Thrifting Queen

Angie's casual dress formula - will this work?

June 16, 2012

I decided before I go shopping for a casual black summer dress, to see what I had. Well I must admit rather embarrassingly that I found one in the back of my closet! Two years ago while on vacation I bought this casual LBD at a fairly upscale private shop. It's ponte knit but quite lightweight, holds it shape beautifully and is on the shorter side, which I don't mind for summer. It's a wee bit low cut but I don't think inappropriately so. The wide straps accommodate a bra no problem which is always a plus. It has these bizarre hanging strips of different sizes and some are lace, which is one of the features I liked about the dress. I also like these hanging bits of fabric as they do wonders for hiding any wobbly bits! However, I've gained a bit of weight since I bought this dress so would like your input as to how the fit is now - please be honest. The pictures of the dress on its own have been brightened to show the details - I hope that helps. If you think it's a wee bit snug, would a denim vest over top (which I'm on the hunt for) make it work?

The handbag is a recently thrifted treasure - vintage Ralph Lauren Polo in a buttery soft cognac leather with suede interior. It's the perfect size for summertime shopping!

I've also thrown in a picture of my mock orange tree in the backyard this morning - I wish I could somehow transport the smell into this photo because it is heavenly!

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Posted in the Dressing category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

19 Comments

  • replied 11 years ago

    It does pull a little above and below the horizontal seam at the back. But like you've pointed out, a denim vest or jacket camouflages the problem. I think what you've pulled together in Pic #1 is a great start as you keep your eyes open for a denim vest and possibly a new black dress. This one looks good on you minus the pulling. I guess I'd be on the hunt for a black dress that can stand alone as well to eventually replace this one.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    That's pretty much what I thought too Anne so appreciate the validation! Because of our hot summers, I definitely need a dress that can stand alone - so will keep my eyes open. Appreciate your input!

  • ManidipaM replied 11 years ago

    LOVE the dress. Very pretty, a little quirky, simple enough to play around with (versatile), and no, not too short to my eye (and I usually have issues with short hemlines on self, so I'm sensitive to that bit.)

    Yes, it IS wrinkling a bit in the back, but if it's comfy to move around in, I must confess that this degree of it is not enough to bother me --- I guess I'm extra tolerant of this issue, more so than on many other points, because my swayback puts the creases/wrinkles even into garments that DO fit!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    It's interesting that you mention "swayback" Manidipa because I have a very distinctive indent in my lower back that pretty much means all pants gape until I have that portion taken in. You've given me much to think about - it is indeed an extremely comfy dress to run around in.

  • CocoLion replied 11 years ago

    I think the dress fits fine, and that bag is perfect!

  • sarah replied 11 years ago

    I think it looks great. And I agree that the wrinkles are probably just because of the way you're standing. Your mock orange is lovely, and so if your new bag : )

  • Tanya replied 11 years ago

    Very nice outfit Shannon! I am with Anne when it comes to the dress fit, but it nevertheless works beautifully. I think it is totally worthwhile to try and find the right black dress.

  • Jem replied 11 years ago

    I LOVE this dress! The ribbons in the front are a great detail! I'll bet it looks even better in person! I don't think the dress looks to tight in the front *at all*. It does pull a bit in the back but I agree that it might just be from swayback as others have said, which is a pretty common issue. I know when I sew, it's always a tricky problem to eliminate. I don't even give it too much thought in RTW. I also don't think it looks too short or two lowcut. And, geez, you have the best luck in finding purses!

  • Kari replied 11 years ago

    Shannon, honestly, I don't know that I would have observed that concern if you hadn't mentioned it. Maybe I'm not picky enough but I get wrinkles like that when Iove around in any dress. If it doesn't feel too tight and doesn't feel fussy, I wouldn't worry about it, personally.

    Love the shape from the front especially!

  • Sarah A replied 11 years ago

    I think the dress is great! As for the wrinkles, are you usually team front or team back? I am definitely team front so I probably wouldn't give it a second thought! Love with the jean jacket and bag :-)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 11 years ago

    Great interpretation of Angie's formula, and it looks terrific on you. I love the dress, its length and the way you've styled it with the shoes, bag, and jacket. Bellissimo!

    As to the wrinkles across the back, I agree it's not a perfect fit, but I would probably wear it anyway. It doesn't look like the dress is too small for you. Rather, it's that there is too much fabric across the back waist; i.e., the dress isn't shaped to accommodate the curve at your back waist. An alternation to try is to add waist darts in the back of the dress. To see if that would help, pinch out a bit of fabric at the waist, right and left of center (in line with your shoulder blades), pin it and take a look in the mirror. Even if you lose weight later, the dress would still fit you with this alteration.

  • Jenava replied 11 years ago

    I don't see any fit issues. The small amount of creasing at the back looks incidental and doesn't look like a fit concern to me. If you just tug it down a tiny bit I bet the straighten. As you bend and move you will have creases in any piece of clothing, even if the fit is perfect.

    This dress looks like just the ticket and I adore that bag, you lucky girl!

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    What Jenava said. Fab frock! Nice formula interpretation too :)

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    Fabulous! Thank you all so much for your feedback - I always find it very helpful!

  • rae replied 11 years ago

    Love! Now that was an easy hole to fill!

  • replied 11 years ago

    The dress is perfect. I love the arty details. Another awesome bag! Wow. And I can just imaging the intoxicating fragrance of your mock orange tree, if it smells anything like orange blossoms. One of my favorite smells ever!

  • Midwest Girl replied 11 years ago

    I think it's a great casual LBD, and the denim jacket is a perfect partner. You look great!

  • Debbie replied 11 years ago

    Love this dress Shannon. I agree with Jevena. I don't think it is a fit issue. Great casual unfit.

  • cheryl replied 11 years ago

    I really like it. You look great. That tree is gorgeous.

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I started playing dress up when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped since! My income doesn't match my tastes so it's all about figuring out how to thrift my way to a fashionable life while tossing in a few delectable items.