One-Dollar Wonders

Ann Taylor Silk Camp Shirt - Not keeping; just sharing

May 19, 2012

I received two AT silk shirts today - I'm not keeping them, but I thought I'd share some thoughts and a pic just in case anyone else out there is considering it.

Shown in size 0T - The 0 regular was too boxy IMO. The Tall goes down to the crotch point of my jeans, which I liked. I also liked how the sleeves are full length when unrolled, and of course I loved the color. The shiny buttons were very pretty as well.

Cons for me were that the shoulder seams and sleeves were both cut too wide for me (although bust fit well) - this will likely be a Pro for many of you. The sleeves looked good rolled up, but I wanted the option to wear down as well. Since it is a tall size, the sleeves were also too long and had to be cuffed for the picture. I have also been spoiled by my other silk shirt and definitely didn't care for the shine or drape of this one as much. I also felt this one wrinkled

For fit comparison, I've also posted a split screen with the Nexx silk shirt from Nordstrom in size XS.

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Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

18 Comments

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    It is quite a bit shinier than the Nexx for sure but I don't mind the fit on you.

  • replied 11 years ago

    Yes, I'm not keeping mine either. The fabric has no weight and it's rather shiny. So different from the online picture. I did keep one of the nexx in cobalt blue.

  • christieanne replied 11 years ago

    It reminds me of the silk shirts we used to wear in early 90's - a more shiny silk. I like the Nexx better too.

  • Amy replied 11 years ago

    The Nexx is hands-down better on you.

  • velvetychocolate replied 11 years ago

    I like the less-shiny silk tops a lot better. Thank you for the review and pictures though - it helps a lot!

  • Parsley replied 11 years ago

    Thanks for the review. I still much prefer the Nexx shirt- I'm not a fan of the flimsy, shiny texture of the AT one. The substantial hand and velvety texture of the Nexx one is so much nicer, not to mention that the fit on you is great.

    Maybe in really hot weather the lighter weight of the AT one would be nice, though.

  • crazyone replied 11 years ago

    I tried this shirt on at the store and decided against buying it, too. Just didn't like the cut/drape of it.

  • Vicki replied 11 years ago

    Wow! This is a really great study in contrasts and ever since I saw you in your Nexx, I've been thinking more and more about it. I bought my first Equipment blouse (in the tapioca print), but since I'm saving for a trip to Thailand, I want to keep my budget in check and still find a way to shop for what I think is useful.

    I love the Nexx on you and can see why you're returning the AT as I prefer the Nexx material over the AT. p.s. With all the Nexx colors, do you think there is one that would work for me? Cream would be "useful," but not very "fun." I await your thoughts my young, wise grasshopper. ^_^

  • Makrame replied 11 years ago

    The Nexx shirt is so amazing on you - there is absolutely no comparison with the Ann Taylor shirt. I think you will be better off eventually duplicating the Nexx shirt in another color.

  • MNsara replied 11 years ago

    Gotta love it when someone is doing research for us! Thank you, Rae, for your selfless shopping on behalf of all of us :-)

    [That was meant as humor, NOT snarky. . . in case it doesn't translate well online]

    Anyway, I prefer the Nexx fit, and the Nexx is visually much richer and drapier than the AT. Nice ot know not to waste any energy stalking the AT shirts after my SYC :-)

  • Kate replied 11 years ago

    I have to thank you, Rae, for posting earlier about the fab Nexx shirt. I took at look at them on the Nordstrom site and ended up ordering. Once I found the best size for me, I ended up with four! of them. Now I have to decide which ones to keep. Naturally, I want to keep all of them, they are so beautiful.

  • rae replied 11 years ago

    Parsley, you know your stuff! I am forever indebted to you for suggesting that gem.

    Vicki, my first thought was that the "Ibiza blue" would look really pretty with your eyes (attached real-life pic). Though I also think the orange would be really pretty. I have not seen all the colors in person, but I know there is some difference between the online look and in person look. For example, the yellow is bright lemon and the strawberry is more of a hot pink. Hmm... maybe we will make it to a Nordies tomorrow? ;)

    MNsara, I don't think I'd ever assume you were being snarky - I'm so used to you being nice that it'd probably go right over my head if you did try to be sarcastic, lol.

    Kate, I know what you mean - I do believe I started a whole post dedicated to choosing my next color. O_O

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  • lynne replied 11 years ago

    Another thank you to rae for the reviews and the shopping research. After reading the last set of posts about them I ordered the Nexx shirt in ivory and green envy. The ivory is a keeper.

  • Meredith1953 replied 11 years ago

    Rae,
    This is really helpful and I appreciate you explaining why the AT didn't work for you. I have small shoulders and larger bust so many of the AT blouses don't work for me. That aside, when I see the picture of the AT next the Nexx , there is no comparison. The Nexx fits you better, looks like better fabric and the color is WOW!!!

  • Janet replied 11 years ago

    I love the color, too bad it's not working for you.

    I saw the Nexx shirt in Nordstom and it seems very nice, but a bit heavy for what I like in a silk shirt -- again, something that might be a plus for many of you in colder climates.

  • Vicki replied 11 years ago

    Thanks for the extra "color" feedback, Rae, and, yes, maybe Nordies and Nexx will draw us in today! I love that Ibiza blue, too, along with the orange! Way too many good colors and I can see why Kate has four to choose from. ;)

  • cheryl replied 11 years ago

    Its a pretty color, but the Nexx looks so much better on you.

  • catgirl replied 11 years ago

    I am totally spoiled by my Equipment shirt now, which is like the Nexx shirt, and other silk probably just won't compare. Thanks for the info!

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I'm just your average working stiff who loves nice things and hates to pay for them. This blog outlines my efforts to navigate that treacherous shopping/saving divide through swappin', thriftin', and even a little resellin'. Many of the pieces in my wardrobe cost me just $1! We've heard a lot about people "living above their means" in recent years; I'm championing the concept of living large *below* your means - whatever that means for you. :)