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K/R DVF wrap dresses and tall black boots

saramir

A DVF wrap dress has been on my wish list for years, so when I caught the F&F sale at Saks on top of the already-discounted dresses, I ordered 4. I can only afford to keep one (and only if it really looks good!). Also, I know I need to wear supportive underwear...sorry for these pictures!

1-3 show a black wrap dress that I like. I think the length is good and the fit is fine (this is an older dress from AT and not up for K/R, although I would appreciate feedback). The boots here are the La Canadienne Dawson. I love them. They feel high quality, they are comfortable even with a 2.55" heel (they have a tiny hidden platform), and it's nice that they are waterproof. I don't live in a very cold climate so it's not super-important that they are warm. BUT. I think the shaft might be 1-2 inches too tall for me. I am just 4'11" and have short legs. What do you think?

4 & 5: DFV wrap "New Julian" in a small purple pattern. I don't like this dress on me, but I wonder whether the scale of the pattern is good for my frame? The boots are the LC Dawson.

6 & 7: DVF wrap "New Jeanne 2" in a red chain pattern. I LOVE this pattern and the color. My husband HATES it. Had to take my boots off because I have a sprained ankle and the heels were too much even though they are comfortable.

8 & 9: DVF wrap "New Jeanne 2" in a black chain medium print. I like this print a lot, but most of my closet is black or some other very neutral shade, so I'm sort of thinking that if I can only keep 1 dress, I should go for bold (so not this one!). My husband likes this pattern (HA!).

10-11: same print as 9 & 10 but a size smaller. The other 3 dresses were the same size and I almost didn't try the smaller size down because they felt pretty snug around my hips, bottom, and chest, but then I thought what the heck...and I actually think it fits better. I have extremely narrow shoulders, and the larger sizes seemed like they were just a little too big in the shoulders....the smaller size closes around my chest just right, and the hem and the sleeves seem pretty close to a perfect fit length-wise. The skirt still wraps around and I don't think I'm in danger of over-exposure any more than in any other wrap, so I think this might be my size?

The boots in 10 & 11 are the Lands' End Emory boots. The height of the shaft and the heel feel perfect to me. I am still concerned about the quality of the boots though, and after seeing the LC ones, I feel it even more (of course they were almost 3 times the price!).

Which, if any, of the dresses should I keep? What kinds of alterations should I have done to it? And the boots?

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22 replies

Latest reply was from Lyn D.

MNsara

Veteran

Aww, but I love a DVF wrap dress Just one?

If it was me, I'd pick one of the prints to get the full DVF out of it. My first choice would be the black & white one. I think the length and fit are very flattering, I like the collar on it, I think it says DVF in a perfect way.

Second choice would be the large print - the color is fun and vibrant and it has the collar I like.

I don't see any obvious alterations needed, but I would scrunch the sleeves to show your arms!

Boots look nice and refined. They might look just a tad tall for your calves (in pics 1-3), but I am SO hung up on my short calves and ANY room at the top that I'm always projecting my fit issues . . .

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I like the one you don't like best! (#4 and #5). With the black and white in the smaller size as a close second. Gorgeous choice!

Thistle

Veteran

I would pass on the boots. If they are not well made, they will not last you. Hold out for so e really good boots. Check Clarks. They make good quality, comfy footwear.

As for the dress, if you can only keep one, I would go for the last one. Like the print and the neckline.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

You look great in all of these dresses, but to narrow it down, my first choice is the red print in pics 6-7 and the black/white print being a close second.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

My fav is #7, and I think the fit on that is perfect! It's hard for me to tell from the photos which fits you better, the smaller or bigger size. I like #5 the least, I don't think it fits you as well as the others. The black dress looks great and you can get a lot of wear out of it. I don't think the boot's shaft looks too tall, but if it hits in the middle of your knee it might be - mine always hit just under the knee but I'm tall.
#7 is my vote for the keeper (my apologies to your hubby)

MNsara

Veteran

Adding, I prefer the smaller size of the black & white dress. I prefer the LE boots in 10-11 over the boots in 1-3 - prefer the cute lower heel and they are a tiny bit shorter! Too bad they aren't the higher quality of LC, but typically LE is decent quality.

saramir

Thanks for the input so far...I wish I had better pictures to show the differences in the boots better but my photographer has quit on me! I'm still having a hard time with the boot decision.

I really do love the red print dress. The side view (7) looks fine; the front view (6) isn't a flattering angle, but I think it is definitely too long and the sleeves are too long. The smaller size seems to be sold out at Saks so I'm not sure I'll be able to exchange it. The black & white print is nice and I think I'm just going to have to keep it. I may have to keep the red one too...it might be my Christmas gift.

shiny

Veteran

Fellow shortie here (5'0). First the boots: the LC's are too tall. I have this exact same problem with that brand. Return. I can totally commiserate on this. The LE's fit you much better. Is that brand still available? (for me.. I need 13 inch shaft height).

The dress: I am soooo thrilled to see someone around my height modeling DVF. I've always loved the dresses but have figured they would never fit me in a million years. And now you give me courage to try them for myself, since you are clearly rocking them!

As for prints, my first preference is 10&11. But, I can totally see why you love the larger red chain print, and why. It may be a tad over-scaled for your height, however, I'd want to see it in a size smaller (like 11) before passing judgment. Can you afford alterations if necessary? Even at smaller size you may want to take the hem up a tad, and shorten the sleeves a bit. If you are going to do a large scale print, I'm thinking you'd want it shorter in those places, but I could be all wet here. Just a hunch.

amiable

Veteran

I like 4-5 the best, followed by the black and white one. They all look good to me though!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Another one for #4 & #5. It really looks good. The pattern on the chain dress is too big imo - all I see is the dress not you.

Mann

Just chiming in on the boots. I agree with other commenters above that I too prefer to shorter LE boots on you. However, I do have a pair of La Canadienne boots, and they've been fabulous, taking a season of heavy use with not showing any signs of wear. So I've kind of converted to saving up for really high quality stuff, and can understand why the LC boots might be really tempting. But since they are so expensive, I think they really should be perfect for you - and it's not like LE and LC are the only choices out there. If you want quality comfortable (weatherproof) footwear, better than LE, I would suggest returning LC and looking for other brands (Aquatalia comes to mind first as equivalent to LC). I am just worried that you will always be thinking that the LC boots are too tall, and looking for a better fitting option still.

Mia

Veteran

Another vote for 4 & 5. You make it your own. Agree with others that the scale of the red and white seems too large for your frame.

saramir

Thanks for the opinions everyone. To summarize, a lot of votes for 4/5 because of the scale of the print - I think I agree, but I don't like the actual dress and feel it's too loose and blah on me. But for my next (ahem) DVF, I will keep that scale in mind.

Generally people who like 4/5 don't like 6/7 for the same reason - that print is too large for my frame. I agree also, but I still love it. But not 100% so I'll have to keep thinking. 10/11 black & white print is such a classic and I am going from really liking it to loving it.

About the boots - thanks especially to Shiny & Mann for chiming in on this. I know LC is too tall. I really didn't want to admit it because I'm in love with them and I've been looking for the perfect boots for so long. But for the price they need to be perfect and they are not.

I actually really need black boots right now so I think I might keep the LE ones for this season, and keep hunting for "the pair"...if they really break down fast I will take advantage of the LE guarantee and if they hold up I'll be pleasantly surprised...I do love the fit and the comfort. (Shiny - they are still available, and 40% off right now!).

rachylou

Veteran

Am I too late? Say it isn't so! I feel very definite about #10/11, including the boots!!

Scarlet

Veteran

I like your plan with the boots. I actually really like the first print, but my feeling is you can wear any of these and they look good. The smaller size works the best though.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I like 10/11 the best! The scale and fit are the best. The red one is my second choice, I like the color and pattern. I think you can pull it off.

Glory

Veteran

Might be too late on this thread as I have been away a few days. You look lovely in this style. I cast my vote for 10/11 also. I feel the red is lovely and perhaps you can keep an eye out for a smaller print. I also really love the black dress and if you were able to keep 2 items perhaps it is a contender. I can see it working with many things.

saramir

Hey, thanks everyone for the positive feedback. I was nervous to post pictures of myself, especially doubting how these were going to pan out, but I really appreciate the nice comments. (And the nice critiques!)

And because I'm obsessive when I'm dropping big bucks (please tell me I'm not the only one!), I found 2 additional boot options that I might try (2-day shipping is great but makes equivocating so easy!).

The shaft is 2.5" shorter than the LC I tried on and a little wider too, and the heels are 2". Anyone have any experience with either of these? They are 1) LC Rosie, 2) LC Richie...I really like the looks of Richie, just questioning whether the buckle detail at the ankle will shorten me visually.

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Aida

Veteran

Ohh the print in #8-10 really sings to me! But I vote whichever pattern sings the most to YOU Also agree that the boots in #1 are too tall in the shaft. No experience with LC, but I don't think the buckle in #2 will be shortening as the whole boot is black and it's low contrast. Both worth a try!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I love the black and white chain print on you. The red is nice, but that is a lot of print. I'm 5'7" and like bold prints, but that would be pushing it even for me!

Susie

Veteran

I think the last dress- the smaller size- fits you beautifully and the pattern is lovely and flattering. Keep!

The LE boots look good but I would love to see the additional styles on you too. I agree that the first pair is too high for your leg.

Lyn D.

Veteran

Agree with Shevia.