This dress was considered a bit controversial here in our household. I purchased it and then posted on it that same night. The next day, I had some issues money-wise, and also saw that someone posted how unattractive the Carly dress looked on me, so I (in a fit of desperation) said I would return the dress, which made me sad, but I felt a bit like a wilted balloon between the money and the unattractive comment. My face that morning----------> :(
But then my hubby saw it and he really liked my legs in it and said I should keep it because if I liked the dress that much (he still isn't a huge fan of ruffles) and he likes me in the dress, then it is a win-win. YAY!
But even I know that the dressing room pics don't do it justice, so here is round #2 of the Ruffled Carly Dress (which is now on-line, but only in olive green and light amethyst; slate is in-store only).
Okay, here is the dress just plain, no extra froo-frah, just me, and my fierce and GORGEOUS (and way below market value--thank you clearance center in NC for providing the ebay seller with these boots so she could mark them up JUST enough so she could make money and I can still have amazing boots for way way less money than they cost right now over at jcrew.com) Metropolitan Suede Ankle Boots. I think the boots help elevate this outfit. They are high heels, so I WON'T be wearing this to any parent-teacher conferences (Jenna Lyons and her ideas notwithstanding). No, even plain like this requires that I consume at least one drink. Preferably in a beautiful wineglass with some lovely Shiraz on the inside.
Sizes:
Dress: Size 8. Remember you can visit my initial review (no high heeled boots) here.
Boots: Size 9.5. These booties are like butter. SO soft. I really want to keep caressing the suede, but I know that this is a little weird, so I physically have to restrain my arms from heading down to my feet. The sizing is fine, just narrow and long enough for me to feel comfort. These have a hidden platform and while they make the heels seem a wee less high (the are 3 5/8 inches high), but I wouldn't go out and take a walk in these (unless I drank so much Shiraz that I forgot what I was doing). BTW, the day I won these boots (with 33 seconds to spare), this is what my face looked like -----------> :)
Many people, including me, think a belt would help this dress. And it DOES. This is a roughed out belt from a J. Crew outlet. I like that this gives the dress a bit of an edge, you know, makes it a bit more manly--need that with all the ruffles. :)
Sizes:
Belt: Small.
Move on quickly from this if you want...I just know some of you do rear views for your blogging audiences, so I decided to try it. Yeah, it looks fine. Bit short, but again, I am NOT going to be like Jenna and go to my kid's play wearing this (she said that hip moms should be all sassy and sort of sexy when out and about with the kids). (Goodness...really, I ask you...why make that suggestion, why???) (Does anyone remember which outfit over the holiday season she suggested that with? It was something inappropriate if I remember correctly...)
This is how I am going to wear this baby this spring. I would do the same look now, just with tights and a coat, obviously.
I adore the mix of the long cardigan and the shorter skirt. Plus the belt really helps tie it all together. So even if you aren't a fan, I am, and I am sticking to my guns. I REALLY REALLY like this.
This is about as "outside of the box" as I get. I don't think the Sartorialist is going to come knocking at my door anytime soon (and that is okay...). :)
Sizes:
Cardigan: Medium. I am wearing it today with a much, much, much more demure outfit.
Me from the side trying to look like a model. Ha. Sense of humor...this is my attempt. ;)
More reviews later. :)
In case you want to get these pieces, here is a polyvore. Remember, the slate color is only available in store.
