Fit Review Friday! Battle of the Vests! Wunder Puff Cropped Vest VS Aviator Nation Sunburst Vest & 5 Stripe Flex Board Short
Gosh, I already started writing this post with my usual Happy Friday, but I just heard the news that Queen Elizabeth just passed away. 😢 We all knew this was coming but it's still very sad. The only silver lining is for the first time in 70 years we're about to witness a coronation. Not gonna lie, I am excited to see this part of history. This kind of makes me want to watch the first couple of seasons of The Crown again.
So, how are we feeling about fall season coming just around the corner? The last days of summer are upon us. This morning in Atlanta it was a "chilly" 66 degrees out. I definitely welcome the cooler temperatures but I am sad that the days are getting shorter. With that, we have the first fall fit review! It's the battle of the vests.
For reference I'm 4 feet 11 inches tall and typically wear a size 4 in Lululemon tops and bottoms. For Aviator Nation I wear size XS in tops and size small/medium for bottoms depending on the fit.
I did try this vest last year in Pink Lychee. I really loved it, but decided I just couldn't justify it since I live in Atlanta, but I couldn't resist when I saw it in Heathered Plumful. The fit and cut are exactly as I remembered it to be. However, I did notice one difference. The fabric on the Pink Lychee was super soft and felt like a snuggly down blanket. The fabric for Heathered Plumful felt textured and a bit stiff. I would even go as far to say it feels a little rough to the touch. 😕
The color is still amazing and beautiful as I remember when I tried it in the Wunder Puff Jacket two years ago. The fabric on the vest is very different though. I wonder why they changed it? I'll be honest, I was a little disappointed with the new fabric. I'm curious if anyone else found this to be the case with the new Wunder Puff items? Or is it just Heathered Plumful? 😕
How does Lulu's Wunder Puff vest compare to Aviator Nation's Sunburst Vest? You may think it's comparing apples to oranges and you may be right. The Sunburst Vest has a semi-slim fit, with no hood and it's much thinner and better suited for milder winters. The collar is lined with super soft sherpa. I think it's sherpa, as it doesn't actually say. The vest is insulated with Primaloft.
Sunburst Vest Black Size XS
I'm wearing size XS which is the same size as my other Aviator Nation hoodies. The best part of this vest is the sunburst on the back. What's not to love? It's very retro and has Captain Marvel vibes. As for fit, I can layer with a sweater underneath it, but if you're looking to layer more than that I would size up. The length hits at low hip.
The gold hardware is heavy and substantial just like the 5 Stripe Jacket I have. There are two zippered pockets as well as as inside breast pocket. This vest is extremely well made and high quality which I would expect for the price of $395. I did get it with their 20% off sale that occurs every couple of months. Aviator Nation clothes are made in California which has some of the best labor laws in the U.S. I try and support American companies when I can. However, I will say comparing value for the money, Lululemon I think is the better deal. That said, it really boils down to which vest would you get more use out of? Personally, I would get much more use out of the Sunburst Vest.
Verdict? I ended up keeping Aviator Nation's Sunburst vest. Mainly because I love rainbows and the vest is more suitable for Atlanta winters. If I still lived in the northeast, I probably would have kept the Wunder Puff vest.
5 Stripe Flex Board Short Parrot/Rainbow Size Medium
Last but not least, I purchased the 5 Stripe Flex Board Short after seeing it on a tall leggy blonde while shopping at Avalon a couple of months ago. I decided to size up for extra length considering there's a high slit up the thigh. The waistband is super stretchy. I'm wearing a medium but could have also fit into the size small in these shorts. The retail price is ridiculously high at $168. Even with the 20% off coupon it still hurts, especially when there's no built in liner!! What?! I guess since they are board shorts, which means they are expecting you to wear a bikini underneath it. Even so, I think they really should consider making these shorts with a built in liner.
These are made for water activities so they feel a bit like swimwear. I would wear them out casually as well, especially in the summer.
As you can see, size medium runs a little too loose and baggy on me. Size small would have been a better fit. They are super cute though, so I would still recommend them if you have zero budget. 😅
Still cute, tho!
That's it for me! Hope you all enjoy the last days of summer. Let me know what you think of the two vests! Which one would you pick?
Shop:
I really love the Aviator Nation vest on you, but I must admit, the price of it is shocking! However, it is a real statement piece, and I think you'll get a lot of wear out of it. I really love Primaloft - it's so warm without all the poofiness!
ReplyDeleteI've been pretty good with keeping the spending in check since No-Buy August. I did cave and order a few things during Athleta's sale, but I ended up returning half of it. I'm trying to be more discerning and critical with what I decide to buy/keep these days. If I don't go "ooooh' when I try it on, I'm not keeping it.
It is very sad about Queen Elizabeth, but I agree with you; being able to witness a coronation is going to be cool.
Hi Lola! That's great that the no-buy August is having lasting effects. I've been trying to be good as well. I placed a few orders but I think most of it will be going back too. I have to take photos and see.
DeleteWhat did you end up keeping from the Athleta sale?
I ended up keeping the cropped Trekkie North Joggers in Borealis Green, and the Transcend Bra in Coral Petal. The bra is super comfortable, and the joggers are quite petite-friendly! Still waiting for the Seasoft Crops to go on sale, but I will be patient!
DeleteNice! I haven't tried the Trekkie North Jogger Crops yet, they're on my list. I'm hoping for more Seasoft Crop colors to drop. Would love to see a gray or something similar to Smoked Spruce.
DeleteWow, the Sunburst Vest Black looks amazing on you! Definitely not something I would wear but it is just wow! :)
ReplyDeleteI didn’t get to try on the Wunder Puff Cropped Vest or Jacket in Heathered Plumful last year so I couldn’t compare the fabric, but when I received the jacket a month ago I was amazed how soft it was. I personally don’t find the fabric stiff at all but then last year’s material might be even softer. Anyhow I’m very pleased with my Wunder Puff Jacket. :)
So sad about the passing of the Queen. She was such an amazing lady.
Andrea
Hi Andrea! Thanks, I really do love the Sunburst vest. I can't wait to wear it.
DeleteDoes your Wunder Puff Jacket feel textured at all? Or is it smooth and satin like? I just remember it to be super soft like a pillow. Very squishy and poofy. It was amazing.
Hi Leslie the fabric is definitely not satin like or very smooth, but neither does it feel stiff to me. I am thinking the weave might be different in order to achieve the iridescent effect. Everglade Green looks more satin like to me.
DeleteAndrea
Interesting. I definitely think they changed the fabric since 2020. Color is still amazing though.
Deletehi Leslie! Both vests look nice in their own ways, but I think you'll get more use out of the Sunburst Vest. It's less bulky and more suitable for transitional weather. When it gets really cold, you may reach for a jacket over a vest! The 5 Stripe Flex Board Short looks very cool, but $168!? I don't think I'll ever spend that much on a pair of shorts.
ReplyDeleteI've received the Speed Up HR in Electric Turquoise and the colour is just what I hoped for. I took off the tags right away! So happy! Have a great weekend!
Hi Karen! Yeah the shorts are so pricey. I can't believe they didn't have a liner. =T I'm super excited for the vest though.
DeleteGlad you love the Electric Turquoise! They're one of my favorites from this year. Enjoy!
I LOVE the LLL puff especially in that color but have zero use for one here! The AN one is so unique looks super luxurious. I love that it's plain in the front with the sherpa collar. SO I caved and bought a scuba 1/2 in natural ivory because I LOVE that color I think (I'll see once I get it)... and my Aritzia TNA hoodies don't look as luxe as my LLL ones
ReplyDeleteHi Janessa! I'm kinda glad that the Oversized Scuba's don't work for me. My wallet is definitely happy about that. I do agree with you, Lulu definitely looks a lot more luxe than Aritzia. I'm not sure what to do with my Aritzia credit. Maybe I'll just get the cardigans I was eyeing for work. =T
DeleteI got my softstreme HR crops in and they're perfect! They hit above my ankle and don't look silly which I thought they might hit at an awkward length. I love them!!
DeleteOhhh nice! I love mine too in True Navy. I also got them in a size up for max comfort. I want to get a pair in Smoked Spruce but I would have to hem the straight leg since it's full length but I'm also really lazy about getting things hemmed which is why I haven't pulled the trigger yet. =T
DeleteHi
ReplyDelete