K/R: Really torn... - YouLookFab Forum

Saw this yesterday while looking for the wedding skirt. Impulse purchase to the max. Still pondering, but will need to return it today or tomorrow. (Return window is 30 days, but usually I work out my "issues" in the dressing room before I purchase.)
The reason I started reading this blog and forum is because of my severe split personality with regards to style: 1/3 "I'm not an art director, but I play one on TV"; 1/3 Audrey acolyte; 1/3 bohemian enthusiast of ethnic prints and textiles; 1/3 ultra-correct CZ Guest reincarnation; 1/3 punk-rocker; 1/3 Frida worshipper. So yes, 2 personalities each split into thirds! HaHa. Plus there's an inner surfer chick who invariably finds the bikinis, shorts and sandals in any store she walks into, even in Alaska in January.
At any rate,
IMO, Pros: 80's Teal!!!; jaguar; burgundy; funky fleur de lis; warm; soft; dressy casual; Santa Fe but not touristy; general 80's bohemian awesomeness.
IMO, Cons: My lifestyle is 90% hiking gear or work-at-home retiree wear, maybe 5% dr visits and social outings; heavy knits are not "conventionally" flattering to my figure at this point; DH thinks it's frumpy (I don't only dress for him, but if we're going out together, I *do* like to look nice for him.)
It does fit into my budget; however, as a true underbuyer/maximizer, I can't help but think I could buy 10 LL Bean turtlenecks for the same price (which I would still feel guilty about, but would be able to wear a lot more frequently).
#1: In store with my own skinnies and booties (sparing the 1st view, with me in knee socks and booties, lol)
#2: At home, control top footless tights, smooth bra and booties.
#3: With my knee-high cognac boots (Ecco Hobart, 6 yrs old).
Link: http://www.peruvianconnection......y=ourPicks
Your input is welcome!

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7 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I'm going to be honest and say I don't love it for you. I think it's a combination of the neckline and something about the lower part of the pattern bugs me. I hate the idea of buying things that don't fit into our real lives. It's much more fun to put the budget towards things you can wear and enjoy on a regular basis I think. Ducking out.

SarahD8

Haha, well I'll disagree and say that I really like it! It seems like a comfortable, easy piece that you could wear with skinnies or leggings to work from home. And WAY more fun than an LL Bean turtleneck!

Roberta

This is something I would personally love, the pattern and the length thrill me. I have two PC dresses and wear the hell out of them. BUT, I go out to work five days a week. I also tend to trust the eyes of those close to you (your DH). That said, I think it looks better with tall boots than booties.

I think I am voting for you to keep it.

Kathie

I like it best with the boots or over the skinnies. It’s not frumpy! My only reservation is the embroidery, which seems to hit at an awkward spot. (I think it would be better is the embroidery started a bit higher on the waist, or was just down at the hem.)

Canada

Active Member

Colors are great and the boots flow nicely with the hemline. But I agree with you that something is off..maybe the expanse of the upper neckline? If it had a v neck, you might feel more confident of your choice. Ive found if I ponder a purchase on the keep/return question, it's best to return it because your heart is telling you what you already suspect and the item will hang in the closet but not on you. All is not lost: continue your search for something new other than L L Bean turtlenecks that makes your heart sing.

Cardiff girl

You look fine in this but I really think that you could do better.Im voting return.

Anonymous

I found a dress on the site that looks just like my alpaca dress but in different colors. I may order one in a larger size to see how it looks.
A good sweater dress with enough length is hard to find. This one looks like it would tickle your ethnic bohemian side, so I am voting for it.
I also have the ECCO Hobart boots in cognac. They are a good height when most knee high boots are too high and dig into the back of my knees or legs.

ladypainter

Hi everybody--thanks for all the comments. You've definitely pinpointed all the little details that both attract and repulse me on this clothing item!
As my name suggests, I am a lady who paints--nowadays, it's botanical art, which is a lot neater and cleaner than my old printmaking years. However, I still like to keep studio wear on the low-key side, just in case some Rapidograph ink or Opera Pink watercolor decides to leap onto my sleeve.
So yeah, this beauty would not be a daily wear item--more for the occasional restaurant/gallery outing when friends are in town, etc.
But, too many turtleneck/jeans combos and not enough grooviness make for a low-grade fashion depression.
Wash'n'dry glamor--does it exist? lolol

rachylou

Well, you should probably not take my advice. I like it and would wear the heck out of it: warm, cozy, funky! But my new hair colour is Magenta (yes, go ahead and think Rocky Horror) and I beat down the menfolk in my life about fashion...

Like the Season

Artsy and interesting. If you love it, I vote keep!

Jaime

Impossible to judge without knowing you better! To my eye, it is on the fence between super arty cool and super arty too much. You have styled it well, but it has to make you happy without reservations.

Brooklyn

I love it! The mix of the fleur de lis pattern and the animal print is super funky, and the colour is great. Pattern is personal, and this is a strong pattern, so I think not everyone will love it the way you (and I) do.

I like the last styling best.

Do you live in a cold climate? I avoid sweater dresses (even though I love them) because my climate is mild. But if you have the climate for them I do think they are a great casual way to wear a dress in winter.

Jenni NZ

Hi Ladypainter, I have to say I love it too. I give myself a metaphorical kick every time I think about my 1986 sweater dress which I ditched some years later, it was black with riotous fishes in lots of colours.
I personally like it better with the shorter booties, proportionately.
Only you can decide if the joy of it is worth the price. I get it right sometimes and wrong sometimes, cost-per-wear and joy-per-wear wise. I have learned not to buy something just because it makes me smile, but if it makes me smile and I can predict good wear that is hitting the jackpot.

PS love your six personalities! Your inner surfer chick needs to be here in Bali! I just bought 2 pair beaded sandals ( only needed one, oh oh).

Suz

I can't answer your question, but I loved reading about your competing fashion personalities. It's an interesting piece. Not frumpy. But, what Shevia said. It's all in the styling I suspect.

Janet

I agree that this is one of those pieces — mainly because of the distinctive pattern — that will probably get polarizing opinions.

I’m personally not a fan — there is something about the print that reminds me too much of those intarsia patterns of the 80s. Not my jam, but if you love it and want to commit to wearing it on the infrequent occasions you have to wear it, I say rock on. Personally, I’d have a very hard time keeping a “going-out” item that my husband finds frumpy, since he is almost always a fan of what I choose. I think you can find better, but understand that sometimes with a polarizing garment, it’s just love and other people won’t get it.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like the dress too. I like #1 and #3 best.

I see no reason why this can't be an everyday outfit - unless you're hiking. It's very casual and comfortable.

The fact that DH does not like it would make me pause.

Barbara Diane

Not sure. I prefer it with the tall boots.
I love the color on the top with your coloring. As an outfit I would bring the boot color up to the top with a scarf or necklace to balance the colors. But with your coloring I think that isn’t the best solution. Maybe break up the the top with a long necklace, even something with a clear stone.

Question is, imagine you are in front of your closet about to go out. Do you pick this dress or something you already own? Now imagine one year from now. How often have you worn it and how do you feel about the purchase?

FWIW I have to really like something if my husband doesn’t like it. If it’s a style his eye hasn’t adjusted to yet I’m more likely to keep it, but when I’m on the fence or can’t decide between choices I ask him.

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