Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Review of Frances dress in watercolor floral


Frances dress in watercolor floral
Frances dress in watercolor floral
For some unknown reason J.Crew did not offer us many pretty summer dresses this year to chose from.  In fact, their offerings were dismal in the dress area, which is really a pity because they always did quite well in this category. But most of the dresses this year fell into 'too short, too twee or too blah' category.  Sure, there are some nice suiting dresses but I don't need any of those, I am talking about summer dresses to be worn either casually or as a date/dinner option.

The only dress that picked my interest was Frances dress in watercolor floral that seemed very pretty and wearable. I liked this dress and it reminded me of designers like DVF or something from Kate Spade before they went all Hello Kitty.  So I was definitely interested but it was just priced too high for me.

Last week however, I was browsing the sale section and I noticed the dress, in my size and with the 40% off discounted price, quite reasonable.  I have ordered it through my personal shopper (not a final sale).


My regular dress size 6 fits well with a little bit of room to spare, but because I lost some weight, I would say it is definitely TTS.  


It has a dramatic, plunging neckline that may be too low for some but I personally like it. I would stitch it up to keep it in place though, no big deal.  


The color and print are beautiful. I am also a big fan of crinkled silk fabric and it feels nice in the dress. Lining is poly, but feels nice and silky and it does not bother me at all but may be a deal breaker for some.

 
          

I also like the deep v in the back and the high-low hemline. The back drop is not too low for a regular bra. The straps have bra keeps but there are no pockets :(

Of course it can easily be a special event dress with some heels, nice clutch and a pearl necklace. Here I tried to 'casualize' it with a belt and a pair of gladiator sandals and I feel like it would be appropriate for a date or dinner and not too fancy. Black accessories would be a good option too, and they would toughen it up even more.

Overall, I really like the dress. My only reservation is that I don't really need it and have some other dresses with a very similar function like my Banana Republic knit dress I wore here.

***

What do you think?  Is it flattering enough and distinctive enough to justify or should I save my pennies? 

How do you like the dress in general? Do you think it can be worn casually or is it more of a special event dress?

Do you agree that there is no enough pretty dresses at J.Crew this year?



   
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20 comments:

  1. WendyMcLeodMacKnightJuly 10, 2013 at 5:35 PM

    The picture of you from behind is very Peggy from Mad Men - you do look great, AJC - though no more weight loss now - you look fabulous and so pretty in this dress!

    I found the skirt and dress options dismal and have completely passed them by! So sad!

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    1. ajcJuly 11, 2013 at 5:39 PM

      I did not try to lose weight, it just happened but I am happy with my size now and I'd like to stay there.

      Delete
  2. phiphis blogJuly 10, 2013 at 6:13 PM

    what a gorgeous dress and print on you ajc! you look beautiful! xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. DaniBPJuly 10, 2013 at 8:20 PM

    I have often looked at this dress on the website and admired it. It is gorgeous on you! I think it is your stye completely, it has a modern look with the cut, the hemline, the back and v-neck, but the floral silk is also slightly vintage and so feminine, I love it. And it seems very ajc, just beautiful on you.
    I think it's a keeper, you can wear it casually or dress it up. The colour really suits you.
    (And I agree that JC did not do all of the dresses that I am usually scheming about... so many are too short, or wrong material or funny cut. This one is an exception!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ajcJuly 11, 2013 at 5:41 PM

      Thanks Dani, this is my favorite color on me it gives some glow to the skin I think. And yes, I was thinking along the lines of modern with slighly vintage and feminine, you know me well :)

      Delete
  4. Pat OlskiJuly 10, 2013 at 8:59 PM

    I kept waiting and waiting for the pretty summer dresses. I don't know how I missed that one. It is gorgeous on you. I keep re-wearing my old dresses and crossing my fingers that I will find a pretty dress or skirt before the season is over.

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    Replies
    1. ajcJuly 11, 2013 at 5:42 PM

      I am sure you will but if not you save your pennies for some nice frock, maybe from Tory?

      Delete
  5. Lisa - respect the shoesJuly 10, 2013 at 9:39 PM

    Love the back on that dress!

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  6. cateJuly 10, 2013 at 9:47 PM

    Such a pretty print, but I think you should save your pennies. The top in front is too loose on you. It's nice, but you can do better. Thanks for the review!

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    1. ajcJuly 11, 2013 at 5:44 PM

      Yes, it is a little lose and it would have probably been perfect before weight lost, there is a payback for everything in life, lol.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousJuly 11, 2013 at 2:01 AM

    I like the deep back but in all honesty I don't think the blouson style top does anything for you, you have a stunning figure and I think the top part looks mumsy

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    Replies
    1. ajcJuly 11, 2013 at 5:49 PM

      Thanks for your feedback Tabs, it is not really meant to be blouson, I think it just looks like that with a belt because the waist is about inch and a half too big. It is better without the belt.

      Delete
  8. Anthro BloggerJuly 11, 2013 at 12:34 PM

    You look beautiful! I love the dress on you, though I suspect it may be a size too big. Sizing down may remedy the top fitting issue, and do more for your lovely figure!

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    Replies
    1. ajcJuly 11, 2013 at 5:52 PM

      There was no size 4 available and I would be afraid that if I gain back the lost pounds it would be too small. Thank you for the compliments.

      Delete
  9. EmaJuly 11, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    I think it looks stunning from the back and the color really suits you, but I agree with cate and Tabitha on the front. Maybe it is just big on top. I think the dress that your mom sent you looks much better on you (sorry I couldn't comment on that post). Also, I don't think that dressing it down really works in this case and if you wear it with heels it will look very occasion-y. I understand the frustration with JCrew offerings in terms of dresses this year, I didn't even TRY one. However, there are plenty of retailers that make dresses so you should maybe branch out if you need a dress )just saying).
    To me the perfect "date night" dress was last year's Fabiola in the leopard print. I wore it again a couple of weeks ago and I just love everything in this dress (except for the lining but I did finally get rid of it). I don't remember if you have it or not but maybe you can find one on ebay.

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    Replies
    1. ajcJuly 11, 2013 at 5:57 PM

      Thanks Ema, you know that I always end up going with your suggestions as you are usually spot on :)
      You are right, definitely there is plenty of retailers and I don;t even need a dress like this. I think I really like the print and color and that's what keeps me from returning it.
      I did not keep the Fabiola, it was a great dress but too low cut for the office and I don't like pencil shape for dates, even if it can be sexy, I think because I wear too many pencil skirts to work. I need to comment on your Before Midnight post, I meant to do it before but I had to run for the hair app that I almost forgot about.

      Delete
    2. EmaJuly 12, 2013 at 1:57 PM

      Please do so before I leave ;-)

      Delete
  10. Joe BlowOctober 29, 2022 at 2:17 PM

    Just jacked off to those pics of you in that pretty dress

    ReplyDelete

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