Today I’m sharing the final wins and fails from my personal shopper experience (you’ve already read what I learned about panels and branching out). I think that my and Tina’s experiences were successful for two reasons:
- We both had the opportunity to explain our style to the shopper ahead of time; and
- Neither of us had high expectations or anything urgent for which we were looking.
When you have low expectations and an open mind, you’re increasing your odds for a pleasant experience. However, although my Anthropologie experience was pleasant, it wasn’t the most productive. For productivity, it’s probably smart to make an appointment at a large department store like Tina did. On the other hand, for a fresh perspective and a style boost from a brand you admire, a smaller store is fine, even if you don’t find as many things to buy.
Once you’ve given the shopper an idea of what you’re looking for and adjusted your expectations, here’s one more tip: bring a camisole with you.
 
Fortunately I’d worn one under my top that day, so I could get a realistic idea of what the Lena Wrap Dress would look like with cleavage coverage. I loved the color and unusual print, plus the great proportions. I actually purchased it, but one feature made me take it back. Can you figure out what?
The giant flower centered over my right boob. I couldn’t un-see it! Can you?
If you need a LBD, this dress also looks wonderful in black.
The scoop neck and elbow length sleeves gave me high hopes for this sweater, but the weird shoulders and the too-tight feel of the heavy wool made it a no. Do you see possibilities for the way I wear the faux fur collar on the left?
Two more scoop necks that were “meh” on me. It just goes to show, not every full bust dressing rule works every time. In this case, I think the fabric print on the left and the extra fabric on the right negated any neckline benefit. Agreed?
Ack!
A pleasant surprise–no gapping, but even if it did gap, the ruffle would cover it.
I loved the details on this blouse.
There’s something about this draped waffle weave cardigan that works, don’t you think? Braless in Brasil‘s post, “Can Large Busts Do Baggy?“, has me wanting to figure out what it is!
Here’s an example of baggy that doesn’t work on me. The jacket felt like a soft blanket. Too bad it also looked like one!
Here’s an example of way-too-small that doesn’t work on me either, but I love this Montaigne Coat for anyone smaller who wants to highlight her hourglass shape.
These were the finalists. The silk peasant blouse actually fit! (June, I so relate to the hippie inside you just waiting to come out.)
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Do you enjoy dressing room photos as much as I do? Then you MUST check out The Changing Room Diaries if you haven’t already discovered it. Right now most of her pictures are of bras, but I’m hoping that she’ll post more clothing like she does in the link that I provide.
That blue print dress might work with a wide black belt. I have a couple of elastic ones that are 2 and 3″ and I think it makes quite a difference to define where the top and bottom halves are. I do wear them differently with various dresses – I have a sweater-dress where the skirt bells out a few inches below my bust, so the belt sits right underneath my bra and another where it sits at my natural waist. Totally different looks and appropriate for each dress.
Of course! Belts! I always forget them. You know, it may be a good idea to add belts to my list of things always to bring shopping, although it’s easy enough to try what a store has.
I actually really love the blue print dress on you! It’s so funky and cute. 🙂 The sleeves and length of it also work well on you.
I *think* the reason the gray cardigan works could be the sleeves? Possibly that and the large collar (although, I’m still trying to figure out how the collar affects it). However, I think sleeves are a biggie if you’re going baggy with a large bust. If you can get a good fit there it improves the overall look (and in the second one the sleeves are clearly too big on you, which I think makes it worse).