Anthropologie Dresses: Maeve, HD in Paris, Cynthia Rowley

I was in Anthropologie getting a quick wedding gift (this, this and this) and saw the HD in Paris Laila Linen Shirtdress out of the corner of my eye. I had no time that day but went back a few days later to try it, and a few other items on.

~ Maeve Au Revoir Dress, size 8 ~

This is a dress that looked much better on the hanger than it did on me. I think it’s the pattern that makes me look wide. The size 8 fits tight across the chest as well as the hips so sizing to a 10 would make it look even more like a sack. The material is a viscose blend with a poly lining. A cropped jacket on top, like a denim jacket, might give this dress some hope, but overall, it’s a pass for me.

~ HD in Paris Enid Swing Dress, Ivory, Medium ~

I thought this was a very pretty lace dress and was surprised by how well it fit, especially in the arms. The lace is a bit stretchy there. The lace is varying in pattern on each panel. The high-neck isn’t as bothersome or uncomfortable as I imagined. This comes in Black and Slate as well, which looks more blue online.

~ Cynthia Rowley Padua Dress, size 12 ~

I could have chosen a 6 or a 12 to try on in this dress. I chose the 12 since I knew I would not be able to zip up the 6. Based on the 12, I think I would size to a 10. The dress is very structured and shaped with a defined waist. There’s no give whatsoever but I wouldn’t want that in a party dress like this. I loved the pattern and colors on it and it a different option from your LBD. Be warned that this dress starts out short, hitting me in the size 12 about two inches above the knee.

~ HD in Paris Laila Linen Shirtdress, Red, size 8 ~

This dress gets me excited for Spring. It’s my style and fits into my daily-wear well. The size 8 fits very well and the belt at the waist is adjustable. The skirt is pleated and the dress starts out short, above the knee. I usually get Petite sizing when the length is longer but I would stay in my normal size in this dress. There is a cotton slip in the same matching color. I ended up buying this in both the red and white.

The only con I have is that I would prefer this to be short-sleeve or sleeveless so I may alter this at some point. I’ll get tired of rolling up my sleeves every time I wear it.

~ Maeve Evangeline Sheath, Red, size 8 ~

Flattering. Sexy. On sale. Those are the only things you really need to know about this dress. Oh, and it comes in black too. I saw this dress on the hanger and knew it would be flattering. This is a poly-blend but I feel that is needed to have the slim silhouette. The size 8 fit quite well. I would add some Spanx for the mid-section.

The back is nice but you will need to find a low-back bra to wear with this since the strap across the back sits above a regular bra strap.

~ HD in Paris Picotage Sheath, size 2 ~

I grabbed the wrong size. I just noticed that now, looking back at my pictures. I didn’t even look at the price tag but the tag on the dress. The UK size is first, then the US size. So, not a bad fit if I’m being honest. But I would definitely go up to at least a size 6.

This was the first dress I tried on and loved it immediately. This dress is meant to be form-fitting and the material is a spandex-sweater type; maybe a little ponte. No Spanx needed in this dress. It’s going to hug and fit in all the right places. I’m even more amazed now at how well it fit.

I would love to add the Maeve Evangeline Sheath in black to my closet and may return the HD in Paris Laila Linen Shirtdress in White. I have a white dress already in cotton.

What do you think of these dresses?

audreybella