How does this dress compare to the Karen Kane?

Been away because I've been having tons of fun painting our guestroom. For guests. Coming next week. Nothing like a deadline for motivation : )

I started this thread about the Karen Karen cascade wrap dress not long ago. The dress has thin fabric necessitating shapewear. The gist of the dress is I've wanted a multi purpose dress for husband's office party, dinner out, funerals, etc. This is about as dressy as I ever need.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....not-for-me

Found another dress in pics 1, 2 and 3 in a slightly more muted color, though still a solid. It is also a petite so I'm wondering if it is a bit short. Do you think it is a better fit than the Karen Kane in 4, 5 and 6? What about the boots with it?

Both dresses are worn with the same full length slip. I really need to go shopping for a new one - this is the maternity slip I wore some 25 years ago! Still need to be fitted for a new bra too.

Also added a WIW, sorry the pic is so dark. The shoes are leopard suede and I carried a black leather Coach bag rather than the leopard clutch. Denim jacket and black knit pants.

Thanks a bunch!

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13 years ago

Anonymous

I do think this dress is a better fit and color than the Karen Kane. The more muted color will likely make it more suitable for multiple occasions (including funerals) than the brighter red Karen Kane one. I like the boots, too. As for the length of the dress, it isn't that much shorter than the Karen Kane dress, and it's definitely not too short. It's a matter of personal preference, really, but I think it looks just fine.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I like the fit of the new dress - not sure if you added shape wear but if not, then it definitely is much better in the way it flows. The length is just a bit shorter so I'm not sure if that's an issue. I do like it with the boots as it gives a much more modern vibe to me. Maybe add a chunky, modern necklace with some black in it. Saw one at etsy.

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N-Marie

Ooh, I think this one newer looks lovely, and not at all too short. The fit looks much better form the back too! And I think it looks very chic with the black boots.

morethanbeige

I think the new dress is lovely, fits great and is a winner! Looks perfect with the boots. Fab WIW too!

amiable

I vote the new one too - it looks to me like it fits you better, and while I like the cheerful red of the other - I think the more burgundy color is more versatile too.

rachylou

Much much better.

kellygirl

LOVE the new dress. It skims so prettily over your figure. Definitely keep. Great casual WIW. You look great! Awesome pattern mixing

pil

Ruth, N-Marie, morethanbeige, amiable, rachylou, thanks for taking the time to comment. I think it fits better too. Side by side, while the Karen Kane is a beautiful dress, the amount of fabric kind of overwhelms me. If it feels like too much for a funeral, I do have a fallback with my black pencil skirt.

Tex, same slip under both dresses. Your suggestion of the black necklace reminded me that I have one that may just work. It is black beads and daintier, but two rows and just about the same length. Would the matching earrings be too much?

Kelly, thanks for the compliment on my WIW!

Are the black hose OK? Or should I go with something more opaque or even the same color as the dress?

Kathleen M

Active Member

The new one fits perfectly! And I think you could wear all kinds of hose with this dress.

shiny

MUCH better! Not too short. You are a petite. What is the brand? I might have to try this one myself... lovely color!

I think the sheers look perfect. You could also do opaque black hose, or microfishnets. I probably would not match the hose to the dress.

Thanks Kathleen!

Shiny, it is the Coldwater Creek (which I don't see mentioned much on the forum) draped dress - on clearance. FWIW I'm 5' 4" - I think this one runs pretty TTS. The microfishnets might be kind of fun - I may wear it to a fundraiser we are going to in Chicago. Unless the only acceptable color there is black.

Off to a Halloween party. Husband is going as Steve Hanson from Slapshot and I'm going to be a referee.
http://old.post-gazette.com/pg/09002/938969-60.stm

Carole

I like this one much better, pretty color too!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

The new frock is *much* better. Wow! Is what I think of #1 to #3.

KILLER.

unfrumped

Wow. They seem so similar, and yet you look so much more "at ease" in the first pictures. Looks like it's made for you.

If you are planning to do a variety of stylings, I think the tonal look of more opaque tights would look really good with the dress and boots, but that's a personal choice.

Aida

The new dress in #1-3 looks amazing! What a great find! I don't find the length short, it's just above the knee; but that's probably going to have to be your call Cute outfit for today, too!

Carole, unfrumped and Aida, thanks for taking the time to offer your opinions - I know there is a lot to look at here! I'm glad you like it.

Wow, a first for me "killer" from Angie! Happy dancing! Thanks Angie!

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