Every once in awhile Anthropologie lobs a curveball. Deletta's Curvy Shift ($118) is so simple I found myself wondering where are the ruffles? Why no flower appliques? Once I slipped this dress on I was more than ready to accept it for what it is -- awesome. It's a simple silhouette but so flattering. The vertical darts are tailored from straight at front and center to slightly curved as you move outward to create a streamlined shape. The tank dress shape is basic yet easy to dress up. I felt terrific in this!
I tried on my true size medium and while not loose, it felt a bit big. There was some puckering in back around the zipper due to extra room. The pictures above are the medium. I sized down to a small on another Anthro stop and that felt a lot better. So you're safe to size down in this one...and true XS's are sized out. Just to warn you, the zipper trail is shorter than you think. I spent a good 30 seconds grumbling to myself about how Anthro's zippers have really gone downhill lately as I thought it was snagged. But when I pulled the dress off I realized it's only a half-zip. Oh. Grumbling taken back!
This one is a definite buy but I do think I'll wait to see if it's likely to hit sale.
Maeve's Pike Place Dress ($148) looks like it belongs at Anthro's sister store Urban Outfitters...though it is a good 7 or 8" longer than the dresses you see at UO. It also succeeded in making me feel old (I'm only in my 20s for cripes sake!) as I owned a dress almost exactly like this when I was 12.
There's just a tinge of goth to this distressed frock mixed with some tartan skater. Still there was a lot to like about this dress. My true size 6 was an easy fit. The length is great and there are pockets. I thought the skirt was maybe a bit too voluminous. Whoever tried on this dress before me had undone several of the hook and eye closures on the bodice, which is annoying because they're only for show. The dress closes via side zip. I tried to redo as many as I could. I found the bodice to give great support and there is boning on the sides.
Speaking of the boning...
...yikes Anthropologie! I noticed what looked like a dust bunny on the dress but when I went to pick it off I realized it was actually part of the boning sticking out. Not cool. You can also see it in the far right pose above. I checked out the rack and several of the other dresses had the same issue. The fabric on this dress is kind of thin and I can see this happening easily even to the dresses that were OK. They won't stay OK for long. This dress is a total pass and gives me frowny face. Anthro's quality is usually much better.
The last dress of the day was Bailey 44's Rushing Ruffles Dress ($188). The brand amazes me -- they really know how to take simple fabrics and create amazing silhouettes. This dress was no exception. I slipped it on in a medium and immediately felt lovely. What I don't like about this brand is their cheap fabrics at ridiculous prices. $188 for rayon/spandex jersey? You have got to be kidding me.
Besides the simple diagonal ruffle there's ruching at the waistline, all of which creates a feminine and flattering look. The fabric feels easy and despite the dark color I could see this becoming a spring and summer mainstay. However the price really kills me. I would not feel good about paying full price for this -- or any of Bailey 44's items. I will wait for sale.
Gigi also tried on this dress. Her review is here.
