Pin-up [outfit]

Olivia top c/o Carissa Rose (available) / Merona trouser jeans from Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Nine West peep-toes from Ross - 2011 - $25 (similar) / Random chain necklaces

[Worn: 09.27.11 | To: Volunteer, errands, exploring]

I'm a firm believer that you shouldn't be comparing your body to the shape of clothes, but that you should make clothes fit your body, whatever shape you may be. Case in point—this shirt, which was sent to me for review by Carissa Rose (along with the dress I reviewed earlier this month). This is the Olivia in 4RE, and they mentioned that it might be a bit large in the bust, but nothing a tailor couldn't easily fix. Before I went the alterations route, however, I wanted to try the shirt as is.

Pros

• Nice print, rich colors
• Fabric feels nice...thin but not cheap (perfect for the Florida fall--still hot, just not as humid)
• Hook and eye closure really prevents any gaping
• V-neck that doesn't go down too low
• Flattering diagonal seam under bust

Cons

• Sleeves are rather puffy, all the way down do the wrist cuff. I wish the sleeves had slimmed down toward the wrist instead. You can really see the sleeve shape in the product photo on the website.
• Their smallest sized shirt was baggy all around on me. The fanning out of the shirt under the bust was especially disproportionate on my body (although I think their semi-fitted or tailored silhouettes would have worked better for me; this shirt is urban fit).

I thought it was weird that this shirt, which sounded like it should have been smaller than the dress (size 6WE), actually fit much looser. When I look at their sizing chart, the two sizes I was sent have the same bust measurement, just different waist measurements. I continued poking around their site, trying to find more about this, and I found what I was looking for in the "size & fit" section of the Katerina dress.

"Black Caviar runs small, please order one size up"

So the 6WE dress actually ran closer to a 4WE, smaller than this shirt. Good to know my mind isn't just playing tricks on me. Several retailers do provide information on how sizes fit and whether they're true to size, run large, or run small (In addition to Carissa Rose, I know Piperlime, Zappos, and Shabby Apple also have this info).

Back to the fit of the shirt. Like I mentioned before, I like to make clothes fit my body instead of lamenting how my body isn't ideal (much easier when a garment is too large rather than too small). A quick tuck and pin of the placket right at the under-bust seam and a roll of the shirt sleeves gave the shirt a more elegant silhouette, almost reminiscent of Carolina Herrera's ubiquitous dress blouses. I don't know that CH would wear jeans with this, but if she did, I imagine she'd wear a trouser style, too.

2 befores and 1 after. Doesn't look so bad in pic 2, but I'm not going to walk around all day with my arms spread out.

I fanned out the collar and bottom of the shirt to emphasize the cinch at the waist, and while it looked nice from the front, it did create a faux-preggo look from the side. I think I will try alterations next.

Don't forget, you can get 20% off your purchase at Carissa Rose through October 13 with the code THENEWPROFESSIONAL20. I highly recommend the Katerina dress, and I really like the look of the Justina Stripe Shirt (which has a tailored fit) and Lola Pencil Dress (so perfectly retro).  

How have you made an item of clothing fit you in a pinch?

Disclosure: Carissa Rose sent me two items free of charge for review, but the content of the reviews is all mine. No compensation was provided, and no agreement was made to guarantee a post or positive coverage. Clicking on Carissa Rose links will not benefit me in any way.

Carissa Rose review and reader discount [outfit]

Katerina shirt dress c/o Carissa Rose (available) / LOFT sandals - 2009 - $10 on sale (similar) / Artisans Lane Turkish Jewelry necklace - 2010 - gift (available in other colors) / Emilie M faux leather bag via Marshall's - 2011 - $25 (similar)

[Worn: 09.11.11 | To: Church]

I love the look of a crisp button-up, but I know a lot of women have trouble with them. Fit can be off, buttons can gape. And that's for those of us who aren't overly endowed up top. It's even harder to find a good fit when your proportions are not the same as what the manufacturers use (and really, who has those proportions?).

Carissa Rose is a company that specializes in making button-up tops and dresses flatter and fit women with curves and larger chests. Carissa Rose's tops use hook and eye closures spaced about an inch apart to get rid of the gaping problem.

When I first received an email from them, I was intrigued by their mission, but I didn't think it was for me, since I'm not really curvy. I wrote back to tell them that, and they asked for some of my measurements to see if they could work with my size (34B or C bra, 28.5" waist, normal dress size 2/4). They sent me the black Katerina dress in size 6WE and the truffle Olivia shirt in size 4RE.  I finally got around to wearing the dress this weekend, and I have to say...this is my new favorite dress.

Pros

• Lightweight fabric
• Hook-and-eye closure on top eliminates gaping
• Skirt is single piece (no buttons)
• Skirt is straight (not A-line), so it doesn't give off the 50s housewife vibe that many shirtdresses do
• Sash is long and thick, and can be tied in various ways
• Truly knee-length, which is very flattering and elongates the calves

Cons

• The dress is supposed to be long-sleeved, but the sleeves hit 2" above my wrist (I like to roll my sleeves anyway, so this wasn't a big deal for me)
• Unlined

For all my doubts about fitting into clothes made for curvy women, the sizing was perfect...loose enough to roll up the sleeves and be a bit airy, but fitted enough that I didn't get lose my shape. I'm excited to try out the Olivia shirt soon, and of course I'll be back to report on that.

Get one for yourself

Carissa Rose is offering New Professional readers a 20% discount off your purchase with the code THENEWPROFESSIONAL20. Discount expires October 13, 2011. Shop their website, which also includes great sizing and shopping resources for curvy women, and check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell me...has fit an gaping prevented you from buying button-up shirts and shirtdresses? Have you tried Carissa Rose?

Disclosure: Carissa Rose sent me two items free of charge for review, but the content of the reviews is all mine. No compensation was provided, and no agreement was made to guarantee a post or positive coverage.

A blogiversary for me and Shabby Apple for you

Can you believe it's been a year? Time sure flies. Although I wrote my first post on February 27, 2010, I consider March 1 to be the real start of my blog--I was just playing around on the 27th and hadn't actually decided if the blog was a go yet. March 1 was also the official start of my shopping diet, and for me so far, the diet and blog have walked hand in hand.

Take a walk down memory lane to my first post, my first outfit, my first 30 for 30 challenge, my first Links a la Mode, and my first giveaway.

And to celebrate, I'm excited to announce another giveaway (yes, I'm giveaway happy this time of year. Or just happy). You know I'm a sucker for a sheath dress, and I'm especially in love with the Bali Ha'i' dress from Shabby Apple's new South Pacific collection.

Isn't it just dreamy? It would be perfect for work (with a cute cardi maybe) but also drinks and dinner afterward, or to attend a spring wedding. I love the neckline details and the knee length skirt.

Do you want one?


You can win one.  Here's how: Giveaway has ended.

1. Leave a comment below letting me know where you see yourself wearing this dress and your email.
2. Go to the Shabby Apple Facebook page and "like" them for access to special discounts and promotions. Leave a separate comment when you've done this for an additional entry.
3. Tweet or blog about the giveaway. Leave a comment with the link for another additional entry

The giveaway is open through Monday, March 7!

Can't wait or love another Shabby Apple dress more? Get 10% off at Shabby Apple with the coupon code "newprofessional10off" through April 30, 2011.

So tell me--Where would you wear the Bali Ha'i' dress?

Disclosure: I am a Shabby Apple affiliate. Purchases made through these links may result in commission.

The Heart of Sacramento [and local giveaway!]

I've mentioned before how amazing the Sacramento fashion community is. Often shadowed by the big city glitz of nearby San Fran, Sac has a flourishing local economy that seriously supports each other. I'm so excited to be part of this, starting with my recent visit to Heart Clothing Boutique.

Sacramento lifer Vanessa Lopez opened this sweet gem just a few months ago, and it exudes her fun personality, from the signature white deer head greeting you to the delightful display of sparkles under the counter.  I found some great pieces that were within my budget (were I shopping) and perfect for work...I've already warned Vanessa to watch out for March when I'm on the loose again. It's nestled in a cozy spot on 19th and Capitol

Here are some photos for my visit. Sacto folks--keep reading for a special offer just for you after the eye candy.

 Tulle

 5th Culture

Did not catch the label, but a really pretty top.

Now that you're as in love with this boutique as I am, I've got a special gift for Sacto gals!

Giveaway time!

One lucky Sactown gal will win a $15 gift certificate to Heart Clothing Boutique! Get up to three entries to increase your chances:

1. Comment on this post and leave your email address for one entry.
2. Follow the New Professional via Google Friend Connect, RSS, or Bloglovin for a second (note in the comments).
3. Tweet about this giveaway for a third (note in the comments).

Contest closes next Wednesday, December 15, at 11:59 p.m. Winner will be announced next Friday. Contest open to Sacramento area residents (I want you to be able to use it!).

In the meantime, the New Professional readers will receive a 15% discount from now through January 31 at Heart Clothing Boutique--just mention "New Professional." Go! Shop!


For my readers outside of Sacramento, I still love you. Unfortunately Heart has yet to expand to online retail, but when they do you'll be the first to know.