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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Feb 07 2012 at 7:25am | IP Logged
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I've thought about trying these half tees for layering. I've considered them especially as a layer under wrap style dresses that always seem to be low cut but are otherwise pretty and modest. I keep thinking half tee would be especially useful as a layer with a wrap or button down dress to make nursing more modest, but it might also be a cooler layer than a full tee under another top.
I really like the dress that Michelle linked, and when I was maternity shopping last, I bought several dresses because they cost the same as a top! I think that if I weren't nursing, dresses would be the way to go, especially in the summer.
I also like linen tops in the summer, but they are prone to wrinkle if I'm not on top of laundry and they aren't hung up immediately when the dryer stops. I had a perfect top that I got as a hand me down from a friend, and it finally bit the dust. It was linen, 3/4 sleeves, loose enough to be modest and cool but not so loose that it looked like a tent, and it had some pretty edging and embroidery. If I ever find another shirt like it, I'm paying full price and buying a ton of them 
It was JJill, and they do often have pretty, modest things. Their prices can be high, though.
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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SaraP
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| Posted: Feb 07 2012 at 2:35pm | IP Logged
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Seastar wrote:
| I really like the t-let with the sparkles... fun! I could not see a picture of one by itself. does it attach to your bra or does it go over your shoulders? |
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They are sort of a cross between a half-tank or cami and one of these. The scoop neck and square neck ones have straps that are about 2" wide and a similar width band across the back. The straight neck ones have spaghetti straps with a wider back band. All have elastic under the bust so they don't ride up.
And they are GREAT for nursing. I wear them under a lot of knit dresses with scoop or wrap or cowl necks and to nurse I pull the neckline of the dress down and push the t-let up.
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Mama to six on earth, two in heaven and two waiting in Russia. Foxberry Farm Almanac
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MicheleQ
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CrunchyMom wrote:
| I really like the dress that Michelle linked, and when I was maternity shopping last, I bought several dresses because they cost the same as a top! I think that if I weren't nursing, dresses would be the way to go, especially in the summer. |
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Ah nursing! I didn't even think about that. That's why I couldn't wear dresses for a long time. Now I can --which is a little sad but that's OK.
I got the dress yesterday and it's very nice. I like it a lot. Great fit, and good quality fabric. I have a few conferences to attend this year and this is going to be my go to dress.
My only issued is that it's imported but finding something that isn't is getting pretty difficult.
I could make my own (and I may in a few other colors) but finding fabric that isn't imported is difficult as well --actually probably more difficult.
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Michele Quigley
wife to my prince charming and mom of 10 in Lancaster County, PA USA
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mommy4ever
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Insert Tutorial
Here is a tutorial on adding inserts. It's about 3/4 of the way down the page. She uses lace, but you cut use a complimenting color tshirt fabric to get that layered look. Nothing worse than finding a great fit top that is just too low cut.
She adds to the bottom as well, which is cute. I can never layer properly, but I do like how it looks. Foolers are my best friend ;)
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SeaStar
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| Posted: Feb 08 2012 at 11:43am | IP Logged
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mommy4ever wrote:
Insert Tutorial
Here is a tutorial on adding inserts. It's about 3/4 of the way down the page. She uses lace, but you cut use a complimenting color tshirt fabric to get that layered look. Nothing worse than finding a great fit top that is just too low cut.
She adds to the bottom as well, which is cute. I can never layer properly, but I do like how it looks. Foolers are my best friend ;) |
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Nice tutorial... very clever what she did with the tank!
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
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mommy4ever
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I find a lot of 'refashion' and 'upcycle' ideas on Pinterest.
http://pinterest.com/nmjmek/sewing/
http://pinterest.com/nmjmek/upcycle/
Those are a couple I follow.
http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2011/10/07/10-awesom ely-altered-t-shirts/?pid=4496#slideshow
Here are 10 ideas to customize a shirt.
I don't care for all of them, but there are some super easy and cute ideas. Might make you think. I like that you are re-using some of what you may have..the old becomes new :) If I can stretch my own wardrobe another year...why not?
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SeaStar
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| Posted: March 31 2012 at 3:31pm | IP Logged
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Bumping this up... I have been scouting out the top scene in earnest this week. The stores here put out a ton of summer fashions this week.
This is a very, very basic crew neck tee from Penny's, but it is so soft and has a nice stretch. I bought the red last fall at the end of the season and wished I could have bought more. Now they have several colors at my local store, but the sizes are going fast.... as they would be for $7 a piece.
Again, not fancy, but soft and stretchy and great alone or for layering. I did think the white was a little see through, so I didn't buy it, but the navy, the red and the pinks are all very nice.
ETA: I bought the petite version and it was a nice length for me
basic tee
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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Mackfam
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Bumping this thread to add a resource:
Duluth Trading Co. Longtail tee. There are several varieties and some very pretty, feminine colors to choose from. The prices aren't sky high, and I've ordered from Duluth before - their quality is very good. One of my biggest problems is finding a nice summer-weight shirt (for our very hot and humid southern temps) that is long enough. sigh. So many of the basic shirts I find are so short that just lifting your arm high enough to reach the microwave necessitates wearing an undershirt. And undershirts of ANY kind, in the summer....in the south....just make things way too hot.
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Jen Mackintosh
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Wildflowers and Marbles
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stellamaris
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| Posted: April 11 2012 at 1:22pm | IP Logged
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Mackfam wrote:
Bumping this thread to add a resource:
Duluth Trading Co. Longtail tee. There are several varieties and some very pretty, feminine colors to choose from. The prices aren't sky high, and I've ordered from Duluth before - their quality is very good. One of my biggest problems is finding a nice summer-weight shirt (for our very hot and humid southern temps) that is long enough. sigh. So many of the basic shirts I find are so short that just lifting your arm high enough to reach the microwave necessitates wearing an undershirt. And undershirts of ANY kind, in the summer....in the south....just make things way too hot. |
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Jen, have you tried the V-necks? Are they really low? I prefer V-necks, but most of them are too low-cut for me (I'm short!). I know I could put in an insert with one of the nifty ideas above, but, realistically? I probably won't! So I need to order something that's appropriate without alterations. I love the longer tails on these...too short is my #1 complaint with T's!
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Caroline
Wife to dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: April 11 2012 at 2:58pm | IP Logged
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I got 2 of these during a sale Cold Water Creek Washed Silk Top
The pale pink is definately see through I got a tank to wear under it.. but the silk is so lightweight that the layering isn't really like having 2 heavier layers but there's very few days so hot that I wouldn't be able to wear layers here anyway. But the blue was the perfect color for a skirt I have and I don't think it'll need any layering. Oh and I hand washed the pink top and it came out great, needs ironing to look smooth and dressy but the "wrinkles" are really more of an all over unsmooth look that isn't bad for casual.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
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JennGM
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| Posted: April 11 2012 at 3:05pm | IP Logged
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I really prefer button down blouses for the really hot weather. T-shirts don't breathe as well. I love the old short sleeve camp shirts, or linen shirts. I just saw these gingham from LLBean that look very comfy and modest and cool.
I'd have to try the linen in person to see if it's see through. That's the negative side, like you mention, Jen. I just don't want to layer in the summer during those heat spells. Not looking to those hot days -- I'm thinking the early dry spring might be foreboding. Those days when the air doesn't move, the humidity is so thick you can cut it with a knife and you feel like you can't breathe, and it's so hot your sweat doesn't evaporate....
Nope, not looking forward to it. The having your own pool thread is looking more appealing.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: April 11 2012 at 3:19pm | IP Logged
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Not sure what the difference is or if there is much of one, but I'm pretty sure that this is the linen shirt I had for years and wore out. In fact, I think I'm actually wearing it in my profile pic  I know they change suppliers and the thickness may vary, but the photos look so similar in weight, I'm pretty sure it would be safe in terms of see through.
I think I'd like to try this 3/4 sleeve, though. I don't personally find the 3/4 sleeve to add much in terms of heat if the weight is appropriate, and for me, it isn't so much more "modest" as I just find it more flattering and easier to dress up if necessary.
This one looks cute too!
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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JennGM
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| Posted: April 11 2012 at 3:45pm | IP Logged
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Love all those, Lindsay! Those are more me.
Last year I bought a lot of v-neck t-shirts from Lands End. They were thick and didn't need layers, and the v-neck was perfect. The downside is they don't make them anymore and they are too unflattering -- a little baggy. To make up for the extra room on the top, the rest of the shirt just looks sloppy. So I'm on the hunt for shirts that aren't too tight, but have some kind of shape that is more flattering. I'm eager to try the Duluth.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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mommy4ever
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| Posted: April 11 2012 at 4:14pm | IP Logged
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Just a thought....
If you find a top the the neck line is nice on you, it is an easy alteration to take in and shape the sides. I've done it on many.
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Mackfam
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| Posted: April 11 2012 at 5:13pm | IP Logged
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stellamaris wrote:
Mackfam wrote:
Bumping this thread to add a resource:
Duluth Trading Co. Longtail tee. There are several varieties and some very pretty, feminine colors to choose from. The prices aren't sky high, and I've ordered from Duluth before - their quality is very good. One of my biggest problems is finding a nice summer-weight shirt (for our very hot and humid southern temps) that is long enough. sigh. So many of the basic shirts I find are so short that just lifting your arm high enough to reach the microwave necessitates wearing an undershirt. And undershirts of ANY kind, in the summer....in the south....just make things way too hot. |
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Jen, have you tried the V-necks? Are they really low? I prefer V-necks, but most of them are too low-cut for me (I'm short!). I know I could put in an insert with one of the nifty ideas above, but, realistically? I probably won't! So I need to order something that's appropriate without alterations. I love the longer tails on these...too short is my #1 complaint with T's! |
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I prefer a V-neck as well, Caroline, but mine are on the way - not here yet - so I can't give a better review just yet....soon though.  The pictures of the women wearing the short sleeve long-tail v-neck give you a pretty good idea. The drop of the V appears to be about 2 finger widths lower than the collar bone, which is actually not a very low cut V neck. I know what you mean about the drop of some V neck shirts requiring a cami underneath, and I don't mind doing that sometimes, but as I mentioned before, in the south, there is NO layering done in the heat of the summer. NONE!!!! The heat and humidity here are brutal, and extra layers here go beyond uncomfortable. I did read through all the reviews, which are very helpful btw, and one did mention that if the shirt is a size too big on you, bending forward with the V was a little revealing on her, so keep that in mind in ordering the right size.
This shirt (as well as the other cotton shirts at Duluth) has no shrinkage when washed (they're all pre-washed), so you may need to order a size smaller than you normally would if you typically order up to allow for shrinkage (I do). Also, the fit of the shirt is natural, not vacuum sealed (feminine, FOLLOWING curves rather than becoming one with them) as some fitted shirts are. I called and spoke to someone at Duluth about the size chart, and it is accurate. So a medium is usually an 8/10, but at Duluth, it's a 10/12. If you're unsure on this, call and get the exact bust measurement of the size shirt you're interested in, which they'll give you over the phone.
The shirts look cute paired with capris or with breezy, swingy cotton skirts, and dress up nice enough for a weekday Mass sort of look for me with pretty earrings and adorable Mary Janes.
Duluth has EXTRAORDINARY customer service, so if something needs to be returned it's no problem.
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Mackfam
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| Posted: April 11 2012 at 5:20pm | IP Logged
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I just love the look of these shirts, and linen is a very nice, light fabric....but it would need ironing every time it was washed in order to look nice  according to reviews. I figured that was the case, being linen, but I was hoping and praying that this was some sort of miracle linen product that LL Bean had woven.
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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JodieLyn
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I don't especially like needing to iron tops (or dresses or anything for that matter) but I LOVE slipping on a nice crisply ironed item of clothing when it's hot..somehow it feels so much cooler than the same item not ironed.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
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stellamaris
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I like the weight of cotton blouses, too, but it seems like they always pull across the bust. Wish I were not quite so well-endowed!!!
I'm looking forward to your review, Jen! I'm not going to wear another layer either. Virginia is so hot and humid in the summer. Having grown up in the Pacific NW, a hot summer day for me is 75! When it gets to 95 and humid, I'm dead 
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In Christ,
Caroline
Wife to dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
Flowing Streams
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CrunchyMom
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I was just folding laundry and got to one of my favorites, the 3/4 sleeve polo. It might be a bit heavy for the hottest of days, but it certainly does not need a layer. I think of my knit shirts, it has kept its shape and color the best. It is flattering without being revealing (though, I hover between a small and a medium, and I would for sure order a medium again). Some of the knit tees I ordered at the same time are looking a little worn and stretched, but this shirt still looks very nice. I think, too, that the cut and sleeves make it look more feminine than some polos do. It is nice with a skirt without being tucked in.
__________________
Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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JennGM
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| Posted: May 11 2012 at 10:15pm | IP Logged
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Mackfam wrote:
stellamaris wrote:
Mackfam wrote:
Bumping this thread to add a resource:
Duluth Trading Co. Longtail tee. There are several varieties and some very pretty, feminine colors to choose from. The prices aren't sky high, and I've ordered from Duluth before - their quality is very good. One of my biggest problems is finding a nice summer-weight shirt (for our very hot and humid southern temps) that is long enough. sigh. So many of the basic shirts I find are so short that just lifting your arm high enough to reach the microwave necessitates wearing an undershirt. And undershirts of ANY kind, in the summer....in the south....just make things way too hot. |
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Jen, have you tried the V-necks? Are they really low? I prefer V-necks, but most of them are too low-cut for me (I'm short!). I know I could put in an insert with one of the nifty ideas above, but, realistically? I probably won't! So I need to order something that's appropriate without alterations. I love the longer tails on these...too short is my #1 complaint with T's! |
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I prefer a V-neck as well, Caroline, but mine are on the way - not here yet - so I can't give a better review just yet....soon though. The pictures of the women wearing the short sleeve long-tail v-neck give you a pretty good idea. The drop of the V appears to be about 2 finger widths lower than the collar bone, which is actually not a very low cut V neck. I know what you mean about the drop of some V neck shirts requiring a cami underneath, and I don't mind doing that sometimes, but as I mentioned before, in the south, there is NO layering done in the heat of the summer. NONE!!!! The heat and humidity here are brutal, and extra layers here go beyond uncomfortable. I did read through all the reviews, which are very helpful btw, and one did mention that if the shirt is a size too big on you, bending forward with the V was a little revealing on her, so keep that in mind in ordering the right size.
This shirt (as well as the other cotton shirts at Duluth) has no shrinkage when washed (they're all pre-washed), so you may need to order a size smaller than you normally would if you typically order up to allow for shrinkage (I do). Also, the fit of the shirt is natural, not vacuum sealed (feminine, FOLLOWING curves rather than becoming one with them) as some fitted shirts are. I called and spoke to someone at Duluth about the size chart, and it is accurate. So a medium is usually an 8/10, but at Duluth, it's a 10/12. If you're unsure on this, call and get the exact bust measurement of the size shirt you're interested in, which they'll give you over the phone.
The shirts look cute paired with capris or with breezy, swingy cotton skirts, and dress up nice enough for a weekday Mass sort of look for me with pretty earrings and adorable Mary Janes.
Duluth has EXTRAORDINARY customer service, so if something needs to be returned it's no problem. |
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Any updates on feedback on these shirts from Duluth, Jen?
__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Pretty summer tops: post your finds here!
