The Graphical Dress ($128) is a little slice of heaven in dress form. I had a hard time deciding whether to try on the “red” (actually orange) or the blue version. Truth is I want them both! The colors are bold but since the dress is solid the strikingness is toned down.
I ended up trying on the orange which has a teal waistband. I grabbed my usual size 6 and it worked. This dress has a ton of things I love: great length; comfortable material; understated details like the pleated neckline; adjustable spaghetti straps…I could go on.
There is one knock though. In the back there is a tie sash right where the back of my bra normally sits. I guess Edme & Esyllte couldn’t resist that one little detail but what a pain. It’s not nearly as long as the product shot makes you think either. My bra strap was clearly visible. Sigh and grumble. Wishlisted.
I reviewed the navy blue version of the June, July, August Dress ($148) on Tuesday and here is its purple cousin. Luckily unlike the feather-adorned version this one didn’t reek of dye. In-store I had no idea the two were even the same dress. This jersey frock feels light and easy and I love that it’s Made in the USA.
In this version I tried the medium and like the previous version I would go down to a small to buy. I love the pattern of this dress but I am not impressed with how it sits above the waistline. Who wants a pattern trailing out diagonally? It makes your shoulders look broad. The dress also broadcasted my cleavage more than I’d like. A cami would be necessary if I were buying but I think I’m going to pass on this one. Lovely but not for me. Back to the rack.
Tabitha has a lock on dresses with a cargo-pocket bottom and hammered silk top. This latest incarnation is sleeveless unlike the Zoya Dress ($158, review here) or Night Blooming Dress. It’s called the Doubly Dapper Dress ($148). I guess we can infer the sleeves cost $10 to set?
My issue with this one is the same as with the previous versions. The top seems cut for smaller chests and as a result this looks like some demented empire on me. I think it’s more a result of the material mixes than anything. I tried sizing up to an 8 for these shots to see if it helped but alas it did not. Given the quality issues of the Night Blooming Dress (rips at the zipper, tops pulling away from skirts) I was apprehensive to begin with and the fit did nothing to assuage that. I adore the colors of this dress but I have to pass. Back to the rack.
I was intrigued by the asymmetry of Moulinette Soeurs’ Know the Ropes Dress ($148). These days I’m rocking a size 8 in this brand so I grabbed one and headed downstairs to the fitting room.
I love that this dress (and many others this year) is knee-length. Yay! A nice contrast to mini, minier and uhh, does that even cover my tush skirts of 2010. Unfortunately the dress’s distinctive feature is also it’s downfall to me. I think if the diagonal swath of fabric was solid white or black it would look better. The plaid just looks like a manufacturing error to me and I know that’s not the intent. I love the different straps and overall the fit is great on this dress. Just can’t get past the incongruous part. Back to the rack.
Hi everyone; I just got an email from Anthro with a June catalog preview. Just wondering how many people this went out to.
Anon – it went out to everyone on the anthro mailing list.
Free shipping now through 9/6! with anthro card linkup 😉
I feel you on the Graphical dress. I think it's gorgeous, especially in the orange, but the second I saw the back on the product page… ugh, that tie detail is a total deal breaker. Dammit.
The Graphical Dress looks great on you, Roxy! Yay for longer length dresses (it's about time). I hope you went back and purchased the Hinterland Dress! 🙂
Roxy, you look like a knockout in the Graphical dress! I agree with you about the sash-tie in the back, not a good place for it.Regarding the June catalog preview email, I did not receive one about it! I've been on their email list for 4-5 years and there are still certain emails that I do not receive – weird. But, I know I'm not the only one!
The graphical dress looks awesome on you!! You definitely need it. Lovely!
The Graphical Dress looks perfect on you!
I love the orange version on you for the graphical dress! I'm way too pale for it so I ended up ordering the blue, but I may exchange it because the one I received is stitched oddly at one part of the waistband. We're usually exactly the same when it comes to sizing but I had to size up to an 8 in the graphical dress, the band was so tight on my ribcage! Also- did you notice that there's now a green version of the Chantico tank? So pretty! I haven't seen it in my local store yet but I may have to put the free shipping to good use and order one.
Roxy, the Graphical Dress is a knockout on you! Your waist looks so tiny! Ditto for the Doubly Dapper Dress.
Hi Roxy! I love the first dress on you. You have such a great figure! How about trying THIS dress from banana republic? haha.. weak joke… anyway, i have a question, did you find the tabitha dress a good length for work? I'm about your height and that dress looks so pretty… Thanks Roxy!Kathleen
Love the Graphical Dress on you! I bought the orange, and agree w/you about the little back sash, but I'm determined to make it work. I wore it with a strapless bra, and had the boy tie it just so that it covers it up – it is possible, you just have to work with it!I think you should get it – it looks too good to pass up!
Roxy, I totally agree about the Graphical Dress. It looks gorgeous and I don't think it needed the extra tie detail in the back. That said the dress looks fabulous on you!
I LOVE the graphical dress on you–too cute!Has anyone tried the Grand Island dress? I have to shop online and it looks cute but there are no reviews–any feedback??
Meg – I know! On the one hand, yay to Anthro for adding cute details. On the other hand, boo to putting them exactly where my bra goes.Loraine – LOL I didn't! I love, love, love the dress but I have to stick to my budget and I just don't know where I'd wear the Hinterland to. I need to work on an invite to a fabulous party. :)Athena – Lame! I am going to throw a post about it on the blog tonight, but in the meantime here it is. Amy & Emily – thank you! My sister ended up buying the orange one for our upcoming Mexico trip, so I think I may have to get the blue. ;)Susan – yes! I must have the green Chantico Tank. It is a number 1 on my wishlist at the moment.JennaLynn – thank you. :)Kathleen – I think it's right on the edge of being OK for work. Just barely passes the fingertip test for me (I'm 5'8" btw).Kim – I want it! But I think I may end up with the blue.Yvonne – thanks! Hopefully Anthro hears our cries and comes out with a more bra-appropriate version.Anon @ 3:59 – I would love to see a review of the Grand Island Dress too. Soon, hopefully.
I love the Graphical Dress on you, you look great, with free shipping now I may give it a try. I feel the same way about the Hinterland dress, I love it but I'm hesitant to get it because I'm not sure where I would where it, I have plenty of pretty dresses in my closet unworn to choose from 🙁
Does everyone feel the graphical dress runs small in the ribcage?I was planning to place an order for the 8, really thought I should size it to a 6 (my normal size), but wanted to know what toxy and others thought re/ ribacage area and TTS? Thanks – Heidi –
sorry, – meant to say roxy, not toxy! Apologies for the typo.
the orange dress is so pretty but 🙁 at the low back. when i was 20 i would wear a lacy bra and say so what if it shows but now that i'm older… 🙁
The Graphical Dress looks great on you Roxy! I just want to introduce myself and say Hi to everyone, I have been visiting your blog for months but as of today am officially following your blog, it's so helpful for me to see anthro's clothing on real people and to read reviews, as there are no anthro stores in Hawaii!
Hi Rebecca!! 🙂
Stephanie – me too. In fact the other day my closet rack actually collapsed. I had a date at my apartment at the time and he joked I should really pare back. Little did he know!hs – it is tight around the ribcage. I was fine in the 6 but my sister ended up sizing up one size from her normal 4 for more breathing room.Anon @ 6:42 – I understand. It's an odd choice for an accent to me.*waves to Rebecca E.* Thank you for becoming a follower!
Thanks for the help, Roxy – I am a new follower too ( you and I corresponded via e-mail), and I love your blog! – Heidi –