Torrid Review: Black Ombre Heart V-neck tee

Now I can talk about a shirt I actually kept. I really appreciated the ruching on the sides, such a good look, and gives structure to an otherwise boxy tee. The graphic is really cute, but I have to mention something that I have NEVER experienced with graphic tees from Torrid. The shirt was wrinkled and smelled like urine, it also reminded me of what the zoo smelled like. My guess is that maybe the ink didn't get a chance to dry? I've heard of this smell occurring when the ink doesn't dry, I've also heard when clothes are imported in the U.S. are sprayed with insecticide? and other chemicals before they enter the U.S. so maybe that's what I'm smelling. Anyways that was the only thing that bothered me, I am keeping it, maybe it will come out when I wash it.

 

Side note to Torrid: This is a really bad pose to try to sell this shirt. Why not a full on shot like all the pictures on the site? I get that you were trying to show the ruching...but I want to see the graphic! Forget it, here, I did it for you:

 

Side note: the graphic on the shirt that I got, was not as vibrant as the one the model is wearing...kinda weird, to me it looks like it was printed incorrectly. It looks like washed out, not vibrant like the one the model is wearing. 

Torrid shopping tips for busty babes

I describe my Torrid style as pretty simple/basic, and try to buy tops that flatter my large bust. First let me describe my size so you may get a better understanding on my purchases/style. I am 5'1", and a size 18. I have a very large chest (size 38F, Lane Bryant what's up!). I wear a Torrid size 2 for tops.

Shopping for a larger bust at Torrid is tricky, but once you figure out what works best for you, stick to it! So most of the time I am able to buy in Torrid size 2 for tops. Since my bust is large, I have found that shirts with a free bust work out best. Free bust (my definition) are tops without gathering or empire/babydoll busts.

For example I purchased the black lace inset v-neck top. (This top is now sold out, purchased 4-12-12) I love the soft feel of the fabric, and the lace adds a glam touch to an otherwise basic tee. The v-neck is also very flattering. This is a definite keeper for me.

ETA 5-24-12: I ended up returning this top, it was too loose in the stomach area and had no structure. It was just too long for me, and I'm so short. Totally would have kept it if it were banded though.

This top also worked for me since it has a free bust. This fit perfectly, was super soft, and I loved the banded waist. This is still available at torrid.com, it is the Black Butterfly off shoulder top. 

Ok, so now let me show you something that will not work out for me. I will not even bother purchasing such an item, as beautiful as it is. This top has a gathering on the bust. From previous experience with tops exactly like these...they just emphasize a larger bust, and that's exactly what I am trying to avoid. 

Another top I would avoid (since I have a larger bust).

I don't even know how I would hold myself up in this top?

In conclusion, anything with a gathering, "smocked", or elastic at the bust will not work for me. I avoid these sort of tops. Tops with v-neck, shoulder tee, or free bust work best for me.