Thanks, all. The fit is just a big snug at the waist and bust -- it did shrink a tiny bit. It's possible DH put it in the dryer once without my noticing. The quality of this dress -- and yes, it's the Phoebe! -- is really nice for the sale price. And all cotton cannot be beat on a day or 30 C heat!
I did wear it out, in the end -- wore it for my walk in the woods.
Angie, I love these brighter blues in summer. I wear royal (like this) -- a bit brighter/ lighter than true cobalt, right? Especially now that my hair is grey. I always wore it in summer but now it looks good in winter, too.
Anchie, it's probably a bit shorter on me because it's a bit too small due to shrinkage! And I am short waisted (by a little) and long through the rise. Even so, the waist on this dress feels a bit short on me IRL, especially this year. It is an issue with some Boden dresses that is probably worse if you have substantial bust. I'm quite small, but again, a bit of weight gain in that area is making it snug.
I will wear this dress for the coming summer -- no plans to donate yet, because a casual, easy wash and wear dress like this is GOLDEN for my lifestyle. I don't have to remember to iron it -- nothing.
