Keep or Return (summer filler, photo heavy)

I bought some summer filler pieces that I was missing, and would love to get some feedback from you all :) Would like to return anything below an 8, and open to all opinions and styling suggestions.

1 & 2 - Green printed tee, red striped tee, denim shorts. I would like to replace my plain tees with more interesting ones for casual weekend outfits, camping, riding, etc. Leaning towards returning the red unless it's a 10 (not too versatile this boxy and short). How are these shorts for baggy denim shorts?

3 & 4 - Crochet circle top.

4 & 5 - Striped circle top. Leaning towards returning, I like my other yellow printed one better and this one seems too large though it's the same size.

6 - Sheer polka dot top. Would love to hear styling ideas on this one; would it work into fall?

7 - Paper bag shorts. Been eyeing these for a couple months. Are they too baggy? This is the correct size for me. Also would love to hear styling ideas. (Jonesy, you were looking at these in black I think, did you end up getting them?)

8 & 9 - Yellow gingham shirt, plum chino shorts. I love the shirt, but I think it needs back darts or something (this is the smallest size). These shorts are a pretty vibrant plum color, but possibly too wide hems?

10 & 11 - Colorblocked skirt, nude/metallic sandals. The back of the skirt doesn't poof so much, there's a box of buttons back there ;)

12 & 13 - Necklace, shades.

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32 Comments

  • MNsara replied 12 years ago

    #1-2: the short are adorable on you and I LOVE the red on you

    #3-5: If I chose one it would be the lace, but I prefer you in the bright red top from #2, so I'm a bit less enthused.

    #6: I LOVE this outfit -- big black and taupe polka dots -- what culd be better! Yes, wear the tops just like this, but with long denim skinnies or black skinnies and a jacket over it in fall.

    #8-9: this ginghan shirt is fab, but it would benefit from those darts unless you want a boxy look. What does it look like tucked in? Will it also work come fall because that color is divine!

    #10-14: everything seems fun, but I especially like the sunnies :-)

    ETA: I love the shorts in #7, but I DO think the plum shorts look rather wide. But what do I know about short shorts? so take it with a HUGE grain of salt.

  • Ginny replied 12 years ago

    I like #1 shirt, and crochet top in #3, to me #7 does not look too baggy and the fitted shirt looks good with them, love the plum colored shorts and the shoes in #11 all good choices I think!!

  • MsMary replied 12 years ago

    Okay, I'm not help at all because I love it all! My favorites are the red striped top, the yellow gingham shirt, the pretty skirt, and ZOMG those FAB SANDALS!!!! And the necklace and the sunnies!

    You are one smart shopper, Young Lady! :)

  • taylor replied 12 years ago

    those shoes, those shoes, those fabulous shoes!! killing me!!!

    Love it all!

  • Lisa replied 12 years ago

    #1-Great top I vote keep, I am on the fence about the shorts, I don't mind baggy but the bum, is it too baggy?
    #2-Love the red color on you, would prefer if these stripes were not as wide though. It's a 5 in my book. I vote return.
    #3-So far my favorite top of the group I vote keep.
    #4-I prefer the crochet one instead I vote return for this one. The drape on the crochet one is slightly more flattering to my eye.
    #6-This top is super cute, I vote keep. For fall how about over a sheath dress in black perhaps?
    #7-I prefer the fit of these shorts (especially in the bum where here there is no extra fabric hugging your curves) versus the denim and vote keep. Styling, I think cropped and tucked to show off the run belt detail.
    #8 and #9-Love the shorts, love the top, and especially these two together, cute outfit! I vote keep to both.
    #10-#13-All great finds and I vote keep. For the skirt don't mind a poof like this, it's the style of the skirt.

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    1 & 2 - OK, you know I love the baggy denim shorts, and actually I *love* the red striped tee as well. I am indifferent to the green print top... looks kind of washed out with your dark hair and dark shorts, but maybe a different bottom?

    3 & 4 & 5. I don't think I like circle tops in general, so I'll sit this one out. :)

    6 - Sheer polka dot top = WOW. That print with the edgy hem is outta this world!

    7 - I like them, but how will they hold up to wrinkles?

    8 & 9 - I really like them both, especially if the shirt is for summer, as I think loose shirts go well with short shorts and bare legs. I don't think the legs are too wide, either.

    10 & 11 - Squeeeeeeeeeeeee! Nuff said. Oops, nope, I have one more in me. Squeeee!!!

    12 & 13 - Yes and Yes. Especially diggin' the shades.

  • Scarlet replied 12 years ago

    Let's see, the shorts are a 10. The red top is an 8. I do prefer the green one. I am not sure about the color on you for tops 3 - 5, but I agree the crochet top, hands down. Anyway you can modify that one by wearing different colors underneath. Top 6 is a 10. Paperbag shorts are not too baggy. They look great, but are they made out of linen? Woven linen bottoms stretch A LOT in my experience, so consider sizing down if so. It's hard to tell if the maroon shorts are too wide from the front because your hands press them down a little, but from what I can tell the style is cute and a little different (good). I really like the gingham shirt too, but I am hesitating about the color on your skin. I do love the combo with maroon, though. 10/11 is ridiculously cute. 12, 13, thumbs up.

  • replied 12 years ago

    1. I love the shorts and the green print top. I don't care for the red stripe top on you -- something about it is a little jarring -- almost looks like something a child would wear. Does not have the super-cool Aida vibe.

    3. Love, soft and romantic.

    4. Don't like this one, seems a bit dull.

    6. yes

    7. Looks like they will get really crumpled

    8 & 9 Love! Yes, maybe get the top tailored a bit

    10 & 11 Cute skirt, sandals are divine!

    12 & 13 yes and yes!

  • Jjsloane replied 12 years ago

    I like #1 (top and shorts), LOVE #10 skirt and sandals! I like the shorts in 7 but not in 8-9. Really like the gingham top (tucked into higher waist might help the boxiness). After that I think the polkadot top has possibilities, but the others I'm not overly passionate about - your personal choice there. Necklace and sunglasses YES.

  • morethanbeige replied 12 years ago

    Your posts just keep getting better. Such fun and variety here. Here's what struck me:

    1-2: love the shorts and both tops. The red top is great with your coloring. Very cute.
    6: I love the camel/black polka-dot assymetrical top with the shorts. This top would look great with skinnies too.
    7: very cute. Love the fit of both top and bottom
    10: love, love, love
    11: faboo shoes!

    Your outfits always have such great fit and attention to detail!

  • nicoleb replied 12 years ago

    Everything looks great! If i have an critiques it's that shirts 1-6 are all over similar to each other. Maybe pick a few prints you love the best and return a few? I do love, love, love what you picked as i've said before i think our style tastes are pretty similar. ;)

    the gingham shirt and color blocked skirt are my favs i think. And i think the shirt looks really good tucked in!

  • Queen Mum replied 12 years ago

    the only stuff I really don't care for is 5, 6, and 8... I"m not sure that yellow gingham is the best on you, and the plum shorts seem a bit wide in the leg. I love the idea of that polka dot top,but the color doesn't seem to be working for me with your complexion.
    I'm meh on the shorts in 7... the cut is good, but I wonder about the wrinkle factor.
    My fave pics of the lot are 2,3 and skirt 10. Love the denim shorts as well.

    Sorry to go in reverse order (dislike to like)... I hope that doesn't seem negative... it just helps me to weed out the stuff that I dont' care for first. I do my closet edits the same way ;-)

  • Kari replied 12 years ago

    That necklace is fantastic!

    Okay, without looking at the other comments, I would keep the following:

    #1, 3, 6, 7 (paper bag shorts), 11, 12, 13.

  • Briar replied 12 years ago

    My favs are #1, #3 crochet, #7, #10 and shoes (drooling!) and necklace.

    #2 style feels very youthful, whereas the others are more sophisticated. I think it depends on the vibe you want to have. The color is really good on you.
    #5 hides your amazing upper body-my least favorite
    #6 is really cute, but the tan color is iffy. Maybe with high contrast lip color?
    I really like #8, but in a smaller size or fitted to your shape.

  • Beth replied 12 years ago

    1-2: I love the shorts and the red top. I don't love the green top but only because the red top looks so vibrant. If they fill a need I'd keep both.

    3-5: Love the crochet circle top. The stripes of the second one seem to compete with the cut of the top so I vote pass on that one.

    6: polka dot top is super fun and it really looks like you. I'll leave styling to those who have cred in this department:)

    7: Like these, too. The tie at the top makes all the difference.

    8-9: I don't love the yellow on you and I agree the legs look too wide on the shorts.

    10-11: LOVE the skirt and sandals. The colorblocking is fab.

    12: Seriously fun necklace. Love it.

    13: Cool sunnies. I like the white but wonder if they're a hair too big for your face? I'm terrible at picking sunnies though, so take it with a grain of salt:)

  • replied 12 years ago

    The denim shorts are fabulous! I especially love the tops in 1, 3, 6, and 8. The hem on the polkadot shirt is so fun. And I love the yellow gingham. In my opinion, I like it a little oversized and don't think it needs altering. Would look super tucked into a high waisted skirt.

    I love the paper bag shorts on you. I'd like to see how they would look with heels too. The plum shorts I'm not as crazy about. I think it's the combination of cut and color that makes them seem a little dated for your edgy, urban style.

    The skirt, shoes and accessories are gorgeous and all keepers in my opinion!

  • Girl X replied 12 years ago

    Those shoes are awesome!

  • Girl X replied 12 years ago

    Alright, I'll just come clean and state that I went directly to the shoe pic, subsequently forgot about the other images and realised after posting that there were still other images to view.

    So ... The tops in #1&2 are both cute on you, though I find #1 more interesting with your colouring. The shorts look fantastic.

    #3 is super cute, #5 not as cute - it does seem a little big.

    I'm eager to see what you wind up doing with #6 - I would have no idea how to wear it!

    I love the colour of #7, they do seem baggy from the front, but they look great from the back. Maybe you can enter rooms backwards?

    That yellow shirt in #8 is awesome! You're going to make so many fabulous outfits with this! The shorts? Colour: fab! Fit: meh.

    #10 - pretty! You can't go for Monday night tacos in this though, this skirt demands ice cream.

    #11 - well, you know.

    #12 & 13 - pretty!

    Great shopping!

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Thanks for the great feedback, ladies! Would welcome more feedback. Thoughts:

    I think all the shorts are about equal baginess in the bum, the paper bag ones probably the most. Since they're all kind of baggy styles I figure this is OK :)

    Interestingly, everyone thought the rear on the paper bag shorts was the most flattering where I find it the least by quite a lot; it makes my rear look far flatter and wider than it is (I like my roundy bum!). The material is listed as "Tencel", which after a quick web-search is a synthetic material that is wrinkle and shrink resistant (woo!).

    The red top.. I think the lovely color swayed my opinion, because the fit doesn't feel quite right for me; those who commented that it's got a more youthful vibe, YES that is what was bugging me thanks! It will go back.

    The striped circle top, unanimous non-love, it'll go back too :)

    Definitely keeping: denim shorts, green top, skirt, shoes, necklace, shades.

    Still thinking about (but will probably be keeping): crochet top, dotty top (versatility/color), paper bag shorts (versatility/fit), yellow gingham (can't size down, would likely have to alter because it's about twice as thick as I am; I like the looser fit but this is like LOOSE loose), plum shorts.

  • Heather replied 12 years ago

    Ooooo!!! I missed this gem of a thread!

    I love the gingham blouse. Is it ON? I have had my little eye on it. If it is cotton, perhaps after a washing and drying, it would fit a little better? I think it would look bomb tied in a little knot. :D

    That skirt made me SQUEEEEEEE!!!

    I love the shoes, necklace and the sunnies. I also like all of the baggy shorts; however, if you are still shrinking, they may be beyond baggy and just plain too big for lil Aida!

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Thanks Heather! The yellow gingham is indeed ON (would look cute on you!), and I think it's 100% cotton so I am hoping that it'll shrink if I keep it. You make a good point about the shorts; I am still shrinking, though much more slowly now. The denim shorts were also ON so I don't mind shrinking out of them after this summer, but the paper bag shorts I'd like to keep longer as they are much nicer. I'll have to see if there is a pair in a smaller size, but they were on clearance so I've a feeling not :(

    EDIT: What'd you think of the dotty top?

  • Heather replied 12 years ago

    Oh, Aida! I am so sorry, I got so excited I left that awesome polka dot blouse out! My apologies:

    So I think this cool blouse has MAD potential. I like it casually with the denim shorts, but I think you could rock some dressier black shorts with edgier heels for an evening out on the town. Also, it would look great with dark/black skinnies (as others have mentioned). My wild card thought: over a black sheath with a different pattern hosiery or even sans hosiery and if chillier with a moto jacket/leather jacket?! That fires me up! Ha.

  • Jonesy replied 12 years ago

    I really like the green patterned top. I want to like the gold gingham, but something about the color with your skin is not my fave, but that may be a matter of personal preference :). I am meh about the other tops....I think it's the neutral color scheme (you look so smashing in deep colors, with your dramatic coloring)..but if you are looking for neutrals to fill some wardrobe gaps, then have at it!

    Love the skirt, sandals, necklace...don't really dig the sunglasses on you. Re. the shorts: I think the denim cuffed shorts and the brown paper bag shorts are cute, not such a fan of the plum ones, though the color is fab. Good memory re. the black shorts I was excited about! I ordered them but they didn't work out (weird bulging pockets that ruined them for me) but I love the look! I think they would be so fab with a tucked top and a jacket, and some heels.

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    Jonesy said (once again!) what I thought about everything! I'm not loving the neutrals as much on you as the deep colors, but you know me and off-whites.

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Heather - Oooh such great ideas! Now to get a black sheath... EDIT: And some dressy black shorts! That's totally on my list for fall :D

    Jonesy - Sorry to hear the black shorts didn't work for you, I was looking forward to getting some inspiration from you hehe

    Jonesy, Una - I should probably be working on getting more color and less neutrals into my closet, honestly; I think I'm at 70% neutral 30% color and I think a good 50-50 split would make me happiest. I am still having trouble FINDING those great colorful tops though, finding tops is seriously stressing me out; I tried on over 120 tops on this particular shopping trip :(

  • Heather replied 12 years ago

    A pair of black drapey shorts for summer AND a great pair of wintry black shorts would look awesome, too! Rock some tights under there.....oh the possibilities with so much in your wardrobe!. :D:D:D:D

  • Angie replied 12 years ago

    Love #6, #7 and #8!

    We have very short Summers, so I am only okay-ing the 10's. I am strict with Seattleites and Summer stuff :)

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Thanks for weighing in Angie! What about the skirt did you not like (it does need to be pressed)? I have a hard time with skirts -_- This one is heavier material, is lined, and will work for both spring and summer.

    Keeping: top/shorts #1 (fills a hole), top #6, shorts #7, top #8, accessories.

    Returning: tops #2-5 (will look for a better crochet top that's more versatile though!), shorts #8/9.

  • Angie replied 12 years ago

    The skirt is sweet but it's full on Summer around here. You will freeze in Spring :(. Much preferred the shorts!

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Hmm well I have only 2 spring/summer skirts so I will have to weight it against those I suppose.

    Lastly, will the shorts in #7 work into fall? The material feels like a silky cotton.

  • Angie replied 12 years ago

    Yup. Great with boots.

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Yay thanks, that sounds fun ^^

    (Heather, I have a few pairs of fall shorts on my list to try! Hopefully one or two work out, especially since the fall shorts I currently have are way too big now.)

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