/ Reviews

Last up today for dresses are two I didn’t except to ever try on or even love.

~ Paper Crown Florette Maxi Dress, size 6 ~

This was a return to my store and though I knew it would be long on me I really liked the retro style and was happy to try it on. The size 6 is too small for me. I couldn’t get it zipped past the waistband so I would get the size 8. I think the 8 Petite would still be too snug in that area. The top didn’t drape very well but only because of the zip issue. I see the potential in it and in the right size will drape nicely. The length was long, as expected and would need some hemming.
 

Both sides of the skirt portion have slits that may only show when moving. This dress would be a nice alternative to a cocktail dress and you’ll still look and feel glamorous.

~ Byron Lars Carissima Sheath, Black, size 6 ~
A variation of this dress by Byron Lars has been around for a while but it’s the first time I’ve tried one on. My store had a return of the Black in a size 6 and decided to try it on just to gauge the fit. I was surprised at how well this size fit. I couldn’t get the back to zip all the way but that’s just due to reach. The lace arms were not too tight and didn’t feel like they were going to shred at any moment.
 

I really like the Navy as it’s such a different color option than black but still nice and dark. This dress made me feel sexy and thin. I am debating on ordering the size 8 as I’m a little worried about arm movement and the lace limiting that. But, it’s no wonder it has an almost 5-star review at Anthropologie. It’s definitely a dress for everyone.

What are you thoughts on these two dresses? Have you ever tried on the Byron Lars dress?

/ Reviews

Next up are three completely different dress styles and all wishlisted for me.

~ Maeve Cabled Colorblock Dress, size 6 ~

I love Mod style from the 60s but never feel comfortable enough to pull it off. This dress changes that. I loved it immediately when I saw it on the hanger. I’m a 34C and don’t think the colorblocking at the chest accentuates it any further. The skirt hits just below the knee on me but has a nice flow to it. The skirt also has some accent buttons on both sides.
 

There are pockets at the front, not the sides of the skirt. The only negative I have is the exposed zip. But the zipper pull has a little ribbon on it to help with pulling it up if you find yourself without and extra pair of hands to help.

 

~ Maeve Brindille Sheath, Navy, size 8 ~

I went straight for this dress because of the pattern, especially the blue flowers popping out all over. My sizing is all over the place for Maeve but it does depend on the style. This sheath dress is the right size in an 8. It has a slight waist to give you just enough curve and definition. The chest is snug but not tight so there’s no gaping on the sides.
 

Again, an exposed zip but it does seem to blend well into the pattern.

 
~ Tylho Brynn Shirtdress, Green, Medium ~
This is an absolutely darling shirtdress. I love the green print and the criss-cross at the waistline is flattering. The chest isn’t tight, which is common for me in shirtdresses, and the skirt portion pleating doesn’t add bulk. The Medium was the best fit though I would like the length just an inch higher, though it’s not a deal-breaker. I think I could easily transition this through Late Fall which boots and a long chunky cardigan. I wonder if I could add my Harvest Moon Poncho in Ivory over the top? I’ve added this dress to my wishlist.
 

/ Reviews

I had an evening to myself last week and dropped by Anthropologie to see what they had. I had not been in the store to try any items on since June. Though not on purpose, I picked a range of dresses to try on during this visit. So let’s take a look this week at what I tried on and liked.

I saw this little Navy option and thought it might work well with my Frye Shirley Boots. I’m trying to make the most of those boots considering how much I paid. I made sure to add them to my Stylebook App Calendar every time I wore them so that I could track cost-per-wear, which is currently around $48.
The size Small of the Laced Augusta Dress fit ok. The shoulders and arms are tight and since they are lace will probably tear if I struggle too much trying to take off the dress. And from the few reviews showing online, it seems as if the tight shoulders is an issue for others. A Medium would be too big through the body and there’s not a Petite option offered. The length is above the knees in the front and a little longer in the back.
 
I think, for me, there’s too much bulk added to my frame and sizing up will only increase that. This one is a pass.
I gravitated towards this dress because of the colors and pattern. Though the colors are Fall-like the halter-style itself is Summer, maybe early Fall if you have 80-90 degree temps like I do until late October. There’s a single button at the neck and the dress is a pull-over style. The Small fit well and the neckline was not tight. The dress flows really well from the chest to the hem, not too wide or overpowering. The length is just above the knee. Though it’s offered in Petite I would stick with the regular size Small.
 

The back has a small open section and the material from the halter is more of an overlay to the body portion of the dress. Though I liked the dress and style of it, I’m not in need of anything like this so another pass for me.

I really wanted to see this dress in the Purple colorway but my store only had the Red. The plaid mixed with the red is a little too Western for me. The Small fit well through the body but the shoulders and top of my arms were snug. The first button hits me just at the top of my chest so I would have to watch myself if I bent over. I like the length but that’s about it, at least in the Red. The Medium Petite might be a little better fit but I’ll wait until this goes to sale before ordering the Purple.
 
Have you tried any of these dresses on? What are you thoughts?
/ Bella Picks

I really am liking Anthropologie’s Dress and Skirt options for Fall. There are several dresses that will work really well into my Fall Style.  The Tylho Sao Paulo Tunic Dress and the KAS New York Halli Dress will be great to wear with my Frye Shirley Boots.

Someone returned the Paper Crown Florette Maxi Dress at my store so I was able to try that on. I’ll share IRLs this week but I love the flow of the dress though I would need to size to an 8 instead of the 6 that my store had.

Both the Maeve Mazie Skirt and Cabled Colorblock Dress are adorably Mod. I was also able to try on the Cabled Colorblock Dress in-store so look for that review as well.

It is always nice to see a color option other than black for cocktail and special occasion dresses. The Byron Lars Carissima Sheath in Navy looks divine. From the online images I see that the lace detail is just slightly different between the colors offered – Navy, Black, Ivory.

What are you new favorites from Anthropologie? Are you shopping for day-to-day or already thinking ahead to Holiday parties?

/ Bella Picks

While the guys are watching football, let’s do a little Sunday Shopping at Kate Spade?

I am in desperate need of some good denim trousers. I had a pair from the GAP but I wore them so much they have faded. I like having an option of a dark denim to wear instead of slacks.

That Fabled Forest Shift Dress is THE questionable item from Kate I’ve seen in a long time. I can’t even…Ugh. But watch, I’ll see it IRL and fall in love! 😉

The Read My Lips Coffee mug is one of my favorites. There’s also a Bow and Macaroons to choose from as well. Shop the rest of my picks on my Pinterest Board!

I’m actually multi-tasking by shopping AND watching football. I have a ve$ted interest since I’m in a Fantasy Football league. I came in Last Place last season. I am making sure that does NOT happen again! LOL! Here’s my Team Name and Logo, created by me with a razor, some construction paper and a little Photoshop. I’m soooo creative!

Have a Great Sunday!