Here’s a dress that’s sure to be polarizing. It’s Burlapp’s Remembering Violets Dress ($178). The shape immediately reminds me of the early 1990s babydoll dresses, which later morphed into empire waist dresses and hit their peak sometime around the time Emma came out. Basically, this dress is fitted around the bust and pretty tentlike below.
Personally I like the style a lot for this particular dress. It’s so easy and flowy and exactly what I’d want for New Year’s Eve or a party where there’s a lot of dancing. I have needed an 8 (one size up) in most of Burlapp’s dresses so that’s what I reached for here. It fit around my bust but if you’re less busty your true size should be fine.
The skirt of the dress kind of looks like tree bark. The violet appliques are very pretty and dress up an otherwise simple garment. And then there’s the shape. One reviewer described it as maternity wear and yes if you’re pregnant this dress would be a fine option. Truly though I will take the babydoll shape over skintight anytime. It’s probably not for everyone but I loved the dress. See it styled on Chloe here.
Seriously, what is the model doing in this shot!? I can’t even imagine what the photo direction was. “Look like you just fell down and you’re picking yourself back up. OK great! Now pretend you’re a mermaid. Your legs are one fin! Excellent. Now, pretend like you’re doing reverse push-ups. Tilt to one side…a little further…more twist…look nonchalant about the whole thing…perrrrrfect! We got it. That’s a wrap.”
This is another Burlapp frock, the Skyfall Dress ($178). It has a really cool bodice with white constrast gauzy stripes. They create a satisfying shape up top over the chiffon skirt. Once again I tried the 8. It was a bit loose in back but I’d stick with this size to buy it. I’m pleased that the stripes weren’t interrupted or misshapen by my bust. I saw this with a crinoline skirt of some kind underneath it at Rockefeller Center to add some pouf. Looked very cool.
Holiday dress? Not in my opinion. But for the jet-setting crowd this would be perfect for the beach or a European excursion (somewhere warm in Europe that is). I plan to wait for this to go on sale…by which time it may be warm enough again to wear it.
The last dress I tried on was Floreat’s Manisa Dress ($178). Loved, loved, loved it. My true size 6 was perfect. The embroidery on the bodice is amazing and continues onto the back. I like the little tie-front neckline. It even has pockets! The dress hit right at my knees, perfect length for my 5’8″ frame. Even the cap sleeves didn’t bother me. I think this dress is exceptionally lovely and it went straight to the top of my wishlist. I’ll have to figure out how to winterize it since it’s made of gauze (seriously Anthropologie, gauze? For December???) but I think it’s worth it.
Great reviews, Roxy! And I agree 100%- the Remembering Violets dress isn't for everyone, but I'm strangely drawn to it anyway. I told Husband it was my Thanksgiving Day dress- I could eat as much as my little belly wanted and no one would EVER. KNOW. HA.My own review on it is coming up later today, woohoo. *does a dance*I also LOVE that Skyfall frock on you- I hadn't paid attention to it before now, and holy moly- I think that's one I'm going to have to check out, too.
Agreed, I went the elastic waist route on Turkey Day! Can't wait to see your review Chloe although your blog has been deadly for my wallet lately. You're always looking so great in everything and making me want the outfit, dammit!
Nice reviews Roxy 🙂 I was in love with the Skyfall Dress already (though whyyyy in Winter, I am so not a Riviera jetsetter, this is upsetting my buying allowances) and your review isn't helping any. Can't wait for my store to get this in!The embellishments on the Remembering Violets dress are so pretty and it looks great on you. I'm still not sure it will do great things for my figure, but I will now at least give it a try after seeing it on you! And the Manisa dress is lovely, though I am dubious about the price point.
Thanks for the reviews Roxy!All 3 dresses look beautiful on you but I think the Manisa dress wins hands down – it looks perfect on you! I can't wait to see that dress in stores to try it on.Hope you had a great turkey weekend!
Manisa dress is my favorite. I think the label is Floreat, right? Floreat makes some of the prettiest dresses.
lovely reviews- the manisa dress is great, makes me want to go try it on myself, I totally just bypassed it in store.
Hi! I purchased that Floreat dress today and LOVE it! Do you know anything about the designer?? I've been trying to look up info about Floreat but so far no luck.Thanks for your beautiful blog!