General Finds at Catherine’s
I generally get frustrated with Catherine’s, as they alternate between clothing that shrieks “don’t look at me!” and creeping up on really nice, classy design pieces and adding just that something that ruins the entire concept, whether it’s a belt, a ruffle or a print where belts, ruffles and prints just don’t belong. It’s so committed to the don’t-look-at-me-look that it doesn’t even use models, and its mannequins are likely not plus-size. Still, combing through their new stuff, it’s mostly the usual: perfectly office appropriate especially if you want to fly under the radar. But here and there were a few things that appealed to me, like that really good joke from the person who usually sits quietly in the corner.
I was especially taken with this print sheath dress. The ribbon is a nice pop against the polka dots, and sheath dresses are a consistent style classic.
I don’t really like the print on this, but I do like the gradient effect and I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for gradient effects in plus size clothing. This is an example of Catherine’s “just enough to ruin it” but even so, on the right person, this could still work. To their credit, it’s not a huge-all-over print, it increases in size as it approaches the hemline, making it clear someone was thinking about the plus size body when this print was designed.
While I don’t like the way this jacket is presented over high-waisted pants, I do really like this jacket. Add black ribbon through the grommets for a corset detail, wear over a dress, or with a funky flowy skirt – it is one of those accessory basics that can go with anything in summer given imagination and an appreciation for shape.
While I don’t think Catherine’s is going to become my fashion staple anytime soon, I still feel the need to swing through their shop and see what they’ve got once in awhile. I never know when – or where – I might find something I love.
Totally agree with your assessment of Catherine’s. I’ve found a few great petite pants suits there and a few generic sweaters, and once in a while I do really well with their dresses. So often, though, I see something I’d really like if it didn’t have that silly butterfly on it or some other weird thing. That sheath dress with the pink belt is nice.