I went to Target last month looking for basics. Nothing fancy. Just a few tops and maybe a pair of shorts that didn't dig in. I grabbed eight things from Ava & Viv in size 2X. Brought them home. Tried everything on with my bathroom mirror and my cat judging me from the bathmat.
Here's what actually worked and what went straight back.
The Linen-Blend Button-Up — Keep It
I almost didn't buy this shirt. Linen wrinkles fast and button-ups scare me after I tore that sleeve last year. But this one surprised me.
The fabric is light. Not see-through, but airy. The arms are cut wider than most plus size tops I've tried. I could lift my arms without the shoulder seam crawling up to my ears. The buttons didn't pull across my chest, which never happens.
Downside? It wrinkles the second you sit down. I wore it to work and by lunch it looked like I slept in it. But honestly, I don't care that much anymore. Wrinkles mean the fabric is real.
Worth it. I bought it in the olive color and went back for the cream one a week later.
The High-Rise Denim Shorts — Returned These
I wanted to like these. I really did. The wash was nice — a medium blue without that fake distressed look. The length was good too. Not too short, not too long.
But the waist was weird. Loose in the back, tight in the front. I kept pulling them up even though they weren't falling down. Does that make sense? Like they fit but they didn't fit. The fabric had almost no give. I sat down on my couch and the button pressed into my stomach in a way I knew would bother me all day.
I tried the next size up. Too big everywhere. Tried the size down. Couldn't zip.
So I returned both pairs. The woman at the counter didn't ask why. She probably sees this all the time.
The Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt — Fine, But Not Great
This is the kind of shirt you buy because you need something to wear with jeans. Nothing special. Soft, a little thin, decent length.
The 2X fit okay through the body but the sleeves were tighter than I expected. Not uncomfortable, but noticeable. I kept tugging at the hem even though it didn't need tugging. That nervous habit thing.
I kept it because it was $12 and I needed a white tee. But I won't buy another one. It's fine. Just fine. Not the kind of fine where you feel good. The kind where you forget you're wearing it and that's the best you can say.
So is Ava & Viv worth it?
Yes for tops with room in the arms. No for shorts that need stretch. And the t-shirts are neutral — get one if you're already there, don't make a special trip.
I'll go back for another linen shirt. I'll skip the denim. And I'll keep looking for shorts that don't dig in.
Three wins? No. But one good shirt is still a good shirt.