Review: Ace & Jig Inez Tops in Feather & Cabaret/Antoinette

Ace & Jig Inez Top in Feather, Size S - at Otte

Maybe it's because I'm picky or because I'm petite, but most Ace & Jig tops are too long, too big, or have too high of a neckline. So I'm pleased to say that the Ace & Jig Inez Top this season is none of the above — It's a total winner! 

Read on for a detailed review and more try-on photos.

Review: Ace & Jig Mallorca Tops in Cosmos & Antoinette

Ace & Jig Mallorca Top in Cosmos, XS - at Warm

Following my review of the Ace & Jig Lyon Dress, it seemed natural to review the corresponding top: the Mallorca Top, which I liked significantly more! It's this season's version of the Heather and Juliet tops, with puffed sleeves and a loose and flowy fit. Read on for more details and try-on photo in Antoinette.

Review: Ace & Jig Lyon Dress in Antoinette, Henna, & Cosmos

Ace & Jig Lyon Dress in Antoinette, XS at A. Cheng

The Lyon Dress (shown above in Antoinette, size XS) is a difficult creature. In the lookbook photos, it almost looks like the new iteration of the Heather Dress from Spring 2016 (which I love in Kasuri/Kente) or the Juliet Dress from Fall 2016 (which I didn't like). However, it's a significant departure from those styles in quite a few ways. Read on for more details and try-on photos in Henna and Cosmos.

Review: Ace & Jig Marie Dress in Cabaret

One of the standout Ace & Jig pieces this season is the Marie Dress in Cabaret (shown above in XS), and it's pretty clear why. I called this one early on as being the Oxblood Gallery Dress of this season, but now that I've tried it on, I'm not so sure...

Review & Try-On: Ace & Jig Simone Dress in Dune, a Madewell Exclusive

So I'm rather behind on reviews of pieces that I've tried on and photographed. What can I say? They're rather detailed, and most of them are for things I didn't love. And it's never really fun to write non-glowing words about a brand I love. But for the sake of the greater good, and because I haven't seen much written about the Ace & Jig Simone Dress, please see below for my review!

Review & Try-On: Ace & Jig Teasdale Dress in Ivy

The Ace & Jig Teasdale Dress in Ivy (size XS shown) is one of my favorite dresses this season, and one of the dresses I knew I needed to buy as soon as lookbook photos started coming out. A favorite style and textile combo doesn't always happen for me (where is the Soleil Surf/Cliff/Teasdale I desperately need in my life?), so I'm very glad this one exists! 

I've been wearing mine constantly this season, as the slightly weighty and textured fabric feel nice and cozy while still being breezy due to the loose cut, and the color combo is so unique and unexpectedly great. 

Style Description: Sleeveless, waisted midi-length dress with a contrast bottom tier in reverse Ivy. Turnaround style lets you pick between a crew neckline and a scoop neckline, and both sides look nice and seem to fit well for me (unlike many of Ace & Jig's turnaround styles, where usually only one side works well or fits comfortably for me.)

Many have compared this to the Ace & Jig Shore Dress style from many seasons ago, and though they look quite similar, the fit of the Teasdale is far better for me, as the straps on the Teasdale are better proportioned, and I found the Shore Dress to fit too large to size, even in size XS. 

Size/Fit: True to size for me. The Teasdale Dress in general seems to vary greatly in size across textiles. I had previously mentioned that the Teasdale in Merry seemed to run a bit small for Ace, and I still think that's the case. On the other hand, the Teasdale in Saki runs quite large, as I nearly drowning in size small I own in that textile,while I could potentially size up in either Merry or Ivy if I needed to. 

This style seems to best flatter petites and those with smaller chests due to the height of the waistline, which ends up falling around the natural waist for me. Those with ampler bosoms might find that it has more of an empire-waisted fit for them, which may or may not be desirable. 

Pockets: Yes! 

Notables: Turnaround. Can be worn with higher or lower neckline in front. 

Overall Thoughts: One of my favorite purchases this season! I know some are not fans of the contrast bottom panel, but I really feel like it gives the dress some of its charm. And it's worth noting that you can reverse that bottom panel (a la @feynman_sews)  if you so choose with some sewing skills or the help of a tailor. 

Rating: Recommended - Future Unicorn 

Where to Buy:
Shopbop - In stock in XS as of this posting! Seems to be sold out elsewhere...

Have you tried the Teasdale Dress in any textiles? What do you think? Let me know in the comments or by pointing me to your post about it, and I'll be sure to link you!

You might also be interested in my other reviews of Ace & Jig pieces and textiles!

Review & Try-On: Ace & Jig Caliente Crop in Solstice

The Ace & Jig Caliente Crop in Solstice (size XS shown) is another odd specimen. On paper, it seems like the kind of thing I'd like, but I haven't heard much about it from anyone in the Instagram community or seen it widely stocked. That's usually a sign that a silhouette isn't a winner, and I believe it's the case here as well. 

Style Description: A cropped tank with a square neckline and wide straps. Vertical ruched panel in the back similar to a Soiree Dress, for a fitted silhouette. 

Size/Fit: Large to size. You can see above how it's very wide in the underarms on me, even in spite of the ruching. I do have a smaller chest, and this issue may be more pronounced in the thicker Solstice textile, but it was not very fitted in the body either, given the ruching. I'd be able to size down at least one size, to the nonexistent XXS. 

Neckline: High and square. A bit like the top of the Allovers, though obviously sans buttons. 

Length: Cropped, but not ridiculously so. Great with high-waisted pants, skirts, and over dresses. 

Overall Thoughts: This is a nice, basic little tank top if you can find one that fits well. I'm not personally a fan of the ruching in the back, though I was okay with it in the Soiree Dress because the rest of it was perfect. If you are a fan of the Skipper Tee, but want a more fitted shape, this might be a good choice for you. 

Rating: Recommended with Reservations

Where to Buy: 
Oroboro
Ace & Jig Webstore

Have you tried the Caliente Crop in any textiles? What do you think? Let me know in the comments or by pointing me to your post about it, and I'll be sure to link you!  

You might also be interested in my other reviews of Ace & Jig pieces and textiles!  

Review & Try-On: Ace & Jig Clarke Tunic in Lunar

The Clarke Tunic in Lunar (size XS shown) is a strange beast. It's the length that falls somewhere in the no-man's land between a top and a dress. Not quite long enough to be a dress, not quite short enough on me to be a proper tunic that would look good over something else, I'm not entirely sure what to make of it. Maybe a beach cover-up, though it seems silly if you intend to use it solely for that purpose.

Style Description: Oversized, short-sleeved, crew neck boxy tunic. Ended up a few inches above the knee on me, but would be mid-thigh on most. 

Size/Fit: Large to size. The XS was quite boxy, and the sleeves stuck out a lot in person, though it's less apparent in the photos than in real life. I would have sized down to a nonexistent XXS if possible. 

Overall Thoughts: This is a piece with an identity crisis, as noted above. The sleeves are too big and boxy even for a lover of boxy sleeves like me, as they overwhelm me in person even more than the photo above would suggest, especially in this rather thick textile. The multidirectional stripes keep it from being too basic, but I don't personally consider Lunar a must-have textile for this season, so this combination is not doing it for me. 

Rating: Not Recommended 

Where to Buy:
Oak Common via Garmentory
Penelope's
Glasswing
Ace & Jig Webstore
Bird
Conifer
We Are Iconic

Have you tried the Clarke Tunic in any textiles? What do you think? Let me know in the comments or by pointing me to your post about it, and I'll be sure to link you!

You might also be interested in my other reviews of Ace & Jig pieces and textiles!

Review & Try-On: Ace & Jig Ojai Crop in Ivy

You know that phenomenon when you know that you should do something, but then you put it off because it seemed like such a daunting task, and you had other things to do, and figured it could wait a bit? And then after a while, it gets harder and harder to actually do it because you should have done it a long time ago, and how embarrassing that it's taken you THIS long to do it, and there are other things that you could do now that wouldn't be tardy, so you do those instead, thus perpetuating that cycle ad infinitum?

Yeah, that's how I have been about try-on photos and reviews, lately. I have more than a dozen stored up on my phone, and they have all suffered from the above fate. But no longer! I have them all nicely cropped and edited, and they will be posted. Maybe one at a time, so that I can convince myself that it's actually not that daunting. Maybe. In any case, it starts here and now, with the Ace & Jig Ojai Crop in Ivy. 

Many moons ago, I ventured to a local boutique, having correctly predicted that 4th drop Ace & Jig had arrived, including some Ivy, my favorite textile of this drop, and I daresay one of my faves of the whole season! 

The Ojai Crop in Ivy (size XS shown) was a piece of particular interest, as it's reversible (2 in 1!) and cropped, which makes it shortie-friendly. It's a very easy shape to wear, and equally good over dresses, swimsuits, and myriad bottoms. 

Style Description: Short-sleeved, boxy cropped top, with a split-v neckline, a subtle high-low split hem, and wide, split dolman sleeves. Very similar to the top half of the Suit-Up style this season. 

Size/Fit: Large to size. The XS was quite boxy, and the sleeves stuck out a lot in person, though it's less apparent from the photos. I would have sized down to a nonexistent XXS if possible. 

Neckline: Not too low-cut for petite ladies. 

Notables: Reversible!

Overall Thoughts: The Ojai Crop in Ivy is a solid pick for this season, especially in this reversible textile. Though I wish the sleeves stuck out a bit less on myself, taller ladies or those who are into a flutter sleeve probably won't mind. It's a great, versatile piece to have around during summer.

Rating: Recommended - Buy 

Where to Buy: 

Oak Common via Garmentory
Penelope's
Glasswing
Mohawk General Store
Givens Circle
Myth & Symbol
Nine Streets
We Are Iconic
Le Souk Le Souk
Covet & Lou
Conifer
Two Son
Grethen House

See more photos below! 

Ace & Jig Try-Ons At Barneys, Part 1: Atwood Midi in Carnival, Clifton Top in Carnival, Jo Midis in Lunar, & Vista Top in Lunar

Truth be told, I did these try-ons at Barneys last week, but life gets the best of us, sometimes. It's nice to work from the uptown office again, since I can pop into Barneys more frequently and see what's there. Always a fun surprise when there are some unexpected new arrivals! So many that I'm once again splitting this into two posts. 

Find the first batch of try-on photos and reviews below! (Please excuse the odd lighting and somewhat spotty color correction. I'm planning to get a new phone soon for better photos!)

Update: Part 2 is now available here! 

Try-Ons at Bird Part 2: Teasdale Dress in Merry, Skipper Tee in Crown, Carpenter Pants in Chintz

Continuing on from Part 1...

I failed to mention in my earlier post that the ladies at Bird's Lafayette location are just the ideal saleswomen. Friendly, helpful, not too pushy or over-attentive, and genuine-seeming. They never bothered me when I didn't want to be bothered, but were quick to help me with my every need. A welcome and refreshing change from another boutique in the area that also carries Ace... 

For instance, this Ace & Jig Teasdale Dress was actually being worn by a window mannequin when I was there. The saleswoman helping me cheerfully took it off the mannequin, with zero attitude given! Multiple offers were made to help me find my size in various pieces in other Bird locations, or even transfer them (for free!) from another location. Amazing. 

Read more below for my thoughts on the teasdale and other pieces, and visit the lovely ladies at Bird Lafayette sometime! 

Try-Ons at Bird Part 1: Paz Tops in Saki & Merry, Carver Skirt in Crown, & Kimono in Stellar

As previously noted, this is a super busy time for me, as I attempt to chase down all the Ace & Jig in this city before it gets purchased.

Thanks once again to the swift legwork and heads-up of @offdutytrip, I went to the new Bird location on Lafayette to grope and document the latest Ace & Jig arrivals. I still haven't received my pre-orders from this drop (hopefully soon!) so it was nice to see what I was in for.

You know the drill. See below for try-on photos and reviews! Update: Part 2 is now up! 

Ace & Jig 3rd Drop Try-Ons and Reviews at A. Cheng (Part 2)

Continuing on from Ace & Jig 3rd Drop Try-Ons at A. Cheng Part 1... 

One of the pieces I was most excited to try at A. Cheng was the Ace & Jig Hot Cross Dress in Carnival. Not because I loved it — quite the opposite in fact. I would never have ordered this for myself, and likely would never have had the chance to try it on had it not been in a nearby store. 

But after witnessing it sell out on site after site during rolling pre-orders, my curiosity was piqued. It was clearly an Ace community favorite. I needed to see what the fuss was about.  

My (very detailed!) thoughts and try-on pics below.

Ace & Jig 3rd Drop Try-Ons and Reviews at A. Cheng (Part 1)

This drop caught me a bit by surprise! Were it not for the enterprising @offdutytrip, I might not have gotten to this drop in stores before my sizes sold out! Luckily, A. Cheng still had most items in a workable size for me. Note: A. Cheng doesn't seem to post their stock online immediately, so you should call if you wish to order. 

I have so many thoughts that I decided to split this into two posts for the sake of timeliness. See below for reviews and photos of the first half! 

The Week in Outfits

Wearing: Ace & Jig Camden Duster in Emerald, S (Ace & Jig Webstore Exclusive, Sold Out)

Ace & Jig Soiree Dress in Crown, S

Avarcas Sandals in Black

As the weather warms up, and we slowly move out of what I call the "layering seasons," I've been relying more and more on simple combinations of dress + outer layer, which is what this past week was all about. 

I rely on dresses for rushed mornings, when I can't be trusted to coordinate a top and bottom. The weather is perfect right now for just a duster or kimono outer layer — and nothing else. And when your outer layer is such a statement, it looks like you actually tried or something, which is perfectly fine with me. 

More looks from this week below.

Exclusive Ace & Jig Emerald Suit-up Jumpsuit in stores at Barneys

Those of you who follow me on Instagram may have already caught a glimpse of this in my stories, but I'm posting them here by popular demand! It doesn't seem to have shown up online yet, but I am certainly keeping an eye out. UPDATE: Now available online!

Read on for my thoughts and a pic of just the suit-up!

Chasing away the Monday Blues

Wearing: Ace & Jig Dune Kimono from Le Souk Le Souk, Ace & Jig Soiree dress in Narnia from Ace & Jig Webstore, Dieppa Restrepo Gaston loafers (Not sure where Dieppas are carried anymore aside from Garmentory...?) . And none of this is available right now, to my knowledge. 

I've debated whether or not to post outfits on this new blog, since it's different from much of my other content, but it is where I started out, and it's a somewhat unique offering that I'm able to provide, so... I guess it's an experiment for now.

Ace & Jig Archive Kimonos Back in all Sizes

If you were desperately hoping to find the Ace & Jig Kimono in Archive in your size, it's your lucky day. Barneys has it!

Bonus: Try-on photo + mini review below!

New Ace & Jig at Barneys Madison Ave

Dropped by Barneys on my way home on the pretense of returning something, and found a few Ace & Jig new arrivals that hadn't dropped online yet!