April 25: Hunting for a Denim Shirt

As a spin off to my 'dress me' post, I feel like I need to specifically discuss my quest for a denim shirt. Because the 1969 Deconstructed one from Gap? Nope.

It's a TALL, size small. And although it looks alright from the front, it's perplexingly short in the back. THIS IS NOT A PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT, PEOPLE! I posted these pics on Instagram and immediately took them down after a few minutes with multiple comments about how this reminded others of my pregnancy pictures. No. Same mirror but nothing to report in my womb. Will have to take selfies in a different mirror going forward.




I rolled the sleeves but the arm length was actually okay. It's the torso length that bugs me.

Originally $69 but I got it on sale for $35, so not terribly inexpensive but it absolutely feels like it will shrink after the first wash. I would like to promise that I'll never dry it but let's get real--my clothes need to adhere to the 'survival of the fittest' mentality. I do too much laundry, too frequently, to put forth the added effort of air drying certain pieces of clothing. High maintenance clothing will not last here, I'm afraid.

So anyway, I had high hopes for this shirt. I envisioned wearing it with black leggings, with a pair of salmon colored chino shorts (yet to be purchased), or my bermuda black shorts. I was going to be a hip mom in this shirt. And instead, I am reminded yet again that buying anything that isn't ridiculously long is a bad idea.

Nate's comment on this shirt was 'cute, but it makes me nervous---don't you think if it shrinks you'll never wear it again?' Yes, dear husband, you are right. But I want to love this shirt! But I returned it with sadness in my heart.

I hunted online for 'tunic length denim tops' last night. It was highly entertaining. Nordstrom, JCrew, Banana, and some frightening things on Amazon kept me up until the wee hours of the morning without any results.

This one from H&M might be taking the 'longer length' to the extreme but perhaps this is the direction I'm going because I'm being psychotic about length.

But this one from SoHo Girl is on point, yes?? Longer in back at least, great for leggings. Acid washed and her pose = wow. You're welcome.

Seriously though...This one from Talbots might be a winner. The reviews aren't great however, many saying the fit is odd (super tight in the shoulders and overall runs small). The model makes it look amazing though, right?

Or this one from J.Jill but I don't love the bottom hem here, and I think I want it a little more fitted.  (Also, sorry, mom but apparently with J.Jill and Talbots selections I have become you and it makes me feel very mature and anti-Forever 21. Love turning into my mom but I didn't know I was officially ready to start shopping in her stores, either.)

This one from Orvis seems super promising---it's 30" long which I measured just now and that would be *plenty* long. What is 'Tencel' fabric, anyone? I see this a lot during my hunt. I would pay $74 for this shirt if I loved it and if I could wear it spring/summer/fall with lots of options on the bottom.

So I want it to be long but semi-fitted, but not TOO tight. Good pockets would be nice--not too big or odd. Can't be too tight on my shoulders. Has to be the right shade of denim. Not cost a fortune but I will pay for good fit. Sucks that most everything 'tall' can only be found online because the process is much more difficult to order online without trying on, then waiting for it to arrive, only to return it later. 

No idea why this is proving to be a difficult feat! Anyway, I'm on the hunt and get a little obsessive with these things sometimes. I loved all of your suggestions in my other post about where to shop and have been diligently looking online ever since! (Updated with many many more pictures and links after some great comments on this post!)

Madewell: $79.50. Too oversized? Great color and length although not listed as a 'tall.'

Nordstrom: $99. Pricey, maybe a bit too baggy, but I really dig it for it's tunic-style.

Lands End: $45. Too shiny with that Tencel stuff? Comes in a TALL and is supposed to be a tunic!

Lands End: $60. Another 'tall', not as shiny as it's not Tencel.

J.Crew Factory: $50. Not a 'tall' but seems long as a tunic. Not a great picture but a commenter has this and loves it.

Eddie Bauer: $80. Is a 'tall' and is super cute. Tencel!

Loft: on sale for $33. Is a 'tall', definitely a high-low tail. 

Loft: on sale for $33, is a tall, but no collar and I can't decide if I love that or hate it.

Boden: $75. Not a tall, would probably be too short, but I love this look for some reason. Would never pull off the 'tucked in' version though.

ONWARD!!!!

I did buy this Nike workout top (that will likely be an 'everyday top' for me) last weekend. Good length, kind of fun ruching at the sleeves at the wrists, and not a pastel, that's for sure!

Also went to Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off Fifth, tried on approximately 25 tops and this was the only semi-winner. I should have just bought the sucker but I didn't because I don't love the color and it's an XS which is NOT normally my size. So that makes me nervous that my shoulders will bust out the seams after one wash---but excellent drapey-ness and length here!