All Reviews By c_j_r

I bought this to replace one of my favorite black tops which I somehow lost. Given I wanted to replace a staple, I did not think it would stand up to frequent wear. The silk has a nice hand, yet is somewhat delicate and it Is difficult to to get on and off, which I can imagine would invite snags and pulls over time. Also somewhat sheer for work (a skin-toned bra looked better than black). I returned it, yet liked the blouse enough I may re-order it if an event comes up where I know I'll get some use. Very nice cut and flattering shape. This with the white skirt it is featured with is one of my favorite Shopbop looks right now.

This has a lot of things going on, yet it manages to stay simple and elegant. The dress that came to me had more of the pattern showing on the peplum, which I liked. Greens and aqua blue, which may make me want to think of green or aqua suede pumps when I wear this to my agency's annual charity event in September. The leather quality is nice. Definitely a standout without being too showy.

I continue to DIG everything I have bought from ALC (as well as Shopbop period) this season. Great color and hide quality for this top! In ALC, I have ordered a size XS in all tops or dresses sized that way and they are fine. However, this top was so engineered, I was not sure what numerical size I'd take. The 2 was great in the waist for me, yet was a little short length-wise and would be unforgiving if I happened to retain water or gain 5 pounds (given my cursed 32dd bra size). The more conservative 4 was longer and less form-fitting in the boobular region, yet was looser in the waist than I'd like. The 4 was my compromise - most will find this true-to-size. It's still "librarian sexy" and I cannot wait to wear it!

I had a benefit dinner with my nonprofit in Chicago last weekend and it was supposed to be rainy and in the 40s. I ordered this in grey really quickly in case it would be easier to wear than my tried-and-true black lace sleeveless Theory sheath (ca. 2003!). Rain or shine, I cut the tags out right away after trying it on, as this is a KEEPER. Given I am also kind of "at work" at these events, I cannot do cleavage or too short and this is sneakily sexy, with the perfect show of collarbone and shoulder blades in back. The back zipper keeps it modern and just a touch subversive. I usually take a 2 up top and a 0 in skirts/pants, yet the 2 was fitted enough without having to go to the tailor. The lining is jersey, which helps individualize the fit. (It also comes in Ivory and I think it would make a cool-as-hell wedding dress for funky types).

The lizard embossment is more convincing from a few feet away versus up-close, yet I am glad they are leather because they should endure 8-5 wear better than a fancier skin. Nice skin-ish tone, yet not too pink or tan. Everything perfect in my mind about a summer pump: tasteful peep toe, classic heel shape and t-strappiness to keep things a bit interesting. My first shoe in this line and I am impressed with the quality.

Great color, lovely fabric, wonderful sleeve details. I only sent this back because it was a little amoebic on me. I prefer a defined waist. I would not be surprised if I change my mind and re-order it in a couple of months if SB still has an XS. High-quality design and detailing for the price.

I have seen a bunch of iterations of contrast placket/collar/cuff blouses and this one really stands out as unique. I do not have the luxury nowadays to purchase many 'going out' tops, so this is perfect for work with a pencil skirt, as well as is great if I decide to wear with a linen mini or leather leggings for evening. The silk weight is not too sheer to require a camisole or be worn under a cardy or blazer. Great print and green accent for anyone desiring more color, yet who is resistant to uber-bright offerings this spring.

Although I don't want to show up at the same party with you and I both wearing this dress, I promise you, you need it! (Sorry shopbop, I ordered this from another retailer and it arrived today). I don't think I paid much attention to ALC prior to this season. All the fashion mags and websites are telling us to wear bold floral prints which I think are a little barfy... then ALC has these kinda warped, muted, blurry prints (see also the green&white with black collar blouse from ALC) and I am thinking I can dig a little on this floral thing. I'll complain about my chest like I do in other reviews, but the 2 did well and also fit my hips/waist. The slight pleat in back is a nice twist to a typical sheath shape.

The black quickly sold out in these and I am actually preferring the dark wine. I usually take a 38.5 in euro sized shoes, but ordered both the 38 and 38.5 in these because sometimes Alexander Wang only offers whole sizes and 38s usually fit me. I liked the fit of the smaller, yet hope I still feel the same in summer months! I have resisted a lot of the mega-platform styles the past couple of years and am glad to see A Wang come up with something classic, yet so incredibly modern and unique (not to mention sexy). I think this color will look great with a new robin's egg blue blouse I just bought at Vince (shopbop has it too) and some ecru silk 3.1 shorts I ordered from shopbop last spring. I dig these pumps so much... favorite spring purchase by far.

Boiled wool - really! This dress has a fantastic fit and the asymmetric sleeve and patterning truly make it rock. Very high quality construction. I usually take a size up in dresses and have the waist and hips taken in, yet the smaller size of the two I ordered fit great - not too tight across the top. The fabric has a bit of natural stretch and the cut prevents the wool from looking bulky. Wore it to a party last night and can't wait to wear it again next week to a work function. I have a feeling this will be a "come back to" dress for years to come.