As much as it’s odd for me to say this, you should always take online clothing reviews with a grain of salt. With so many different shapes and sizes that we are built in one person’s disaster may be your dream. Take the Hollyhock Dress ($168) by Sine. There’s currently one online review and it’s not kind. Given the reviewer’s misgivings I actually avoided trying on this dress for a couple of visits. But then the request came in and so I was off to try on the dreaded 1-star.
Not that I don’t believe the reviewer’s commentary (I think she’s right about most of it) but I loved this dress from the moment I put it on. Ignoring the visible bra issues this dress was so frigging cute on. My expectation was that my cups would floweth over the available space or that I’d have to size up so ridiculously that it wouldn’t be worth it. Wrong on both counts — the photos above are my true size 6.
The dress is kind of tricky to get into. It has a bit of a tapered hem so it’s best to put this dress on feet first rather than head first if you’re curvy like me. I’m not sure why the bodice looks so creased in the photos — maybe my arm angle from taking the photos? Because in real life that was not an issue. There was a bit of bubble butt in the skirt. I tried on a 4, which fit but was slightly smushing my chest, and the problem persisted. However I think that as the day wears on any loose material in the back will flatten out as you sit. And did I mention the pockets? This dress is headed not only to my wish list but also to my shopping cart. Want!
Easily one of the most beautiful photos in the November catalogue. The dress is Lil’s Glimmering Magnolia Dress ($198).
So flattering on. I think this would make a great holiday party dress with a cardigan or faux stole on top. While the sequin work is beautiful I find the effect a bit cheap-feeling for a $200 dress. Otherwise I have no complaints. My true size 6 slipped on easily and the bodice is cut long enough. A sparkly belt would also look great with this dress. I doubt this dress will go on sale anytime soon but when it makes it I will buy it.
Anna Sui’s Cascading Foliage Dress ($218) has a lovely color palette that is reminiscent of late Monet to me. The perfect late summer/fall/warm climate winter dress.
I had some fit issues with this one though. As I have mentioned before my waist is disproportionately small compared to the rest of me and as a result dresses with this shape tend to not sit correctly. In my true size 6 (photos above) the bust was gaping between the pleats something awful while the skirt was poufing out at my hips. And weird as it sounds the dress was mostly too big on me. I am normally 2 sizes down in Anna Sui. I tried an 8 for comparison and found it to be much too big. So while I don’t think most people will have this problem it was a no-go for me.
On the plus side the silk georgette is really nicely tailored into a pleasing silhouette. While it didn’t work on me I would still recommend anyone give it a try. See it on Kim here. (You’ll have to scroll down in her post.)
If you have an item you’d like to see reviewed drop me a note or leave a comment. I have a list of items I’m looking for eagerly in-store.
Oooh, great! I love the look of the Hollyhock dress! I can't wait to try it on myself next week when I will finally be near an Anthro!
The Hollyhock dress is one of the best I've seen on you! You must get it!
I agree that the Glimmering Magnolia Dress looks cheap, but Lil's dress are always cut so flatteringly well.The hollyhock dress is diving on you! I can see why you like it so much.
The Hollyhock dress looks great on you…so, so flattering! 🙂 Definitely going to have to keep my eye out for that now.
The Hollyhock Dress looks to die for on you Roxy! I love that it has pockets!!!
Roxy, on your pic with the Cascading dress, I see that new dress behind you. I saw it at the store and it is gorgeous! I love the surprise design on the back.
Love the Hollyhock dress! Just found your blog and am loving it 🙂 I have a question: There is a picture of a light blue ruffled dress on the right side of your blog. I have been looking to buy that dress FOREVER with no luck. Do you happen to know what it was called? I think it was from 2008.
Anon @ 11:51 – ITA, although the surprise makes it impossible for me to wear. Review on that one tonight. :)Anon @ 12:56 – It's the Quotidian Dress. It was in the July 2008 catalogue. So beautiful.
The Hollyhock dress is absolutely adorable on you! Love that it has pockets too!
Thank you SO much! At least I know what it's called now so I can search for it and maybe find one on ebay or something!! 🙂
No problem! I see them on ebay every so often so I think you have an excellent shot. Also Kim over on Anthroholic is a hawk at finding these things so you may want to drop her a line as well.