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Keep or returns: DVF wrap dress and misc Rack finds

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Hi! Sorry to keep deluging you with keep or returns. I swear I'm almost finished building my new wardrobe! These are some of the last few things I ordered before I wind down into SYC and I just wanted to get your opinion. I'm not planning on keeping everything...most of it was random finds at Nordstrom Rack online so I'm not necessarily attached to any of it.

1-4. Diane von Furstenberg Linda wrap dress size S. Other than my Kate Spade dress, I don't own any designer dresses.This DVF wrap dress is something I've been obsessing over and was a full price purchase from Neiman Marcus so it has to be killer for me to keep it. I love red and black and actually one of my most favorite blouses (#4) that I've worn for years has a very similar pattern (not sure if that's too redundant to have a dress and blouse with the same type of pattern).The dress is made out of wool and feels more like a thin sweater compared to the blouse. I like this a lot but need to know what you think since it's pretty expensive!
5-7. Classiques Entier lace-trimmed Myrrah skirt size 4.
8-10. Old Navy Rock Star Jegging in red, size 8 (they didn't have a 6 and 4 was too tight).
11-13. Classiques Entier Nova trousers size 4 (needs hemming).
14-15. Classiques Entier blouse size S. Does the print placement bother you (ie, white dots at the bust and navel) or am I being overly sensitive?
16-17. Halogen red funnel neck sweater. Too tight?
18-20. Vince black ribbed turtleneck and Lafayette 148 pinstripe trousers size 4. The pants are unlined. Also needs hemming.
21-23. Matching Lafayette 148 pinstripe skirt size 4. The skirt is lined and midi length.
24. The matching Lafayette 148 suit jacket--only size 6 was available online. I thought it might be good to get a suit jacket to match the skirt and pants, but it's a little too big so I'd have to search around for a size 4 and not sure I like the look of the whole suit...maybe too conservative/frumpy? I'm not in banking or law, after all...
25. Eliza J dress. Not my usual style but kind of "Mad Men" so I thought I'd try it.
26-28. Calvin Klein dress. Kind of a weird belt placement under the bustline, but it has large attached belt loops all the way around (see #26) so the belt cannot be repositioned any lower without leaving exposed belt loops under the bust.
29-30. Classiques Entier teal ruched print top size S.

Thanks for looking and for the feedback!

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Shopping

43 replies

Latest reply was from goldenpig

Deborah

Veteran

Hi Natalie, I so enjoy your shopping experiences.

I love the wrap dress and pointy toe shoe is perfect. Its very ladylike and grown up looking. The fabric looks gorgeous. I would keep.

I like the skirt with the lace but that is the kind of thing I would like for a while and then tire of. I wonder if the lace will prevent maximum styling opportunities?

Love the red jeggings. Keep.

Trousers look like a nice cut and create a nice leg line.

The blouse is sweet but I don't really like it. I think that while the colors do suit you, they are a little dull.

Red funnel neck looks a bit pink on my screen. I like it. Maybe just scrunch the bottom of it up a little over your tummy, rather than stretch it down flat.

Pinstripe suit is really nice (all pieces). You could try a nice crisp white shirt under #24.

My heart started pounding when i saw #25... love it, keep it.

#26 is lovely too. I do think perhaps you need to belt it a little lower down, or perhaps it needs a slightly wider belt if you wear it where they have it, not sure but I am confident you can fix that. Its lovely.

#29 not sure why but I don't love it. I am not sure those colors are the most flattering for you.

All in all a pretty cool bunch of outfits GP. Love to hear what you keep and what you don't.

san

Veteran

Oh my goodness girl, what a whirlwind of style choices. You are beautiful and have great taste so this is a fun set of pictures. Thank you for sharing.
You look so fantastic in so many of these pictures and then there are a few where I can see what a nice difference a little bit of adjustment could make.
I'm just overwhelemd by the number of pictures. It would help me if you broke this into smaller segments of a couple separate posts. Not sure if others feel the same.
To me, wow you have interesting style, and I love and am interseted in your great style journey.

Fruitful

Veteran

1) Beautiful dress, not the same as the blouse. A good addition to your wardrobe as it is a more classic contemporary contrast to your (fab) whimsical and nostalgic pieces. Love it with the pointy shoes!

4) KILLER skirt. Love it with the wide sleeve blouse and those shoes. Tucked in it's so flattering and feminine in your abdominal/waistline area. This has your slightly fairytale element, in a way that comes across as quite serious and grownup at the same time. Love this!

8) the red jeggings are awesome with the leopard print shoes. (Is that leopard?) Slightly loose, but that's rather rock and roll don't you think?

11-20) I'm Switzerland on these. No strong emotions but they could be good basics. I don't know about the print on the blouse. It's nice but if you feel funny about it you might not wear it.

21) Another squee from me! You are so feminine and chic in this.

24) You don't need this blazer IMHO.

25) very pretty dress and I still love madmen vibes, but I'm not getting a clear angle of you in it, so not sure how it flatters you. How do you feel about it?

26) Very cool dress, looks awesome in thumbnail which is usually a good sign, but I'm not sure if the high waist is great for you? I could be wrong and it may be my eyes haven't adjusted. What do you think?

29) Wow, I love this. Especially with the red jeggings. You have an incredible hourglass look in this and there's something mad men meets rock and roll about the look!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Fruitful, here's a few more pics of the yellow dress for you! Both that dress and the black & white one have a high neckline with draping/puckering, which is something that I haven't worn before so I'm not used to that look (I tend to stick with V necks). Also, not sure if this is too fancy to wear as a work dress? And the color, print and weightier fabric could skew a bit older/dowdy if it doesn't look right (think church lady Easter dress), but with the popularity of the 60's/Mad Men look right now, it looks kind of fresh to me now. It's a bit of a stretch for me which is why I'm asking for feedback, because it would be a totally new look for me!

The black/white one I'm a little less enamored with--I think I usually look good in black and white but the belt placement is bugging me a little and there's no way to fix it really. So right now I think I'm leaning towards the yellow, surprisingly! They were both the same price ($45) on sale so it's only one vs. the other (if I keep any).

PS Yes those are my leopard and red B Makowsky Heist heels that Angie recommended, coming out to play!

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Sharon

Veteran

OMG, I LOVE that yellow dress on you! Really flatters your curves and the colour is lovely on you. I understand what you mean about the possibility of the pattern skewing "dowdy", but it is such a great cut that I don't think it will be an issue, particularly with modern shoes and accessories.

I don't love black and white dress as much. It's OK, but I don't think the belt placement is ideal for your figure.

The DVF dress is also very nice and looks as though it would be one of those classic dresses that don't really date, so probably worth the money.

rute

Veteran

I'm not a big help!
I love everything! All the dresses are gorgeous!
Well done!

Fruitful

Veteran

The yellow dress is adorable. I'd totally go to the doctor if they were wearing this

Laura

(website)

Veteran

The DVF dress is stunning, the Calvin Klein dress is stunning (don't move anything on it), the yellow dress is stunning. The black button-down knit shirt is throwing me off in some of the photos - I don't like the fit on you, and it's distracting me from the pants or skirts. I don't think the Classiques skirt in #5 is good enough to keep, and the Lafayette jacket is way too big. Okay, I hope that helped with a few things at least!

missvee

Veteran

First impression - the dresses you chose are fabulous. I hope you keep the red and the yellow for sure. I like the black one too but if it's not comfortable, take it back.
The skirt in #5 is a bit shapeless - it might just be the lace that's drawing you to it.
The red jeggings look a little baggy to me, but I'm no expert on them.
Finally, regarding the 3 piece suit, I think the jacket is too long and too big.
I like both of the blouses - #14 and #30, they're nice layering pieces.
Wow, I'm impressed by all the shopping you did!

MNsara

Veteran

Ha! I read the replies so far and we seem to have a variety of ideas, so I'll add a few more. . .

I like the DVF dress, love the print and colors, but it is one of her more conservative wraps. If this is what you had in mind, then keep it! If you were looking for some DVF Wow , then I'd look again for a bolder print.

I like the irreverant lace on the CE skirt. I think it would be a nice 'classic with a twist' item and could be paired with colors on top (thinking your mustard jacket. . . )

You look great in the red jeggings, but they look a bit big from the rear (and that's without any stretching during the day, right?) However, this fit is probably better if you wear for work.

The long pants seems to look fine. I didn't analze closely, but the pinstripe ones are fun.

I also love the midi skirt - very elegant and professional

The yellow dress is fab, oh so fab, on you. Yes, you could wear it for work with a SS cropped cardi to reduce the 'dressy' vibe.

I get annoyed when CK puts some odd twist on the dress (funky collar, weird pockets, unusual belt placement) -- it usually makes it harder to play nicely with jackets, sweaters, belts, jewelry, etc.

I like the blouses in 14-15 and 29-30. They will be good on their own and go nicely under other layers.

I'm not sold on the knitted red top. I prefer the ribbed black one, but not with those pinstripes unless the camera is just overemphasizing the ribs.

CE jacket is too big. Only track down a smaller one if you REALLY want a suit.

Nakidra

Veteran

You are having so much fun, girly!! I have to agree with Laura ... the Jacket in 24 is too long in the arms and too big in the waist. I LOVE the top in #14 ... (I think I'll have to BBQ!!) The yellow dress is REALLY cute! The DVF is SUPER cute.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER dresses and skirts. I love you in those! Those are true 10's in my book.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Great selection!! Now get out there and wear those babies! The only thing not to wear is the jacket in #24. As said above, it looks too big and plain - go for something the right size with a little more sizzle. Thanks for showing all the photos! A job in itself after a big shopping trip!

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I love the rock star jeggings! I have those too I think these are the right size for you, if you sized down they would be too tight at the top. So cute with your red trimmed animal mary jane pumps. Was the size 4 just not ridic?!?! I couldn't even get them over my calves!!

I don't like the DVF dress. It shows too much. That thin jersey is not very forgiving. I would need to be majorly spanxed and/or girdled out to get this to work.

The yellow and black and white dresses are the best!! Look at you!! They show off your body in the very best way!!

The red blouse in 4 is really pretty. I'm not really that thrilled with any of the other tops. They'd be ok for layering but you probably want tops that can function as both a layer and still look good if you need to take off your jacket or cardigan.

Carole

Veteran

What a great haul! I love all the dresses and skirts on you too. The red pants, dynamite! some of the tops, the black and red seem a little tight or unflattering 16 & 18. Hope that helps.

DressLover

Veteran

I want to weigh in on the DVF as I have a lot of experience with the brand. Linda is a nice, classic cut which I believe is essential for an investment piece; however, the material is a wool knit. Even if it is DVF, a knit is a knit. I have a couple cashmere pieces from DVF that I love, but they were extremely discounted. I would not purchase them at full price because even with extreme love and care, they will show wear as they age. Additionally, wool knits can snag incredibly easy and that essentially ruins the dress unless you pay a minimum of $75 to have the hole rewoven.

I recommend returning this dress and adding it to your sale stalking list. More than likely, you can hunt it down at a lower price. Take the money from the return and select what I call an investment DVF. There are three criteria for an investment DVF:

1) silk jersey or wool woven (DVF makes incredible 100% silk jersey and 100% wool woven dresses that wear like iron. The material is thick and luxurious and is near impossible to get it to show wear. I could put a DVF from the 90s next to one from this season and you'd never know the difference. No exaggeration.)

2) the three J's - Julian, Justin, Jeanne (The most basic of DVF cuts, all dating back to the 70s. Julian is 3/4 sleeves with no collar. Justin is 3/4 sleeves with a collar. Jeanne is full sleeves with a collar. You can't go wrong with any of these cuts. There is a reason why they are present every single season in the DVF collection.)

3) solid in a favorite color or a signature print (This is the hardest decision to make. Some people default to basic black, but I suggest choosing your most favorite, flattering color that you have loved since childhood so you will never tire of it. Either choose a solid dress in that color or a pattern with that color as the predominant shade in the pattern. If you choose a pattern, make sure it is one that is completely and unequivocally you.)

Okay, that was way too long. I hope something was useful in there.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I love the DVF dress and the print blouse in 14/15 also grabbed my eye instantly!

MsMary

Veteran

The yellow dress is so fab that it is blinding me to all the rest of it.

Which means, I'm thinking, that maybe the DVF should go back because it's not the star of the show and for that price it really should be the star. (I got my DVF wrap at the consignment store for $60, BTW. Bargains are out there.)

mamaKate

Veteran

Must Keeps: 8, 14, 23, 25.

Turkey Vulture

Definitely keep the DVF dress, in my opinion. I think it looks sophisticated and sexy at the same time on you.

I like the Classiques skirt with the lace trim, but it's not blowing my mind (maybe styled up a little more it would.) I could go either way on that one.

I think the red jeggings are not your best look...they're doing weird things to your butt. I'd return those, personally.

By contrast, the Classiques trousers look awesome on your booty! I'd keep these.

Love the Classiques blouse...I didn't notice any weird print placement at all. What I like about this one is that it can dress up or down.

I'm neutral on the two knit tops. But I'm always neutral on knit tops.

The pencil skirt/suit looks great, but is the jacket a touch too low on you? I can't tell whether that could be altered easily by a tailor without moving the placement of pockets, buttons, etc.

The yellow floral dress is great, too! Excellent shape on you and the proportions are perfect.

I love the black and white dress, too...looks awesome with the t-straps and I love that asymmetrical neckline!

I think that blue blouse is pretty cool, too. Nice find.

The only one I definitely vote "send back" on is the jeggings.

Nice picks! Lucky you!

Queen Mum

Veteran

my loves..

the wrap dress, blouse 14, outfit 21, dresses 25 and 26

That's not to say I dislike everything else, but these are the items that really caught my attention.

rachylou

Veteran

Ohmigosh, the yellow dress is knock 'em dead. And love the dark teal top. And those DVF wrap dresses are so impossibly useful and flattering and good looking, definite keep. And and and... really, everything is great.

I'd maybe hold out for the size six red jeggings... but then again, you want jeggings not stockings...

HelenInCanada

Veteran

1-4. Diane von Furstenberg Linda wrap dress: DEFINITE KEEP! I love it. Gorgeous colour, style & fit on you. I can see you wearing this to many occasions, in every season. Perfect.

5-7. Classiques Entier lace-trimmed Myrrah skirt: Not loving this one. From far away you can't tell it's a pretty lace trim, and it just seems to give an "apron" type of look.

8-10. Old Navy Rock Star Jegging in red: YES to the power of YES. Red pants/jeans are so on trend, and they fit you well (I wouldn't go smaller) and of course the colour is so striking. Looks comfy too!

11-13. Classiques Entier Nova trousers: These are classic workhorse type pants.

14-15. Classiques Entier blouse (sleeveless): OH MY GOD, absolutely beautiful. 100% KEEP!

17. Halogen red funnel neck sweater: Nice fall piece, but the cut is a bit snug in tummy area.

18-20. Vince black ribbed turtleneck and Lafayette & pinstripe trousers: Black turtleneck looks too tight. The pinstripe pants are great - classic, will match with ANYTHING. YES.

23. Matching Lafayette 148 pinstripe skirt: Very nice skirt. Chic! YES.

24. The matching Lafayette 148 suit jacket: Looks too big and yes, is a tad frumpy!

25. Eliza J dress: Oooh, foxy yet ladylike dress! Fit is perfect. DEFINITE KEEPER!!!

26-28. Calvin Klein dress. The print and style of this dress is FABULOUS. Yes, it's a bit high waisted, but I believe that's the look. Definite work horse dress, with a fitted jacket, on its own, with a cardi.., My vote is YES, but you need to feel comfortable with the high waist. I think it's flattering!

29-30. Classiques Entier teal ruched print top: The colour is lovely, but I'm not crazy about the fit or the print. This might be nice as a shell under a blazer, but on its own...not so much.

Wow - your wardrobe is growing so quickly and beautifully! Envy envy!

cobaltblue

Veteran

I think you will be sorry if you keep the DVF dress if the price is high to you. Beautiful as it is, thin knits wear out so quickly. What if you get a snag the first time you wear it?

I love the yellow dress most of all. The pinstripe pants are great, too.

Marley

Veteran

KILLERS for me are #s 5, 25 and 27. If you want/need a suit, I would get away from the Classiques brand, as in my opinion, they are a little frumpy-dumpy in general!

Also, do you plan to wear the red jeggings as you would leggings? If so, I think they are alright - but if you are planning to wear them more as a "jean" then I would look for some red ones that are more substantial in material and fit more like a skinny jean, rather than a legging!

Auburn

Veteran

I'm with Modgirl and DressLover on the DVF dress.
I think this one skims a little too closely to be truly flattering and you NEVER need to pay full price for DVF--trust me on this. There's almost always some sort of sale--20% friends and family on Saks this week (and they have a huge DVF inventory right now), a fall 20% discount on DVF.com, etc. Her dresses are expensive and DL rightly noted the ones that are worth the price but I still think I'd hunt for something that is at least 15-20% off. Now that you know a wrap style works for you, I'd do some internet searching to see if you fall in love with a particular color or pattern and then do some price comparisons to get the best deal. You may want to consider a solid black or navy wrap that you can style in endless ways to make it feel different--more flattering too. Just my two cents...

For what it's worth, I think the Eliza J and Calvin Klein dresses are far more flatteirng on your frame.

Anonymous

Pardon me if I only mention my true loves. Love the first dress. It is sophisticated and the style is very flattering on you. You love red and black so as long as the print makes you happy enough to pay full price, I vote keep. Only you know if you want to keep hunting. But the DVF works great on your figure.

The printed shell you were worried about I also love. I like a print on the torso for it's camouflaging abilities for the baby belly bits (hey, it takes one to know one, right?). For the same reason, I'm not crazy about the tighter knit tops on you. Howerever, knits with ruching on the sides or other details are working for me.

The yellow floral dress took my breath away. I can see it some killer red heels (of all things)!
That and the DVF are really the stand-outs to me. Black and white dresses are all over the place, so this one just looks a little more common to me, even though there's nothing wrong with it. If it's filling a hole for work or something, then keep it.

I have loved watching you transform your style in record time! You must have a fab wardrobe by now. Thanks so much for letting us see it!

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

I am STILL CRAVING a DVF dress, so YOU GO, GIRL. I love colored jeans and I think yours rock in red. I love your dresses in 25 & 26 and they are fabulous. The yellow just knocked me over and I love the black/gray/white one, too! However, there is a very similar black/gray/white dress, like that, at H&M, our group saw this weekend and it has really good "Mad Men" lines and some cool pockets at the hips, which fan out a bit. Getting back to the earlier photos, I have to say that I love the classic gray skirt with the lace trim. That can look good dressed up or down and that would be a keeper for me.

bran888

I'll be totally honest with you....

The yellow dress is an ideal silhouette for you, please keep!

I also love the animal print CK dress, you look great!

The tops in14/15 and 29/30 look nice on you.

I don't love the DVF dress, it's just not flattering your figure.

The Old Navy red jeans look too tight in the waist.

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