Monday, March 2, 2009

A Long Review of the Silk Solid Tunic!


This is what the guava silk solid tunic looks like on-line. Very pretty, very silky, and on sale for $20 off of 88--or $68. Some of you may choose to bite at this price, so I am here to suss out whether or not you should! You can find it here on jcrew.com: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shirtstops/camisblouses/PRDOVR~12342/12342.jsp


You think it really was going to be that nice shade of pale pink? I would have NEVER ordered it if I thought it really would have been that pale. Because I am such an avid follower of J. Crew Aficionada, I knew that guava translates into a fairly bright pink-peach and not pale pink (there was some scandal over the Harlow blouse last fall when many JCAs opened their guava blouses to be surprised by the "intensity" of the color).

No worries if you dislike such a bright color, this tunic also comes in the more muted shades of ivory, black, and navy. But you know me...bright is as bright does. (I am laughing as I write this...) I personally love this shade in real life...and I think the color works for me, unlike pale pink (my nemesis color).

This shot above is of it in real life, laid out on my bed.


Here is a close-up of the buttons and pockets. It is a henley shape and falls straight from the armpits to the hip. There is no cut in the hem at all (like on other tunics), it is straight around on the hem, which I dislike (now) but will like (maybe) when I get about 5 pounds more off my hips (I am almost there...whee).


Close-up of the collar. The material is a nice weight and will be lovely for spring and summer. I think the color is not the best for winter, but I will happily break that rule if I find some reason to wear it in the fall or winter...


Yeah, yeah, I know, it is like 28 degrees outside, 8 inches of snow, etc., but I don't care...I had a blast dressing up like it was 78 degrees outside and taking pics. :) Plus, maybe if I dream it is possible, it will be possible.

You can see there is no split in the hem because I had to create ruching (sp.?) at the bottom. Fortunately, it works with the flow of this top. It almost makes me look like I am about to head off to a fire-pit on the beach and trade tales of years past. The shoulders and chest and arm length are the perfect fit. The shorts are J. Crew from last summer...and yes, they really are that color in real life. It works well with this color top! The flip-flops are also J. Crew and they are this season but only available in the stores right now. (I have not found them on-line.)


I really love the color's warmth. I think it enhances my skin tone rather than makes it sallow (or heaven forbid--red). I also love the stitching at the top...purely decorative but beautiful nonetheless. The buttons are nice, too.


I like this shot...very arty, Jim...but it serves a practical purpose. You can better see the shoulder detailing in this shot.

I suspect many of you will pass on this, but I was more than happy to buy it at full price. If I can't lose those last five pounds at the hip area (NO!), I will just have a tailor cut into the hem to give it some movement.

8 comments:

Emily said...

That color is lovely on you! Thanks for the review of the tunic:)

KatyO. said...

Dina, you are so pretty! :D I love that top on you--why not that top even in the winter with a grey pencil skirt or wool pants for teaching? Oh, or a navy cardi or something?

dinagideon said...

Emily: Thank you! I hope it helped...

KatyO.: Speaking of grey pencil skirts, I actually mentioned that in the review I just did of the crewneck cardigan. SO FUNNY!

Maybe I will give this tunic a try with my university pants...hmm...

Thanks!!! :)

A said...

This color is perfect with your complexion. The neckline is also very flattering for you. It's definitely a keeper! :)

Slastena said...

Dina- color works wonders on you- very pretty. You hair looks a little different on this photo- gorgeous shade, very sunny.

HeidiG said...

Very, very flattering top. Love that color on you! Really like the tunic, I like the cut of it. 2 thumbs up! You look great!

dinagideon said...

A Bigger Closet: Thank you! I look forward to wearing it on multiple occasions.

Slastena: Thank you! Here is why my hair looks different...I had enough time yesterday to use a hair straightener. My hair always looks shinier and sleeker when I can use that wonderful tool. Often I just can't find the time! :)

HeidiG: Maybe my review will prompt more ladies to purchase this fairly useful piece for their closets. And with many of you all on a shopping ban, by the time you are ready to purchase, it will be much less expensive! ;)

Thanks for the compliment, btw.

Slastena said...

Dina- I am same way! My hair looks ten time better down and blow-dried , but I NEVER have time to do it. Hence the boring ponytail on most of the days! YOur hair loks amazing on that pic, even sessm like it has a deeper hue.