I made major grabby hands upon spying the Sun Dot Dress ($148) by Floreat in the January catalogue. It has just the right amount of fun and sun in it. I knew it would be a challenge to work on me.
Still, I couldn’t help but be disappointed when it didn’t work. I basically had every problem the online reviews allude to. I sized up from a 6 to an 8 hoping the cups would hold my 34Ds. And they did so that was a small win. But for whatever reason the dress had major bunching issues around both my tummy and my backside to a ridiculous degree. So much extra fabric. Sizing back down to my true size 6 would most likely mean incomplete chest coverage. Sadly I had to give this one up. It’s depressing that Anthro made this super cute dress that’s going to work on such a small subset of bodies. It’s possible that this could be fixed with a strategically placed belt. On sale I’d take the chance but at full price this is a definite pass.
I had better luck with Tracy Reese’s Speckled Ink Dress ($158). This jersey number is rayon and spandex and I would have preferred cotton jersey for a slightly stiffer fit. But it’s a quibble. I tried on my true size medium which fit well. It stretched across my chest somewhat although there was no way I was going to wear the cross strap the way the model does (below the chest).
This dress did a great job of showing off my tiny waist but unfortunately I felt as though it made me look even more busty than I am. I do like this dress but I’m not quite head over heels in love with it. I’ve wishlisted it for now waiting NOT SO PATIENTLY for the Snow-Covered Fields Dress ($148) to arrive in stores.
I looove the Sun Dot Dress but I am sure that it would make my hips look tragically huge. I am also waiting not-so-patiently for the Snow Covered Fields dress to arrive from my online order. I really hope it works!
Hi Roxy,Thanks for reviewing the Sun Dots Dress! I'm really sad that it wasn't amazing on you. It makes me think that I probably shouldn't bother with it, either. Fortunately, it won't be Sun Dot Dress-wearing weather in New Hampshire for another 5-6 months, so I have plenty of time to fall in love with other dresses :)Lola
Taryn I'd love to know how the dress works out for you. I may have to order it as well.Lola I was so bummed. You're right about the weather. I am in love with so many of Anthro's pretty dresses! I find when I'm in the store it's very hard not to buy something but once I walk away I'm better able to control myself.
What a bummer the sun dot dress didn't work out. It was one of my top choices I wanted to try on. Still waiting to see it in store to give it a go, just in case.
Blerg….I'm the one that originally requested a review of the sun dot dress and your review pretty much solidified that the dress isn't going to work for me (these hips don't lie.) Dang, that was going to be my go-to dress for the upcoming wedding season (I have 4 outdoor weddings coming up this Spring). Booooooo, Anthropologie – can we start designing dresses for the "real" woman again?!?
I love the Tracy Reese on you!
I really like the Speckled Ink dress on you!
Hi Roxythat is too bad about the sun drop dress it looked so cute in the catalog.
I was thinking if you really love the Sun Dot, just buy it in the larger size and get it taken in so the fabric isn't so bulky for you. My tailor is my best friend these days… I also thought the Speckled Ink looked fab on you and I don't think it looks too busty. If anything it looks graceful like a mod Grecian…
Your NYC stores definitely have more new arrivals than the ones near DC. I ordered the Snow Covered Fields dress and it is really nice. I have a small bust and not curvy at all body, so it's hard to say how the fit would translate to other figures – but since there are gathers at the bustline (which is loose on me) it may be fine for fuller boobed girls! One downside, and it is the only one, is the narrow "thigh area" due to the very straight cut of the skirt. It's confining for movement, yet not tight across hips necessarily. All else is great and so classic/feminine!
Bummer about the Sun Dot dress Roxy, but I think the Speckled Ink dress looks fantastic on you! Your waist looks teeny tiny and I don't think you look too busty at all. I'm coveting your hourglass figure. On a side Anthro note, has anyone noticed that many of their older wishlisted items have been rapidly selling out? I had things that have been on my wishlist for months that just disappeared within the past 2 days. Does Anthro ever do their own "house cleaning" of merchandise on the website? I'm kicking myself for not buying them. So foolish. Oh well. Not buying them probably saved me a verbal lashing from the Mister. Anthro already gets me into enough trouble by shipping things in so many boxes. Anytime UPS comes to the door with 3 Anthro packages I get serious eyes from the Mister.
JenLynn – I agree you should still try it on. Hopefully it works better for you than it did for me!Lauren H – I was thinking much the same thoughts as I tried it on. And wondering if a tailor could salvage it somehow.Thank you coolhntr and Lady Cardigan! I loves me some Tracy Reese.ali thank you for commiserating with me. Zengirl I like the idea of using a tailor. The 8 was already too big so I'd be swimming in a 10. I might flip a 6 inside out to see how much stitching is there. My true size would be closest to working I think.Jennifer oh no, you said the words of doom: narrow in the thighs. Thanks for the review though, good to know what I'm in for. :)the darling house – I have actually noticed the opposite — really old items popping back up recently. Not that I'm complaining! I have noticed a few of my recent wishlist adds selling out though (recent as in last month or so). Anyone else notice either anomaly?
Love both dresses on you! Sun Dot doesn't lok tlike there is too much fabric, though–rather not enough. Dresses bunch up like that on me if they're too tight on the hips and aren't hanging correctly. You can see from the side shot that that's what's happening here. And from the front shot it's pulling a bit at your lower hip. Other than that it's incredibly flattering! And the Tracy Reese dress is just perfect on you! You shape looks awesome in it.
Hmm, OK Anon, I'll try a 10 when I go back to 5th Ave tomorrow to see how it works out.