K/R: Eileen Fisher Cowl Neck Dress and Cardi

This dress is one of Angie's finds
http://youlookfab.com/store/20...../#comments
I have been stalking it for awhile and when the Eileen Fisher site had a big % off sale over Labor Day, I pounced. I also ordered a matching colored (firefly) cardigan. They came late yesterday and I'd like your opinion. This is a want, not a need.
1-3: this is the basic dress. I like the color on me, the fabric (same as lantern dress), the length and high neckline. I wonder if it is too fancy for my life. Can I wear it to church?
4-7: The cardi I ordered, which was also on sale but still pricey. It is a different texture from the dress. Dillard's has a longer sleeved cardi this color I may try if you think this one is not flattering. It is more expensive. What do you think? It comes with a big pewter pin but I couldn't remove it without damage to the tag. Think #7 with a pin.
8-9: a cardi already in my closet. The color is an excellent match but is it too long or can it be worn to make the dress more casual?
A friend I sometimes shop with saw me in this dress and has also seen me in the lantern dress. She really wants me to get this dress and also the same one in pine needle (at Nordstroms )

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10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like the dress better on you than on the models! I thought from the stock photos that the neckline would be lower. How lovely to have a cowl that works.

I would wear it anywhere, if I had it. Looks like a pop on dress that can be casualized or dressed up super easily. It's great!

I am not as wild about the cardigans with it, although the first one is quite nice.

Did you try it with other toppers to see if a cardi would even be necessary?

Diana

Love the dress, it is absolutely gorgeous on you. I agree with Suz that it would work in a lot of different situations, dressed up or down.

I would return the cardigan. I would prefer to see the dress with a contrasting color cardigan or jacket, and I am not fond of short sleeves on cardis. I also think that particular cardi is hiding the wonderful drape of the cowl neck, which is a shame.

I like the shape of your existing cardi with the dress (interesting drape and volume on volume) but again I would prefer a different color. I think the matchy matchy orange is just too much.

Sara L.

I really like the dress and think it's not too dressy for church. It seems like it could be dressed up or down depending on the accessories you choose.

Raisin

I love the dress on you! Definite keep! If you are debating keeping the first cardigan I do think the one you already have is very similar (though I do prefer the first one). I too, would like to see a contrasting topper over the dress.

Eliza

Wow. That color was meant for you. I like the shape of the dress on you. I would concur with others who say skip the matching cardis. I don't think either cardi shape sets the dress off well enough (doesn't let the bones of the dress that are so pretty on you show through) and would also prefer a contrasting color with it.

Gorgeous.

ironkurtin

I love the dress but the color is too much with a matching cardi.

Nicola

Active Member

That dress is a fantastic colour and looks great with the shoes too. Not too fancy at all although it could be if you wanted it to. I have a short sleeved cardigan which I find hard to wear because if I'm cold enough to need a cardy I need the sleeves to go with it. If I warm up I either push the sleeves up or take the thing off. Is the cardigan a warmth item or more of a shoulder covering extra visual layer item?

Sylvie

Love the dress. I have the same one (but in pink). I actually consider it a casual dress on me. The flowy shape keeps it low key.

Agree with others on skipping the matching cardigan.

Lyn D.

A lovely dress Joy!
It reads smart casual to me, and you could where it anywhere.

Caro in Oz

I agree with the others - love the dress but not with the cardi (I'm not a cardi fan so grain of salt).

Anonymous

Wow, another great Eileen Fisher dress. How smart of you to stalk and pounce! From these pictures, I quite like the color on you. In fact, I like most bright colors and midtones on you. I'm not keen on the expensive, cap-sleeved cardi. It's fine, but I'm starting to feel like these little cardis are starting to look a bit dated. I think the one you have looks better actually (and I'd love to save you some money). Because it's the same color of the dress, I don't think its long lines mess up the proportions. It's like a dress/twin set! So I'd say KEEP the dress, wear it with your cardi and with other toppers: short blazers, denim jackets, etc.

Day Vies

Love the dress and the color is very flattering on you Joy, I don't love any of the cardi's with this dress. The cardi colors seem to match perfectly but I guess for a drapey dress structure and a contrasting color would strike the right note for me.
I'm thinking a jacket but I haven't gotten very far on that line of thinking to suggest a shape (bolero, cropped, chanel-esque?) Maybe a cardi would work in a metallic thread, or a patterned cardi?

Joy

It sounds like a consensus that the dress stays and cardi goes back and I'm good with that. It also gives me a reason to go check out the Eileen Fisher store that just opened in Kansas City:)
To answer NZ Nicola, I use the cardi both for some warmth in AC and for shoulder coverage for church, but I much prefer jackets to cardigans in general. I tried my orange VC blazer and the color was a tonal blend but the jacket seemed too long.
The problem is to find a topper that has the same saturation of color as the dress. I saw some firefly linen toppers in the store but they look faded next to the dress. I'm not Team High Contrast but might use black/deep navy with a pop of white.
Sylvie, do you ever wear a topper with your pink dress? I would mostly wear the dress without a topper but would like to be able to have one that works when needed, even if it is just to throw over my shoulders.
I will return the cardi and watch for something that works better. In the meantime I have the longer red cardigan and cascading cardigans in dark blue and ivory to use if needed.
Thank you each for your comments. It's so helpful to find out how you see things.

unfrumped

I'm late but wow! That is a great find. Super neckline and of course you know I love the color on you.

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