I'm going to say right now, this is a very comfy, flattering dress. The sleeves don't cut you off at the fattest point on my arm. Instead, I find them a very nice length. The ruffles are, goodness me, wonderful at hiding what you don't want others to see. A year ago, I put myself on a ruffle-ban when I had just had it up to *here* with J.Crew's ruffle-addictions. But either I've mellowed out on my ruffle outlook or ruffles out of cotton are exempt from the ban. Haven't figured which one it is yet. Did I also mention the shift shape is very cute? Me likey very much. A quick focus on the shoes, which is new to my closet and happily living amongst new brothers and sisters here.
They are Saks Fifth Avenue, happily picked up on Clearance with an additional 50% off from the Off Fifth Outlet. I believe my final price was about $75. When I posted last month about the few pairs of shoes I brought with me initially to Hawaii, I was lacking a cute wedge/platform heel for summer. & I've refused to settle for something that wasn't perfectly what I had in mind. I wanted something that was comfy, interesting, could be worn casually or used to dress something basic up. & I wanted a color that would work with lights and darks. Oh, and I needed the darn thing to cover my foot. This was no easy mission to find, but I'm happy to say I was very pleased to see these.
These sandals are very, very comfy and I love the heel -- totally different than anything I already have. I love how it covers quite a bit of my foot. & the back is very flattering. & did I mention the quality is great? All in all, a very good buy.
Ok, now back to the Carly dress. One thing about this dress that works for me is the length. I'm about 5'4" and I never find dresses that hit at a flattering point like this one. If you're taller, this may not be your bag - you may need something a little longer. For me, this is a great casual length. Not something I'd wear to work - the cupcake factor of the ruffles coupled with the length wouldn't go over well in my work "casual but conservative" environment. But for a Saturday of lunch or shopping, this is such a great summer buy. In my opinion, it is the ultimate white summer one-piece. Another love? Do not be afraid of the VPLs, ladies. The ruffles ensure that your derrier is covered and safe. :0)
But buyer beware: Ruffles have a downside. When this baby comes out of the washer, be prepared to lay flat or hang, and tame those things. I can't imagine putting this thing in the dryer. I actually fear Hubs being *nice* one day and doing this exact thing. The ruffles would be out of control. & we can't have that, Ladies. We need polite ruffles. 
Anyone buy this dress? I tried styling it with a belt but it hasn't worked for me. The belt seems to get lost in the ruffles and then I get befuddled. & befuddled by ruffles? No.... we can't have that.
I did buy this and loved it, but sent it right back after washing and drying the beach chambray lucca skirt. The label instructions were machine wash and dry and iron "if needed". It came out a mangled mess of wrinkles and messed up ruffles. After I washed it, I shook it out and contemplated line drying, but went with the label instructions. It is a mess and I will have to rewash and hang dry because ironing this many small ruffles is out of the question.
ReplyDeleteI did not think the carly dress would stay nice a crisp after washing. However, it looks lovely on and very lovely on you!
Have you washed it yet? Let me know how the ruffles come out, maybe I will rebuy it!
Hi Kathy, I've washed it a few times, but each and every time, I've had to line dry it hanging on a hanger, while I smooth out each and every layer of ruffle by hand. If dresses could be divas, this is it. I haven't had a problem so far, but I have to stick to the process. It comes out looking very good each time it dries when I do this. It's an ordeal. But I love it so. I just limit how much I wear it.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you - ironing is out of the question. On another note, my last post included the bracelet! Thanks again!
I love this dress!!! I never noticed this dress before, love the color and love the shape. By the way, your outfits lately are very darling!
ReplyDeleteThanks girl! You would be so cute in this thing. Must order!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, this dress looks *amazing* on you. You are totally rocking it :) What a great buy.
ReplyDeleteI just bought this dress after seeing it on another person - it looks great! I thought the ruffles around my hips would make me look heavy, but they hide the sins! Not looking forward to washing it.
ReplyDeleteAnon, this dress is GREAT at hiding sins. Yes, washing it sucks. But it's worth keeping!
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