Quick hits: Dress after fabulous dress


Anthropologie has released a ton of beautiful dresses recently. This post attempts to review a small herd of them! Kicking things off is Marimekko. Anthropologie, thank you so much for carrying this brand I’ve literally been swathed in since I was born. My parents discovered the brand in Finland and then France and I’ve been addicted to their vibrant, bold prints ever since. If you’re ever in NYC there’s a Marimekko concept store in my old ‘hood.


This beautiful maxi dress from Marimekko is called the Rustling Treetops Dress ($188). I am not normally a fan of these long dresses but my goodness this one rocks! By some coincidence I was wearing nail polish that matched the vibrant green perfectly. I know the dress looks like it’s flaring out but that’s only because it needs a steaming to get the pleats to sit correctly. This halter dress is easy, breezy and beautiful. I sized up 1 size to an 8 since this brand tends to run small.


Tracy Reese’s Pictureshow Dress ($298) was one of the stars of the February catalog. While I love the look I have no clue where I’d wear this so I tried it on just for the blog. The zipper on the back of this one stuck something crazy and the cups weren’t really big enough to accommodate me. As with all Tracy Reese dresses the craftsmanship is top notch. A beautiful dress but not meant for me. I sized up to an 8.


Another Tracy Reese dress here — this one is the Sky Grown Dress ($228). The cut of this one is fantastic for curves. The fit on the model is quite different. There are snaps up the side of the dress but it actually closes via side zip. It’s made of slippery silk that felt more like rayon. Though I tried on an 8 I’d like to give a 10 a shot as well, mostly for how tight it was around my thighs. My legs are pretty thick though so most people probably won’t have this issue.


Lil’s Caballo Falls Dress ($168) looks like it went through a couple of changes before making it to stores. Specifically I noticed the strap got thicker, which I approve of as the spaghetti straps would not have worked for me. I do like the version of the print on the product shot however. I sized up to an 8 for the larger cups (I am a 34D). This dress is really pretty though I’m not sure how I feel about it for me.


I was really looking forward to Girls From Savoy’s Monukka Dress ($168). Unfortunately I was very disappointed by it. I grabbed my true size 6 and it was ridiculous. Tons of extra fabric and I would liken wearing this dress to being in a trash bag with the twist tie used as a belt. Maybe sizing down to a 4 would help but something is definitely off about this dress. Not flatting at all.


This dress from Deletta isn’t on the website yet but I couldn’t wait to share it. It’s $138. I love the appliqued bouquet on this easygoing stunner. The price is a bit high in my opinion but I just adore the look. I sized down to a small for the best fit. Slim and petite gals are going to find themselves sized out of this one. The cut is just right for a curvy frame and I can’t say enough good things about this one. Moved to the top of my wishlist for sure.


Maeve, you have redeemed yourself in my eyes. Whatever crazy fit issues the line had over the winter seem to be resolved now. The State Fair Dress ($138) is the latest perfect frock Maeve has unveiled. My true size 6 was a perfect fit with the accented waist hitting at just the right spot. Do not trust the color in these photos — the product shot is more accurate to real life. This dress would be perfect for work or weekend. Love it! Wishlisted.


I had a request to review the Slate Stripes Shift ($128) so here it is! This is another Maeve piece though the fit is…tentlike. It’s the pattern! It looks like a circus tent or an awning or something like that. The size pickings were slim so I grabbed a 4. It was too tight around my thighs but fit fine up top. My true size 6 would work perfectly. This dress would look best with a cardigan or top over it. By itself the shape isn’t working for me.

40 Comments

  1. February 25, 2010 / 10:35 pm

    Roxy, the Deletta dress is awesome. Hopefully I won't be sized out of it (usually a 2/4.

  2. February 25, 2010 / 10:44 pm

    The State Fair Dress is to die for on you! So pretty! I like the fabric of the Picture Show Dress, not sure about the concept. The top doesn't seem too flattering. I wonder if it will be as deeply cut as the Emerald Cut Dress was. Do you feel it was too short? I love the how the light gleams on it.

  3. February 25, 2010 / 10:44 pm

    You look so lovely in the Marimeko (sp?) dress!!!

  4. February 25, 2010 / 10:46 pm

    What a nice surprise to see all these reviews! I didn't know all of these dresses were in stores yet. I need to get to my store ASAP so I can try them on. I really like the State Fair Dress on you. I'm hoping it works for me too!

  5. February 25, 2010 / 10:50 pm

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  6. February 25, 2010 / 10:51 pm

    What necklace are you wearing in these photos and is it still available? I love it, I think I need it. Please share!

  7. February 25, 2010 / 10:52 pm

    Thank you sooo much for the dress reviews! The Pictureshow Dress and the Monukka Dress have been at the top of my wishlist for the past month. After seeing your reviews, I think I'll pass on the Monukka Dress and keep my fingers crossed that the Pictureshow Dress goes on sale.I also really appreciate seeing the Slate Stripes Dress on you. I had a feeling that it wouldn't work with my curves… I love the Rustling Treetops Dress and the State Fair Dress on you! I wasn't really considering the Rustling Treetops, but now I think it might have to go on my wishlist.

  8. February 25, 2010 / 10:53 pm

    Thanks for all the great dress reviews, Roxy! These were great, and definitely hit a few that I've been repeatedly oogling online (that Marimekko is a fortune, but to die for!). Can you remember what color the trim is on the State Fair Dress? Sometimes I think it's navy, other times it looks black…btw, you need to get that one, it's super flattering on you!

  9. February 25, 2010 / 10:54 pm

    The State Fair dress looks great on you. I have this on my wish list.

  10. Stephanie
    February 25, 2010 / 10:56 pm

    The Sky Grown Dress looked a bit boring to me online but now that I saw it on you I really like it. I'm soooo glad they changed the straps on the Caballo Falls Dress because I was just complaining about that while browsing online, I definitely don't like spaghetti stripes, the dress looks super good on you too. So does the State Fair dress.

  11. February 25, 2010 / 11:06 pm

    Can anyone tell me how Seychelles shoes run? Are they TTS?

  12. February 25, 2010 / 11:08 pm

    Sara, I am a devout Seychelles footwear fan and IMO, they are true to size. I wear 6.5 and I've never had to go larger or smaller!

  13. February 25, 2010 / 11:20 pm

    I just fell in love with the caballo dress! The state fair dress looks great on you too!

  14. February 25, 2010 / 11:39 pm

    I love the Sky Grown Dress on you! I was eyeing it online but my local store didn't have it in stock tonight. Now I'll definitely have to try it on!

  15. February 25, 2010 / 11:40 pm

    Hi roxyi like the falls caballo dress on you, also love the state fair dress, cant wait to see it IRL. Thanks for the reviews

  16. February 25, 2010 / 11:42 pm

    Sky Grown Dress looks fabulous on you. Picture Show Dress is pretty, but I wouldn't have anywhere to wear it. Looks like it might be short on us taller girls. Slate stripes dress was on my wish list. Hmmm is now what I am thinking….

  17. February 25, 2010 / 11:45 pm

    The Pictureshow Dress is truly stunning. Based on these photos, it really surpassed my expectations. It is definitely a piece I would consider on sale or if I had a special event coming up. My only concern is the color. You seem to have a complexion that more closely resembles mine than the lovely Kim, Tien, and Anjali. How did you feel about the color??Thanks so much for reviewing this one!

  18. February 25, 2010 / 11:48 pm

    Also, I REALLY like that Deletta dress on you! The cut was definitely made for you :).

  19. February 25, 2010 / 11:55 pm

    GinaBean – I hope you're not sized out either! I am apprehensive though, I'm many things but small is not one of them.Tien – thanks much m'dear. I didn't think the Pictureshow Dress was too short, just the cups weren't right for me. The necklace is from J.Crew last fall, I can't remember the name. Crystal glass something. It's got round beads and I have it double-strung. I'll see if I can find it in a bit.Thanks Krameymartin! By the way, I love love love your OOTD with the Scalloped Dots Skirt! Your photos are great too.Thanks sara22185. I think that one is my fave (besides the Marimekko dress anyway). I find Seychelles TTS by the way. Lola – give the Rustling Treetops dress a shot. I think you'll love it.Suzanne – I'm going to say navy. Tough to tell in most lights though. Thanks for the compliment. :)Thank you Yvonne!Stephanie – same thoughts as I had for the Sky Grown Dress. I don't think the model shot quite does it justice.Ady – agreed on both counts. Is that the Bougainvillea cardi in your photo? You look lovely!Do it Kathleen. I think you'll love it. :DHi ali! Thanks for the sweet words. Dresses, ah they make a girl look good.Bronzi – I hear you about the Pictureshow dress. I think it would be great for a birthday party or big event. I have neither coming up though.Lauren – I thought the color was very nice, a darker peach than my (our) skintone so it worked well on me. Did not make me feel too pale.

  20. February 25, 2010 / 11:56 pm

    Eee! How cute is the Deletta dress? I love it! I'm turning into a demented Deletta dame.I think the Caballo Falls dress deserves a reconsideration: your waist looks miniature and it makes you look like Niagara Falls Barbie!

  21. February 26, 2010 / 12:39 am

    Ooh, a whole lot of great reviews to satiate my desire to go to Anthro right now and buy everything. That particular Marimekko Rustling Treetops dress isn't doing it for me though—I wish the one you had tried had both black and green on the top like the model's did, because all the uninterrupted green gives too much sense of an uninterrupted bustline, at least in the 2-d world of pictures :). The Skygrown dress and the Caballo Falls dress look smokin' on you. I am also pleased to see thicker straps!

  22. February 26, 2010 / 12:54 am

    I want that Marimekko dress! The print is gorgeous!! Mmm. your review has me weather for summer dress weather!

  23. February 26, 2010 / 1:24 am

    I love the Deletta and the State Fair Dress! Thanks for sharing these finds Roxy!

  24. Lauren
    February 26, 2010 / 1:35 am

    thanks for the review of the slate stripes dress!!I think it looks cute on you but you're right it needs a cardigan and/or belt or something 🙂 ….

  25. February 26, 2010 / 2:09 am

    Another vote for you in Caballo Falls – I think it's fantastic on you! Love the Deletta on you as well – the accent at the waist is so super cute!

  26. February 26, 2010 / 2:53 am

    I definitely think the Caballo Falls Dress and State Fair dresses look amazing on you! I think I love the idea of the Picture Show Dress more than the real thing. I'm still on the fence.I always appreciate your reviews!

  27. February 26, 2010 / 3:06 am

    The Caballo Falls dress is very pretty on you! I saw this dress in my store earlier this evening. The colors IRL are gorgeous.By the way, everyone – SNAKEBITE BELT BROWN – ALL SIZES. Nashville(615) 279-9109

  28. February 26, 2010 / 3:13 am

    Also, how could I forget, I saw 1 Pessinus Garden Necklace.Nashville(615) 279-9109

  29. February 26, 2010 / 4:44 am

    God, I'm SO beyond thrilled to see the Pictureshow dress on a real, live person! I the dress looks expensive and the fabric wonderful, but something about the execution is off. Thanks for the review roxy – I think you saved me $300 and reaffirmed that the Drifting by Dress will make a better bday dress for me :-)I LOVE the Callabo Falls Dress on you – it's so flattering and gorgeous on you!

  30. February 26, 2010 / 5:10 am

    I am dying for the Rustling Treetops dress. It looks great on you!

  31. February 26, 2010 / 10:59 am

    Very pretty, love the state fair number, well done!

  32. February 26, 2010 / 12:02 pm

    The Sky Grown dress, Roxy! It's like it was made for you. GET IT GET IT GET IT GET IT GET IT.GET IT!

  33. February 26, 2010 / 9:15 pm

    I think the Caballo Falls Dress looks beautiful on you!

  34. February 27, 2010 / 11:45 am

    The Sky Grown dress was made for you. I have a hard time with Anthro sizing, too– usually a 4/6/8 there, depending on the designer, but a 4/6/8 with curves is… mehhhh in some of the dresses designed for women with no hips or breasts. Going to have to try that one! Wedding season is quickly approaching. Thanks!

  35. Sarah C
    February 28, 2010 / 2:51 am

    Hi Roxy,Thanks for these reviews! I love the State Fair Dress on you. One question–the website says it has a polyester lining–ick! (I live in a HOT climate.) Did you notice this and/or perceive it as a problem? I'm having a hard time thinking about polyester next to my skin in July. :(Thanks!

  36. February 28, 2010 / 1:42 pm

    Sarah C – I understand, I'm no polyester fan either. Honestly though I can't remember the dress being lined at all…so if it's there it can't be too bad. I will double-check next time I'm in the store. If there was a lining and if it had felt suffocating I would have noticed right away.

  37. Sarah C
    February 28, 2010 / 6:47 pm

    Thanks, Roxy! I appreciate it.

  38. March 22, 2010 / 11:42 pm

    Stephanie — thanks so much for letting me know. 🙂 Especially for the stackable codes! I am trying to figure out what to get…there's about a billion things I want.

  39. Stephanie
    March 23, 2010 / 12:03 am

    You're welcome!!. Yeah I know what you mean, it's soooo hard to decide. So many things I want too. I narrowed my cart down to Nanette Lepore 😀 Nanette Lepore Poison FloralNanette Lepore Every Breath. I really need a polka dot dress.


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