Betsy's Reviews
All reviews by Betsy
TOP CONTRIBUTORTOP CONTRIBUTOR
22 reviews
Nice color. Size down. Don’t wear a watch.
FIT: I got this in a medium and a large. I am typically a large. The medium fit better. It doesn’t seem like a style that’s supposed to be oversized and slouchy. The medium wasn’t snug. It was fitted just enough. PROS: The color is really pretty. I love cobalt blue. The flecks of pink are nice. I worried it would make the sweater look cheap, but it didn’t at all. The puff sleeve and bishop sleeve are just enough to look on trend without looking poofy. CONS: I agree with what others said about it not being soft. This didn’t bother me because it reminds me of the ramie cotton that was big in the 80s when I was a teen. What kept me from wearing it is that the part of the sleeve around my wrist was snug enough to prevent me from wearing my smart watch.
Member Fit Notes
Confetti Bishop Sleeve Sweater
525 America
Size Worn: L
Usual Size: 14
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 36D
Nice fit. Not super special.
PROS: The XL was the perfect fit for my size 12/14 self. The material is quality. I like solids over prints and am glad to see some options for solids. The little v design in front adds a bit of texture to what is generally a bit basic. I’m kind of basic. CONS: This certainly is in line with the bishop sleeve trend, but I did find that it was voluminous enough to make me look a bit wide. Like in another review I gave, this take might be due to my larger size and me being self-conscious about wanting to look smaller.
Member Fit Notes
Ronita Sweater
Joie
Size Worn: XL
Usual Size: 14
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 36D
Extreme shoulders
PROS: Very pretty color. Nice fit. I’m not a fan of oversized for work, and this fits the bill in that regard. Not snug. Just right. CONS: I like the puffed shoulder trend if it’s just a little puffy, but this is extreme. Like a Star Trek uniform. Like pointy puffy. It looked so cool and stylish on the model and some of the customer review photos, but it made me look so wide, like a linebacker. My guess is that the reason it was so unflattering on me is that I’m a size 14. It probably looks cute in a size 2 or 4. But on me at least it just makes me look bigger, and I’m not body positive enough about myself to be okay with me looking bigger.
Member Fit Notes
Blue Puff Sleeve Pullover
525 America
Size Worn: XL
Usual Size: 14
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 36D
Exhausting buttons
I like how the fit is nipped at the waist, but dear God, those buttons. I now realize that when the fit is more narrow than flowy, you can’t pull a blouse over your head. Yes, I should have known this. You have to unbutton the tiny little buttons to get it off and rebutting ever tiny little button to get it on. It’s so delicate that I was afraid I’d rip a button off trying to unbutton it. It also was a pretty deep v-neck to wear without a cami. Major cleavage. Admittedly, it is very lightweight so would be great in hot weather. This one (and honestly all but one item in my rental) will go back without being worn.
Member Fit Notes
Green Button Front Blouse
Nicholas
Size Worn: 14
Usual Size: 14
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 36D
Fitted and snug in a good way.
In most (but not all) less expensive brands, I’m a L not and XL but the XL in this fit just right. This is an amply thick fabric. I thought the bishop sleeve might be too pronounced, but it looked just right on. Despite not being wool. I wore it with a thin down jacket in 30-35 degrees and I was warm enough. If you like your sweaters form fitting instead of cozy, this will be perfect. Would be a keeper if I was averse to more then $100 for a sweater and hoping to lose weight.
Member Fit Notes
Houndstooth Margaret Sweater
Shoshanna
Size Worn: XL
Usual Size: 14
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 36D
Fitted was good-ish. Color was meh.
When I looked in the mirror, I liked that this wasn’t boxy and shapeless like so many cozy sweaters, but when I had someone take the photo for review, I saw the bulge showing. This would not be a problem for someone who is not overweight (which I am at size 14). The white color is ivory verging on taupe. I like the navy stripe contrast, but it made me a bit washed out. That said, it is a versatile color scheme if you like neutrals and want a small amount of oomph.
Member Fit Notes
Two Tone Ribbed Pullover
3.1 Phillip Lim
Size Worn: L
Usual Size: 14
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 36D
Super cute. Super soft. Runs big.
Colorful and incredibly soft. Can’t remember if a L or XL was recommended by the fit reviews, but L wasn’t available so XL was recommended by RTR. For many high end brands, XL fits me best, but this was not flattering in XL. I later tried a L and M and found the M fit best for even though I’m typically a L in mid-range brands. L could work if you like a loose, casual fit. It’s the specific item, not the brand, because I got the XL in the coat and it was just right.
Member Fit Notes
Alpine Sweater
Marine Layer
Size Worn: XL
Usual Size: 14
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 36D
Striking and slimming
Read the negative reviews. Yes it is tissue thin. No, it is not “just a turtleneck.” It is clearly sweater material. The merino wool is lightweight but warm. Not cozy sweater warm, but much warmer than a thin, cotton turtleneck. And I don’t think it’s at all meh or boring. I found the color block design to be striking without being distractingly busy. This was really slimming on me. As a size 14, slimming is everything. I have bra bulge in back, and even though the material is thin, that bulge didn’t show. It’s the perfect amount of fitted for someone with a less than perfect body. I’m won’t buy it for more than $200 but I’ll watch for it to go down in price and might snag it later.
Member Fit Notes
Multi High Neck Sweater
Emporio Armani
Size Worn: 50
Usual Size: 14
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 36D
Pretty color. Nice details. So-so fit.
The light pink is pretty if not the most flattering for my skin tone. The weight is warm. I like the texture. The raglan sleeve is stylish but not super flattering. As a larger sized person, I hope for things that will slim. This is not that. But it is cozy and cute.
Member Fit Notes
Arabella Cowl Neck Sweater
Splendid
Size Worn: L
Usual Size: 14
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 36D
Pretty color. Boxy fit.
At first I loved this. Soft, luxe material. Flattering color. Comfy, relaxed fit. The black stripe down the arm made it a bit “extra.” But when I saw it photographed, I thought it was a bit boxy. I wore it with a cotton turtleneck originally, then later wore it with a tee and discovered the neck was too scratchy to wear with just a tee. I liked it so much that kept it for two cycles. But I’m getting less enthralled by it.
Member Fit Notes
Blue Turtleneck Sweater
Jason Wu x RTR
Size Worn: XL
Usual Size: 14
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 36D
Comfy casual
I wore this for a weekend shift at work. It’s borderline too casual for work but it was a Saturday and it worked. I like the touch of lemon yellow with the blue plaid. It’s a slightly oversized fit in a soft fabric. The neck was a bit itchy but I just put a knit turtleneck underneath it and that solved the itch factor. The one thing that made it feel extra casual was the nubby texture. It might have been pilled, but I think it’s supposed to be this way for a casual look. It didn’t look worn out, just a bit fuzzy.
Member Fit Notes
Blue Plaid Turtleneck Sweater
Central Park West
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 165lbs
Bust: 36D
Really pretty and ridiculously small
This looked very nice in style and quality. Sadly I couldn’t wear it. I am normally a size 12. I sized up to an XL as recommended. I could barely get it on. A co-worker who is a size 4 on too tried it and it fit just so, not much wiggle room. An XL fitting a size 4? Maybe the one I got was shrunken.
Member Fit Notes
Susette Top
Shoshanna
Size Worn: XL
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 165lbs
Bust: 36D
Slimming fit
Sure this is a plain black sweater but the fabric is miraculous. So slimming. I know I will wear it a lot.
Member Fit Notes
Francesca Pullover
Milly
Size Worn: XL
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 165lbs
Bust: 36D
Striking and flattering
Reviewing again because the best photo didn’t show up when I posted three. This is the perfect top for someone who wants to try something bold and trendy but not over the top. The puff sleeve and cropped length are not extreme. The fabric is like magic. All my fat rolls concealed. I feel so pretty with it on.
Member Fit Notes
Pink Floral Sweater
Milly
Size Worn: L
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 165lbs
Bust: 36D
Versatile but snug in bust
This is a lightweight material. It’s nice that the neck can be buttoned up for a ruffle high neck or open. The pattern is really pretty and the material is soft. I did find it a bit snug in my bust. The buttons rested shut when my arms were down by the side but any moving around and one of them gaped open. It fit well everywhere else. I’m a D cup. I’d suggest this for those with less bust. The color seemed fall but the weight felt spring. I would have worn it with an unpadded bra if it hadn’t become too chilly for this.
Member Fit Notes
Mintee F Top
Joie
Size Worn: L
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 165lbs
Bust: 36D
Fun and flattering
I’m not 100% sold on this but did enjoy wearing it. I got a size L for my usual size 12 self. It was a bit small in some places. It’s comfy once you get it on, but it’s snug enough that it takes some work getting on. Don’t wear makeup until after you put it on and remove makeup before removing the sweater because the neck is snug enough to get your face all over the sweater, and it’s white, so yeah. It’s not tight to wear on the roll neck, just to get it on. The arms are a bit short, but just the tiniest bit. The cotton knit is substantial. Perfect for a mild fall day. The all cotton roll neck style reminded me of my teen years in the 80s in a good way. The red hearts had a lot of loose threads. It was on all of them, so I think it’s meant to be that way. Not a deal breaker but something to be aware of. Overall I enjoyed it and might rent it again, but won’t likely buy it. I like the message and I felt happy wearing it, but I have comfier sweaters.
Member Fit Notes
Empowerment Fair Isle Sweater
525 America
Size Worn: L
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 165lbs
Bust: 36D
For short waisted people
I’m only 5’4” and this felt like the crotch was coming darn close to giving me a wedgie. I got this on clearance for $20, so I was willing to gamble based on all the positive reviews. I lost. The color was drab. A ton of people said the ribbing means you can go without a bra. I guess I’m too old and too fat. The material is soft and the pockets are nice I guess. I just feel really frumpy and squishy and unattractive in this.
Member Fit Notes
Faith Smock Culotte Jumpsuit
Greylin
Size Worn: LR
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 165lbs
Bust: 36D
Fab 70s throwback - very long
These fit like a glove and would have been banging to wear if only I was taller or had feet that can handle heels. I am 5’4” and can’t wear more than a 2” heel, so these got no wear from me. You’ll need a 3-to-4 inch heel at my height. Tall gals would probably love these.
Member Fit Notes
Patch Pocket Roller Jeans
MOTHER
Size Worn: 31
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 165lbs
Bust: 36D
Comfy, warm and super flattering
I work in TV news and wore this for some of our KC Chiefs coverage. The material is like a sweater knit, but more substantial. That makes it soft and stretchy, not constricting like a typical tailored blazer. Yet the fit manages to be tailored in a flattering way. The three button front is slimming I think. It’s warm enough to wear without outerwear in this cool month. There’s a nice texture to give interest, and look at how the black trim on the collar repeats itself with stripes on the back! If I was the type to spend $200+ on a blazer, I would definitely buy this.
Member Fit Notes
Red Textured Blazer
Aldomartins
Size Worn: 12
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 160lbs
Bust: 36D
Cute for western theme
Being final sale, I was a bit nervous based on reviews saying it was snug in the arms, but I took the plunge. Glad I did. This was not too snug at all, and I have some flabby middle aged arms. The material is lightweight. This will be perfect for summer.
Member Fit Notes
Mila Chambray Shirt
Polo Ralph Lauren
Size Worn: L
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 160lbs
Bust: 36D
Sleeves very puffy
I like to try some trends but like to keep them subtle. The puff on these sleeves is too severe for my work setting, so these were a fail. The color is more rust than red. That makes them a very fall color but one that didn’t work for my cool-toned complexion.
Member Fit Notes
Red Puff Sleeve Sweater
Derek Lam 10 Crosby x RTR
Size Worn: XL
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 160lbs
Bust: 36D
Small in waist
Pretty pants, but they were too tight in my waist to comfortably wear. FWIW, I have developed a middle aged body. My waist used to be 10” less than my hips but now it is 8” less. My waist is 35” and the size large was uncomfortable.
Member Fit Notes
Side Slit Pants
Sanctuary
Size Worn: L
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 160lbs
Bust: 36D