https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:50:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-666497 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 03:40:01 +0000 cciele 666497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was at All Saints the other day I saw a few similar crochet swimsuit coverup-type dresses:<br /> <a href="http://www.us.allsaints.com/women/dresses/allsaints-column-maxi-dress/?colour=60&#038;category=330" rel="nofollow">http://www.us.allsaints.com/wo.....tegory=330</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-666446 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 02:44:05 +0000 Kari 666446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Francaise, that's a very interesting point.</p> <p>And it does obviously get us thinking not only about the "appropriateness" of the dress, but also about how we could make such a trend work on US, even if not that specific dress nor in such a body-baring style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-666344 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:21:07 +0000 Deborah 666344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the idea of this outfit but this would never work for me. If it were black and styled somewhat differently.. I would be tempted to give it a try:) But I definitely need more coverage </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-666317 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 23:44:10 +0000 Anonymous 666317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>'Everyone will be staring at that freak girl trying to figure out if she's got anything on underneath.'</p> <p>Then the starers are the ones to be pitied, not Karla!</p> <p>I've been doing some research into the dress which has caused statements like that to be made. I have discovered that it was designed and marketed by a pretty extraordinary Swedish designer, EmmaO. She sent the dress to Karla and other high-profile fashion bloggers and top models (including Kate Moss) to help publicise the work she is doing, which from my perspective as a volunteer doctor for 'MSF' (often known in English as Doctors without Borders) who has seen with my own eyes the tremendous suffering in Zimbabwe, is highly moving. This is an extract about Emma, and her work, and how her designs (including the one Karla was wearing) are manufactured:</p> <p>'My name is Emma, from Sweden... I've been modelling full-time for 5 years - Travelling around the world. Cape Town is the place that really captured my heart - I've been going to that city for work every year since I was 16.</p> <p>I started emmaoclothing in February 2011 when I was down in Cape Town... It instantly grew into bigger proportions than I had ever expected! I had great luck in many famous bloggers and fashion sites showing interest in the clothes.<br /> I started working with one woman, designing pieces that she put into making - Now I have a whole factory in Zimbabwe where the same woman is the head of a group of ladies that once was living without money or work.</p> <p>When I met 'my' lady the first time, she was living in Cape Town without her family in order to provide money for them in Zimbabwe. Now as I write this - She's at home in her own bought house in Zimbabwe with her both children and husband!</p> <p>A happy moment for me was when her mom phoned me last summer - Crying and thanking me for have made this project happen.'</p> <p>Okay! I accept that I have taken this thread wildly off-topic here, but I for one, admire Emma, who at the age of just 21 cares enough to use her connections in fashion to help some of the world's most vulnerable women. I also admire Karla, who almost inevitably knew that by being photographed in that dress which is out-of-keeping with her usual style, she would provoke controversy, which in turn brings publicity to Emma's work. It will be interesting to see how Kate Moss wears the same dress!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-665931 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:03:40 +0000 rachylou 665931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh ya, that is a doily-comment provoker. And an eyebrow raiser. Everyone will be staring at the freak girl trying to figure out if she's got on anything underneath. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-665859 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:22:44 +0000 Kate 665859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't follow Karla's blog, but she is a beautiful girl. I second IK's opinion: If I looked like Karla, I'd wear that dress 24/7! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-665854 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:18:31 +0000 ManidipaM 665854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Karla's not my personal style most of the time, but IK's got me giggling hysterically at bedtime (not good for quaffing a glass of milk!) and suddenly getting a whole new perspective!</p> <p>And I agree 100% with Gaylene. I confess I do see this as problematic in the cruise dinner context --- largely because I pay attention to cruise etiquette and feel given the large and diverse company a little less risk-taking would be appropriate, as is *polite*; but I'm betting there's plenty of adult-ishly dressed young girls on that same cruise, prepubescent non-boobs in 'flattering' bikinis even, on similar cruises. That I find a bigger issue to address. (Mind you, am not saying one does not acknowledge the sexuality or the sexual autonomy of the young and underage; I'm talking about the trend of 'genderising' as well as sexualizing young people's attire to the extent it currently is, and the gender bias it shows --- not too many 'banana hammocks' for the young buys, more shorts I believe; so why are the girls so often in 'asset-enhancing/highlighting' bikinis?)</p> <p>Sorry --- I've strayed off-topic rant over! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-665835 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:45:55 +0000 K. Period. 665835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, you make an interesting point. </p> <p>I was one of the people who said that the illusion of nudity was too strong for me. I like the dress--I actually clicked all the way through to see it for sale--but I would personally never wear it as Karla styled it. On the other hand, I've been on European beaches and felt perfectly comfortable with just a bikini bottom. That felt less exposed to me because my friends were topless and many of the people around us were wearing very little. I think, though, that the strong illusion of nudity is often much more charged and compelling than nudity itself, something every lingerie manufacturer and purchaser, including me, counts on! </p> <p>I thought Karla's choice to wear the dress with the nude swimsuit underneath to dinner on the cruise ship was pretty bold. As a swimsuit cover up, I think it is stunning. As a dress, I think it is stunning. On her, I think it is stunning. On me? Nope. </p> <p>Also, I totally 100% agree with Gaylene that a strapless top on a 12-year old is much more concerning for me. Karla's an adult woman, and if she wants to dress alluringly, more power to her. She looks gorgeous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-665475 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 02:26:51 +0000 Gaylene 665475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would I wear it? No, but I'm at least double her age. Would I have worn it when I was younger? Probably not, but I'd like to think that I might have dared if I looked like her and was on the Amalfi coast in the summer.</p> <p>I think it's interesting how we North Americans find even the illusion of nudity unsettling when many European women, regardless of their ages, are quite comfortable going topless with just a tiny bikini bottom while on the beach. Given the context, Karla's decision to wear a crocheted dress with full coverage underneath for dinner might be a bit daring but certainly not inappropriate.</p> <p>Personally, I think a twelve-year old in a strapless dress much more offensive. But that is another topic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-665438 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:55:21 +0000 MsMary 665438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I heart Karla. I would certainly wear this as a swimsuit coverup if I were as young and fit as she. As a dress, only if it were lined. And not in the same color as my skin! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-665419 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:53:09 +0000 Transcona Shannon 665419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love lace and crochet and think this piece is absolutely beautiful. I personally wouldn't wear it this way because I'm not that brave, but to each his (in this case, her) own. Beautiful for a warm/tropical vacation and I think it would be stunning over a turquoise bikini. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-665418 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:52:25 +0000 ironkurtin 665418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Man, if I had a body like that I would wear this dress every second I could. On a boat with a swimsuit underneath, maybe not so much to the office or buying groceries. Although I bet I would get REALLY great service in the grocery store with that on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-665415 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:49:53 +0000 Isabel 665415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks as if she is wearing this on a cruise ship. As a cover up, I think it is fine, except for the high heels. That confuses me a bit. I like Kari's idea for wearing it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not/page/2#post-665400 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:20:06 +0000 Kari 665400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too am aware that this is a departure from this blogger's current style - and the photo is out of context too, as on the original post she mentions that she is on a boat and is wearing a swim suit underneath. I love Karla's style.</p> <p>I think that in the setting that she is wearing it - on a boat with a swimsuit underneath - it's okay. A bit risque for *my* taste as a swimsuit cover up, but that is my personal preference and not a judgment on Karla's choice to wear it. (It's probably just my prudishness; I'm just always kind of iffy about any outfit that makes you wonder if the person is truly in the buff underneath, or if you're going to see more than you want to when they move? I am not a fan of nude-colored swimsuits either for the same reason... and that's just me.)</p> <p>However, I could totally see wearing this dress with a white or even colored opaque slip underneath, which would really make the lace pop in a different way, and would make the dress versatile for more than just beachwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665395 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:08:29 +0000 cinnamon fern 665395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is why YLF is so great! Reasoned disagreement not flaming. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665362 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 23:05:48 +0000 Victoria 665362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy: I agree with this 100%<br /> "I guess I don't think of style bloggers as above me or somehow beyond any sort of critique or commentary on their look. I've also posted my own looks that I think are failures and asked for input on dissecting what went wrong."</p> <p>La Francaise: no problem, you are forgiven;) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665354 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 22:48:56 +0000 Jonesy 665354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming back in here...I guess I see different sides to this. On one hand, I think it's okay to express our thoughts or viewpoints about a particular look. I recently posted a look from a street style blog and asked people for their "takes" and got a ton of variety in responses, from "I wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit and can't imagine why anyone would wear that," to "this is fab" (paraphrasing on both!). I guess I don't think of style bloggers as above me or somehow beyond any sort of critique or commentary on their look. I've also posted my own looks that I think are failures and asked for input on dissecting what went wrong. </p> <p>On the other hand, I can see how the critiques can seem like they're being harsh or mean toward a particular *person* vs. a particular *outfit*, especially if you have personal ties to that person or somehow feel a connection to her. I don't think anyone here was intending to be mean or harsh to her personally, just judging that particular outfit to be not quite successful, which is what we do around here all day long, with each other :). And of course others who responded love that outfit and think it's fab! There is always diversity of opinion.</p> <p>ETA: You posted as I was typing, La Francaise :)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665353 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 22:38:07 +0000 Anonymous 665353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Victoria, I accepted in my last post that I over-reacted. If you notice, I apologised to one and all, and said that if it were possible I would remove my second post.</p> <p>So, please, if I mis-read you, or anybody else for that matter, accept my apology just above yours, and let's move on as friends who share a passion for style and fashion, may we? Now, it's almost 1.00am, so I'm off to bed! Forgiven?? Please!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665347 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 22:24:11 +0000 ClaraT 665347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This might work in real life by a pool with flip-flops but looks a bit racy as shown in the photo. But *thank you* for posting--what amazing photos on her blog! Gorgeous! Goodbye, I'm off to Greece! (Ha, I wish.)</p> <p>(The blogger also notes, "The dresses are handmade in South Africa and each sale helps families in both Zimbabwe and South Africa!" I like that aspect of the dress.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665341 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 22:15:48 +0000 Victoria 665341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Francaise: if you read my original post, I did say that I like her blog and that she has some great style ideas. I don't think that saying that you like or don't like an outfit, could be destcribed as bitchiness. And I didn't say that it was a fail, I ASKED what the others thought. I did say that her swimsuit is a fail(in my opinion) but that has nothing to do with the products or services she provides or her blog which does post some very stylish outfits. I think you are jumping to conclusions here.</p> <p>To add: many members of this forum posted pictures of outfits from different blogs and sites and asked for opinions so I don't get all the upset </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665334 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 22:02:04 +0000 Jenava 665334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think she is wearing a bikini under this. I remember being a little shocked at this as well until I realized she was wearing it as a swim coverup (granted, it doesn't "cover" that much, but I don't think she is wearing it as a dress...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665329 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:54:58 +0000 Anonymous 665329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now I think it is my turn to apologise for my outburst, because while I was editing out my spelling mistakes, others posted much more moderate and sympathetic posts. I don't know how (or even if it's possible) to delete or I would certainly remove my second post. Special thanks to Parsley and Janet for restoring a sense of perspective.</p> <p>Nevertheless, the point is well made by Parsley, that the world of good fashion blogs and web-sites is indeed a small one. I leave you to guess who recommended I lurk on You Look Fab: Yep, Karla! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665323 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:44:56 +0000 Janet 665323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Parsley puts it very well. </p> <p>I wore a lace top recently in a WIW that could definitely be likened to a doily! Fortunately, everyone seemed to love it. <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-new-lace-top-skinnies-wedges" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ies-wedges</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665321 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:42:23 +0000 Parsley 665321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm uncomfortable with labeling this outfit a "fail."<br /> I follow Karla's blog, and I think she's unbelievably gorgeous and she posts a lot of great outfits. Lots of them are not things that I would ever wear (of course I'm about 30 years or so older and untold pounds heavier than she is!). But I find her outfits inspiring and interesting- this one included.</p> <p>The look shown in that picture with the lace dress is much more daring than most of us are likely to ever be, but I think she looks stunning in it.</p> <p>For those of us who aren't fashion bloggers, we can see her lace dress, and Angie's lace top, and say "Hmmm, maybe I could incorporate a lace item into MY wardrobe."<br /> I certainly would adapt the look to my body and my lifestyle, but I can take inspiration from the idea.</p> <p>Anyway, I would rather that we say that we don't care for an outfit, or that it wouldn't work for us, but I would rather stick with the positive and non-judgmental approach that YLF is known for.<br /> Remember that the world of fashion blogs is a small one, and our comments can be hurtful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665320 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:42:10 +0000 catgirl 665320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Karla's style. She is a risktaker and young and gorgeous. And on her it's not a fail at all. On me, it would be beyond ridiculous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665317 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:40:05 +0000 Anonymous 665317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK! Karla has made a rare fashion faux pas! But all of you who visited her web-site to rush to pass judgement on her, must have scrolled past some other photos of her which show the truly elegant woman I've become fond of. What's more, she makes her e-mail address available to all and sundry on her site. I can't help feeling it would have been kinder if the originator of this thread had written to tell her it was a mistake to publish that picture, rather than to descend to this level of collective bitchiness. I thought I had become a member of a friendly, supportive community here. Please don't force me to change my mind! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665313 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:37:28 +0000 Diana 665313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd wear it as a swimsuit coverup or even as a dress, provided that the thing underneath (bikini or slip) were a bright color so it's clear there is something there! I don't think I would wear it like she does here, but I have to say that I don't actually think it would be out of place if she were actually on a beach, particularly in Europe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665311 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:36:49 +0000 Claudia 665311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not a fail at all given the right environment. If I looked like Karla, I'd wear this in a private setting, say a private honeymoon cabana or private villa with my husband. Or on a private boat. She looks beautiful.</p> <p>Of course it would be inappropriate to wear it like this to the all-you-can-eat family buffet on a Disney Cruise ship, it just depends on the setting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665310 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:36:26 +0000 Janet 665310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Jonesy. I don't care for it styled with the nude underpinnings, swimsuit or not (I would never wear a swimsuit close to my skintone anyway), but I could see this being quite cute styled in a different way. </p> <p>I usually like her style very much, so I have to agree with La Francaise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-think-this-dress-is-a-fail-or-not#post-665308 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:33:30 +0000 K. Period. 665308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not a chance I would wear it as styled. I love the dress, but I'd want a lined version or I would wear it with a nude slip or colored lining. Even though this is more covered than a swimsuit, it creates a stronger impression of nudity. Off to look at the blog now, though, to see her other pairings since La Francaise says that the other outfits are lovely.... </p>