Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Back To Black

Hello everybody!!! How are you?

I have been absent from the blogland for some time.  I have been dealing with some personal issues and my little blog hobby had to take a backseat for a little while.  I never posted that I was going to be away because, frankly, I haven't really planned it and all this time I was going to post in the 'next couple of days', it just did not happen.  Since I have been busy with other stuff, I wasn't shopping much, in fact, I hardly bought anything in last three months and even the few things that I ordered in January and February I sent back. This is something I did not miss at all and it was a relief to be free from checking the websites and searching for sales.  Instead, I read a lot of books and listened to hours of music (including Amy Winehouse Back to Black on repeat, what a great song!) which did wonders for my soul and my wallet.

Last week however, I got an email from White House black Market advertising their Instantly Slimming Dress and it peaked my interest enough to check their website. I don't know about you, but I am always on a lookout for the perfect LBD and although I have a few black dresses I was never very happy with any of them.  Last year I bought a dress from Talbots with elbow length sleeves (I blogged about it here). I wore the dress couple of times but I realized that although sleeves sounded good in theory, sleeveless dresses are actually more versatile because sleeves tend to get in a way or make the dress too warm and if I need warmth I rather wear a shrug/blazer/cardigan. 


The dress got great reviews and after finding a code for 50% off I decided to place an order.  Most of the reviews were saying that the dress runs small so I ordered one size up (8) from my regular size (6).  I am not sure if the dress is really running small because the 8 is definitely not tight and maybe I could have gotten a 6 but the 8 is probably more comfortable.  I have also lost some weight, so maybe that's why, but in size 8 I don't feel like the power mesh is doing anything.  
 

I really like the dress.  If you despise man made fabric it is obviously not for you but I don't really mind it in sleeveless jersey dress.  The advantage is that it is machine washable, does not wrinkle and should keep the shape and color.


I love that the dress is bra friendly but still sexy and the neckline is very flattering which usually is the key to a great LBD.  


The straps have the snaps to secure bra straps, always a big plus.  It is not cut too low imo and the armholes are not too big.


It looks good with something over it if you need to make it more conservative.


My only complain is that I wish the back would not be so plain and just continue the straps or maybe if it was cut in a v but I think some may consider this to be an advantage.


As for the slimming effect, you can judge for yourself, but even if I don't feel the constriction of the power mesh, I am pretty happy with the way the dress looks overall. The faux wrap effect is also flattering imo.


I feel like with the 50% off the price is also reasonable. Overall I feel like this is a keeper. Next week I am going to a a cocktail party and I am excited about wearing this dress.


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That's all folks!

Do you like the dress?

What are your criteria for a perfect LBD?

Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!

22 comments:

  1. Welcome back AJC. The dress is smashing on you! You look great- I hope all is well. And, your photographer is getting really adventurous!

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  2. I am so glad that you are back. I hope that everything is well. That dress is killer on you!

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  3. Hi AJC, welcome back - you were missed! I hope all is well with you. You look fabulous! Great dress!

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  4. I'm so glad you're back, AJC, and you look wonderful. The dress is pretty cute, too.

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  5. It is nice to see you back, I hope that you are well. You look hot in that dress! I thought about being more subtle in my description, but honestly that dress is smashing on you.

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  6. Like everyone else... welcome back, I've missed your blog! Lovely as always, and it's nice to have the sunshine again, isn't it?

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  7. I have been thinking about you and was about to email to say hey, when I saw your email this a.m.! I think that taking a break to attend to oneself is always the right thing to do and I think Amy Winehouse is perfect.

    As for the dress - divine! I think the back is just right - it shows off your curves. The party is in the front, where your pretty face is! Have fun at the cocktail party!!!

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  8. Yay you're back! That dress is great, so classic but really flattering with the neckline and the wrapping. I like the plain back on the dress, I think that is a huge plus, it seems to set off the neckline that much more.
    You are looking wonderful and I hope you are feeling the same. xox

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  9. Glad to see you back! we've missed you :D It's always good to take time away, I did the same thing for a few weeks to prepare for an interview. Definitely made things fresher. Fab dress! you are rocking it!

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  10. Ditto on the very happy you are back here and trust things are looking up for you now. AJC that dress looks fab-u-lous and svelte on you. Have a lovely party next week. Smiles across the miles...

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  11. Glad you're back and I think you've found the perfect LBD + you look great in it.

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  12. Hi, it's nice to see you back ! I hope all is well with you. That's a very flattering dress, keep it for sure, especially with 50% off. I agree with WMM and DaniBP about the back of the dress, I really like it.

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  13. I'm glad that you are back to blogging and hope that all is well. Wow, a super flattering LBD that is also machine washable. What a find!

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  14. Wow! This dress looks fab on you. I had been missing your reviews and I hoped all was well. Welcome back!

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  15. Hello sweetie,
    Finally you're back and it looks like the break was worth it. As everyone has already said we missed you and I've thought about you many times. Now that's a perfect LBD .

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  16. glad to see you back, ajc, and hope things are okay with you. you look fabulous in this dress, and it fits you beautifully!

    xo P

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  17. Thank you everybody for your kind words! I have missed shopping but I definitely missed all of you and getting feedback and comments. It is nice to hear from you and I will be catching up on everybody's blogs. I am not sure how often I will be able to post but I will try for at least once or twice a week.

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    Replies
    1. I meant that I have NOT missed shopping.

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  18. That dress looks awesome on you! I totally just went and found a code for 50% off and ordered one for myself. :)

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  19. So glad to see you back and looking fantastic! That dress is superb on you. Hope you are well

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  20. Happy to see you back ajc. You are stunning in the LBD.

    I haven't shopped J.Crew much at all lately. I've been buying some Lacoste and Black Fleece but very little shopping overall.

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  21. I agree with the assessment of "smashing"! The dress is so flattering on you. Oh, and since I've been away for a good while myself, I love your haircut! And I can totally relate to lying low on the shopping for a while -- that was pretty much my last few months and it does feel refreshing.

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