This is Anthropologie’s high time for dresses. Each year between July and September they release at least 500 dresses that I must have, causing my wallet to sweat and creditors to cackle with glee as the interest charges stack up. Can I admit that this year the tops have me much more enthralled? Lots of longer shapes to experiment with. This time around I threw a couple of dresses into the reviews mix.
I don’t know if this dress will be called the Traced Twirls Dress ($158, guest review here) like its predecessor, but it’s from the same brand (Girls From Savoy) and has the same cut. This dress is style #18652107. It trades in black with white twirls for aqua with tiny polka dots, as seen here. I tried on my usual size 6. It was a good fit everywhere except the bust, which was pulling at the seams a bit. The halter strap was the perfect length for me though I wish it was adjustable. There is a back zip on this dress — a rarity at Anthro these days.
I liked this dress but I didn’t love it. My main quibble is that the waist is too short. The skirt starts about an inch above where I want it to. I think this makes me look wider. I love how tiny my waist looks but I feel it’s out of proportion with my chest. It’s hard to tailor a dress correctly for curves. It’s hard to make the waist the right length for us tall folk. This dress is close but no cigar. The material is lovely and I’d love either a skirt or a top in the same stuff. Wishlisted, but I’ll probably pass.
The Oratory Dress ($98) was hiding on a rack at Chelsea Market. I adore the front of this dress; it reminds me of a music staff. Of course I had to try it on!
Maeve has done right by me this year and this dress was no exception. I started with the medium but found the straps were far too big. So down to a small it was and I was much happier for it. I realize the dress looks a little bland in these photos but I was thrilled. I have been looking for a dress to wear with my Elodie Lily Cardigan forever, and this dress totally fits the bill! On that alone it was a win. Factor in the sub-$100 price tag and the multi-season use and this dress was a total winner. It even has pockets! It’s found a home in my closet. And if you are looking for a great styling idea for this dress, check out Ashley’s fabulous look.
Though technically a top Weston Wear’s Country Quarters Tank ($78) is almost long enough to be a dress on its own. This tunic has an interesting hemline but it was the pretty pattern that drew my eye in-store. It’s made of rayon which is a minus, but it’s made in the USA and that’s a BIG plus.
This top was flowy enough that a small worked fine for me — I’m normally a medium in Weston Wear. I like the 3-tier looped neckline. It’s not quite a squareneck which would be bad on my shoulders. It’s more of a lazy scoopneck that flattered. I would wear this top over jeans for a more streamlined effect than my skirt was providing in the fitting room. I just love this top! I almost brought it home with me but managed to resist. Wishlisted!
I was expecting to love the Flutter-Flutter Blouse ($88). It has elements that are right up my alley, like the asymmetric hem and cool green hue.
Unfortunately this top was more of a mess than mesmerizing. First of all it was wrinkled to all heck. If Anthropologie can’t be bothered to steam this top then why should I? Secondly the triangle panel at the bottom was present in both the front and the back. I found this bothersome. One side would have been fine but both was overkill. Third, though the shirt is listed to be a cotton/silk mix it felt more like light linen (and wrinkled like it too). It feels a little too short, it looks a little weird and I was left sad. Regrettably, back to the rack.
It must be mentioned up front: the Alma Shirt ($98) by Dolan runs hugemongous. I was swimming in the xs. I realize it’s supposed to be a bit oversized but this is maybe a bit over the top? Still I loved it.
The panels of georgette are elegant. The sleeves are comfy jersey that I could almost see sleeping in. This top has modern office written all over it to me. The trim is slightly frayed and I found this endearing. It will need to be sprayed with fabric protector to prevent any further frays. The look is great though. I was in love with this top but not so much with the price. Wishlisted! Hoping the poor reviews drive this one to sale soon so I can snap it up.
Roxy! Woooogirl! The new Traced Twirls Dress was made for you! You look amazing in it, and by no means "wide". Lol… You kill me. You should definitely put that at the top of your wishlist girl!
" Traced Twirls Dress " roxy you look fabulous!! so 40's in this dress. yet so timeless and classic. i love it on you. i'm sorry it doesn't fit the bust, but it looks marvelous!!
I love both of the dresses on you, and agree that you look especially fabulous in the Traced Twirls Dress. 🙂
I am pretty crazy about that Traced Twirls dress on you. Both the color and the shape are fantastic.
I'm not surprised to read the comments and see that everyone else is already saying what I was thinking: you have no idea how incredible you look in that aqua dress. Seriously. Beyond Hot. The world needs you wearing that dress. Beth
I fell in love with the Oratory dress yesterday! It's a lot more universally flattering than I'd originally assumed it'd be. Sadly, my store didn't have coral color ("Tangerine") as the SA said they sold out within a few days of getting it and the "Silver" just looked so sloppy up against my super pale skin =(. I'll order it online but I was bummed since July is my B-day month and I was crossing my fingers for a birthday discount.
I loved the Oratory Dress too even though I also felt like it looked a little bland in the pics on me. I'm trying to wait until it goes on sale to get it, but it's hard when so many bloggers are buying it and looking great in it!
That dress looks so great on you! I loved it too, but where to wear it??
Like everyone else, loving you in the aqua (although Anthro just calls it plain 'ol "blue") Traced Twirls!! It looks very flattering on you. I can see how the waist-bust proportion thing might make you uncomfortable, especially IRL, but maybe that was done intentionally as a nod to the vintage-y style the dress is imitating?Oh, and I really like the Oratory Dress on you, although it frankly looked like crap on me 🙂 Also, the wedges you are wearing in these pictures are awesome — where are they from?
I agree with the comments that you look great in the Traced Twirls Dress!! I can't believe that colour version isn't on the website, I would have bought it in a heartbeat if I'd seen it. Black dresses are invisible to me but that, especially with the polka dots, is just gorgeous!
YAY I'm so glad you also got the Oratory dress. I have worn mine quite a bit so I'm super happy with the purchase.
You ladies are too kind. Thank you for the nice feedback on the polka-Traced Twirls. :)British Anthropologiest – that is the question, right? Frankly I would enroll in a dance class just to wear it there. goldenmeans – the wedges are Pink Studio's London wedges from last year. They're comfy and I love them but they have not held up well in their 2nd year. 🙁 I'll have to throw them out soon which pains me. Anon @ 10:10 – awesome, I'm glad you like the new look! Thanks for the feedback.
I can't find that teal colored dress (Girls from Savoy one) on the webiste. I even put in the style number you gave.Also, do you (or does anyone) know what happened with the Herb Field Cardigan?? It's no longer on the website and it's hard to find in the stores. Is it on sale or will it be soon?? I'm dying to grab one on sale price!!! : )kuro27@msn.com
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C-Dub – the dress isn't on the website yet. I will be sure to update when it is though!
Both of those dresses look great on you! I can't wait to see how you style the Oratory dress. Thanks for the great reviews!
Can anyone who has it (or has tried it on) comment on how the Oratory Dress runs in the bust area? I'm insanely flat chested (think 12 year old boy), and sometimes that makes otherwise perfect dresses a no-go for me. I like this dress, but I'd have to get it online because my store doesn't have it.
roxy, you look seriously stunning and so graceful in the new traced twirls dress. you must eventually get it, that is all. 🙂
The Alma shirt looks like the perfect sleepshirt! But if that was the xs on you, then petites like me are probably sized out. Oh well. The Flutter-Flutter blouse does look a bit off on its own, but I wonder what it would look like layered with a belt and under a cardi. Perhaps it's got potential…
I have to agree with everyone you look amazing in the Traced Twirls Dress hopefully you reconsider it.
OT, Natasha Leggero is wearing that blue silk asymmetrical top that you reviewed earlier (forgot the name of it) in S07 E04 of Last Comic Standing. She looks so cute in it! Just had to share.
Hi Roxy! You look amazing in the Traced Twirls Dress- so cute! Also, thanks for the link love with the Oratory dress. I am so glad that it found a place in your closet! When I first bought it, I worried about it being too plain, but it has found it's way into many outfits. I also found that the straps were a bit long for any one else who is looking at purchasing it.
What skirt are you wearing? It's seriously cute!
Do you (or does anyone) know what happened with the Herb Field Cardigan?? It's no longer on the website and it's hard to find in the stores. Is it on sale or will it be soon??
Ashley – so glad to hear it's been versatile for you!Tracy – it's J.Crew's kaleidoscope paisley skirt. (Here's one of my favorite Polyvore sets with the skirt.) It's either from 2007 or 2008, can't remember which.Anon – It's not on sale yet, but I have not seen it in my local Anthros for a few weeks. It sold out from the website, but maybe someone has it on their wishlist?
hi roxy! this is my first actual comment, although i've been stalking your fabulous blog for months now! i consider you the guru on all things anthropologie, so i've got a question for you…i've spotted a gray version of the blooming lattice cardigan on ebay, it has the field flower tag, auction is for a new without tags sweater, i'm just concerned that it might be a fake…i've never seen a gray version of this sweater and i've google extensively and it seems to only come up in the navy and the green….just wondering if you've ever seen it in the gray colorway….not sure if someone would take the time to replicate anthropologie cardigans as fakes, but you never know! any help would be appreciated! thanks in advance!♥xoxolayla
layla, it's possible that Anthropologie could be releasing the Blooming Lattice in grey down the road. However as of now I see no record of it with Anthropologie, and so for that reason I would consider the greys on ebay to be fakes. Absolutely people take the time to falsely pass off items as being from Anthropologie. This includes putting in labels to make items look like they're made by Odille, Elevenses and other Anthro brands.
thanks roxy, i had a feeling that it was fake, it's been such a popular cardigan, i was pretty sure if it had come in that color i would've known about it by now. i'm going to steer clear and just hope that they come out with a gray version at some point because it really is cute.thanks again!