A winning shopping strategy

Ok - so you know I love the shop. 

I love to shop for presents for me.
I love to shop for presents for others.
I even love grocery shopping.
I love the crowds and the buzz.
I love shop windows and shop buildings.
I have fantasised about being locked in a department store overnight. Many times.

In the past, I bought presents year round when I saw the appropriate thing. But I usually cant wait till the birthday or XMAS to give it because I am so excited, & I gave it early. 

Problem was I would then have to buy another one when the actual birthday or XMAS rolled round. Weirdly, I usually knew what I am looking for - it's all planned in my head, my shopping head.

But for XMAS 2012, I implemented a different shopping strategy & it was accidental, not deliberate.

Instead of planning (& stressing), I just forgot about XMAS until a few days ago. Every time someone told me they had finished their XMAS shopping I felt like bopping them over the head, but, strangely I wasnt bothered. Violent, yes, bothered, no.

Then I went to a few local shopping centres & wandered aimlessly, looking around. I had no idea what I was looking for - I just put my head on a swivel stick (as you do) & looked & looked & looked.

Amazingly, it worked a treat - I saw so much stuff that the totally appropriate stuff jumped out at me, despite the fact that I havent previously planned anything.

Slight problem with this strategy - 

It doesnt work if you are TIME POOR.
It doesnt work if you HATE TO SHOP.

If either of those cases apply - outsource the shopping to moi. 

The advantage of my strategy is that because you are seeing so much (duplicated) stuff, you can pick the lowest price.  

Today, I still had a few gifts to buy.

So I started off in local Carlingford Court (around 10 am) & no surprises, nothing jumped out for others. But I did score a trinket box on steroids with roses, very girly & so not me, but I loved it. $14.

Then onto Rouse Hill - some lovely shops, but nothing was jumping there either. It was noon & there was no panic in sight.

Then onto Castle Towers. 

I picked up a clear milk bottle from Bed, Bath & Table. 50% off down to $10. I had been looking for a milk bottle to masquerade as a vase, where I could leave the top undone without it overwhelming the rest of the bottle. Score.

Flowers are what I had from Round Corner Antiques and Gifts - may have to think about different blooms for this bottle, but in the interim, this will do...Note to self: Remove sticker on base...

Also picked up a small frame from Bed, Bath & Table. $15, no reduction. Bummer. 

This is so me: clean lines & if timber, light colours. 

Still no gifts for other, but no stress. 

I moved onto Top Ryde, which wasnt a place I was very familiar with. New shopping horizons - cant be a bad thing.

I scored a present for a nephew - cant say more at this point, as it may give the game away.

I scored a present for my sister-in-law - ditto the above for the nephew.

Both these presents just jumped out. Double score.

By now it was around 2.30pm...hunger set in...I hate foodhalls at the malls..so I found a cafe away from the maddening crowd (in front of Witchery) & I asked them if I could bring a kebab & eat it there while having their drinks.
They had no problem with this.....

So after a kebab, English Breakfast tea and a large chocolate cookie, I set off again, back to Castle Hill.

But not before doing a lap of Freedom & discovering that they have decent flowers at good prices...Note to self: Keep that in mind.

And there I found the perfect present for my mother - we were at a function recently and she loved the water jugs the restaurant was using....& there at Castle Towers, was, voila, the said water jug...I was ecstatic.

Then popped into Kmart & stocked up on my pony tail elastics for $4.50 per box....

Is this too much information? Am I boring you? Probably & probably, but I swear these little elastics are so subtle and dont snap, they are give a very classic look for dark hair.

Had a bit of a look around at DJs & Myer, was stunned that DJs was closing at 6 pm (Kmart was open til 10pm) & then went to......Coles at Epping.

After all, I hadnt seen the Mix stuff for weeks. 
There was a few new tee shirts & sox, but they were largely in clearance mode. 

So I snapped up 2 more classic tanks...reduced...what's a girl to do - must follow the mantra, "if it works, buy multiples"....

I love, love, love basics in these colours. Too versatile.

On the way out, they got me with an impulse buy....brollies with curved handle, Mix brand for $8 each. Couldn't decide whether to get black or navy, so got both. Love brollies with curved handles as they leave your hands free...to shop.

I'll see how one goes - if its flimsy & falls apart, both are going back. Note to self: Keep receipt.

Pity I cant show you the gifts for other people photos...until tomorrow.....

Mix Apparel - slub cotton cardi

I am a believer in you get what you pay for.

Occasionally, there is an exception to this rule.

Today I found one exception.

A long sleeve cardi in the Coles Mix Apparel range.

$19

In black & in white

In 100% cotton with a slub finish.

No hanger appeal, but it does have body appeal.

This is a casual cardi you can throw on at the last minute when nothing else is handy. In fact, I'd keep one in the car & another near the exit door at home.

Stylewise is has a number of pluses:

1. 100% cotton

2.  It has texture - a slub look. This helps to hide any wear & tear such as pills or pulls. 

3. The slub look replicates the look of a linen knit - a more expensive look.

4. It has a deep vee front - the vertical lines of the vee are slimming.

5. It has buttons at a close distance from each other, so when it's done up, it doesnt gape open.

6. It has serious vertical lines when you leave it open - slimming city.

7. It has long sleeves but feels light - a perfect layering piece over a top & under a jacket.

8. The button holes are nicely finished

Conclusion: Check it out.
I bought it in black.

https://www.mixapparel.com.au/collection/product/mw21-20449/ls_tie_front_slub_cardigan

The Mix site is calling it a "tie front cardi"...that is an error, it is a button front.

Glittery camisole face-off: Sussan v Dotti

Recently a reader noticed that Sussan and Dotti had made camisoles in the same glittery fabric, but at widely differing price points. 

Naturally she was annoyed as she had purchased the more expensive version (in two colours) and couldnt see any material difference between the tanks in each store. 

Yes, she had her receipts, but she had worn both of them and the were no faults on either of the items.

So I jumped into an investigation (naturally), to compare quality, price and value for money.

Exhibit #1: The Dotti tank

Reduced from $30 to $16 each in three colours.

The binding at the neckline is cut along the length and the stitching on the binding isnt evenly placed.

Stitching is uneven

Exhibit: #2: The Sussan tank

Currently $60, not reduced.

The binding on the neckline is cut along the width of the fabric - a much cleaner finish than the Dotti version.

Currently only the black one is in stock.
At the beginning of the season, they had produced it in the gold as well

My thoughts:

1. In the black version, identical fabric used by both stores This is contrary to what it looks like in the photos which were shot in very different lighting situations. This is not an unusual situation on the high street as there is generally no exclusivity in fabric purchases from the mills. 

There are however, style differences in the tanks.

2. The cut on the Dotti tanks is narrower than the Sussan cut.

3. The Dotti shoulder straps are thinner (less bra friendly) than the Sussan version.

4. The neckline on the Sussan is higher & has more coverage of the decolletage.

5. The sizing on the Dotti is smaller. Hard to fit most of the average Australian woman population.

6. The binding around the edges of the neckline & sleeves is finer and much better worked on the Sussan version than the binding on the Dotti version. Sussan binding is cut on the width, Dotti binding is cut on the length - a much messier look.

7. Dotti has 3 colours, all reduced, while Sussan may have reduced the gold version (I cant recall). The Sussan black version which is currently in store isnt reduced.

8. The Sussan version is longer, although both versions have sufficient length so you dont expose your tummy every time you lift your arms.

9. Stitching on Sussan is even and spaced evenly. Stitching on the Dotti is not straight and not spaced evenly.


Now, how to you weigh all this up?

The Sussan tank will suit a more mature figure as it has better coverage, isnt skimpy & more generous width.

The Sussan tank is made better, for sure. The binding around the neckline is one of the first things I notice and on the Dotti tanks it's horrible. Mind you, some people dont notice this type of detail and if you're out in the evening with dim lighting, this is even more the case.

For you regular readers, can you recall me raving on about cost per wear (CPW)? Well it becomes relevant, again.
Right now. How many times do you plan on wearing this?

Say once per week, for 20 weeks, as a minimum?
Then Dotti CPW = 80 cents
& Sussan CPW = $3.00

If you plan on wearing it for 5 years, then
Dotti CPW = 16 cents
& Sussan CPW = 60 cents

And dont laugh at the thought of wearing it for 5 years. Why shouldnt we expect a lifespan of 5 years?

If you are a quality girl, then Sussan may win out because you value its better quality more than extra cost.

If you are a cheap & cheerful girl and you think the tank will have a short lifespan in your wardrobe, then Dotti may win out.

Reader's Options:

Option 1. Status quo. 

This can be interpretted in two ways. Firstly as "suck it up princess" or secondly as "quality is remembered long after price is forgotten". Take your pick, depending on whether you are a "cheap & cheerful girl" or a "quality girl" respectively.

Option 2. Approach Sussan and bring their attention to the Dotti item. Ask for a refund so that you can purchase the Dotti versions. 

While Sussan does have a policy of honouring change of mind returns (which this essentially is), the return needs to be within 14 days of purchase and the item needs to be unworn. 

If these conditions are not met, any refund (or credit) is purely discretionary and a matter of maintaining customer goodwill.

It will help if you have your receipt and as short a time frame has elapsed as possible (ie: do it sooner, not later).

You may also have to prove the items exist in Dotti - take photos, use this blog post if you like. May also help if you speak to a manager in the Dotti store nearest the Sussan store & get their number so Sussan can check with them directly. Thankfully, Dotti has heaps of stock in the tank, in all sizes and colours, even though it is reduced heavily.

If Sussan only offers store credit (rather than a refund), even that may be OK depending on how often the reader shops at Sussan.

It may also help to bring the request to the local store in writing, with the Dotti proof attached (eg: photos and contact details of the Dotti manger).

Sounds like a pain?

Well, it is, but it may also be an interesting exercise in standing up for your position and negotiation skills practice.

I think of it in terms of "no pain, no gain".

BTW - Dotti has a peplum top & a top with cap sleeves in the same fabrics. They obviously had much larger production with the fabric than Sussan.

Good luck & let me know how you go.

Witchery Madison Capsule Collaboration Nov 2012

Here are my thoughts on the Witchery/Madison capsule collaboration.

Released Nov 20th 2012.

Consists of seven pieces 

Sizes: 6 - 14. (Witchery's other clothes are now made to a size 16).

Currently the web site has no "product details" for any of the items, simply a general description. My comments are based on me playing with the items in store today.

The blazer: $230

On the hanger, looks lovely.
Lined arms, unlined elsewhere.
A microfibre with a good hand & weight - looks expensive
3 buttons on each sleeve with faux button holes

Great for: Petites (it's not a long jacket)
Great for: Hourglasses
Great for: Rectangles (the lapel curves create curves)
Can work for apples, but keep it open

Not good for busty girls: The fabric is quite thick & combined with the lapels, there is too much happening up top, which will compete with the girls.

Contrary to promotional photos, this has a closure at the front, in the form of a silver hook/eye closure. This looks out of place IMO. It's too obvious & too little for a jacket of that weight. It just looks cheap. A covered press stud would have worked better IMO, but would have made it more expensive. I'd remove the  hook/eye as the weight of the lapel will keep the jacket front in place IMO.

My concern: Sometimes depending on how the fabric is woven, this fabric develops pulls very easily.
You can spot fabrics like this, which pull easily, after a couple of weeks on the shop floor OR after a day of wearing. If the fabric does pull easily, it is very hard to prove it isnt a wear & tear issue (no entitlement to refund) and that it is in fact a production issue (where you may be entitled to a refund).

My suggestion: Wait a couple of weeks to see how the fabric wears on the shop floor. If you decide to buy it, wear it for a few days immediately, so if there is a problem, you can take it back asap & the "wear & tear" factor hasnt had time to set in.

There is no fabric composition on the web. Am sure it will be updated soon. Fabric is a triacetate viscose. 


The scarf print pant $129

100% viscose, washable

There is no fabric composition on the web. Am sure it will be updated soon.

Avoid this if you are a pear or an apple as the gathers at the waist & tapered ankles will emphasis the hips/thighs.

Great for: Hourglass, rectangle & busty types.

Probably a bit too much fullness at waist for petites (petites should wear items close to the body).


Split neck Shell Top: $100

100% silk in off white (rather than cream), a good quality fabric

Well seamed (French seams, so no visible overlocking) & nicely & evenly stitched.

Cut in at the waist & well placed darts

The keyhole front closes with the silver hook/eye - not the best look for such a fine blouse.

Flattering shirt tail hem (more flattering than hems cut straight across)

Longer back than front (good to hide the bum)

There is no fabric composition on the web. Am sure it will be updated soon.

Suitable for petites although may be a touch long

Will suit most others except apples.

My concern: A bit see through - wear a nice lacey bra & (if at work), a cami

Open placket shirt: $100

100% silk in off white (rather than cream), a good quality fabric

Well seamed (French seams, so no visible overlocking) & nicely & evenly stitched.

The placket has concealed buttons except for the top button.

Flattering shirt tail hem (more flattering than hems cut straight across)

Longer back than front (good to hide the bum)

There is no fabric composition on the web. Am sure it will be updated soon.

In overall impact, the main difference to the other silk shell is that this one has a more relaxed feel especially with the shirt style opening & fewer darts.

Suitable for petites although may be a touch long.

Will suit most others except apples.

My concern: A bit see through - wear a nice lacey bra & (if at work), a cami

Bomber jacket: $190

100% viscose, fully lined with elastic collar/hem.
Modern digital print

The web site says "silk fabrication"...I think this is wrong.

My concern: This is probably the most fattening of all seven pieces. The gathered waist & the high collar & the fact that it is a short piece, all scream short. Be careful.


The stretch pencil skirt: $130

A stretch viscose of decent thickness so it sucks in all your bits & pieces.

A knee length style, so not good for petites & apples.

Has a centre panel which helps the "slurp" factor (hard to see the centre panel in the photo due to the print).


The spliced scuba dress: $150

This is very very Stella McCartney, but they have done a great job.

Navy & black - sophisticated colour combo which the Aussies often dont "get". Follow our French sisters, who do get it.

Very impressed with the stretch fabric - thick & well, "slurping" to suck you in.

The black panels on the sides are slimming.

The shoulders are quite cut away and its very fitted, so make sure your foundation garments are perfect.

If you are a rectangle, I'd add a dark belt or (if you want more oomph), a bright belt.

My concern if you are a pear is that it will slim your bottom (good), but it's cut will also slim your top (bad). Ideally you want something to minimise the bottom AND emphasis the top.

Busty types will need to try this on to see if the coverage at top is sufficient.

Great for hourglasses
Probably too long in the body for petites.

Which of these items appeal to you?
Which of these did you buy?

Same, same but different - it's the little things that matter

At Coles, the Mix Apparel line has produced three silk look tank tops for SS 2012 in the same fabric. 

The three tanks look similar and they have a similar vibe.

But each one has unique details which can make or break a body type.


Style #1: Plain front, plain back, straight hem

The simplest version - the most versatile, but also the least "trendy".


Style #2: Plain front, zippered back, lower back hem

This is is better than #1 for a big bum because:

a) the Back hem is lower; and
b) The back vertical zip creates a vertical line

The zipper is heavy as it is quite long - check your back view to ensure the back isnt clinging to your backside (making it look even bigger).

Trendy - the back zip is a Celine inspired detail.

Style #3: High neck, zippered front, shirt-tail hem with side slits

The higher neckline is not ideal for large busts. If a busty figure wants to wear this, you must wear it with the zipper open, so as to break up a large chest area.

The zipper is a visible feature of this style because it's at the front & centre. Three consequences here:
a) The metal on the zipper should flatter your complexion. 
b) The zipper may create limitations as to the jewellery/scarves/neck/head accessories you wear with it. Make sure there are no unintended clashes.
c) The centre front zipper creates a vertical line - avoid this if you have a small bust.

This style is longer than the other two styles so petites should stay away from it.

The shirt tail hem & the side splits are good for a big hips. 


Conclusion: 

Same, same but different.
The little differences make a difference.
If you dont have an eye for the little differences, then take someone on your shopping trip who does.
This is important.

Found: A little black dress

We all know that when we are desperately looking for a piece of clothing or an accessory, we dont find it.

One of the "rules" for being well dressed is the buy the items that work for your lifestyle when you DONT need them. 
That way you will have them when you DO need them.

Today I found a little black dress (LBD) that may suit a wide cross section of shapes & complexions. And it is affordable.
It was at Target for AU$59.

Fabric & care

It is a fully lined polyester chiffon hence it is easy to launder.

Length

For an average height woman, it is knee length.

Sizes

It comes in sizes 8 - 18.

Black - too harsh?

For those with fair complexions, the dress has cut outs at the neck & back, so the black is broken up & doesnt overwhelm.

Bra friendly?

Even though it has a halter style front & back, the straps are thick and the waterfall ruffles add width at the shoulder straps. So yes, it's bra friendly.

Slimming?

It has absolutely no horizontal lines. 
The waterfall ruffles on either side and at the centre front form vertical lines. Hence it is slimming.

Fit 

This dress is not a tight fit - it is loose and floaty. It hides all manner of (body) sins.

Appeal

I dont expect this to generally appeal to a younger demographic because its not short & tight. I'd call it elegant & so its appeal is more for a mature woman who appreciates an understated look. 

Cover up?

The only downside is that if you want to cover your upper arms, this may not be the dress for you. Unless of course you use a cardi or a wrap.

Roberto Cavalli for Target Australia Oct 2012

A terrific collection at terrific prices.
Go, now, run dont walk.

I underestimated how popular this range would be.

Released today, the collection had 42 pieces including shoes. Every item is shown on this blog, along with what body shapes & complexions best suit the item.

Themes

The collection has a number of distinct themes, all very Roberto.

1. Black tuxedo suit and cocktail dresses, with some gold and black sparkly separates.

2. The animal zoo:
a) a leopard/floral print;
b) a teal giraffe print; 
c) a zebra print; 
d) a taupe animal print
e) a teal python/animal print 

Stock levels

The Bondi Junction store completely sold out within hours (Mr Cavalli was there at 9 am helping the sales boost).

My local store, Carlingford, only received limited stock and frankly, I dont think people in this suburb know what "designer" means, so the collection didnt look too hammered by late afternoon.

But the stock at Parramatta and Macquarie (which are both classified as large stores) was smashed by COB today.

So why did Roberto sell so well & Stella McCartney didnt?

Brands which traditionally rely on being cute and flashy will always sell better ON THE HIGH STREET than brands which traditionally rely on quality of fabric & cut. hence why Cavalli is walking out the door, but the Stella McCartney Tar-jay collection hung around for ages & was eventually reduced to sell.

Roberto's trademarks

All of Roberto's trademarks were present in this collection - 
resort wear (swimmers & kaftans), leopard print, zebra print, bold florals mixed with the animal prints, metal accents in gold, short dresses, print maxis, ruffles & slim cuts on the daywear.

Roberto's quality

The quality was great & for the price, super great.
The stitching was good, both on clothes and shoes. I loved the use of cotton on the pieces where cotton was suitable (& not icky synthetic). The prints were nicely done. There were elements of binding on internal seams (so much nicer than exposed overlocking). The gold bits on the garments were heavy, not tinny. 

Note to self: Dont soak the items for ages - the gold will rust. (I have a tendency to soak for days - I leave the items in the laundry & forget to go back for days...the result of having too many clothes perhaps....??)

Prices

Very consistent standard pricing 

The trench was the most expensive item at $129.
Tuxedo jacket was $99
Long dresses at $99
Short dresses at $89, except for the cocktail dress at $99
Tops or shorts at $59, including swimmers
Pants & skirts at $69
Sequin top $69
Shoes (all synthetic) $59 - $89

Warning - particularly applicable to on line buyers

It may be dangerous to buy any item in the leopard/floral print on-line.

Why?

The different patterns within the leopard/floral print differ in their placement on practically every garment, even between garments of the same size. It's almost like every leopard/floral item is unique, but in reality, its a cost saving technique which is employed when the garments are cut. 

And the point is?

When a fabric consists of a pattern with many variations - vibrant, muted, pale, dark, warm tones and cool tones, I want to make sure the right patterns/colours are placed on the parts of my body which are flattered best by those patterns/colours.

I want the florals near my face & the leopard away from my face.
I want the print around my torso b/c I dont like see through patterns around my tummy. 
I hate pale colours near my face as they wash me out. 

I wont be able to make these choices if I buy on line - you can only do this type of selection in the store. 


Also the model's version of the leopard/floral items will not be the version you will receive in the mail. 

Are you willing to take that risk by buying leopard/floral items on line?

I wouldnt, but that's just me.


Finally, here are the goodies....

Baby doll dress, empire line, fully lined, poly chiffon in a zebra type print. $89.
The gathers on the bust are great for small boobs & the flirty skirt is great for pears.
Also good for rectangles and hourglasses.
Perfect for petites.
Avoid at all costs if you are a busty (unless you want to look busty) or an apple.

The showpiece, a flirty poly chiffon, fully lined. $89. Notice how the different parts of the print are located at different spots on the body?
Great for busty types. Make sure the colours near your face are the ones that flatter you.

A wrap ruffle top. $59. I desperately wanted to fit into this - but the ties were too high up & the section of the top under the ties looked like a big blob over my torso with no boobs up top.  There was limited supply of this in Sydney & all the ones I saw had alot of cream up near the face/shoulder - not a good look for me.

The ruffle top definitely looks better on a busty girl.

Classic Cavalli print maxi - the boob area has gathers and is easy to fit. Fully lined. $99

Teal giraffe print maxi, fully lined. $99. Bust uses gathers, not darts, so is easy to fit.

Short scarf dress, fully lined. $89 I wasnt thrilled with this - the "scarves" are just rectangular pieces of fabric  sewn to the edges - a bit lame. Also if you look at the picture on line, the scarves are a chiffon - in reality the scarves are an opaque fabric which just falls vertically too easily & doesnt float....

The on-line version showing the floaty sides.

This is the boob area of the scarf dress - is shaped by darts (not gathers). This makes it harder to fit well as the nipple has to sit at the outer most part of the cup. Good luck with fit on this. Probably one in a million or so....

Bra friendly straps & a terrific cocktail look. $89 Best for busty girls. Black jersey, easy to fit & flatter. Avoid if you have a small bust.

I was super impressed by this. $99 The fabric had wonderful body & would ease over lumps & bumps. The back zip isnt full length. I was hoping for a double sided zip so you could increase the size of the back split - no such luck in the high street. 
Perfect for small busts & rectangles may wear this too.  Not good for pears, apples nor inverted triangles.

Impressive - good for small busts & rectangles. $69.

A cotton/lycra stretch fabric. $99. As an evening jacket, cotton isnt the best - in a plain colour like black, the fabric shows every wrinkle. Cotton is best for a casual day jacket. Nice gold button though. IMO, overpriced. Sizing tends to be on the small size.

Satin striped tuxedo pant & a hot pant, both with the animal print band on the waistband.
Match the jacket But IMO, better to wear these as separates. $69 each.  

Matching cotton/lycra pencil skirt, cant recall whether lined, but the back kick pleat has the leopard on the kick pleat and the waist has the band of leopard as well. $69.

Cotton/lycra white narrow pant with leopard soft fabric belt - Liz Hurley would be proud. $69.

Leopard wrap dress, not lined with gentle ruffle down one side. $89. This is a fixed wrap so you wont be fiddling with it all day. The downside is that if it doesnt fit YOUR shape, it isnt adjustible - say bye bye dress.
Terrific for busty girls. This wont work for pears or rectangles or apples.

Same as the leopard wrap above. See above. $89.

The trench - the only thing over $99 - it's $129. 100% cotton, well seamed & will look wonderful open or closed. Self belt & wear collar up or down. Terrific for larger sizes. The patch pockets & the epaulettes looked lovely.   

Teal 100% cotton kaftan style with beautifully worked lacing at the bust. Border pattern, 3/4 sleeves. $59. best for warn undertones - it really is a teal (green tones) rather than a blue. The cord has gold baubles at the ends - nice heavy metal, not light & cheap.

I loved this. A poly chiffon - very glamourous yet practical. Will work for most body types except petites (too much volume for a petite).
$59. The only reason I didnt buy it is b/c the camel tones on the print were killing my cool toned complexion . Would have killed for it in pure B&W.

Same as above, in a different print. Again, warm tones. $59. I love this style. It's elegant.

Poly top with gold buttons down the front. this was another lame one. It wasn't a poly chiffon, but a poly like those  stretch versions we wore in the 70s. Eeeeww...$59.  Cute concept, badly executed IMO.

100% cotton, kaftan style with self lacing & loops at the bust. Side splits. $59. Nice item. This came home with me, but which one?
Every one had the pattern placed in a different spot of the body than the others - even when they were the same size.
On left: The diagonal white section emphasised my belly & the horizontal line of the waist of my jeans.
On right: there was too much animal print around my face & made me look jaundiced.
In the middle - the top part has enough strong colour so dint wash me out, the diagonal leopard part through the tordo slimmed & wasnt see through around my tummy. Score! 

Here's the other item that called out to me.....poly chiffon cami with double ruffle on hem & drawstring  at the top of the ruffle. Side zip & hook & eye closure. Great work. Easily worth $49.

Here are my requirements:

1. I am fair skinned with dark hair, so I need vibrant colour near my face.
2. I have a cool complexion, so warm tones near my face kill me.
3. I have a tummy, so the peplum needs to sit just at the right place to flatter.
4. I have a big bum, so the peplum needs to be wide enough to flatter.
5. I am long in the body, so my most flattering peplum sits low.
6. I dont like wearing see through tops and this one is not lined through the torso, so this will be tricky.

Do you have any idea how many of these I looked at & discarded even though they were all in my size?

About twenty.

Yep, I look & look until I find something that works & if I cant find it, I dont buy it.


Here are some of the rejects:

On the left: Too much pale & see through around neckline & through tummy area.
In the middle: Too much pale & see through, but the ruffle area looked too artificially stuck on.
On the right: Too much leopard near the face, making me look ill. 

You may think I am a fusspot - well, yes I am. But when I stand in front of the mirror and look at each of these, I see big differences. Hence I want to make sure I am spending my money on the most flattering version of the print.


And the WINNER is:

Not too much leopard near the face.
The print on the ruffles flows reasonably well from the torso print.
Enough vivid colour near the face.
Heaps of print on the torso, so isnt see through.
Woo Hoo!

Gorgeous one piece ($59) with padded cups, worn with the black short ($69).

Notice how the various one pieces vary in the placement of the print on the body? The left one had alot of animal near the face. The right one looked like very washed out pink mass around the face. Loved the orange lining.
This will work for most body types except apples and rectangles and pears.

Again, notice how the prints vary over the body parts?  Best for hourglass. Cups are padded, but its not the best style for a pear. Cups are too skimpy for busty types. Caveat: Metal on the body in the sun can burn. $59.

Unlined except for the padded area at the bust. Good one piece for sunning or swimming, but again, note the metal  bits on the ends of the ties. $59.

$59. 

Not impressed with these - they looked too chunky even though they are not platforms. $69. Also in a jaguar print.

Glamour sandal with the statement RC serpent. Cute & I loved the boxes, wrapping. $69 for the heels &  $59 for the flats. Also in jaguar colour.

Faves for me. Synthetic & fabric with rubber soles. $59.
I didnt buy though, b/c I have a couple of animal ballet flats which are cheapies and I never wear them (not comfy) - didnt want to risk the same thing with these...

$59

I dont recall seeing this top in the stores I stalked..oops, visited....

I cant recall this dress either - but its pluses & minuses are the same as the baby doll dress which was listed first in this post.

I dont recall seeing this top either...as shown, good for large busts, but the empire line would also work well for small busts. Make sure the border print doesnt sit along the widest part of your hips, otherwise you will look even bigger.

I didnt see the gold lame top. Lovin' the trench though.

I didnt see the tee bar shoes with the peep toe...

So what will you be buying from this range?