The dictionary definition of the word quest.”A long or arduous search for something”.
The Brief:A summer dress
-must travel well I.e.not too crumpled coming out of suitcase
-must be comfortable in 25C plus heat
-must not be too precious
-must be minimum of knee length
-can be with or with out sleeves but must not be too low cut in front.
-must be with in budget
Let the quest begin!
First up Boden
#1-Cressida jersey dress in ivory
This was a lovely dress in a flattering ivory colour and very comfortable.ln fact in every way perfect except it was a case of young dress,old face.My daughter inquired politely why was I wearing a little girls dress and I m afraid I had to agree with her so sadly ,back it went.
#2summer wrap dress in red pop
Fab colour but I do not have the curves required for a wrap dress like this so back that went too.
#3 great length and a little sleeve but the waist was too low(I have a long torso this problem is not usual for me)The tie that you were supposed to be able to sit the waist where you wanted it was essentially non functioning and I found the waist band too stiff compared with the relaxed nature of the fabric in the rest of the dress.so back this went.
Estella embroidered midi dress
No picture of me in this,l m sorry I was obviously too traumatised by now to remember to take one but just imagine me resembling the knitted lady that some people use to cover their loo rolls and you ll be on the right track.#7
Looked lovely in the catalogue but was massively creased having come in the post.The trim was much brighter than it looked online,a full on neon orange and the zip kept sticking over the waistband and felt as if it would break with repeated use.Plus it was absolutely boiling to wear being properly lined.Quite right for a white dress and a British summer but NO good for travel.
#5Jigsaw stripe gathered dress
Flattering ruching,great length and I loved the unusual sleeves and high neckline,however the fabric felt cheap and as this was the most expensive of the dresses that I tried I wanted more for my dollar,so back it went
By now the postmistress and I where on first name terms so I decided to try my luck in actual shops.
#6Hush Valletta striped dress.l was excited to see this.A summer dress with sleeves!In the flesh however it suffered from being too warm for hot sun.Again great for a cool British summer but no good for Mediterrian heat.
I must admit that by now hope was beginning to fade but the I saw it.On line in Fat face.Could this be the one?unwiiling to spend any more time at the postoffice I went into town(again)and lo,they had the dress in the shop .l tried it on and straight away I knew I had found what I was looking for.
Soft,cool jersey fabric that does not crease and givesa good fit.A high neck line and a really interesting mid length handkerchief hem all for under £40.At which price I won’t worry about taking it on holiday with me.
So here it is at quests end (in my back garden) #6and if you have stuck with me through this epic tale of modern retail,l thank you and hope that you have an easier time in any retail quests that you might have over the summer.
(Apologises for photo quality in #1,2,and3 questers obviously don’t have time to do any housework or take their socks off!)