Reviews almost got cast to the side while I was on vacation (thanks Rose for your guest set!). It’s time to get back in the swing of things with dresses, dresses and more dresses.
Note: If you’re wondering my sizing measurements/height/etc, they’re detailed on this page.
I hadn’t noticed the Mika Ikat Shift (now $100) when it was full price, but during a recent trip to the Chelsea Market Anthropologie it jumped out at me from the sale rack. From the rack all I saw was the top diamond design which reminds me of the Pintucked Arpeggio Skirt (now $50, review) also by Floreat. At the bottom of this dress however is a deeply contrasting pattern. It looks as though the bottom of the dress was dipped in brocade. I’m honestly torn as to whether I like it or not. A dress entirely in that brocade could be fun, as could a dress entirely in the diamond matrix pattern. But together? And on a weird curve? I’m afraid to admit how much time I spent considering whether it works or not. And if I’m spending that much time, imagine how distracting this could be in a meeting. I can just see an otherwise bored executive pondering my dress and wondering why that girl keeps wearing such odd clothing.
The dress is made from very thick cotton. On the sides, the cotton is layered in horizontal pleats beautifully. Really stunning work. (Here’s a closeup so you can see what I mean.) Down on the skirt it’s more of a blanket upon which the brocade floral sits. There is a long vent at the neckline that plunges pretty deep. I wish it had a hook-and-eye closure to make it more daytime friendly. There’s an exposed back copper-colored zip. The dress fell to about two inches above my knees.
Fitwise, I’m used to sizing up in shifts and sheaths. However this dress fit fine in my usual size 6. The armholes are slightly too big, allowing my bra band to peek out when my arms are extended or raised. No fit complaints otherwise. It hugs the body without being too tight, flattering my curves and creating a nice silhouette. The dress is definitely winter weight and would be much too warm in the summer or a nice spring day.
Cute, perhaps? The shape and fit are good I know. I think I like this dress. I’m just not sure. So I wait for further cuts to consider further.
Wear it with: The Dashes Knit Blazer (now $50), the Firebloom Cardigan ($128) or the Metallic Borders Cardi ($78).
The Chessia Dress ($148) combines the crispness of navy-on-white stripes with the cuteness of lace. I love how the stripes lay vertically, horizontally and diagonally. Love the defined waist and the knee length of this dress, which is also available in petite. The lace inset kind of looks like a bull head to me, though admittedly I’ve got Tauruses on the mind. This dress is lined, has pockets and is constructed of cotton with lycra lace.
The fit on this dress is fantastic. It hugs me on top with a perfectly a-line skirt. It feels light but has a gentle sturdiness to it. Should the lace panel have stopped above the waistline? That’s the question I have. In the back I feel the vertical pleat should have been a little thinner and it should stop at the waistline. I tried this dress in my usual size 6 which worked well.
A lovely frock to be sure, made for vacations and warm summer days. A probable sale purchase for me.
Wear it with: The Flounced Slingbacks ($148), the Cashmere Graphics Cardi ($178), the Glass Tile Bracelet ($38).
★★★★☆
The combo dress we’re used to seeing from Tabitha gets a sleeved upgrade in the Darkbloom Dress ($238) by sister line Mirror of Venus. The vivid floral skirt is topped by a hammered silk tank bodice with lace sleeves. On the model the sleeves come down below her elbows but on me they stopped above. While the skirt nearly made it to my knees the bodice portion is very short with the waistline hitting me a good inch or two above the correct spot.
This dress runs very big. I’m used to sizing up to an 8 for the Tabitha combination dresses so that’s where I started. Then it was down to a 6 which is my normal size. That was still too big (especially in the skirt) so I ended up in a 4 for these photos. I’m no 4 but it was fun to pretend for a moment. Even the 4 had extra room in the front of the skirt, creating the tummy pooch I always seem to get in these particular dresses. One more thing worth noting: the skirt pattern doesn’t come close to lining up at the back seam.
A beautiful dress, just size down if you plan to buy it. For now, wishlisted!!
Wear it with: The Cathryn Chain Collar ($88), Clipped Etymology Cardigan ($78) and the Hansa Mary-Janes ($168).
As someone with plentiful hips, drop waists immediately make me fearful. Sometimes they work out alright. And sometimes it’s like the The Day Dress ($298), a dress that I cannot figure out. I’ve had great luck with Karen Walker’s lines at Anthropologie — they usually feature defined waists, knee lengths and flattering shapes. I get that this dress is meant to have a fun and playful vibe. Unfortunately on me this dress was more like a closing picnic umbrella, complete with stripes on the bottom. Camp out under me to protect yourself from the sun I guess.
It’s a cotton dress with a cotton lining, and a cute little keyhole in the back at the neckline. The waist is long and weird. It feels like there’s an extra three or four layers of material in the skirt. And this dress runs so huge! I’m in my usual 6 for these shots, chilling in my tent of a dress. I found a 4 more workable. Even the 4 had issues though, namely the way it sits like a sack with no defined waist. Some of the reviews note that this dress seems sheer — it’s thin for sure but I didn’t notice any sheerness issues.
I admit it, I have no idea how I’d style this dress. So I’ll leave it to someone who can and take this one back to the rack.
Wear it with: The Last Minute Wedges ($110), the AG Robyn Denim Jacket ($235) and the Two Tone Shades ($38).
Call me crazy but I really like the Dolly Chambray Dress ($298)! This time around I get the young, playful vibe. Plus I’m a sucker for polka dots. Did I possibly own a dress like this when I was 7? Very possibly. This poly-cotton dress is relatively thin but not sheer with a chunky exposed zipper and humongous sleeves. Linebacker ruffles. Darts just below the bust anchor drop pleats, making the waist high and the legs seem longer.
This was another dress I found to run large — I’m in a 6 above but a 4 would be better in every way except length. The biggest issue was how the sleeves were dropped off my shoulders and the bagginess at the waist. High necklines are often tough for me but I think this dress is OK.
I’m in love with this linebacker ruffle polka-dotted frock. And I’m not afraid to admit it. Wishlisted!
Wear it with: The Metallic Hayden Pumps ($140), the Church Street Envelope Bag ($98) in purple, the Sayre Infiniti Scarf ($48).
Here’s the Karen Walker I’m used to! This dress is the Blueprint Bloom Dress ($148), a simple fit-and-flare with some special design details. Ms. Walker seems to favor deep v-necks. To make this dres daytime appropriate a small insert at the bust keeps from revealing too much. The waistline is clearly defined with a thick band and then the skirt falls to nearly my knees with a simple pleat in front and back. This dress even has pockets! Like nearly all of the Hi There line the dress is polyester, unlined and has a back zip.
I found my usual size 6 comfortable. The sleeves on these dresses tend to be tight. They gripped my arm a little closer than most dresses due but they were workable. What a great work option this would be, so long as you don’t mind the electric blue color and bolder print.
Here’s a shot of hand in pocket:
This dress is right up my alley and really just needs to come home with me. It will soon!
Wear it with: The Florire Cutout Belt ($58), the Chandelier Knit Blazer ($138), the Dubloom Necklace ($28).
I don’t mind that most of the Hi There dresses are polyester over silk, as it brings the price point down a lot from Ms. Walker’s runway designs. But if ever a dress called for silk it’s the Raindrop Jive Dress ($158). True the polyester makes it hand-washable. It just feels a little less luxurious than it should. I like the contrasting red belt and the pleated skirt. I’m not a fan of the bodice at all. The shoulder straps are too thick in my opinion and the three buttons down the front lay over my chest in an odd way.
In terms of fit a 6 felt good. I would swap out the included belt for something a little thicker. I like that this dress is lined! Still I feel it’s not quite as flattering as it could be on its own. This dress is another good work option. Throw a cardigan or blazer over it and you’re good to go.
Probably a pass for me but a good work option. Back to the rack for now.
Wear it with: The Pastel Skinny Belt ($38) in sky, the Pearled Posy Cardigan ($128), the Mapleton Embroidered Cardigan ($78).
The Turks Dress ($158) has a midcentury vacation vibe that I dig, but it’s probably not a good fit for my everyday life. This v-neck sleeveless shirt dress has buttons all the way down and a thin sash that helps define the waist. The pineapple print is really cute! The frock nearly hits my knees and has good coverage with a gentle v-neck.
A 6 fit me well. I didn’t have to open any of the buttons — just loosened the waist sash and slipped it over my head. I can see this dress being very versatile in warmer climates where winter doesn’t exist. I have a feeling my coworkers would tease me if I wore this to work now though, asking when I was leaving on vacation. Seeing as how I just got back from one it’s probably not the message I want to be sending.
If only my retirement on Hawaii was starting now! Fun but not practical enough for my life. A regretful pass.
Wear it with: The Glossed D’Orsay Skimmers ($118), the Sunflower Patch Earrings ($38), the Sunbleached Oxfords ($98).
The Prosecco Dress ($158) I tried on had shed its belt somewhere along the way. Even without the thin black band you can see this dress defines the waist well. The shape and pattern of this dress are lovely. It’s a basic sleeveless dress with a small tied-keyhole and the neckline. Little dots in wave patterns dance all over the frock, inviting the wind to catch the skirt and do a dance. The dress is lined polyester with a concealed back zipper. It falls to the knees.
My usual size 6 fit comfortably, though maybe a little loose. I would not size down though for fear of the top being too tight. This dress feels light and easy, with gentle movement as you walk and a covered but pretty silhouette. I envision wearing it to a friend’s backyard BBQ on a warm summer night. Can you tell I’m ready for warmer weather?
A promising piece that could be a good pickup. Wishlisted for now!
Wear it with: The Tiago Corset Belt ($58), the Pan-Pearl Cardi ($148), the Peaked Pointelle Sweater ($88).
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