I am…not pulling this off. I’m wearing the medium petite and it’s eating me alive. I know this style runs a bit big but it felt like A LOT of dress on me and just isn't quite my style. Did I learn from this? I did not. Instead I doubled down and bought this pretty dress from Apiece Apart on final sale. It arrived, I tried it on and immediately listed it for sale. The sleeves were enormous. So pretty, so not for me.
In the middle of all of this madness I found this Nic + Zoe dress which was more money than I wanted to spend on something that didn’t look particularly special. It arrived and I was like, "this is fine." Then I tried it on and upgraded “this is fine” to “this is good.”
Then! I added accessories and loved it. This dress is not romantic or fancy but it is basically a perfect everyday thing. It hits just above the knee but is slightly longer in the back which gives it a caftan flutter when you walk.
It’s got buttons halfway down the front so you don’t have to worry about gaping when you sit. It’s cut really nicely so it’s flattering even though it’s technically a sack. And it’s washable! I don’t know but this might be the perfect everyday dress. Great with my red Birkenstocks and Clare V bag, future-great with tights and boots. I’ve already worn it twice and I’ve only had it for two weeks, so even though it’s expensive, the cost-per-wear will hopefully end up being pretty low. (Also, I used the Neiman Marcus 15% off code you get when you sign up for emails and texts which helped.) Honestly, this is a great little dress and and Nic + Zoe is a new brand for me, so I will definitely be keeping an eye out for their fall/winter offerings.
How about you? Any good dress finds lately?
Agree infinity plus one. I bought one of those long midi dresses final sale from Loft last year (doh) and never wore it. But the Nic and Zoe dress is fantastic! A black and white dress can take many colorful accessories and also look swank with neutrals. I own a fair amount of Nic and Zoe. They're expensive, but they do go on sale, and the quality is great. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I just need to learn to stick with what works for me.
DeleteBODEN!! Best dresses. Tried that Emerson Fry caftan that looks so great on "everyone." My daughter said I looked like I was wearing a hospital gown. Have you tried tuckernuck? Tnuck.com. Just curious about them compared to ever eve.com
ReplyDeleteI've looked at Tuckernuck and Boden! For summer, both tend towards the poof and ruffles a bit more than I care for but I think Boden for fall/winter will be a good option.
DeleteI used to LOVE Boden for dresses - but have not been super happy with their options last few seasons (too many ruffles/tiers/puffed shoulders, as well as more comments than I used to see about questionable quality). Recently discovered Seasalt Cornwall (ships to U.S. for free if the order is over $100). Feels like old Boden to me. Not every piece is my style but some of them definitely are!
DeleteI stalk older Biden on Poshmark. Their true wrap dresses (devoid of ruffles, thank you) are where it's at.
DeleteI kinda think you're rocking the anthro dress!! but obviously if you're not feeling it you're not feeling it. great rec on the nic+zoe!
ReplyDeleteI am basically always aiming to be wearing a sack, and have been obsessed with this brand recently: https://www.shopzuri.com/collections/all - pockets! washable! patterns that range from A Lot to very reasonable! if it speaks to you - sizing is generous, I go down 1-2 from my usual.
Thanks for the rec!
DeletePuffs, tiers, and oversized is NOT working. I feel like I'm in costume. I've been looking for a shirt dress, preferably linen and with pockets all summer. I've found some but they are $$$$. They're too short, too long, too oversized, too undersized, etc. Driving me crazy. I miss your posts. Thanks for doing this. Needed it today.
ReplyDeleteI'm still posting! Just not as often and only when I really have something to say.
DeleteI second the Zuri recommendation -- wanted some suit alternative for public speaking engagements this year, and love how I feel in them. I get tons of compliments in them as well, which of course makes me love them more.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, thanks!
DeleteOoh, love the Nic & Zoe dress.
ReplyDeleteDresses are so hard right now. You're either trapped in ruffle land or depressed by drab color palettes. There has to be a middle ground between Bama Rushtok and 1930s women's prison.
Okay, this just made me snort-laugh. It's TRUE.
DeleteI want to love the Cassandra maxi at anthro so much. Like, I've bought it 3x now in different prints and returned every single one. My boobs are way too big to pull it off 😭 however, I did finally land on the somerset maxi and love it. Also loving daughters of india Kyra maxi.
ReplyDeleteI've tried both and they're both just Too Much Dress for me.
DeleteThe Nic + Zoe dress is great! I used to see that brand a lot at Nordstrom but am not sure if they still carry it. I look longingly at the Anthro site, especially the popular Somerset dress, but I know I wouldn't be happy with so much dress happening there so have forced myself to stay away. Where are the knee length everyday dresses? Same with skirts-- I don't want some slinky slip skirt for work, but they are everywhere!
ReplyDeleteYES. This is what I'm saying!
DeleteYes to all of this. Everything is either hideous or a million dollars. I found the long white BR shirtdress with the tags still on at a consignment shop so I bought it and I swear it looks like I’m wearing an old-timey nightgown or that I should be haunting a garret somewhere.
ReplyDeleteHa! Oh no.
DeleteAgree about dresses. I remember when I first started reading your blog, long before we met in Philadelphia, you posted so many fun dress looks. It was the age of cardigans. And of Loft. Was that like 12 years ago? More? I lose track! I am buying this Nic and Zoe dress to give it a try. Thanks for rec.
ReplyDeleteAhh, the age of cardigans. It's been 13 years, I think? I really hope you like the Nic and Zoe dress! I think it's a good one.
DeleteDid you ever track down that Veronica Beard beauty of a dress? Apologies if that's a sore subject. You did influence me to purchase a tee in that print from The RealReal and it's oh so lovely. So thank you. They also occasionally have the dress version if you're still on the hunt. Your new dresses are also rad and I'm resisting the urge to be influenced yet again. You are my favorite internet enabler.
ReplyDeleteI did! I found one on the RealReal after some amount of daily stalking. I'm glad you got the tee! (I'm pretty sure I was tempted by that as well.)
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