When I first came across B & Lu, I eagerly wrote about their stylish & affordable finds for the plus-sized gal. As a result of my original find, I was, to be quite honest, elated when the lovely Chris at B & Lu allowed me to review some pieces from their line.
To be honest, with new stores, especially online stores, the “fear of the unknown,” often takes precedence over the merchandise for me. Fear of fit, of quality, of return/exchange/shipping policies & how good they are in action. I had my trepidations about B & LU, as I would with any new online retailer.
I’m kind of a wienie when it comes to online shopping.
The first piece I want to talk about is the Keely Top (in mustard). If you’ll recall, I chose to make mustard an accent color in my wardrobe; so between it and a lighter turquoise, I thought the mustard might make a great, unusual addition to my wardrobe. It was a great choice because of its versatility: work, play, weekend…it fits most aspects of my life.
For a bit of honesty? I’ve worn this shirt three times too many times since it arrived at my house on July 1st, and I don’t feel guilty for that.
♥ Fit & Fabric: I often tease and poke at my “apple belly,” and it’s something I’m really conscious of when I dress. What’s lovely about the Keely shirt is that it doesn’t cling to my stomach in unflattering ways– rather, it drapes well around the bust and hips, drawing attention AWAY from my stomach (or so I think). I love that the key hole & tie draw the attention to my bust.
The fabric is yummy, soft, and drapes really nicely (I think it makes the girls look perky). I probably should have gone down a size–while the bust fits nicely, the hips are large on me. Nothing I probably can’t fix with a zig zag stitch. This is also my own fault, because they have a note about ordering a size down for a more fitted silhouette.
♥ The Down Side: I honestly think the only think I genuinely dislike about this shirt is the care instructions. Because of the Rayon/Spandex combo in this shirt, it’s hand wash only & line dry. I tend to only wash underwear in the sink. (I decided to be risky in the name of research & laziness, and put this in the washer & line dryed it. There were no problems, except perhaps the fabric seems a bit more dull.)
♥ Quality: For a $34 blouse, you’re not going to hear complaints from me. The stitches are serged and look strong. There’s no loose threads, and I like that the neck keyhole has bias tape around it. I imagine that, based on the fabric, with continued washings the shirt would get those tiny holes that knit shirts get; if that happens though, it’s your own fault for machine washing a shirt that tells you to hand wash it (like I did).
♥ Cost: I will repeat: For a $34 blouse, you’re not going to hear complaints from me. The cost is easily comparable to buying a nice shirt at the Gap, and frankly, I found it a lot softer and MUCH more flattering that most pieces I find in the mall or a department store.
I’ve got two more great pieces to share from B & Lu, and I’m quite excited about them…
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Adorable top and great color choice! For my handwash items that I don’t think ought to be handwash, I cheat and put them in those lingerie bags and then just throw them in the machine. It keeps them from rubbing on other clothes, which causes pilling and/or damages the sheen of the fabric.
Audi´s last blog ..Another Chance
well, i think it’s a lovley blouse on you! AND it’s really nice to see pictures of you too! love the bow…
Jennine´s last blog ..Loving the Lichting
That’s so adorable! I love all the clothes on their site and was all jazzed to buy, then I realized that I wouldn’t be able to wear any of it. Sob! Considering writing a beggingpleading letter for dresses in my size. Thanks for the post and the eyecandy! :3
Jaka Merriman´s last blog ..Sexy Saturday Giveaway!
Great color for that top…and love it with a giant bow!
WendyB´s last blog ..The Subway Map Dress Does What Fashion Should Do
lovely top… and I really like mustard. I think mustard has secretly slipped into my wardrobe too!
tina´s last blog ..friday style post
That was a great review…=D Srsly.
I think the shirt will bode well in your closet. You look adorable in it.
Alicia´s last blog ..Currently Feeling…
That is such a cute shirt and great color! I’ve only recently discovered B&Lu and I’ve been anxious to get some of their items. I’m glad to know that for the price, the quality holds up pretty well.
Sheena´s last blog ..All I Want for Fall
@Audi–I love the tip about using a delicates/lingerie bag! I should pick up one of those and see if it works.
@Jennine <3 I’m trying to make more of an effort to show my muppet face on here more!
@Jaka, I’m sorry to get your hopes up!
@Wendy, you’re going to LOVE my Marie Antoinette/Georgiana inspired bow pieces, I think!
@Alicia– you’re so sweet! I think it’ll do well in my closet.. the scarf I won on your shit matches it well, too!
@Sheena– When you get some, I hope you love their pieces as much as I do! Let me know what you think–I’ve heard they can be hit or miss, but I’m 4 pieces in now & love them all….