Ask Angie: will any of these dresses work for me?

I decided to use the free shipping from Nordie's and order another pair of Trouve oxfords in brown. While doing this I have looked at their dresses on sale as well. There were 3 long sleeve midi dresses which caught my eye and which are long enough to be over the knee for me. I am going to order one only and mistakes will be costly with international returns.
Here are the contenders:
Presley Sky Print: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pr.....veforlater

Eliza J Tie Neck: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/el.....veforlater
This one was recommended by Angie and I have seen it on Kari. For this one I am concerned that it maybe too short waisted for me: I have 6.5 in from under the bust to my waist.
Donna Morgan Belted Stretch Jersey: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/do.....veforlater
This was recommended by Angie as well.

If any of those looks like winner for me can somebody help with sizing? I cannot order multiple sizes because of the return cost. For the reference I have wider shoulders and 34C bust. For tops I swing between 10 and 12 depending on the shoulder and sleeve width. I had to buy Trouve cropped blazer in M from this year NAS as L was too big on me.
For the bottom part I wear Paige jeans size 32 and this year Halogen skirt size 10.

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12 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I like the color and the shape of #3, but I would be concerned about the jersey fabric. Would you be willing to wear a slip underneath to smooth it out? I like #2 but I'm having a hard time picturing you in it. I love #1 the best really but it feels so summery. How do you feel about buying something out of season?

ETA: I see the reviews on the red dress say the fabric is thick. That's a good sign!!

banananutmuffin

Active Member

I love #3, but I also have a natural preference for solids. For some reason, though, I also think #2 is pretty sweet. I'm not totally into #1, mostly because I'm not sure how that pattern would actually look on someone who wasn't a size 0.

mamaKate

Sveta, I bought #1 during the sale and felt it was really very unique, and quite versatile, I think it would work for you, from what I've seen of your style in photos.

In terms of sizing, I recommend the medium - perhaps even the small. I am 34D and an 8 or 10 on tops and the medium plunged deeply on my chest and the shoulders were quite wide. I ended up returning it because I found an adequate substitute at the local second-hand shop but if I had kept it I would have exchanged for the small.

The fabric is soft and pleasant to touch, but rather thin, which means this dress can transition through spring and summer. Surprisingly the skirt portion is not too clingy - I am a little bit self-conscious of the "jiggly parts" around my butt and this dress did not reveal them. The colors are very similar to shown in the photo.

Best of luck and let us know what you decide!

Sveta

Thanks, ladies. Kate that is very useful information from your experience, thanks. Review on that dress are divided so it is hard to decide when you don['t see the dress IRL.
BNM, I am definitely not a size 0 but I thought that vertical stripes should slim you down, no?
Rita, I definitely want a dress for now, which I can winterize with boots, maybe a t-neck layered under it or a jacket on top. They do picture #3 with boots and I think it looks good...
Please, keep them coming as you opinions are priceless for me!:-)

Suz

Oooh, Sveta, you are tempting me further!!

These look like beautiful dresses. Somehow I can see you in #1; it is nicely streamlined and might work with a number of your jackets and/or cardis, although it's awfully difficult to tell from a photo alone. I really like that neckline and can imagine you looking very regal in that.

#2 of course is a delight but I concur that the waist might be an issue for you.

#3 is a gorgeous colour, and a different sort of shape for you. It might be a really fun change. How do you feel about pleats on the hip area? And can you change the belt if you like for variety?

Off to peruse the site again myself. Still haven't ordered anything yet...

Suz, thanks, #2 was a dress Kari wore to our Toronto meeting. I admired it but I think the waist can be a problem because it is elasticized.
Maybe I should order both #1 and #3? They are so different...Oh decisions, decisions!
I hope our guru Angie can chime in...

Patty

Suz--you took the words right out of my mouth about each dress!
Sveta I see you in #1 for sure. Then #2 --is there such thing as a smocked empire waist?? #3 A little different?? and wonder about those dolman-esk sleeves if you were to wear jackets or cardis.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

#1 and #3 are a safe bet and I would probably go for size large. Fabulous!

#2 is trickier. This frock tends to look really good on gals who can fill it out - like Kari, for example. I think that the elasticated waist might be a little high on you though. I vote pass.

Heh! I am feeling very clever right now. My two picks for you were the same as Angie's!

Thanks, Angie. I have decided to go with #3. Usually I have fewer fit problems with a flared skirt that with the straight one. Also I want a dress I can wear now and #1 looks like a thin fabric more suited for warmer time of the year.
I think I will go with size 10 in #3: usually with this kind of style I need 10 - and the site said to size down...my fingers are crossed...pulling the trigger now...

Jjsloane

You made me want them all, but I will live vicariously. I think (too late of course) 1 would be my pick for you, but I'm intrigued to see your pick on you.

cheryle (Dianthus)

I also love #3 both the color and style. I am actually tempted. Here is another one that I think could work well for you.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/la.....21-0-0-1-2

Jonesy

I am excited to see this beautiful dress on beautiful you, Sveta!

Oh, I just noticed that #1 is washable and made in USA, which means NO DUTIES, just 13% tax! #3 on the other hand dry clean (arghh!) and imported which means duties will apply. Does anybody know if it is really dry clean only or can it be hand washed?

Tina

I see no reason why you could not wash this dress, it is polyester/spandex. I think they recommend it more for longevity as dry clean doesn't wear on clothes the way washing does. It's a very nice looking dress and I love the color. As a fellow Canadian I say go for it, the reviews say it is a heavier fabric, that's just what you need!

rute

Love all of them and I'm by no means a stylist, but I can see you with 1! The fit would be perfect for you!

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