fit were a little better, but something about that cut is just off. I totally see the denim miniskirt, that's a great way to describe it!
ReplyDeleteI've been really wanting to get myself a pair of the Freddies of Pinewood jeans. I have a hard time finding jeans I really like, and I see so many people rave about them. They're so pricey, though, they might have to be a Christmas present or something.
I'm glad you sent them back, poor fit and neither do your fab figure any justice at all. Are they made in China?
ReplyDeleteThe prices indicate they are.xxx
Sorry neither of these worked for you! Thank goodness for being able to return things!
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