It’s apparently dress review day across the Anthro Blogging Collective and I’m happy to join in with my takes. This past weekend I tried on a bunch of different options. I must say it went quite well.
I started with Floreat’s Sunrise & Midnight Dress ($188). One of my least favorite games at Anthropologie right now is guessing what size I need in an item. Luckily Floreat has stayed pretty consistent so I went with my usual size 8 for the brand. The model shot above cracks me up. Looks like a promo shot for The Vampire Diaries or something.
This dress is built on a base of hot pink with dark grey lace over it. It sounds hideous but in real life it’s trendy and stylish. The dress comes with removable (aka useless) straps. But it also sits pretty nicely on its own. I would need a bra for sure but smaller chests should be good to go. There is no built-in bra though. I found the 8 comfortable. If I had the right party to wear this dress to I’d be all over it. Alas, $188 is a bit much to pay for something to sit in my closet. Wishlisted and hoping for the right party invite.
It was love at first sight with Tracy Reese’s incredible Tiered Fronds Dress ($198). It’s long and beautiful and wow. The cut of the neckline alone is amazing. It is both alluring and demure at the same time with good support. I love the wide hem. The sash is also perfect for making a big bow.
I guessed that I would need an 8 as Anthro’s dresses have been running smaller (mostly) for me this spring but I was wrong. I should have stuck with my usual size 6. Even though the dress was a bit big on me I could tell it’s a winner. Everything about this dress is wonderful. Wishlisted.
I can’t say what drove me to try on the Sweet Shoppe Dress ($158) but I’m glad I did. It’s not really me — it’s a bit too twee for my style. I love the idea of it however as it’s flirty, feminine and fun. I think if I were 18 I would die over this confection. (Which is not to say that fashionistas older than 18 can’t wear it. Just not this fashionista.)
The 8 was a bit loose around my chest but I don’t think I’d size down to buy. I could see wearing this with a cute white cardigan over it, maybe the Whirl & Wind Cardigan ($88) or the Roaming Frills Cardigan ($88) in white/ivory? This one just might end up in my closet yet. Wishlisted.
As I’ve mentioned previously I am a huge fan of We Love Vera’s bold prints. The High Seas Dress ($138) is no exception. The brand’s shift dresses have been very tight on me so I grabbed a medium. Interestingly it was too big on me. I’d want a small to take home.
The issue I have with this dress is that it’s so bold that I’d probably only be able to wear it once or twice a summer. Or more if I were around different crowds of people. It’s right on-trend for this year but that concerns me for the long-term use of this dress. I have wishlisted it but am definitely waiting until sale for further consideration.
The Perilla Dress ($128) has been getting a lot of love in the community and it’s no surprise why. Little yellow button put their own spin on nautical with the floral rosettes along the waistline and two neutral colors. I was in love before I even put this one on.
I finally guessed right on sizing with the small. The dress is too low-cut in the front for me to go cami-less but otherwise I have zero complaints. Well, actually I do have one other complaint: $128 is really expensive for what this dress is. Yet even with the rayon-spandex blend I couldn’t help myself. I bought this one on-sight. What can I say? I am weak.
Another dress with lots of fans is Zehavale’s Chocolate Chip Dress ($128). And again it was clear to see why. The “chips” are small rectangles that give this dress an early 20th century, almost decolike quality. The ribbon straps were a cause for concern but once I had the dress on it was fine. I adore the ruffle trim and the square cut of the bodice.
I tried an 8…and it was too big. Guess I am still a 6 after all! Anthro, you are confusing me. The sash is sizable. So much so that it might be a bit distracting under a cardigan. I do think this dress is a 2-person effort though as it has button snaps in the back. I like it a lot. Wishlisted!
I have been waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting for the Ipanema Dress ($118) from Edme & Esyllte to show up in stores. Patiently though. Would it be lime in real life? (Yes.) Would it be shapeless in real life? (Yes.) Would I want to buy it? (Yes.)
I grabbed a medium which was too big. I will buy this in a small. The product photo and these photographs are NOT true to color. It is definitely lime in real life, much more green than yellow. It just photographs oddly. You will want to belt this one for sure. What I like is that it’s light and airy feeling in a great bold summer color. The details, like the neckline, are subtle. This dress is not overdone. Wishlisted!
We have very similar taste in dresses! I LOVE the Perilla Dress on you – SO glad you bought it. It's so flattering on you!I also really like the Ipanema Dress and Chocolate Chip dress on you – did you think the material was scratchy too?
I tried the Perilla Dress last weekend and I loooovvvee it, I almost bought it on sight too but I resisted. I also lovve the Tiered Fronds Dress on you, I'm glad it worked for you because it is high on my list. I like the sandals you are wearing in the pictures, where are they from?
Perilla dress = fab! You're rocking it!
Wow Roxy, I'm so glad you bought the Perilla dress! It looks amazing on you!!
My favorites are the Sunrise and Midnight Dress and the Perilla Dress. Both look great on you!
You're really making me want that Perilla dress! It truly is gorgeous on you, Roxy!
I really like the Perilla dress and Sunrise and Midnight dress on you. The Perilla dress seems to be universally flattering…all the reviewers have looked great in it. I am adding this to my wishlist!!!
That Perilla Dress is by far the best dress on you, it's just fantastic and it's worth every dollar!The Ipanema dress is out in a cream version over here, though I'm not sure the lime is, it's really nice but yeah: a belt is key.
Thanks Kim. 🙂 I didn't find the material scratchy but I am pretty resistant to that kind of thing.Stephanie – I am head-over-heels for the Tiered Fronds Dress. If I hadn't just bought the Perilla at the Anthro before I would have taken it home with me. The sandals are Steve Madden gladiators from last summer. I can't remember the style name right now but I'll see if I can find it later…klinn – thank you!! :)Alanna – thanks! Alright, I feel good about buying it. :DThanks Sara! I am strongly considering the Sunshine & Midnight Dress. Come on, party invite. aimee – aw, thank you. 🙂 I can tell it is going to be a summer standard.
Yvonne I agree, I have liked the Perilla on everyone I've seen it on. I'm eager to see how everyone styles it too. I have an idea for myself…British Anthropologiest – thank you m'dear! Good to see you alive and back. 🙂 Ipanema in cream. In the words of Chloe, *grabby hands*!!
Great reviews! I ADORE the Perilla Dress on you. Very smart buy cause it is fantastic on your already dynamite figure!
Wow, the Perilla dress looks gorgeous on you! It looks like it's made for your body. I had the same experience with the Sweet Shoppe Dress. I would have bought it in a heartbeat when I was 18, but I'm not sure whether I can pull it off now. I'm also giving serious thought to the Ipanema Dress. I tried it on in a small, which looked nice from the front, but from the side I felt like I was wearing a muumuu. Maybe next paycheck, I'll grab Ipanema and a matching belt… I agree with Kim that if you purchase another one of these dresses, you should go for Ipanema and/or Chocolate Chip. They both look lovely on you! For what it's worth, I wore the Chocolate Chip Dress on Tuesday and it didn't feel scratchy to me. It was actually quite comfy 🙂
Roxy – If you are trying to wait for the High Seas Dress to go on sale in order to snatch it up, I wanted to let you know I got mine off eBay for $46 from a seller who sells overstocked items by brands of Anthro. I also snagged the Polka Peppered Dress for $43 and the Blooming Lattice for $46. The seller's name is shoplilywang. Her store is amazing 🙂
I just have to totally agree with everyone that the Perilla dress looks fabulous on you! That was a great buy!
You look fabulous in the Perilla Dress!
I really love the Perilla dress on you. It's so slimming and I'm starting to think I may need it in my own wardrobe! I also think that the Sweet Shoppe dress is fabulous on you, but then I've always been a huge fan of the dress! I know it looks a bit younger, but with the right accessories (belt, chunky necklace), some great shoes, and a little cardigan it would be a perfect summer dress. I can't resist it.
Okay, I tried the Perilla dress and I liked it but holy moly Roxy, that dress was made for you. I CANNOT buy it now seeing how it is "supposed" to look! You totally rocked it. Totally! So glad you brought it home.Side note, I can't remember who was asking, but the Winding Roads tank is now online with both a navy version and lovely yellow!
the Perilla dress looks great on you!!! I really want the Chocolate Chip dress after seeing it on you and Kim, I am a sucker for that style of dress, very easy for me to style quickly and get out the door
You're rockin' the Perilla and Sunrise/Midnight dresses! Very cute. I tried on the S/M dress and loved it, but I agree, the price tag was the deal breaker for me…-Amanda(The Pretty Pauper)Feel free to follow my blog 🙂 http://www.prettypauperstyle.blogspot.com
Tiered fronds is killing me! I just posted my reviews, and I think Ipanema looks much better on you and Kim, it needs more bust than I can offer it. 🙂 Kate Reviews link – http://vurbanity.com/2010/05/anthropologie-store-…
You look gorgeous in the Perilla Dress. I don't think you'll regret getting that one, although I do agree it's over-priced (I think it should be more in the $98 range considering the fabric). That said, I want it, lol. So I've made a little deal with myself. I can get that at full price if I am VERY restrained on Tuesday. We'll see how it goes. 🙂
OH MY ROXY!!!!! You look FOXY in that Perilla Dress dress!!!!! wow! look at that shape! so flattering!!!!wow! you'll kill em' in that. dangerous.
Roxy- what are those sandals?!? I love them!
i absolutely adore that Perilla Dress!!!