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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

a tale of two dresses

It was the best of finds, it was the worst of finds ...
I may have spent my budget for March (and April, ahem) on these two dresses.
I went to Ross recently and could not believe the gorgeous dresses they had. I also tried on a Tahari purple dress and a Vivienne by Vivienne Tam black-and-white striped knit dress, but these two were the top contenders.

Laundry by Shelli Segal color-blocked silk dress

  • I'm not sure whether the bright color-block print on this dress is really me, but do you know what's got me hooked on this dress? The silk and the way it feels when I'm wearing it. It just feels luxurious. The neckline and bare shoulders would likely require a camisole and a cardigan to be added if I wanted to wear this to work.
  • SIZE & FIT: The dress seems to flare out at the bottom and I'm not sure whether that's a good thing.
  • As much as I love the silk, this might be a return based on the fit. 
Calvin Klein double-zipper sheath
  • I've wanted for a while to add a LBDD (little black dress with a difference) to my wardrobe, and this Calvin Klein sheath dress fits the bill. The zipper detail is fantastic (and I don't even really consider myself someone who likes zipper details).
  • SIZE & FIT: I wish that Ross had a 0 because I suspect it may have fit better. While taking the photos, I decided to try it on with a belt. I'm not sure whether that choice is making you smack your forehead and shout, "No! No! Don't ruin the great line of the zippers!" I think taking up the hem just a bit would help with the overall look, too.

 Yeah, I'm not sure why I'm posing barefoot next to a pair of shoes, either.
Belted

  • THINGS I LOVE: the zippers, and how you can adjust them to give the dress a different neckline. After looking at the photos, I realize I might need to apply a little strategic tape or a pin to keep the tucked-in fabric from shifting.
  • This really appears to be a dress that could take me from work to happy hour with a change of shoes, accessories and neckline. (Alas, after work my first inclination is to change into a baggy old tee and shorts, then lounge on the couch with a bag of Cheetos and a soda, but let's pretend my life is a little more glamorous than that). 
So right now, I'm planning to return the Laundry dress and keep the black one ... what do you think? 

19 comments:

  1. If it doesn't fit right, return the Laundry dress. But I COMPLETELY see how you were swept away by it. It's like a beautiful stained glass of a dress! Still, unless you wear it, not worth the money. The LBDD? Fantastic! I like it without the belt, but zippers are my friends, and those are totally awesome. With some bright heels, you could be set!

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  2. I love the black one on you and I definitely agree that it's different :) Especially the different zipping to change up the neckline and the fit looks good on you :)

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  3. Erin - the colors and the silk are definitely alluring. :) And now you've put into my head the idea that I need a pair of bright heels ... :)

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  4. Keep BOTH!! Both! So wonderful, Carrie! DO IT! See? I'm awful to shop with ;)

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  5. Katie - you're quite the enabler! I might try the color-block dress on one more time before I make the final decision ... :)

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  6. Love "LBDD" - that is so great, I might borrow it. And I think you should keep the black one; I think you'll probably get more use out of it.

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  7. That zipper dress is some kind of fantastic! And the colorblock one? I don't know, with a wide tan belt to give it more shape, I think it could be another winner!

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  8. Loving that color blocked dress - SO pretty and perfect for Spring :)

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

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  9. Ashley of flats to flip flopsMarch 15, 2012 at 2:04 PM

    LOVE the zipper dress! What a great find:)
    Ashley

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  10. Thanks, Ashley! I have a serious addiction to Ross. : s

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  11. Thanks, Gracey! Borrow away. :)
    Yes, you're right ... the black one would definitely be used the most. :)

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  12. Hmmm ... the belt is a good idea. I'll have to try that out. :)

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  13. The black one is lovely <3
    http://rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.blogspot.in

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  14. That black dress is GORGEOUS! You look so sexy in it. Even though it's long and modest. But SO sexy!

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  15. Thank you, Courtney! I think I'd like to get it hemmed just a bit to suit my height, but I do like that this dress can be work-appropriate as well as fun. :)

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  16. to be honest, I even like the length! it makes it seem classy

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