Hello Ladies,

Earlier in the week, I reviewed the fabulous BiuBiu Paris Noir dress, but I also ordered quite a sampling of their tops and blouses too.  Today, I want to evaluate both the Haarlem and Portofino tops because the design concepts feel similar enough to warrant a discussion of the similarities and differences.  Given my 42″-28.5″ measurements place me in the 38BB/BBB range, I ordered the same size in each top, and I found them both to run true-to-size.  Previously, my only experience with BiuBiu’s knit tops was the Venice tee shirts, but I loved the faux-wrap design with midsection ruching found on the Portofino and Haarlem styles.  Resident blogger Dezi can attest to my support of what I call “strategic ruching” to camouflage lumps and bumps—a design feature both tops have in spades.

Debuting in summer, the Portofino sports lighter weight fabric and shorter sleeves than Haarlem.  The cotton/elastane blend breathes well and feels incredibly soft and comfy against the skin.  As someone who rarely wears traditional tee shirts, tops like Portofino simulate the comfort and ease of a tee with the added aesthetic interest of a blouse or top. 

When I reviewed the Paris Noir, I mentioned how I was retooling my wardrobe to be less fussy for long days working retail at the shop.  Since my prior life as a computer consultant allowed greater flexibility in my clothing choices, adhering to strict criteria on comfort, fit, and design has made shopping significantly more challenging and a lot less fun.  However, the Portofino succeeds rather well.

The plunging v-neckline flatters a fuller bust even though I find it a tad too low for me.  While I love a gorgeous bow on the center gore of a bra, I am not as passionate about showing them off to customers, meaning I need to wear my Perfect Camis for coverage.  Even though I would prefer a higher neckline, the camis succeed in providing additional coverage without adding bulk or ruining the line of the top.

Darts on the shoulders allow the fabric to drape to the bust which complements the ruching on the tummy and keeps the design cohesive.  Speaking of the midsection, the ruching contours perfectly to my shape without adding extra bulk or showcasing lumps, either of my own or from my skirt.  On the interior directly beneath the wrap is an extra piece of fabric which aids in creating uniform ruching along the torso.  The top ruches on the back too although I am unsure whether it is intentional.  My spine curves sharply inward between my back and booty and often traps fabric.  The problem is consistent across every brand I try, so I am not concerned.

My final quibble with the Portofino is the length.  While I would prefer the top be shorter, it still works well for me, but women with shorter torsos may find the design hits too far down the hip.  For perspective, I am just over 5’6″ and have around a  30.75″ inseam.  Oh yeah ladies, I have torso for days!  Overall, I am totally in love with this top and find it works well with both skirts and pants.  When temperatures cool, I can layer it under jackets and cardigans easily, and so far it’s been super comfortable for wearing at the shop.  I can understand why Georgina of Fuller Figure Fuller Bust reviewed them so highly!

With these details in mind, let’s move on to the Haarlem which seems to be a winterized version of the Portofino.  Made from a heavier viscose/elastane blend, the Haarlem is less breathable than the cotton on the Portofino but still remains comfortable.  Because of the heavier synthetic fabric, some women may not be able to wear the style, especially those living in warmer climates.  The faux-wrap top is similar to Portofino except there are no draping darts on the shoulders, and the neckline exposes slightly less.  I will still wear a cami for work, but on the weekend or evening, I can wear the Haarlem by itself, possibly adding a cleavage bra for a sexier look.

When the ruching begins, the designs differ more as the Haarlem features a longer, heavier interior panel, and the ruching looks more pronounced.  The overall length seems longer than the Portofino, and if I scrunch the shirt higher, the middle looks too bulky.  Interestingly, I think the Haarlem would be ideal for taller girls perpetually in search of longer shirts.  Personally, I need to experiment more with my jeans and pants before deciding whether to keep this top because I am concerned the most tummy flattering length is a touch too long for skirts.  Portofino is easier to wear than Haarlem, and I recommend testing the silhouette with it first.

Finally, as I was trying these shirts on and off (and on and off again), I noticed the interior stitching and want to compliment BiuBiu on their commitment to higher quality items.  I have had greater success with BiuBiu items withstanding the tests of wear and time than many of the tops I have purchased at retailers like Banana Republic, Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, and Ann Taylor.  J. Crew still reigns supreme for me, but BiuBiu is not that far behind.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, here’s a close up of the fabulous earrings I snagged at my local consignment store Twice is Nice.  They are vintage earrings from the 1940s styled like Russian matryoshka dolls: