Khris, have you looked recently at Marshalls? I just returned a dress there and found a whole bunch of new sun dresses that weren't there the week before.

Chewy, do you have a Gap outlet nearby? I tried on a very cute sack dress there in cotton for about $25. Sorry I don't have pics but I recommend checking that out on your next outlet run.

I do, and I've looked there. I tried one on (probably the same one) and the large was way too big in the armholes, and the medium was way too tight across my thighs.

Stay away from the AX dress. It's too low in front and you are shorter than the model. The gathering in a linen on the waist doesn't look too fab either.

The CK dress is sweet.

I've seen all these cotton dresses and they are nice. You pick the colours:

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....sn_results

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....4&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....4&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....4&P=2 - I know it's not cotton AND it's spaghetti strap but I see you in the print.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....sn_results

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....sn_results

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....sn_results

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....sn_results

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....sn_results - haven't seen this one in the flesh but it does fit well. Seen it on a photo on a client.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....sn_results

Thanks Angie- I have been waiting for those

I absolutely love the white eyelet one, I also like the denim one and the safari one. I like the print in the 4th one, but it's polyester- which makes me sweat terribly.

My dress from My Shape came today, actually. I really like it, but it's way too big. The pockets didn't bother me at all. I took pictures, but they turned out really fuzzy. I am going to see if I can exchange it for the same price (I got it with a coupon and a one day sale).

I've been looking at this one and noticed it's on sale now-

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....x-xx.index

and I am also intrigued by this one, even though it's knit (in the soft grape):

http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....om=viewBag

What do you think of those?

Khris I tried on that DKNY print dress and it fits really odd. It has two layers sewn together on seams, but that under layer really puffed out the hip area (anything below the belting) and it was just really strange. And short.
But try it on. At that price it doesn't hurt, right?

Sarah- do you mean this one?:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....hoppingbag
The review of it isn't good, either.

No, I meant the DKNY one at Macys that you just linked to. The green printed one.

Khris- I have tried several dresses with gathering at the waist this year and none of them have worked for me. I think they aren't necessarily the best for our hot hourglass figures

Duh- thanks Sarah!

I for sure agree with that Kim. Every time I put on a fit and flare dress I feel like Doris Day- and NOT in a good way!

Khris- not all fit and flares are bad... only the ones with waist gathering. You lose your curves that way. otherwise, fit and flare should be very figure flattering.

I would call this dress of yours a fit and flare... but it works because of the sleek waist.
fab dress!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/c.....581418841/

It's fab until I want to breathe- then not so much. I have Anne's problem with the torso's on dresses being too tight. I can't go about my day in dresses like this, I have learned (and it still makes me feel like Doris Day). In the heat, the last thing that I want is something touching my waist or torso anyway.

No all fit and flares are gathered at the waist. In fact, stay away from waist gathering *most* of the time.

The VS link doesn't work for some reason? And I haven't seen the DKNY dress you linked to either. But Sarah has so I'd stay away.

Khris dont know if this is an option but I was just looking through some stuff at Asos and they have some nice dresses that seem reasonably priced. I just spied this one and thought it didnt look too bad
http://www.asos.com/American-A.....clr=Purple

Have you seen this one?
http://www.landsend.com/pp/Ori.....038;sku_0=::CHE&CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000131&origin=index
I just picked it up at the Lands End store for $50. It's super lightweight cotton, very breezy and comfy and sack like....and has pockets!

Don't tell the hubs, but I exchanged the Kenneth Cole dress form My Shape
this one:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....s_(petite):295965&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:trackingCode=0288BF6E-1968-DF11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA
and I ordered these two:
http://www.macys.com/catalog/p.....nnerID=240
http://www.macys.com/catalog/p.....nnerID=240

Those are great versatile choices, Khris. Can't wait to see you post pictures!

I actually tried on the DKNY safari itype dress you ordered. Way too short for me, would have loved it if longer, though! Bet it will work for you

A couple of days ago I received the Kenneth Cole nylon mesh dress in the YLF store and thought of you. It's more than you want to spend, but so cool and comfortable. It's like a Sweet Pea top only a dress and not snug anywhere. My bra straps don't show. The print is not overpowering but camoflages any lumps and bumps. I think it's worth trying since summer is your dominant season. Maybe it will go on sale soon.

check out Milanoo.com. They have all kind of summer dresses. And they are cheap. What's more, you can ask the designer to design for youself.