I Love Orla Kiely

Monday, July 28, 2014

Review + Haul: Orla Kiely Baby Rhino Trenchcoat

For reference, I am 5'3", 110 pounds, 32A bust, typically a size XS in tops, 0-2 in dresses, 25-26 in jeans.

On sale at ModCloth $258.99 and Orla Kiely (originally $518)

I love this coat for its classic shape, but fun design. It does seem a bit too big, but I have to remind myself that I will be layering underneath. It buttons up the front and has more of straight silhouette, as opposed to the fitted bodice and flared skirt silhouette that the Heavy Wool Trench Coat has. For the photos above, I did pull in the waist so there's some extra material gathered in the back (you can see it in the third photo above). I also pulled the belt tightly around my waist (but not too tight!) to give it a more fitted look. It does still appear to be a little bigger than what I prefer, but it fits and feels very comfortable on. The jacket is fully lined in an unexpected but fun bright red satin-type material, so my arms easily slipped through.

The inside collar has a chain detail above the logo tag.

I got the jacket in a size UK6, which is about a size XS, and the smallest size this jacket is available in.

I'm happy that this jacket is machine-washable!

The jacket comes with an extra button.

The print features a "camel"-colored background with tiny baby rhinos throughout, which appear to be a dark navy blue.

The buttons are black with a marble-like pattern.

The wrists have a button-and-tab detail.

There are two cargo pockets in the front. I usually prefer slant pockets, but the cargo pockets add to the safari-esque theme.

There are a ton of holes on the belt so you can cinch it in the waist as much as you need to.

The back of the coat.

There are buttoned epaulettes on the shoulders.

And the same baby rhino pattern continues underneath the collar, in case you want to pop it up.

The jacket can be worn open for a more casual look. And it's also fun to let the red lining peep through a bit :)

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Anthro Day Review: Amory Tank, Marais Anorak, Salinas Pencil Skirt, Pilcro Hyphen Lace Chinos, and AG Stevie Angle High-Rise Jeans

I stopped by Anthropologie today for their Anthro Day sale, which gives members 15% off everything for today only. I wanted to try out a few things on my wish list, as well as check out whatever goodies I could find in the sale section. Since I had my son with me today, they put me in the largest fitting room, which had a table set up inside (see photo above). I thought it was a different, but cute addition. Now onto the reviews!

For reference, I am 5'3", 110 pounds, 32A bust, typically a size XS in tops, 0-2 in dresses, 25-26 in jeans.

Maeve Amory Tank in Black & White

$68

Size 2

5/5

This tank was at the top of my wish list, so I was very excited to try it on today. Unfortunately, the smallest size available was a size 2. It fits fine in the bodice, but the armholes were a bit larger and dipped lower than what I prefer (see third photo above), so my usual size 0 would've fit me better. It's made of rayon, which feels very soft and cool against the skin. It's very comfortable, flowy, and flares out a bit, making this an easy top to throw over jeans and conceal any bulges you may want to hide. There's black piping along the modest neckline, which has a slight V in the center. There's also a pleated bib on the front, which adds some additional interest to the already fun eyeglasses print. The background is an off-white cream color, and the eyeglasses are black and come in different shapes, and continues to the back. I felt it was opaque enough that you wouldn't have to layer another tank underneath, and you could get away with just wearing a nude-colored bra. This is a great tank to wear with jeans or shorts, and is work appropriate when worn with a cardigan and pencil skirt.

Amory Tank in Red Motif

$68

Size 0

4/5

Since they did not have the black & white version in my size, I decided to try the red version in a size 0 just to compare. There's really not much difference in the bodice, but the armholes are smaller, which I like. The background is a maroon color with bright coral lips. I like this print also, but I like the eyeglasses print better. Will wait for this one to go on sale first.

Hei Hei Marais Anorak

$148

Size XS

3/5

I'd been wanting an army green anorak for awhile, and I'm so sad I missed out on Camouflaged Lace Anorak as I thought that was the perfect combination of tough and girly. So I decided to try on this one to see if I'd like it. First of all, this version has eyelet details instead, which I don't like quite as much as the lace details (although they are still cute!) Also, this army green is a bit more yellowish, and I prefer something that's more of a darker green. One thing I do like about this jacket better than the Camouflaged Lace Anorak is that it does not have a hood. I pretty much never use the hoods of jackets anyway, and sometimes I think they take away from the overall look. The material felt thick and substantial. My usual size XS felt perfect on, and the shoulders and sleeves felt very comfortable and not constricting at all.

Maeve Salinas Pencil Skirt

$98

Size 0

5/5

I love this skirt so much! The print is so pretty and I have nothing like it. It has an orange background that's not too bright, with a maroon-white-and-black-colored floral print. The size 0 felt perfect on. It sits a little above my belly button and does not pinch at the waist. The skirt fell to my knees, which makes it perfect to wear to work. It was fitted and laid perfectly, showing no bumps, bulges, or panty lines, which means I wouldn't have to wear Spanx with this skirt (a plus!) I can see so many styling options with this skirt, and even paired it with the Amory Tank to see how the prints would work together (see third photo above). And even though I don't usually pair different patterns together, I personally don't think it looks bad at all! It's made of cotton and spandex, and is machine washable.

Pilcro Hyphen Lace Chinos

$98

Size 25

3/5

I thought I would love these pants. They looked great on the table, and I love the light mint color and interesting lace details on the bottom. I don't really care much for the contrasting waistline, but I don't mind it either. The cotton felt very soft and light weight. My usual size 25 felt comfortable everywhere, but felt like they could stretch a bit over time. I wish the rise were a bit higher - these fit more like low rise pants, sitting a good two inches below my belly button. I felt like with the lower rise and possibility of stretching that I'd keep hiking these up, which is annoying. And although the online model shot looks great with the rolled hems, I just thought on me it looked sloppy, meaning I would have to pay extra to get these tailored.

AG Stevie Ankle High-Rise Jeans in Perspective

$188

Size 25

5/5

Ok, first of all, these pants are AWESOME! The high rise was perfect, sitting right at my belly button, therefore concealing any stomach pooch and holding everything in nicely. There were no stretched horizontal lines in the front or back - everything just looked super smooth, like these jeans were Spanx. I usually prefer a darker rinse, but I think this medium blue is quite versatile, and I don't currently own any color like it. And the whiskering along the front adds just the right touch of detail without looking too faded or trendy. Also, the length is PERFECT! No hemming required, which is a miracle for someone who's 5'3" and always has to get pants tailored. The size 25s fit, but JUST so, meaning if I gained even a pound, I feel like these wouldn't fit me anymore. I'm a bit torn as I know Stevies tend to stretch a bit, but I don't like the idea of having to break in my jeans first before they're comfortable. I think the size 26s will feel better, but my store didn't have them for me to try on, so I'll just have to wait and write an updated review later.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Review + Haul: Orla Kiely Optical Illusions Dress

For reference, I am 5'3", 110 pounds, 32A bust, typically a size XS in tops, 0-2 in dresses, 25-26 in jeans.

Orla Kiely Optical Illusions Dress

On sale at ModCloth $89.99 (originally $179.99)

This dress is simply lovely. It is slightly larger than what I prefer, but it still fits and feels very comfortable on. It's versatile enough for work or date nights, and the black and white pattern makes it easy to create many looks with different accessories.

This is an Orla Kiely with People Tree collaboration, which is a Fair Trade company. I purchased this dress in a size UK8, which is approximately a US4 or a size small. This is the smallest size the dress is available in (I'm not sure why though, as the main Orla Kiely line is available in a UK6). As with the Adorable Errands Dress, it fits but...I still think a UK6 would've been MUCH better. There's extra fabric in the bodice and the waist is not as cinched in as I'd like. But a belt could fix that, or I could wear a cardigan or blazer to give the illusion of a more fitted bodice.

The dress is made in India from 100% organic cotton and is machine washable, a great plus for someone who hates paying for dry cleaning (by the way, I pretty much never dry clean my clothes, even when it says to. I've learned how to hand wash my clothes with a combination of water, Woolite, and vinegar. I'll try to write a post about that soon!)

Here's a closeup of the print that's on the skirt portion. This is the Flower Girl print from the SS12 collection I believe. It's probably hard to tell from these photos, but the background is black and the print is a creamy off-white color that almost appears yellowish in some lighting.

The bodice is a bit different. The pattern is broken up by seams, which is a bit choppy - I would've preferred the pattern to continue seamlessly like the skirt portion, but it's really not noticeable and certainly not a deal breaker.

The skirt portion has some pleating under the waist.

The dress is unlined except for the bodice, which is lined with the same creamy colored organic cotton. If I'm wearing this to work, I'd definitely wear a slip underneath (I dunno, the extra layer makes me feel more comfortable), but if I'm wearing it outside of work, say on a weekend outing, I wouldn't bother wearing a slip underneath. Either way, the dress is not see through at all, so I'd say a slip is unnecessary.

The back has a zip and hook-and-eye closure, making it easy to step into the dress and close it yourself.

The shoulders have a slight gathered detail. The shoulders and armholes are very comfortable and do not feel restricting at all.

There are two pockets, which is awesome!

Because it didn't have a fitted enough look that I prefer, I decided to belt it and I thought it looked SO much better. Some dresses just scream for a belt, and this is definitely one of them. It helps define the waist and give it a more retro flair. Will definitely belt this dress every time I wear it. And I think that's another fun bonus with this dress - picking out different accessories to wear with it to make it look fresh every time. The belt I'm wearing here is from Anthropologie and the shoes are from J. Crew, both purchased a couple years ago.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Thursday Purseday: Orla Kiely Textured Leather Iris Bag

Happy #ThursdayPurseday! I've decided to start a weekly series entitled "Thurseday Purseday" where I feature an Orla Kiey bag from my collection. I'm hoping this series will take me through the next few months (yes, I have that many bags). I've been a collector since 2007, right around the time I graduated college and got my first big job, so you'll get to see many handbags, both old and new. I've always enjoyed looking at other bloggers'/vloggers' collections, so I hope you enjoy as well!

What I'm Wearing:

Pilcro Soft Bands Tee

Charlotte Taylor Sukiya Silk Culottes

Merona Emily Sandals in Mint

Orla Kiely Textured Leather Iris Bag in Cloud

J. Crew Factory necklace

Orla Kiely Textured Leather Iris Bag in Cloud

Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

Retail $298

Front of the purse.

Back of the purse.

Double zip closure.

Gold hardware.

Each corner has a diagonal stitched detail.

The strap is adjustable on both sides so it can be worn as a crossbody or over the shoulder.

The bottom of the purse has no "feet."

Contrasting brown zipper that matches the fabric underneath the perforated stem.

Inside features a stem jacquard lining.

One side has a zippered pocket with Orla Kiely logo.

The other side has two small pockets with attached key ring.

A closeup of the perforated stem on the front.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Orla Kiely Kids Bedding and Bath

I'm super excited that Orla Kiely has made her first foray into children's bedding and bath, which launched today. So far, I only see this line available on the UK site, but hopefully they'll be available for purchase from the US site soon. My son is still sleeping in a crib, but I'd love to get him some Orla Kiely bedding for his room once he's old enough to transition to a toddler bed! Many of the designs are old classics that have been used in previous collections for clothing and purses, but there are a couple new designs. Check them all out below or click here to shop the entire collection.

Kids Cars Bedding

£80-£90 (approximately $137-$154)

My absolute favorite! I've always loved this car print - I have a travel tote and beauty case with this same design. I wish the Orla Kiely travel bags were still available online, but since they aren't, this bedding is the next best thing!