K/R NAS haul: Vince lemming dress & more

Here we go! My turn in the lemming dress! Let me know what you think and whether I should keep it or not. Also K/R on the rest of my NAS haul as well. I actually ordered quite a bit online (two different sizes of everything, multiple colors etc.) and almost all of it went back. Very frustrating. I brought one huge box back and I could tell the SA was internally groaning (and she kept saying, "Wow you bought a lot of stuff!" to me) and I still have two or three more boxes to return. So these are the very few things that didn't make me look pregnant with my huge apple belly. Although even these you can still see the belly in the pics, but it may be the lighting as well. Trust me, these were the best of the lot. Thanks so much for looking and any comments/advice/styling tips!

Here are the items I am (potentially) left with:
1-16. Vince lemming dress. Size 8 (6 was way too tight around my belly). I actually liked this a lot especially the color and comfort. DH is definitely not a fan though. When I tried it on this morning and I asked "Do you like it?" he said. "No. Why are you wearing such a huge shirt and where are your pants?" He was kind of joking, but kind of not. (The last time this happened to me was in the '80's when I wore a baggy sweater dress to school in 7th grade and got teased for having no pants on...I was mortified). I think he doesn't understand the concept of a shirt dress and he thinks I look like a sack of potatoes in this. He said, "You need a belt or something because it's hanging straight down and just looking baggy." I don't know...I think belting it would just ruin the line of the dress and reveal the tummy I'm trying to hide. I'm inclined to keep it despite the negative reaction from DH. I capitulated on the faux fur jacket a few years ago and returned it because it was more of a date night only item, but I'm willing to go to the mat for this one if you think it looks good on me...kind of like the H&M floral pants. I still love them and wear them whenever I don't mind DH's ribbing me about the clown pants. I think this dress is versatile and would work for both work and MOTG. I'm showing it three ways...bare legged with bronze sandals for work (4-7 is styled with jewelry and handbag), with jeans and sneaker booties for MOTG (10-12), and with faux leather paneled leggings and peep toe booties for the date night that is not going to happen with this dress (14-16). LOL. All comments on this sack of potatoes dress welcome!

8-9. Munro Abby sandals in bronze. I have this in black suede and wear those all the time. They are super comfy. What do you think of the color of these with my skin? Should I duplicate the black with a metallic?

13. Timberland black booties. I ordered both the wheat and the black to try, but I think the black suits my coloring better (bookending my hair) and my clothing color palette, and I like the bronze coloring on the toes. They feel very comfy and I don't feel the wedge is too high, although I can tell my feet pronate more in these than in regular sneakers because the arch support is very soft. I don't really know what to wear these with other than the boyfriend jeans I have on...they look funny with full length jeans tucked in. I think these could be great casual shoes though.

17. Karen Kane asymmetrical wrap hem shirt. My white Pleione shirt is getting a little worn and pilled on the arms, so I thought I'd try to find a replacement simple white shirt. 

18. Vince striped shirt. DD says I always dress too fancy (because I wear the same clothes for work and MOTG) so I'm looking for more truly casual tops to develop my casual MOTG wardrobe.

19-20. Vince textured zip sweater (the same one Angie bought). Not sure if this is too tomboyish for my style? I found myself wanting to stand with my legs apart in this one, unlike my usual pose with legs together...is that a sign?

21-22. Vince colorblock shirt. Another casual shirt that doesn't cling too much to my belly.

I already posted these in other threads, but here are the rest of the items I bought at NAS, for the sake of completeness:
23. Vince chevron tank and Zella Inspire capris
http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....-food-baby
24. Caslon polka dot shirt
http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....-food-baby
25. Theory Jodi sweater that Angie has (I think I'm going to exchange for the larger size medium) and Bailey 44 tulle skirt (totally frivolous but I think I will keep, much to my kids' delight).
http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....kirt-x2-kr

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24 Comments

  • jenanded replied 8 years ago

    I also got the bronze duplicates for my abbys and yours look great on you. I like the first dress on you and with the black slim leggings and shooties. But if DH is against will you actually wear it date night? It looks great. The other tops look fine but if you feel a bit meh, something else will come along. I do love the tulle skirt with the grey flats, not with the converse so much. Love your style....

  • unfrumped replied 8 years ago

    Short on time, so not a full review but dress looks good as intentional boxy style. May not be as conventionally flattering as just the right wrap styles, which allow some waist definition, so that depends on your options. Best with sheer legs so far, but would try off- black sheer hose or opaque black tight. If those work to extend it to more FFBO comfortable looks, then that would be a plus.
    Love the white blouse.

  • Staysfit replied 8 years ago

    I like most everything here, but honestly I'm not that fond of the dress. It may be too long, and I wish it had more detail near your face. I'm not sure jewelry could fix it though because of the simple lines. I like its color. It may be JFE?

  • Jaime replied 8 years ago

    I think the dress looks great and the length is perfect. But waist definition is just not part of my expectations so keep that in mind. Of the tops I particularly like the white wrap top and the outfit with the polka dot and yellow skirt is fab. I love the Timberlands on you and the last outfit is terrific - I would try the size up for the top and enjoy the skirt!

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    I can see the metallic Munros fitting well with your outfits. Actually I like almost everything on you. I think the dress looks fine and like it best in the third styling (14-16), but since DH has expressed his feelings, it maybe best to keep looking.
    I like the striped shirt (18) with the sweater but not so much on its own. It seems so big and oversized, but then it is the same on the model. My favorites are 17 and 21/22 . They seem to have just enough looseness to the fit.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    The dress, abbey sandals, Tims and KK top are the standout winners in this post for me. REALLY good. Killer pieces. 

    On the other post I loved the Zella bottoms, cut-out booties and sleeveless checked blouse. You did REALLY well, Natalie. You look beautiful in your new pieces. 

  • Diana replied 8 years ago

    OK, I love that dress on you.  Actually, I've loved it on everyone here, and I am kinda mad that I didn't order it to at least try myself (even though I don't think it would fit my hips).  Anyway, it does not look too oversized at all but very chic!  And don't belt it, that would just ruin the line!  I love it with bare legs best of all, but also like it a lot with the leggings. 

    The Abbys are great too.  I think golden toned metallics are so good for people with our skin tone.  It's like my nude (so much better than caucasian-nude for us!).

    I like the Timbs but I worry about the flatness.  We have similar feet, I think, and to me they look as flat as Cons (and based on your description they feel that way too), which give me major arch collapsing pain after a few hours.  I've never been able to fix that, even with orthotics.  The shoe has to have at least a little bit of shaping to begin with, I think.

    The white blouse looks great too.  I'm not wild about the other sweaters, they seem a little too schlumpy to me.  I know you want more casual options, but I think you would do better with tops with more structure at the shoulder area (which would also balance out the apple belly). 

    By the way, I saw your previous post but didn't have time to comment.  Just wanted to say that I feel your pain - I too have gained a few pounds lately (and I don't even have the cute kids to make up for it!) and a lot of my clothes are feeling a bit tight.  Do you read the healthy habits threads in OT?  I've just started posting in those again, hoping it will keep me a bit more accountable. 

  • Word Lily replied 8 years ago

    The lemming dress is awesome on you, as it is on everyone else. And the metallic sandals are great, too. I also like the white top and the zippered sweater. 

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    The dress is super fab and right up your colour alley. I so love the white top on you. Just gorgeous. Sandals are terrific. Keep all of those for sure unless you'll never wear the dress.

  • viva replied 8 years ago

    I'm another one who is absolutely in favor of the dress, the white blouse (I really wish I had seen that and ordered it!!!), and the sandals. Those are perfection on you. Please keep them all. The stripe top is cute and easy; if it was a good deal I might keep it too, for very casual play time with kids -- but it's not as much a standout as the others (although honestly, I don't think really casual pieces stand out quite so much). I like the Tims if they are comfy.

    And I am trying to wrap my head around all your tummy comments. You must be a master of camouflage because I would never have guessed this is a problem area for you!

  • deb replied 8 years ago

    The dress is great on you, a definite keep. Not sure about it with the jeans, it looks too long to me. Love, love, love the skirt and top in 25. 

  • Parsley replied 8 years ago

    I love the dress on you! Gosh, how many of us does that make who have that dress?
    I don't care for it with the jeans, but I think it will work with leggings.

    The white blouse is another favorite, and the Vince top.
    I think you've made great choices.

    FYI for anyone who can wear an XS: The white blouse is available on Amazon for $27!

  • AviaMariah replied 8 years ago

    I haven't had time to look at your other pieces yet but I just had to pop in to say that I LOVE the Vince dress on you!  DH's can be funny about anything that not conventional.  At least that's how my DH is.  I think it looks great on you and hope you keep it.  

  • CocoLion replied 8 years ago

    Huh? I do not understand men.  I think the dress looks amazing on you. Truly.  

    I think everything else you picked looks great too.  Fits, styles, all really nice.

    I'm not in love with the Vince dress with rolled boyfriend jeans though.  That was my only one negative response to your pictures.  I think this dress calls for a sleeker pair of bottoms.  And, a flat yet more streamlined pair of shoes/sandals/boots.  When you want to dress this dress down.  (Love the date night look!  Maybe we can meet for drinks the next time I'm in San Francisco, then you have the perfect occasion to wear that outfit!)

    My one great NAS regret is that I did not order the Timberland lace up boots.  Is the lighter pair you are returning in a size 6.5 by chance?

  • goldenpig replied 8 years ago

    Denise, sorry it was a 7.5. Would love to meet up next time you're around though!

    Thanks for all the good advice. I am returning the two Vince casual tees and Vince sweater. I just realized the reason I didn't feel 100% in them is because they're tomboyish and not ladylike enough so they don't feel like "me". You're right that I shouldn't just settle because they were the only ones that fit. I'm exchanging the grey sweater for the larger size M, and I had to exchange the Vince dress for the same size because there was a snag on the arm fabric. I agree that the jeans under it isn't me either but I like it plain and with leggings. Will wear the Manrepeller dress on a date with Cocolion! Thanks for the help. Keeping the rest too!

  • SW Ann replied 8 years ago

    I love the Vince dress and it looks great on you.  I had to "train" my DH to appreciate and even like the more fluid shirt look dress.  I have for years worn body con dresses but started a couple of years ago (on Angie's recommendations) to incorporate this look.  I love it and it's stylish as well as comfortable.  I think you should keep it, wear it, and with the confidence that you look and feel great in it, your DH may come around.  Or not.  If  you love it that is all that matters. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    I love the Vince dress on you! I'd say it's worth having and wearing for non-dates. I like it best as a dress and with the leggings and peep-toe booties, but I also think it works with the jeans and sneaker-booties. You have such a knack for creating outfits that put pieces like this one into quite different looks.
    I'm also a huge fan of the Abbys and the Timberlands on you. The metallic Abbys look great with the dress and with your skin. And I didn't realize the Timberlands had a metallic sheen until I saw your photo. I thought it might be the light, until I read your description. So cool!
    The Karen Kane top is also amazing on you. Big keep vote on that one.
    I like the Vince tops and agree that they will be nice to have if you are needing some casual options. The color-block one especially is a very chic look.
    And I do like the sweater on you--super cute! At the same time, I agree it's a bit more tomboy than I'm used to seeing on you. It could be a fun change of pace, maybe a wildcard?

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    Oops, I didn't see your response before I posted. Your reasoning for returning the Vince tops and sweater makes complete sense (of course!).

  • replied 8 years ago

    You did a great job at NAS. All things considered, you did find a lot of keepers. I think SAs and people in general, are not used to the new paradigm of "buying to try on". Up until now, it was always "try before you buy". Anyway, as annoying as the groaning is, don't let it get to you!

    Also, men are sometimes funny about new silhouettes and I know my guy sometimes takes a little time to warm to new things.

    Also x 2, my DD is my fiercest critic too

    I like the dress and pretty much all your outfits!

  • MsMary replied 8 years ago

    The dress is beyond amazing on you! Definitely worth going to the mat for that one! Although I am not a huge fan of the jeans with it.

    Love the rest, too. You did well!

  • Sara L. replied 8 years ago

    I love the dress with the gold sandals. I have a few items that DH doesn't care for and I just wear them on occasions when I know he won't see me (to work, for example).  I make sure not to wear them on a date night.  The white top is also fab on you. 

  • Alley replied 8 years ago

    Best. I love these kind of dresses. I have few items that I wear on ocassions. 

  • Style Fan replied 8 years ago

    I like the dress on you but I wonder if you will wear it if DH has rejected it.  Only you know.  I like all the footwear as well.  I am so happy that you kept the tulle skirt.  It is amazing and my favourite piece. 

  • Beth replied 8 years ago

    LOL @ the "Manrepeller dress"!

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