Silk dress - coveting for my fantasy life - YouLookFab Forum

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Silk dress - coveting for my fantasy life

Astrid

Veteran

When I saw the first picture on a blog post I just had to look up the dress - I wish I hadn't. It's a gorgeous crinkle silk georgette lined with silk and it's actually so far marked down it would be affordable. Although I probably would be tempted to commit sacrilege and cut it off to make a midi dress out of it.

But, I definitely need other things more than a hard to care for dress... Sigh. Anyone else been tempted lately by fantasy life items?

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24 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

approprio

(website)

Veteran

It looks like a very practical summer dress. Apart from being silk, I wouldn't call this a fantasy item.

The shape and fabric are gorgeous, but I agree it would look better as a midi. Keep your eyes open for the same shape in viscose or bamboo satin, which is lovely to wear and easier to look after. It would also be incredibly easy to make one, something like this.

Style Fan

Veteran

It is a beautiful dress. I agree with approprio that it could be a very practical and wearable dress. But you know your needs and lifestyle best.

I am always tempted by knee high leather boots. I have to keep asking myself when would I wear them. I am retired, I walk my dog in extremely cold temps, I live a very casual life, I already have some nice booties to wear with jeans and leggings, etc. But I want a pair of expensive leather knee high boots. I have a pair that are at least 10 years old. I want to update them. So far I have not given in.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks approprio. I guess I'm hesitant about the silk because it seems to be such an 'expensive' fabric to me. I'm don't want to fear about my dress all the time when I'm wearing it. But maybe I wouldn't and it would be alright... who knows? I definitely like midi lengths better than maxis, especially because I'm only 5'3''. Thanks for the link to the pattern, I might actually have something similar already in one of my Burda magazines (I have five or so).

Thanks Style Fan! You have me serisouly considering it now... Thing is it can't be only for special occasions, I need to be able to wear it as an everyday dress too or I can't justify the expense. As for the knee high leather boots - I absolutely love mine and have been wearing them the time since I bought them. I'm often wearing skirts in everyday life and the boots are perfect for that. I think if you want to wear more skirts or dresses they are worth a second thought.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Astrid, the style of the dress makes it appear somewhat casual rather than precious. Easy to dress up or dress down. And silk can also be easy to take care of - - depending to some degree on the weave. It actually washes beautifully in cold by hand or in a garment bag on a delicate setting. Air dry, steam iron. And it looks great.

I would make it a midi, too, and keep the remaining fabric for a scarf. Two for the price of one!

Not that I'm enabling or anything, LOL.

abc

Veteran

I can see you layering a denim vest or jacket over this to casualize it. I think it's beautiful and it could help up your style quotient. You could do what frannieb did with her leather skirt - commit to x wears in y season to help come to terms with the financial aspect.

Minnie

I agree that it would be a beautiful, usable dress if it was midi-length.
Suz's idea of using the cut-off length as a scarf is brilliant.
Silk is really not that finicky. Most of the time it's washable.
The darker color of the dress makes it more dirt resistant and you could probably wear it into fall/winter with a topper and tights.

Meredith

Veteran

Beautiful dress! I've really been feeling for you in your last few posts as you are honing your style and staying so focused on what you need and can afford. This post in particular makes me think back about 10 years ago when a sales associate tried to talking me into buying two colors of a skirt. "It's a classic, it goes with everything!" But at the time I had absolutely no need for two skirts. I could barely justify buying one let alone two, even though the quality was great (I still have the one I did buy!). So, that's a long way of saying that I am impressed by how practical and pragmatic you are through this process! It's not always fun, but your focus is letting you buy some really beautiful items. I, on the other hand squandered a lot of dollars on so-so things to satisfy my shopping bug.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Gorgeous dress. Not to tempt you further, but I own two silk dresses and find them very easy to care for. I wash them in laundry bags in the washing machine, cold water, and they are holding up well. I love them because they can go from casual to dressy in a pinch, and because they are light and easy to pack. Highly recommend adding this to your wardrobe if you love it!

tulle

Veteran

Oh Astrid, there is nothing like silk lined in silk! It floats away from the body and drapes like magic. Does it need a bit of special care? Yes, but it's worth it; I have silk shirts that are 10+ years old. I see this (thanks to the color, print and silhouette) as a practical 3-or-4-season dress (with the addition of a cardigan or jacket in cooler weather) and agree with Suz's recommendation to chop the length (might be best to leave that to a pro, as silk is tricky to hem properly) and use the remnant as a scarf or something else. The shape of the dress is very versatile, and that lightly gathered waist begs for a belt with an interesting (maybe antique?) buckle. Sometimes indulgence is good for you!

rachylou

Veteran

Oh wow. That IS a beautiful dress.

Astrid

Veteran

Okay, people, I placed an order...They don't have it stocked right now and it will be a while until they will ship them out again, but it's not sold out (they regularly have that restock in xx weeks thing going on). So I will get to try it!

I can always return if it doesn't work out, but you were all such enablers that I think I'm going to keep it if it looks just as beautiful IRL. And I would definitely shorten it, I like the idea of making a scarf out of the surplus fabric.

lyn67

Veteran

I want one, too. Astrid, can you provide a link?

BTW have I answered your questions?:-)

Astrid

Veteran

Lyn it's this one. But no international shipping, I fear.

lyn67

Veteran

Thanx Astrid, not really a problem, as having familiy in DE, but see they have shops in Austria, too -or only shipping? Anyway, thanx for introducing me to the brand, they have some stuff I love:-).

Astrid

Veteran

Lyn, I think that they have an Austrian version of the site, but only stores in Germany? Not sure. And yes, they do have some lovely things. I also got my new jacket from them.

harmonica

Veteran

Beautiful dress! Can't wait until you can try it on. If the silk is very delicate is is more prone to damage than a sturdier fabric. Once you get the dress, you'll be able to actually feel it and then make a decision. I would like to have a dress like that myself

Staysfit

Veteran

So glad you ordered it Astrid. I think it's perfect for you. Regarding your question about whether I am tempted by fantasy life items! It happens all the time, I love a great cocktail dress. I rarely have an occasion to wear them. When I did my closet clean out, I purged 7 of them. All with tags. I made a promise not to purchase another unless I have a specific occasion. In a pinch, I can wear one of my DVF wrap dresses. They can go anywhere and are a classic and polished look if I don't have time to shop.

Alassë

Veteran

I like Suz's response. I see you're giving it a try; fingers crossed!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

OH - I hope it works for you! Remember last year when you were scrambling to come up with something for two events? This would be wonderful to have on hand for eventualities like that -- and I'm sure it will be "dress up" and "dress down" able.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Harmonica! Yes, it all depends on how it looks when I have it in my hands...

Thanks Staysfit. I think having a dressier everyday dress that can work in a pinch is a good solution - that way you have something to fall back on. That's why I wouldn't buy a typical cocktail dress for a lot of money, I would have no where to wear it. Something like this is a much better option because I could see it dressed up with nice shoes and clutch for an occasion as well as with a denim jacket and casual sandals.

Thanks Alasse! It will be a while until there's an update, but I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks Suz! You all had good arguments. And you're right, it would be great to have a dress I could wear for "those" kind of occasions. It might be a great theatre/opera evening dress too...

abc

Veteran

Squee, so glad you pulled the trigger. Let's hope it's as nice in person as in the photo. Sometimes we have to make room in the budget and closet for things we love even if they're not the most practical (though I do believe this could be a very versatile piece for you). Like someone earlier on the thread mentioned, you've been really disciplined and I don't think you're made a lot of purchasing mistakes. This could be your reward for all of that hard work. See, still enabling...

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I looks like a versatile and beautiful dress. I'm glad you ordered it. Fingers crossed!

Astrid

Veteran

@abc
Keep enabling all you like! I agree, this could be very versatile, if it works out. Keeping my fingers crossed.

@Ingunn, thanks!

Astrid

Veteran

Quick update: got a bit of a scare today when the other item of the same order was shipped and the dress said "available in 51 weeks"?! I just called and something has gone wrong there, it will be available in four weeks.