Kamalikulture: Question on Pattern & Size

Like Parsley, I, too, am a happy copycat of Angie's style and tastes. This is my second try at the Kamalikulture L/S Crew Neck Tee dress, with the same XS size and a different print (extra large check). The bottle bottoms design didn't work and while I love, love, love the feel of this dress and want to make it a travel dress, I think I may need to reconsider for a couple of reasons.

The XS may be too form-fitting for my body type. I don't know about the S and wonder if it will be too big in the shoulders and sleeves. Next up, I wonder if this print is too busy for my frame. The dress came with a royal blue fabric belt and in one version (photo 1) I added my WHBM black bow belt.

I love this version of the dress for its neckline and sleeves, however, it doesn't come in solids other than black.

I didn't go all out with shoe choices and I had thought about using my Fluevogs (Photo 8) in one and completely forgot. The jacket is a Vince Camuto one-button blazer in New Ivory.

I'd love your opinions and hope Angie can add some professional input, too, so I'll know if Zappos will or will not be receiving a little package from me next week. Thank you for taking a look!

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12 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

If I looked like that in a dress I would never wear anything else. You have such an amazing figure, Vicki. This looks quite fitted to me but if you are comfortable in it I think it's lovely!

Adelfa

The fit is very bodycon which I gathered from the pictures online would be the case. I too wondered if sizing up would work. Since you seem to really like the idea of these dresses (as do I) I recommend sizing up to see what happens.

Anonymous

Hi Vicki! You look gorgeous! Are some of these the Small and some the Extra-small or is this all one size?

Okay, I read more carefully; this is the XS. I think it's pretty smashing. I'd keep it if it doesn't feel tight or uncomfortable. Bombshell is not wrong, after all! I love the length on you and it looks pretty awesome with a blazer. Your fancy shoes will look awesome with it as well.

MsMary

It looks great, but it is definitely very anatomically correct, if you know what I mean. If it were me, I would be bothered by how the pattern curves so much over the chestal area. But it's all about your comfort level!

And I think the Fluvogs would be amazing with that dress!

Suz

(website)

You look gorgeous, Vicki. But if you prefer a looser fit, why not try the small to see? That way, you can compare. I think the scale of this pattern works well for you. Did the bottle bottoms one feel like the scale was too large? I am curious. Thinking maybe of ordering one of these dresses as well. I would be xs because I do not have your top real estate, alas!

The vogs would look fab with this! Love it with the blazer, too.

kellygirl

Wow! You can certainly pull it off. I think it's gorgeous on you and if you feel good in it, keep it.

sarah

Vicki, you look terrific, I mean seriously, you have an amazing bod. But it is more body con that I've seen you wear, so only you can say if you feel comfortable in it. The checked print does accentuate your bust - I'm not saying this is bad, but it may add to the body con feel for you.

What do you think?

Vicki

Oh, thank you, for confirming what I'm "feeling" on this. It is a bit too body con for me.

Now, you KNOW why I like the "crew neck." This dress does show every little detail; it's true! I think I may feel a little exposed on this one, even though every limb is covered.

My one concern about getting the small, is that it will probably still cling, too. I guess I could give it a try. Suz, you would look great in the bottle bottoms; I just felt that the darker color wasn't as becoming on me, but this was separately and before I got this one. I just looked serious in it and I didn't want to look that way! Weird sounding, I know.

I would have been better to try everything at once and in a couple of sizes. I just wish this style came in other colors, and solids, especially.

Marley

Hey Va-Va-Voom Glamour Girl! You would stop traffic in that dress! WOW! You look great! But, its pretty darn body-con - especially like MaryK said, over the "chestal" area. LOL! I think it has to do with the vertical stripes - they really hug your body and emphasize all of the beautiful curves!

I'd try the size S and see how that works for you.

Also, I totally get the "serious" look - not weird at all!

I wanted to try this dress too - but didn't think either one of the patterns, or the black would be flattering on me - so I decided against it. I know in my gut they won't work on me.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Vicki, you have a gorgeous figure, and this dress fits you beautifully. It does hug every curve, and I understand you may not be wanting quite such a body-conscious look. It's worth trying the next size. It would be great to have a dress like this that you didn't feel compelled to cover with a blazer every time.

Parsley

Vicki, you look gorgeous and sexy in that dress!
I don't think it's too small- I think it fits you as it's supposed to fit. I'm afraid a small would be too big in the shoulders and armholes. It wouldn't hurt to try, but when I tried sizing up on mine it was still body con, but strangely big under the arms and across the hips.

The question is whether you feel comfortable in it. Heaven knows you've got the figure to carry it off!

I wonder if you'd like the shirred version better? The shirring leaves a little more to the imagination, making it a little more modest. There's a long-sleeve or a sleeveless one. I think you'd look great in the Drunken Check pattern on Angie's finds.

Truly, you look fabulous, but only keep if you feel good in it.

Debbie

I hope you try the next size up because you look stunning in the dress.

Thanks for these additional warm and thoughtful comments as I contemplate my next move over the weekend.

Marcy, I'll take a look at "Drunken Check" and appreciate you sharing your experiences with sizing issues. That was my concern. A shirred version would lend a bit more secrecy.

I'll keep you posted on this. Thanks again!!

rachylou

Just hear to repeat what everyone else said. I think the dress fits great, maybe an S would alleviate some of the discomfiture... the main source of which would be (in my mind) the pattern over the bust, as MaryK said. It *is* a bit distracting.

You might even want to try the dress that has the slight V neck...although I know you are looking for the coverage, that V does not look deep, and might be worth considering.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

The frock has rocking killer potential! I vote size up though - just like the others. It's going to look more chic that way, Vicki.

I also second Suz's suggestion of trying the V-neck shirred style that is cut very close to the shoulder neck point. I'm excited!! xox

Thank you, Angie, I'm so glad you checked in and took a peek. I'd much rather be chic than body con! I found this one and hope this is the one Suz may have meant. What color? Do you think this cobalt blue is a good choice or one of the other colors?

http://m.zappos.com/kamalikult.....-alligator

I'll try a small and will give it a go one more time.

Yes to the blue!

Vix

Hi Vicki --

Echoing to try a different style or size to see if there's enough ease in the bust without too much ease everywhere else.

If it were a solid I'd vote to keep this one since it definitely ac-cen-tu-ates the positive, but the print's distortion over the bust region would bug me.

[I vote for the cobalt for you!]

Angie and Vix, I will have sweet dreams tonight and then talk to the cooler than cool Zappos dudes and dudettes tomorrow to do this exchange. I love YLF! <3

Inge

Moderator

I echo the others here, Vicki, you can absolutely pull off this frock but I suspect you are going to feel more elegant, and more you in a slightly less body con style. Do keep us posted?

Inge, yes, elegant vs. body con style, I'll take the former ANY time. Thank you for weighing in.

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