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Another dress K/R

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

A continuation of the hunt for some dresses to wear on my upcoming cruise to Hawaii with Mom. First thread:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....es-keepers

...In which I ignored your advice and kept the short blue lace sleeveless dress, because Mom likes it and it feels tropical.

Here is another eBay find. I know the color isn't exactly on-trend. It was popular 2-5 years ago. This is a new Trina Turk dress, it fits well I think. It's NWT but has a bit of shop wear, but nothing a trip to the cleaners won't fix. I like the neckline. And the length seems good. It's a plus that it's sleeved. It's a substantial ponte knit, also lined. I'm not wearing any shaping under garments, just sucking it all in in picture 3. But I do think a pair of shape wear bike shorts or boy shorts would help with removing the lumps and bumps you see in pics 3 and 4.

If it matters, I got it for around $60 including shipping. It's returnable but I would need to do so within the next few days to meet any deadlines.

Keep or return?

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28 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Keep! It fits you really well, and I don't think shapewear is necessary,

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, it's pretty but seems very classic and conservative. I associate you with more edgy looks.

Also am reading on phone so photos are small but there seems to be some weird bunching on the back, which happens to me when the upper back is too long or wide.

Eta: it also reads a bit like a "work" dress rather than a party dress to me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I really like this. The neckline is gorgeous on you. And I like the little echoing slit at the bottom. It's hard (for me) to date it. It feels sort of ageless and timeless, with a sharp minimalism that is very appealing. Plus, the colour is gorgeous on you.

I am not sure it reads like a "cruise" dress, exactly. More of a work dress. (Except not for your work, obviously). I might feel differently if I felt the fabric.

Will it be too warm for the cruise? Is it comfortable to sit and move in?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Suz that it doesn't necessarily feel like a cruise dress and reads a bit more professional than festive. But it does fit you nicely (I think the bunching Diana mentions is just because you have your hands on your hips in that rear view photo), and I like the color. It's a beautiful classic that can serve you well for some years if you like it well enough.

Lyn D.

Veteran

I like this dress CL!
It seems strange to me that you are getting a cool-weather item for cruising.
I always associate that type of holiday with bikinis, hats and sunscreen

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Suz and Diana, yes it occurred to me that the dress reads as "workwear." Even though the seller had it listed under "cocktail dresses."

The thought that the dress doesn't reflect my true style is one to ponder. I've seen some interesting dresses at AllSaints (on line), but have never been able to try any on. The $300 price range also give me pause as I only wear dresses a handful of times every year. I spent this much on a Black Halo dress a few years ago and wore it once. It was a fail, the shoulders were too wide.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Gradfashionista, I'm glad you think it works without shape wear! I think I'm more comfortable with it on though.

Janet thanks for weighing in.

Lyn and others -- the start of the cruise is typical San Francisco winter weather. I.E., 50-60s temps. Temps in Hawaii are low 70s. This is not a hot weather vacation, these are mild temps. So I think this dress works temperature wise for part of the cruise. While the blue dress works for the Hawaii part. My main concern is not the fabric it's the workwear aspect of the dress.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Denise, you and I have some talking to do. Because here's the thing -- I really only wear dresses a couple of times a year, too -- except for super casual summer dresses, which I will wear, and frequently, if the weather is hot.

The thing is, whether I wear them often or not, I need a few dresses for events. And I always seem to gravitate to ones that are actually a bit too conservative for my style. It's as if I am seeking the "ur" dress or something -- the one dress to rule them all, so I don't have to buy any more of something I rarely use.

So I bought this beautiful but very conservative David Meister dress that feels like a work party dress to me. And I've worn it precisely once in over a year. (Oh, I HAD to have it. Got it on sale, so it was not expensive, but still....)

I am beginning to think my money would be better spent on a dress or two that really do represent my style. Even if I have to pay more to get that dress.

OTOH, a lot of the events I would want a dress for are events involving my mother. And she likes to see me in a conservative, ladylike dress. And why not make her happy and give myself a change of look? As long as it doesn't feel completely fraudulent to wear it.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Suz, you are getting at the heart of the matter. I am doing this trip with Mom, so don't mind looking conservative. Also, I am noticing that I am leaning towards more classic stye expressions. I am 56 after all. It was bound to happen sometime. The urge to be the first to wear the latest (fill in blank) is nowhere as strong as it used to be. As well, if you look at dresses even at a place like Nordstrom -- where fashion matters -- they all look conservative to me so there's a selection issue. If you look at designer wear, a lot of it is separates driven right now.

But you're right, maybe I should go for it and spend more. I seem to have no problem spending $500 on boots...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ah, but boots, that is another matter. You will wear the boots (at least theoretically). I think it's reasonable to economize in an item that won't get a lot of wear. Or that isn't a core part of your style.

And yes, I have noticed that dresses seem almost inherently a bit conservative. It's true you can find exceptions if you go very Rick Owens or something, but even my James Perse knock-off dress is ...well....a DRESS!!

I think you look amazing in this particular dress. I also think the shoes modernize it.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

On my last dress thread I had picked some Allsaints dresses. I went back to them and they are now on sale… perhaps it's time. I think Jackiec has the Abi dress and loves it. Although we have different builds, plus she is tall.

So these are the ones that might work on me. You all like the Nise dress for me. I require a V or very open neckline due to my short neck and full bust. Do you know how many dresses have high, crew necklines now? Another problem.

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Alia Disperse Dress

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kkards

Veteran

I love the way this dress fits, (no shape wear needed). This does a have a slight workwear vibe, but with accessories it could be "cocktailed" up. Add a strapy sandal and the vibe changes. Even the shoes you are wearing, lose the watch, add a gold or silver clutch, and you've got a different vibe. Maybe not sexy, but no longer workwear.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fabulous dress. It's really fun to see you in something classic, actually. And a sleeved dress looks so much more current to me these days. By the time you add your edgy jewellery and a whimsical clutch, the frock is going to feel very "Denise". I bet Mama will love it.

I also really like the All Saints frocks - many of which were top picks.

p.s. You could also wear what you wore to the YLF cocktail party with sandals.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ha! See! I knew my eyes were not deceiving me.

If you do try AllSaints, I like the Isa dress. The Nise and Abi look great, too.

By the way, what are your shoes?

deb

Veteran

Love this dress on you and no shape wear needed.

DonnaF

Veteran

I much prefer the All Saints dresses for you. I like the Abi and Isa best, but I suspect that in the end it will depend upon where the dresses hit you. The Trina Turk harkens back to the corporate life you left ages ago.

If you go arty and solid, perhaps the dresses won't date so fast? Or separates? Perhaps a tunic or short dress with a longer skirt layered underneath the way bloggers do?

Gaylene

Veteran

Hmm, I'm going with you finding another dress. Don't get me wrong, though, because I also think that you look gorgeous in this dress sans shape wear, and adding accessories as Angie suggests could certainly make it more "you" and less work, more party. The price is also good, especially if you don't wear dresses that often. And, as if you need more reasons, your mother will probably love seeing you in a "pretty", classic dress.

But my vote is to send it back. Suz put her finger on it with her assessment of her David Meister dress. Hitting your mid-fifties and feeling like you might be in the midst of a style shift does not mean careening into the arms of a "classic" look, especially if you've never shown much interest in incorporating that style into the rest of your current wardrobe. Maybe a touch of classic with a touch of edgy might be a better route. I can picture you so much more clearly rocking one of those All Saints dresses--more Denise in her element and less Denise playing dress-up in her mom's closet?

unfrumped

Veteran

Send it to me, please!
I don't think I can advise. I think it looks great, but of course it's not super edgy. For me I often don't feel I have many choices, by the time length and fit and sleeves are accounted for. So maybe my "style" goes where the dress is!

I do think it can be a good canvas, and to me that can be really useful. This color looks great with leopard , as shown, even more of it, as well as more blingy accessories, and of course more conservative vs. more daring shoes or boots.

i would go by whether you like it. If you feel totally meh about it, then return. If you really like it but are a bit puzzled by it, you probably can work it into your look.

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I would say get just one of the all saints dresses on sale & wear them multiple nights to cruise dinner. I did a cruise with my dad & step family and I swear I could have worn the same bloody dress to all five nights of dinner & no one would have noticed!

jackiec

Veteran

I do like the dress from eBay - you look beautiful and it would be useful for the cruise. However, style-wise, I do see you in the AllSaints dresses....I am totally biased, b/c yes, I LOVE my Abi dress (and oh dear, now that they are on sale I'd totally consider duplicating in stone, if I hadn't already blown my Xmas budget, and also just unexpectedly had to purchase new specs!! Ahhhh). But I digress. I think you will win either way - that dress you have pictured will be really great for the weather you are describing. And, as Angie says, you will totally rock it with your accessories and stellar style. I think I've just talked in a full circle.

Echo

Veteran

I really love this dress. The strong shoulders and mirroring slits at the neck and back hemline lean toward an edgy, but still classic, look. I think that some statement jewelry would elevate this look easily to cruise wear. But it is a versatile enough dress that with different accessories you could wear it for almost any occasion. I vote keep and wear.

Oh, and even after scrutinizing the pics, I see no need for shapewear. Clearly, we all wear what we are most comfortable in, so wear it if you wish, but there is no need for it as you look fab without it.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes it looks fantastic and not dated and I also love the mirroring slits. But would you ever wear it?

Deborah

Veteran

I am a little conflicted here. I love the dress. The cut, the colour, the fit.. just stunning. it is very classic and IMHO conservative ... that in itself is not a positive, or a negative.

Is this something that you would wear for dinner on the cruise? Just trying to get a sense of the purpose of the dress.

My other questions, how do you feel about it? Do you expect to wear it again. Could this be a good dress to wear to a wedding? A semi formal event, cocktail party.

I think it looks amazing on you and I do think you can 'edge' it up.

Missey

Veteran

I think the dress looks amazing on you...classic, not conservative. Bring hel for a simple look, booties and fun jewelry for a second look. Let's be realistic, Denise, you always looks good!

Debbie

Veteran

I like the first dress on you. You could dress it up nicely with your unusual jewelry. I think it is a perfect choice. I would love to see how you look In the all saints dress too. I think you are going to have a great time on the cruise.

Mia

Veteran

I lean to return, on this one. If you love it (or mom does) keep it because it fits and flatters but it doesn't "look like you" to me from the pics. Any of those All Saints Dresses would fit the bill and I suspect you would wear more after the cruise.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all of your help. I started the return request for the Trina Turk dress, although I still may hang on to it. I do like it, even though it's quite conservative. The v neck is fairly low which makes it a bit alluring, so it's not a grandma dress IMO.

I also ordered three Allsaints dresses which came in just under $500 after taxes. I'm sure I won't keep all three. I ordered the Nise, Abi and Isa dresses in stone (Nise and Abi) and Khaki (Isa). I'll post them when they arrive.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A good strategy, and I'm excited to see the final frock outfits. xo