Please help me decide on this dress or... - YouLookFab Forum

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Please help me decide on this dress or...

chouette22

Veteran

... the seductions of the internet!

I had never heard of the brand "Desigual" from Spain, but the incredibly stylish ladies of some blogs that I read (Already Pretty, Ephemera, Fashion for Nerds - I know some people here follow them as well) keep mentioning how much they are in love with it. When they show their statement pieces, I always adore them too. Thus, I checked on Ebay about three weeks back and won the auction for this dress (brand new). I have one month to return it and have been mulling over this decision since it arrived. One day I love it and see myself wearing it with confidence; on another day I am skeptical and wonder if it's just too much, too wild, too out there, too 'clownish' even and maybe not age appropriate (I am in my later 40s)?

Linking to Angie's post earlier today regarding memorable wardrobe items, I am all for them (I wear a lot of colors) and that's the reason I had purchased this dress to begin with. But I need your opinions!

Also, since I am only 5.1, do you think I should try and shorten it? Or is the length o.k. given that the trend is towards longer hemlines?

I have not worn any jewelry and won't wear it with these shoes.
The cut of this dress is, as far as I can tell, identical in the front and the back, thus allowing me to wear it from both sides. #1 is actually the back side (because of where the label is attached), #3 is the front side, and #5 is just another picture taken outside so that the colors come through better.

What do you think? Keep or return?
Thanks for looking!

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Shopping

19 replies

Latest reply was from AGirlWithStyle

Queen Mum

Veteran

wowm, that's alot of dress.
honestly, my first thought was that it reminded me of my Aunt Mary... a dear sweet lady, but she has quite the eccentric style.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

That is one fun dress! I have seen their shirts while searching ebay and love them, too. Only you can say whether you will actually wear it or not.

celia

Veteran

Honestly return.The dress looks too big on you,not only in height but overall.Sorry if I'm being too harsh on you. If you want to give me some kind of penitence I will acept it.

catgirl

Veteran

Hey chouette22! I saw this designer on Already Pretty and Fashion for Nerds also and loved it - very Custo Barcelona. I really wanted a dress but couldn't figure out the sizing so ended up getting this bag off e-bay instead (for much less than this listing):

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Desigu.....230f4be18f

I like the dress on you. Their dresses looked shorter and tighter on the models I've seen than it is on you, but I would feel comfortable wearing it as it looks on you. it is a statement dress and as such, I don't feel most people who see you in it will have a frame of reference for how it "should" look. So it's really just a question of how much you like it and feel it suits you.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Yes, it is a little big. But I wouldn't necessarily send it back too quickly. Go consult a seamstress on what can be done and how much it would be. If it's too much, then return it. The interesting hem, if shortened, must be respected in it's shape. By the way it gives you terrific legs. I think you will always have to wear heels due to the hem shape.

chouette22

Veteran

Very varied responses so far. I am surprised that so many of you are mentioning that it seems big on me. It is actually really perfect in size, quite tight in the bust and tummy area, and then it flares out as it is very A-line. I think it may appear big in the pictures because of how the sleeves are cut? I could probably take them in a bit.

Una, this is a designer I could see very well on you! I love the bag you got. Such a great piece! I got the dress for $36.00, definitely a good price for this designer. Your remark is very true that most people wouldn't have a frame of reference for this type of dress. I was also a bit nervous about the sizing and was relieved when it fit so well (except for maybe the length).

Krishnidoux, thanks for the boost for the legs. I was actually thinking that this length hit me at the worst possible calf spot, since I always struggle with them.

Thanks for all the input so far!

catgirl

Veteran

I don't think it looks too big on you - it's just that the model photos are all skin-tight and they are all really tall!

Girl X

(website)

Veteran

This is one of those pieces that can look absolutely stunning or absolutely awful. If you put it on with confidence and strut your stuff, knowing and enjoying the fact that all eyes are on you - it'll look amazing. If you put it on and feel worried that it's too much and everyone is staring, well ...

Imagine that you're at an outdoor market and you see a woman about your height with about your frame. She's wearing this dress, a pair of slightly oversized sunglasses, and a long sheer scarf dances in the air behind her as she strides along. She stops to buy a baguette and a Banon feuille cheese - does she look absolutely fabulous, and are you kicking yourself for second-guessing?

I would definitely keep it. I don't think it looks too big at all, though the fit does seem a bit off in the top half when viewed from the front. I wonder if you should just try it with a few different bras - the girls might need to go up a tiny bit higher. The length is sublime - don't you dare adjust the hem!

qfbrenda

Veteran

I think the fit is fine. I can see that it's fitted around the waist. I think the right person could have fun wearing it with sandals for summer, but only you know if you would wear it or not.

chouette22

Veteran

Thanks for the boost Girl X! Picturing her with the dancing scarf behind - I've got to keep it! And I'll make sure I am carrying a baguette under my arm too.

You are definitely right: If I wear this dress with confidence, then it can really stand out, in a good way. If I wear it and am worried about how I look, then Queen Mum's comment comes to mind.

nancylee

Veteran

I think you could definitely wear this with the right amount of confidence and attitude. I wasn't sure when I first saw it, but the side view pictures convinced me that this was one special dress. I think it would look especially great with boots (and those sunglasses Girl X mentioned). It may be a tad big, as others have noted, but a good tailor could tweak it and make it perfect.

In keeping with Angie's blog post today, I'd say you have a memorable item here!

rosee

Veteran

I like it -- it's quirky but has a nice cut. It's not too big or too long, so alterations aren't necessary (unless it's just a few fitting tweaks). I do believe you can pull it off, but I won't compete with GirlX's image.

crwilson

Veteran

I really like the dress, and I do think that confidence is key. It's a dress that requires conviction and confidence. It's also a dress that you have to accept that not everyone's going to like, and that's okay. (Sal from Already Pretty wrote a great post on this today.) For $36 I would definitely keep it and stretch your boundaries a bit. If, in the end, you decide that it's really not you, you're not out that much and you've tried something new. If you love how you feel, then you have a unique statement piece.

afterism

AlaskaGirl, I'm blaming you for my next bag purchase now. I just found one on EBay that I love. Way outside my comfort zone but totally awesome.

Jean Gray

I am not familiar with your style but I'd say go for it! I will have to check out that brand. I'm curious about what Angie would say about the length. I would wonder about that too given the trend toward longer dresses now...wonder if that changes the rules at all.

Jean

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I know the label well and I am all for the arty flair of the designs if that's your style and cup of tea!

I am going to be a complete spanner and vote against this dress though. I don't find the top part flattering. It needs a higher neck and more streamlined sleeves for your body type. Sorry to be a mare

chouette22

Veteran

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. Thank you, Angie, for weighing in! Those sleeves are not very flattering it appears (can't do much about the neck :). I'll have to decide if I want to try alterations or a clean return. I have a couple more days to decide.

Anonymous

*Not peeking at others comments*

First of all, this dress is fabulous.
Second, it takes a confident person to pull it off.
Third, because it's so bold and colorful on it's own keep your jewelry to 1 color. I'd say a bold necklace in red to tie in with the bottom of the dress and maybe a purple bag?

If you love it, go for it...you will look great!!! And post pics of your whole look!

AGirlWithStyle

I like it it's fun and arty. But if that isn't your usual style, it is rather daring. I looked up the brand and the dresses are on the pricier side. If you're not crazy about it, then return it.