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The Ebay dress arrived - thoughts on the dress/shoes/accessories?

Astrid

Veteran

The dress came when I was at work today and when I came home I had to wait for a while for my neighbour to get back so that I could fetch it. It's really lovely, super breezy and light. The waist sits higher than I expected, it's almost an empire waist. There's definitely lots of room for an evening of eating out. I can't quite manage to fill the top out, so it will need some adjustments still, I'm going to ask my alterations lady what she can do. I also might need to tweak the underthings a bit. The color in these pictures looks very taupe, but it is more grey IRL. It depends a bit on the light, but there's definitely a taupe nuance to the color, it goes well with the color of the shoes too.

What do you think? Do you like it? Do you think the shoes work with it if I don't find another option? I would change the laces to something more fancy then. As for other shoes, what kind do you picture with it? Any ideas about accessories? I already have a black evening bag, the one in #5. (Adding any big jewelry beforehand is out.)

ETA

I do think that I'd probably resell if the alterations wouldn't be doable or too expensive. I definitely can't wear it as it is. I wonder if I shouldn't just wear the other dress and get some fancy shoes for the money. Or do you think alterations are worth it to have this dress to wear in general? I have to say I can't quite image how it would turn out.

ETA2

Decided to resell. More down in the thread.

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Dressing

40 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

catgirl

Veteran

I love it! I think it's very flattering. The shoes make it more casual and quirky of a look - it will be easy to change up however you like.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the dress, although I'm not entirely in love with the sleeves, Astrid. They would look better shorter or longer to my eye. But if you're fine with them - that's what counts. I really like the position of the waist, actually. Looks pretty.

The shoes are cute for a casual setting.

Sara L.

Veteran

I think the dress looks like it fits you nicely. Do you have a padded bra you could maybe try that will fill out the top? Sometimes I do that if I just need a little more filling than normal.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Una.

Thanks Angie - I actually thought about asking my alteration lady if she can make more of a sleevesless look out of it, but I'm not sure if that might not be too complicated. The setting is actually rather dressed up, I have an event at the end of August I was shopping for. But I'm not quite sure if I will find comfortable and dressy shoes in time that are in the budget.

Sara, thanks! It's too wide for a bra to make much of a difference... I do think it needs some altering for me to feel more secure in it.

Aida

Veteran

My thoughts were in line with Angie's. I rather like the fit of the top a bit looser, gives it a breezier look. Though if the sleeves get shortened to a more standard sleeveless shape then it might need bringing in; with the sleeves like this I think the top is fine. I also quite like the waist, it helps add to the fluttery vibe. The shoes don't quiiite look dressy enough (particularly if paired with that clutch), even simple black flats would probably look dressier. But if you are unable to find something before your trip, how about black lace laces for the event?

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Aida! I agree that the looser fit looks great in the pics, but It's definitely not wearable as it is. You can see my bra in the armholes and the neckline is so deep that I'm giving people taller than me (so a lot of people) quite the view with a bit of movement. I agree about the shoes, I actually think my old black oxfords would have been better with the dress, but unfortunately they are done in. The fancy laces would have been my solution to the shoe problem, yes. I'm not quite sure if the dress is worth the effort. I want to love it, but I only like it. It's kind of safe, what I would have chosen in the past. I feel like maybe I'm transitioning to a a look with a bit more edge? Not sure.

Aida

Veteran

Hmm interesting! I find dresses a bit difficult myself, but I do know that I like having both simpler dresses like this specifically to be worn with jackets, toppers, scarves, big baubles, etc. as well as more stand-alone type dresses for those days when I just want to wear a pretty dress. If you think that you'd wear this particular dress as a "backdrop" type piece in the future it may be worth altering and keeping, it does have a soft boho lite vibe to it and the gray color is a less expected shade for this style of dress. What do you think of as "edgy" for you?

deb

Veteran

I like it.

Astrid

Veteran

Aida, that's the problem - I don't know. I think it's because of the pixie cut, I still feel like I want to add a bit of a twist to my simple looks which I feel are sometimes too plain right now. I don't want to radically change things up though. And I have really no idea what exactly that means... Very helpful I know. ETA You know I think I'd prefer a dress that does the talking on its own. I've been accessorizing less and less and I like it that way. I think that means though the the clothes need to work without probs.

Thanks Deb!

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I think it looks very pretty on you Astrid.

tulle

Veteran

I like the empire waist--always graceful & leg-lengthening. But I agree with Angie about the sleeves: they feel a bit dated & neither-here-nor-there. Rather than trying to alter the dress to sleeveless (often problematic because of armhole depth) maybe ask your seamstress if she can run a gathering line of stitching (a double line might be best) along the top of the shoulder for a ruched effect? To test whether it will look better that way, just gather the shoulders & sleeves with your fingers, and catch the gathers with a long bobby pin or clip over the shoulder seam. You have pretty arms, so I would think this goddess-style could be very nice on you, but if you don't mind the sleeves, you might rather keep the dress as is.

I must admit, it's hard for me to get excited about oxfords for a dressy event, but if that's the only choice, I would suggest going to a good ribbon store for some 1" wide silky silver, pewter or bronze sheer organza ribbon (whatever looks best with the dress--pale pink might even be an option.) A meter or so should be enough. Cut the length in half, and twist the ends to points, wrapping the points with cellophane tape. Lace up the shoes with the ribbon, tie the bows, then cut off the ends on a diagonal.

But I must say, that black dress looks fantastic on you! To me, there is no question: the LBD is appropriate for the occasion, adds a little sparkle, and fits like it was made for you. To me, it does not look like an ordinary "department store dress." It looks elegant, delicate. And the shoes you're wearing with it look great, too, and the black bag is perfect. Sometimes easiest is best!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Cheryle.

Tulle, thanks. Yes I think I know what you mean with the ruching, I'll try that tomorrow. And I will try the dress on again in daylight and see how I feel about it after a good night's sleep. Do you mean the dress in #6 with the LBD (it's navy)? That isn't me wearing the dress in picture #6, it's my sister. The dress would probably fit similar on me, although it would be a tad shorter. The shoes she's wearing are my old dancing shoes, but they don't fit me any longer. Her shoe size is one size smaller than mine. So the dress would work for the occasion, but only if I buy new shoes.

tulle

Veteran

Oh, Astrid, sorry about that! Not all THAT easy, then. I just assumed that was you in the dark dress. Well, good luck with the process. I'm sure you'll pull something together as interesting and pretty as the ensemble you wore to their last party. Try to stay lighthearted about it; imagine yourself floating through that luxurious evening, and go with your instincts.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Astrid, I like the dress...to a point...but I worry it's not "the one" since it needs so much work to make it fit properly. And the other dress is just SO pretty! If I were going to a special event, the other one is the one I'd wear, and I'd put the money in some pretty shoes with lasting power. Everyone needs one pair of dressy shoes.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I like the new dress on you, and would hate to see you let it go, but admittedly the LBD looks like the right dress for the occasion, so can you find some affordable strappy sandals? I haven't seen you wear strappy sandals but that just seems right for the dress.

Anonymous

re:

Or do you think alterations are worth it to have this dress to wear in general?

Well, I guess it depends on how much you like this dress. I like it a lot, and I think it likely quite a bit nicer than the other one, based on the fact that it's silk. But you are the judge of whether it's nice quality or not.

I also like the pleating/gathers and the not-quite-black colour.

You could wear it with oxfords or fancy shoes - in other words, you could wear it in more scenarios/settings than the other dress. So generally I think it is a more versatile dress.

If, on the other hand, you get fancy shoes and wear your sister's dress, then you have a dress that you only like a little bit, and shoes that you can only wear with that dress (unless you have other stuff to wear fancy shoes with). In other words, a less versatile combo.

I would *also* try to find a fancier shoe to go with the silk dress, but that's because I like fancy shoes. I think you can pull off oxfords+dress.

I don't understand the comments about the sleeves being the wrong length as they look fine to me, but my eyes are untrained compared to others'.

Like your haircut by the way!

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Hmm...I see your dilemma. I like the dress very much. It's gorgeous on you.

However, it does require dressier shoes. I don't see this dress working with oxfords somehow....it deserves to be paired with prettier shoes, especially when worn with that clutch.

I think you'll be better off hunting for the shoes first. But if you can stretch your budget a bit, I would suggest you keep the dress too. The alterations do not sound complicated, though it's best to talk to the alterations lady first. I do think you should always have 1 dressy outfit as backup, and this could be the one for you.

How about you find the shoes first and wear them with your sister's dress for this event? Then you can get this dress altered later to fit you, and you'll have your own dressy outfit complete?

However, if you want to spend on only ONE thing, I think buying new shoes is the better option.

Anonymous

It's pretty and except for the alterations you described I think it fits well. I would like a dressier shoe better, and one with some detail to add interest.
It does seem possible that the best bet might be to wear the other dress, which is lovely (!!), and spend your money on shoes.

shiny

Veteran

My initial reaction is that I love this dress on you, and the looser breezier fit is just its vibe. The sleeves don't bother me. I also do like the higher waist on you as well.

But then I see you say the armholes are too low (which I can't see from the pics) and unfortunately in my petite experience, that may mean an alteration that is --not impossible-- but frequently not worth it. They'd have to take up from the shoulders and often this messes with the entire line of the garment -- it'd mean the waist would hit you even higher, and any bodice seams would also hit higher too. Try pinning the shoulder seams in an inch, and see how it hangs, and you will realize quickly whether this is an alteration that makes any sense. (Often even if I can afford to hike the waist and hemline up an inch or two, it still throws the entire line off at the chest and shoulder, making it an alteration not worthwhile. Which is why I thank my stars for petite lines -- even if I bitch and complain about lack of choice and variety in petites!!!)

I know you got it on ebay but is this dress available in a petite version in your size? Because if yes, it's worth your ordering it. I think petite scaled version would be a dream on you, and fit more in line with pic #6.

Gaylene

Veteran

I like the dress, but I wonder if it is what you want as a key player in your dressy capsule? Your lukewarm feelings about having to accessorize might be a sign to hold out for a dress that talks on its own--and, more importantly, makes you happy when you see it in your closet. A dressy dress doesn't get worn that much, so you ought to feel special whenever you put it on.

Deborah

Veteran

Astrid it's a pretty dress but given this is a dressy occasion I would wear your sisters dress and buy shoes. It's a dressier dress:). And maybe you purchase shoes that can do double duty, ie, work the wedding and be useful later. I keep a pair of red pumps that generally only get pulled out for formal occasions.

lyn67

Veteran

I would like this dress if you were comfortable in it (if no issues with the armholes and nekline). Would have been curious why Angie doesn't like the sleeves? I love them as they are kinda diagonal sleeves-which I much prefer to the sleeveless dresses (for myself only, of course-you have great and young arms, so don't need to hide them:-)). The color is a bit too safe for your age, but can read even edgy IMO, but needs another shoe... Your sis's dress was also great.

See how you decide?

Astrid

Veteran

Okay, thank you SO much for all of your input! Reading this really helped me feel like I made the right decision. I just had another look in daylight, tried it one again, tried to visualize it with some changes. And I'm not keeping it. Gaylene hit the nail on the head - I'm lukewarm about this dress. And I don't want to feel that way about a special occasion dress! I can live with wearing my sister's dress for one evening, it's pretty enough even if I wouldn't have picked it. But the most important thing is, it's a just pretty enough dress I won't have spent money on. I want my one dressy dress to be so lovely that I forget about the price, know what I mean? I put this one up on Ebay again.

I have some freetime today, so I think I'm going to go and look for some shoes this afternoon. And I'll take care to consider how versatile they would be with any future dress I might buy for my dressy capsule.

Deborah

Veteran

Good choice Astrid. Good luck looking for shoes:)

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Deborah.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Happy shopping Astrid. You made the best call

I agree, your one dressy dress should look so divine that you forget the price tag and never feel any regrets.

Summer

Veteran

I didn't get to chime in before, Astrid, but I think you have made the right decision. It seems you are going to need dressier shoes whichever dress you choose, so it makes sense borrow your sister's. You can then afford to splash out a bit on the shoes.
Good luck with the hunt.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Maneera and Summer. I didn't find shoes, but I at least managed to rule a few out that looked promising online.

Alassë

Veteran

I think you made the right decision; lukewarm (when you have another option) never sits right in your closet.

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