Reviews: Studded Fete Dress & Color-Drenched Dress, plus IRL shots of Swirled Rosette Dress & Floating Lotus Dress


Why does the model above look so angry? She’s wearing one of the coolest dresses in the new catalogue. That would be Christopher Deane’s Studded Fete Dress ($298). Maybe she’s upset because this dress has a bubble hem. It doesn’t affect the way the skirt sits (thank goodness) but it does look funny when you walk. I will never understand bubble hems. Not a fan.


Aside from restricting hems this dress is cool. Christopher Deane always runs small in the chest so I had to size up to an 8. This left me with some extra room in the waist so the studded waistline didn’t sit as straight as I would have liked. The length is great though — it hit right above my knees! After a summer of mid-thigh exposure I am relieved to see my thighs hidden thankyouverymuch. The point d’esprit skirt material is beautiful though the bubble hem kills any twirl potential. I liked this dress but will wait for a sale before reconsidering it.

I have seen this dress in a few NYC stores. Each time it has been more expensive than the Anthropologie price. Deane is local (Brooklyn) so I assume that’s why I’ve seen it around. If I see it online anywhere else I’ll update this post.


Who doesn’t love some color in their lives? Moulinette Souers’ Color-Drenched Dress ($168) is the most cheerful dress I’ve seen this year. The ruffles and the lace bottom don’t hurt either.


The dress could use a belt. Maybe the Saturated Sash ($88) to keep the theme going? I had noticed that a few of the reviewers said this dress is short. I wonder if some runs were shorter than others, because mine sat exactly where I’d expect a 34″ dress to end — about two inches above my knees. My true size 6 was loose but not so much that I’d size down. With tights and boots this dress would be a blast. I would recommend against trying any other print with this dress. Pair it with solids for the best results; this dress itself is a star.

I was able to find a whole bunch of the requested review items; I’m setting up posts to run this week. Not everything but I’ll keep looking! On a sad note, I lost a ring at the Soho Anthropologie on Friday. It was a super cheapie from Forever 21 but I’m bummed nonetheless. Sacrifices I suppose. Below are two dresses I’ve previously reviewed, adding IRL (in real life) shots:

Swirled Rosette Dress ($188)
Tried on a size 8. Read the review here.
Floating Lotus Dress (now $90)
Tried on a size 10 for better coverage.
Read the review here.

17 Comments

  1. Diem
    October 4, 2009 / 10:14 pm

    I like the Color Drenched Dress on you. When I saw it on the model, I thought it was too busy, but now I might consider getting it when it goes on sale. It's very cute on you!

  2. October 4, 2009 / 10:31 pm

    Thank you Diem! 🙂

  3. Kati
    October 4, 2009 / 10:31 pm

    I really like the Color Drenched Dress on you, too. Your review makes me want to order it lol – just wondering, did you see the Cloaked Vista? I'm dying to order it but wanted to know how it fit you and stuff as it would give me a good idea what size to buy. Thanks!

  4. October 4, 2009 / 10:35 pm

    Kati yes I did find the Cloaked Vista Dress. The 6 worked perfectly on me. I loved loved loved the full skirt and the bodice gave me enough coverage. Because of my chest the waist did ride up a bit but it wasn't unflattering — it created an empire style waist on me. Hope that helps! Full review will run on Wednesday. If you want pics before then shoot me an email.

  5. October 4, 2009 / 11:11 pm

    all the dresses look great on you! The bubble hem is a letdown, it's more a younger/juvenile look. The Swirled Rosette dress looks cute, I really want to get it!

  6. Diem
    October 5, 2009 / 12:00 am

    Hi Roxy,I wanted to ask your opinion on the Guimard dress. I think I read in one your blogs that you purchased the brown motif. Wanted to find out how you like it. I am thinking about getting it in the brown motif now that it's on sale.

  7. October 5, 2009 / 12:06 am

    Diem, I still LOVE my Guimard Dress. I did get the brown motif in a medium. I wish I'd bought a small now because the top has loosened a little bit with wear. If the red motif lasts online I'd like to pick it up as well. You will get tons of compliments in it.

  8. October 5, 2009 / 12:08 am

    Thanks Angela! You know what's funny (and sad)? I realized I OWN the Swirled Rosette Dress. Oops. Hahaha. I went to the store and it was sitting in a garment bag in my closet the whole time.

  9. Diem
    October 5, 2009 / 12:23 am

    Thanks for the advice, Roxy. I just ordered it on line.

  10. bronzi
    October 5, 2009 / 12:25 am

    I own the guilliard dress in the red and yes, I got tons of compliments as well and it washes well. You just lay it flat to dry. I had to wear a strapless bra with it though to keep the straps from howing. My shoulders are narrow.

  11. bronzi
    October 5, 2009 / 12:26 am

    Made a mistake in spelling the name of the dress…..LOLShould have been Guimard 🙂

  12. Diem
    October 5, 2009 / 12:59 am

    Thanks for the information Bronzi. I was just wondering about the bra straps…whether I should get a racer back bra, but it looks like a strapless will work just as well.

  13. October 5, 2009 / 2:14 am

    I really love that Studded Fete Dress on you Roxy!! My Anthro didn't have it yet. I tried the Color Drenched dress on a couple weeks ago and while I liked it, I wasn't nuts for it. It's very pretty on you!

  14. October 5, 2009 / 3:00 am

    Thank you Kim! There is a mess of items I was hoping to see but didn't. Probably for the best given wallet considerations, but a little disappointing nonetheless.

  15. October 7, 2009 / 3:16 am

    OMG, you look awesome in all of them!!!

  16. Anonymous
    October 22, 2009 / 7:02 pm

    i think you are too big for those dresses. it looks better on someone willowy like the model.


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