Sunday, August 17, 2008

Love It or Leave It: Watercolor Floral Rosette Tank

In today's Washington Posts' article, "Four Fall Trends to Try" by Michelle Thomas (click here for link), the Watercolor floral rosette tank (Item 96101, $98.00) is listed as one of the "hot items" to get this Fall season.

Over at J.Crew, the description of this tank sounds quite lovely: "Floaty, floral and ultra-feminine, our light and loose tank is two tissue-thin layers of silk, trimmed with a soft, sweet ruffle at the neckline."

What I do like is the pretty watercolor print, the scoop neckline, and that it hits at the low hip. Not so sure if I like the appliquéd rosettes or the "pleating at center front". Also, I am definitely not a fan that it is "dry clean" only.

What do you think of the Watercolor Floral Rosette Tank? Have you seen this tank in person? Do you own this tank? If so, please share with us your review. :)

62 comments:

  1. $98! Maybe I should reconsider my career path, and become a fashion designer.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I don't think I'm a fan of this combination of earth tones - I'm all for browns and greens but not all together, looking so army-ish. :) I like the watercolor floral belle skirt a lot though!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yeah, i was thinking the same thing... it does look like camo!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I really love the print and color combination on this tank...it is much, much prettier in person, too. We have even jokingly named the two color combos of the print "Green Camo" and "Blue Camo", but they really don't look like camo at all in person, IMO. ;) I did purchase this in the size 0, but it still gaped about 1/2 inch in the back, and looked funny whether worn on it's own or under a cardigan. I had intended to tuck it in, since it does look better that way, but the side zipper is stiff and sticks out when you wear it like that. It was just too big and boxy when left out (even is a size 0), and the rosettes pulled the tank down/forward a little, due to their weight. I would LOVE this exact print and color combo in the Piper Tank, Joelle Cami, or Suzannah Cami, but I just can't wear or recommend this particular style of tank in any color.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh yeh...guess I should have said that I returned it, and purchased the new Elizabeth Halter in the Rhubarb, instead. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I bought this in the teal blue shade of "camo". I wasn't sure at first when I saw it on the hanger, but I really like it on me. I wear it with white cropped jeans, white capris, and white shorts for now. I also will like it under the navy blue "dream" wool tie cardigan with khaki pants when the weather gets cooler.

    ReplyDelete
  7. not a fan of this item. the print is just too busy for me.

    ReplyDelete
  8. kirby dog,
    I have this in blue too and love it. It was at the top of my list and the ONLY item I liked from the Aug. line. It is only $88 at the store and with my gift cards and discounts I got it for a steal--less than $18. I had to size down from an 8 to a 6 and it looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I really wanted this to work for me! the print is gorgeous, love the detail of the rosettes, the neckline and straps are perfect for wearing with a bra. HOWEVER, the zipper on the side bows way out when you tuck it in. I sent it back.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm with FFM on the Piper tank - it's wonderful. I have serious regrets that I only got it in one color.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. thanks for the detailed review FFM. I wasn't sure how to feel about this tank, but now with the funky fit, I will definitely pass!

    ReplyDelete
  14. The fit is not funky at all for me. It fits great, looks nice, and I get compliments on it galore. All I can say is size down one size and you will be fine. I plan on getting the other color once it goes down in price b/c online it is more than the store and the store only has blue where I live...

    ReplyDelete
  15. This tank fits me much better than the piper. The piper is too flowy and maternity looking and the arm holes too tight. I LOVE this style with the rosettes...it's a keeper for me:)

    ReplyDelete
  16. kater: You are welcome! I have to say I really do LOVE this tank, but it just did not fit right on me...I'm sure there are many others who it works perfect for (as seen in other posts).

    anon @9:46: I'm glad the tank works for you...unfortunately there is no way to size down from a 0, and the 0 was too big on me, so I had to return...such a shame as I ADORE the print! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have purchased this cami in both colors and LOVE them both. I got the blue while on a B&M shopping trip, and I'm glad I did because it runs quite large. I usually wear an 8R (6R in the piper tanks or other loose, flowy styles), and I took a 4R in this tank. I then ordered the 4 in the "camo" color, planning to wear it under my burgundy velvet ecole jacket in the fall and under my linen Fiona jacket for the rest of summer and into fall. I wore the blue watercolor tank to work this past week with white twill pants and my navy blue avery cardigan (worn open, kind of slid back behind the rosettes, almost looked like a shrug) and I got compliment after compliment. Even with the ruffles on the sweater, it was not "too much". I am planning to wear it under a white Jackie this week, as well.

    As for the zipper - it is stiff and noticeable, but not so much that it causes a problem for me. I have several J.Crew tanks from this year that have side zippers, and they are stiff. A better, more pliable zipper in the future would be very much appreciated. Nonetheless, I do love these tanks. The straps allow for a bra, and the neckline is very work-appropriate on a petite-size like me. I do agree with FFM though - this pattern in one of the other tank styles would have been lovely, as well.

    Of note, though - the rosettes do get in the way when driving - my seat belt cuts right across them and doesn't fit snugly across my chest as usual. What price beauty? :-)

    Alisha

    ReplyDelete
  18. I would also like to see the "Green Camo" version of this print on a Belle Skirt...I would DEFINITELY purchase one! :) It would be adorable this Fall/Winter with a Brown Turtleneck, Jackie Cardi in Honey Glaze and Brown Knee Boots.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I think it is great that this tank was hightlighted in the Washington Post! I am glad that I own it and am right on trend:) I bought it a while ago....like it a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  20. somebody here was looking was sea glass piper tank in size 8. Its available online right now.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Like print in both colors but the roses did not lay as they appear in the photo--they pull down and forward some. The roses sized to be a "statement" so if you are on the petite size, it might not work. Also, its cut large so I recommend ordering one size smaller than your tailored shirt size.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I purchased it in the teal and I can't wait to wear it!! It is remarkable beautiful and looks like a "designer piece" rather than jcrew.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I don't care for the roses on this one. I really like the Serengeti cami, but will wait for the price to go down. The fit on the Serengeti cami is just like the hammered silk tank. Both of those have a high enough neckline for work, and look great under a Jackie cardigan. They aren't "maternity" looking on me and they hit a couple of inches below my Jackie cardigan.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I think it's very pretty but not for me. I am very strange about prints--I wear leopard a lot, and last year I went bananas on the Windsor blue peacock print, and I even have a couple of Lilly prints, but sometimes prints make me nervous and I'd rather just combine solids.

    Too bad about the flaw with the zipper that some have identified. I have an older J.Crew chiffon cami that has the same zipper problem.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I dont like it in this color and I dont like Jcrew tanks...

    I love the blue floral pattern but this still looks like camo to me and I am really not into it.

    Also the way tthe straps fall on this you cant dress it up because it exposes your bra straps so you have to wear a strapless bra with it.... I hate strapless bras. :(

    ReplyDelete
  26. I just called on the Sea glass tank and it's another JCrew error...really not in stock I guess...this has been happening a lot to me lately with this item...thanks for noticing anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I think with the fabric print & the rosettes, it looks cluttered. I would have preferred it with the printed fabric w/o the rosette, or the rosettes in a plain but rich-colored fabric. Would this have lowered the cost of the tank? Maybe. The rosette detail is gorgeous but it is hard to appreciate it as it gets lost in the prints.

    ReplyDelete
  28. As long as I sized down one size the zipper did not stick out into my arm pit and it was not as flowy so no need to tuck it in. Sizing down really cut down on the volume for me. In fact, I can't imagine wearing this top tucked in....

    Obviously, if you are a size 0 you can't size down but everyone else can...

    ReplyDelete
  29. Aside from the piper I can't seem to fit into their dressier tanks like the amelia, etc. they hit too low in the back and my bra shows and they gape in the arms. :(

    I can't seem to find a comfortable strapless bra so I'm out of luck.

    I actually didn't like this pattern at first and it has really grown on me the more I look at it. I think the dress version in the catalogue is very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Jcrew's tanks are usually too big and the neckline is too low. Their sizes don't work for me at all.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I don't wear bras under JCrew tanks....no need to for me and my sister who is a designer told me not too....they look fine to me.

    I am smaller busted 34B but I agree with others that strapless bras aren't the most comfortable but I did find some with no wire that are great at Kohl's.

    ReplyDelete
  32. does anyone have an opinion of the silk tricotine rebecca dress in navy? I alays get a little worried when something that is on clearance is completely in stock in every size and color. I'm always afraid its not as great of an item as i think it is :|

    ReplyDelete
  33. i bought the blue watercolor floral belle skirt and it looks great both casually and for work. i wear it with a collared white button down shirt tucked in for work and just a knit sweater or tank top casually. i too didnt like the green/brown print, but i also generally dont like anything in those colors ;)

    ReplyDelete
  34. some Jcrew items are hits, some are misses (i.e. "wth was Jcrew thinking"). IMO this is one of those major misses. it looks moldy and dirty to me. perhaps they paid the magazine to promote it, in hopes that women would blindly follow this "trend".

    ReplyDelete
  35. This print doesn't photograph well. It is pretty in person. I would love to see the blue in person, too. While this tank isn't for me, I am looking forward to trying on the skirt, if it ever makes it to my b&m.

    ReplyDelete
  36. A little harsh anony @2:14--this is not a major miss--it is just something you personally don't care for? A major miss is something no one likes and there are plenty of people who really like this top so far...

    ReplyDelete
  37. I own this cami and like it a lot. I wasn't crazy about it at first but noticed that I reach for it quite often in my polyvore outfits. Based on that I decided to buy it. It is not as flowy as other J.Crew tanks and I had to size down (a norm recently) but overall I am very happy with it. I just bought the iridescent Sonia clutch in Champagne (new item, store only - gorgeous!) and plan on wearing both with my trouser jeans.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the style but wouldn't buy it because I don't like the color scheme. It would look great in blue /gray tones or even in solids.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I saw it in person and thought it was absolutely beautiful, much more so in person than on the internet. Haven't tried it on yet. I like that it has substantial enough straps for a bra underneath. I'll let you know when I do try it on, speaking for all the booberific girls out there!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I would have to see it in person. From the photograph I agree the color combo is not the best - it does look a bit muddy and dirty. It could be a really unique piece in reality though.
    Jcrew tanks are often so big that I have to size down...I wear size 0fine in their tops and most of the jackets - however, when it comes to Jcrew's tanks, I need to go down at least 2 sizes for it to fit well. Their size 0 is like at least a size 2 or 4 in other stores (like BR or Anthropologie) IMO.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love the pattern, but the rosettes are NOT cute. I searched the website to see if I could find the pattern on a nice piece of clothing, but to no avail.

    ReplyDelete
  42. This is very OT, but I just came across a navy Kelly jacket, size M, on eBay for $49.99 (I am not the seller!). I know that some people were looking for it and that is a pretty reasonable price IMO. Search for "j.crew kelly" and it should come up. Just thought I would share in case a fellow aficionada has been looking for this item :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Does anyone know if JCrew is answering emails now or still ignoring them? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  44. anon@4:37: I'm pretty sure they're still ignoring them. Better to call CS.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi -

    I just got this tank and while I love it, I am wondering how well it appears after being cleaned?

    My concern started from the fact that the blouse is packaged with foam around the rosettes and leads me to believe they may start to look "droopy" or "crushed" over time.

    I have not decided if this is a keeper - I think the side zipper is unnecessary and even with a jacket over the tank (untucked or tucked), I look rather bumpy down that side of my body.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I think this tank looks very pretty in the photograph, I have yet to make it into a b&m to check it out in person. The colors look beautiful on the model, I would think women who can wear these colors would look wonderful in this top. Unfortunately, I am not one of those women.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Off topic, does anyone have the confetti bateau top? I have been eyeing this top since it came out - in April! No mark downs yet, and my b&m doesn't carry it. Would love to know how it fits. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  48. marison, It would be easy for a tailor to remove the zipper so you would just have a side seam instead. This would remove the bulk and the bump.

    ReplyDelete
  49. elisabeth: I haven't tried the confetti bateau top (my B&M store doesn't carry it either) but I saw someone wearing it, and it looked STUNNING. she had it on with a pencil skirt, and as soon as I saw her in it, I put it in my cart. I too wish it would get marked down soon! The fact that it's a collection piece is probably what's holding it up...

    ReplyDelete
  50. I have the tank in the blue and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. The blue's are so pretty and the fit is also great for me. I plan on wearing it with my navy Fiona and Navy Tulip jackets with jeans.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I think this top is gorgoues on the right person but on me it would be awful. Tmi but I hate how the silk falls down in between the boobs on these tops because of all the pleating in the front, so not flattering on me. I'm hoping that the silk hammered tank does not do that as well.
    OT- I noticed that j crew is offering the cords in 00. Is this new? I'm hoping it means they may start offer xxsmall in tops and dresses

    ReplyDelete
  52. I have the worst time w/ their flowy tanks too. I'm a 32B (on a good day) and the 0s are always big.

    ReplyDelete
  53. As one wh oowns both colors in this tank, I am glad I got the chance to see it and try it on in-store. The patterns is quite lovely in person, especially the blue, and the brown/green one really does not resemble camo in person (believe me - my husband is active duty military, and I know camo!) But I certainly can understand how it would look unusual in just a photo.

    I am not a strapless bra fan myself, or at least I wasn't until I found two I actually love! They are both super-comfortable and as supportive and nicely-shaping as almost every regular bra I own (I wear Wacoal, Chantelle, Le Mystere and Felina.) The strapless bra I like best is from Le Mystere.

    As for a designer suggesting not to wear a bra under a tank, I can certainly understand that if you have small and/or perky breasts. I no longer have either, so I really do not have a choice for going out in public (except for a lovely evening gown I have with built in underwire cups - that was a find!) If you can go without, lucky you - enjoy it! ;-)

    Alisha

    ReplyDelete
  54. are we able to stack codes for online orders? i'm having trouble trying to do that tonite and am wondering if i'd have better luck calling on the phone. thanks : )

    ReplyDelete
  55. Anon@ 9:40 p.m. - J.Crew's website has never allowed for code stacking online. Individual CS at the call center (and in store) sometimes do so at their discretion. I would recommend calling if you want to try - I know several people have had good luck having the SHOP coupon stacked with another recently.

    Good luck!
    Alisha

    ReplyDelete
  56. Aly: My friend, I went the the west hartford store! The sale section is not nearly as depleted as a lot of the other sale sections at other jcrews!

    They had a couple of new staff (all looked like College Freshman or HS seniors to me so I bet the old ones will come back soon). There used to be an African American lady who worked there and I loved her but I forget her name. Angelica is still there too and I always like her.

    Let me know if there was anything else you wanted to know ;)

    ReplyDelete
  57. I too had the same problems as FFM. I purchased the Jacinda sweater/jacket to go over it, but the rosettes made it stick out in a strange manner and, of course, there was the zipper issue.

    I also returned mine for the Elizabeth in Rhubarb!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  58. Sorry, I don't like the colors. I'm also not a fan of the tank / maternity style tops. Too flowy on me. Makes me look like a whale. I have to have things a bit more tailored. Like some other women, I'm getting an Elizabeth halter on ebay and getting it altered to take up some of the, well, flow.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Well, I have to say it is one thing at JCrew I know I will NOT be trying to buy. Looks like camouflage to me!

    ReplyDelete
  60. let me know if anyone wants to sell this tank in a size 2 or 4.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thank you for sharing this insightful post. I think this ties well with your discussion. I found your post to be informative and engaging. I look forward to reading more of your content in the future.

    Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. how much does an uncontested divorce cost in virginia

    ReplyDelete

Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)