(Sun)Shiny, hooded girlies holding hands! (Little Miss Sunshine Hoodie)

Member Name: Claribella

Product:	Little Miss Sunshine Hoodie
Date:	08/07/09 (58 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Something a bit different to stand out in a crowd

Disadvantages: Long arms!

I have recently had a big 'clear out' and have been left with a cupboard or wardrobe that is pretty bare, just like Miss Hubbard! I went on a mission to buy some new clothes and if you read my previous reviews, then you will know that I didn't have much luck. I took to scanning some sites online and came across this wonderful 'hoodie'. I know it's not the best time of year to purchase such a garment but I decided to forfeit all of the nice summery tops in place of this instead. It was one of those situations where you see it, you want it and it plays on your mind until you finally go back and 'click' the 'buy' button.

I purchased this 'hoodie' from Play.com and it cost me £17.99 inclusive of postage. After doing a little bit of research for the sake of this review, I can tell you that this is the cheapest you are going to get it from anywhere.

The top itself is a bright turquoise colour (which is the only colour it comes in) that displays a picture of 'Little Miss Sunshine' on the front in an almost, distressed, retro way. It has a hood hence the name 'hoodie' and comes in sizes XS, S, M and L. It's made from 100% cotton

When the top arrived, I was surprised at how small the top looked in the packaging so I was a little worried about whether they had sent the right item or not. On opening the wrapper it was clear that I needn't have worried because the turquoise blue fabric was staring me right in the face. When I finally got the top out and unraveled it, it was a little thinner than I was expecting it to be. When I think of a 'hoodie', I think of thick, fluffy on the inside and warm but as I was to discover, this top was only the latter.

On reading some reviews of this product before purchasing it, a lot of people stated that it was too small and I should go for a size bigger. I am an 8 around my waist and a 10 on top due to the fact that I am still breastfeeding. I ordered a 'small' which stated that it was a 10 and although it fits me, I would have preferred it to have been a bit more 'fitted'. If I was to order something similar in the future then I would definitely go for the XS and my advice to you is to go for your normal size.

Despite the fact that the fabric is thinner than you would expect from a normal 'hoodie', it is very warm. I have worn it out on a cold, summer evening and have been impressed with how well the top has kept me warm. Even on a breezy day, the top has kept out the cold and at the same time, kept me 'toasty' underneath. It's great for those days where it's too hot for a big jumper but too cold for a T shirt too, as it seems to fit in the 'in between' category.

One thing that I find rather funny about the top is the arms. Yeah, its got arms so what? Well let me tell you that I have 'freakishly' long arms and find longer sleeves end up being ¾ length when they aren't suppose to be. I gave myself the nickname 'monkey arms' when I was in my teens! Imaginative, I know! Anyway the arms on this top are very substantial. They fit me so well and I have even got some extra fabric to 'play' around with!

The length of top is similar to the arm length but not as vast. I'm 5'8 with a long upper body and it comes down to below my hips. If you have a big arse that you are paranoid about then this is just the job for you. There is plenty of room either side of the top and I find that it isn't at all stretched around the bum and hip area but my hubby tells me that my ass is the size of a ten year old boy, so it could be different for you if you are bigger in that area.

The hood is very substantial but I always find that any hood makes me look like a complete idiot when I put it up. Again it's quite thin and I wouldn't expect it to do a lot if I were in Alaska but it keeps my ears warm when it's 'blowing'.

I have had this 'hoodie' for around two months now and I have lived in it. It's been through the washing machine on a 40' wash, numerous times and still looks brand new. There are no 'bobbles' in sight and the vibrant colour hasn't faded at all. The picture is still intact and unlike some tops that have that 'ironed on' effect, it hasn't peeled off or cracked in any way that I can see.

I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who likes to blend in to the background because, due to the vibrant colour, you definitely will stand out in a crowd. I am not the most confident of people and have found it a little intimidating when people stare at you as they 'whizz' past in the car or worse, gaze at you as you walk past them in the street. If this happens then you can always to what I do and hang your head whilst imagining that the ground would swallow you up!

The only other thing I would say is that there are no pockets on this 'hoodie' which I think is a little strange for this sort of thing. I find that my hands randomly search for the holes that should lie across my tummy area but alas, their search goes in vain!

I am so pleased with this top and would highly recommend it to any of you 'girlies' out there who consider themselves to bring a little ray of sun to anyone in their life!

If you like this then you might be interested in the black 'Little Miss Naughty' one which you can also buy from play.com.

Summary: My favourite top!