This has been a brutal winter in the war I’ve been waging against my natural tendency to dress like a 12-year-old skater boy. Some battles, I won. Others, well, I fell back, retreating into my old routine of jeans and t-shirts.
Still, I feel like I’ve made a little progress here and there…
After the dust settles, when all is said and done, I think I’ll look back at the day I came across the Pieced Column Dress by Bailey 44 ($178) on the Anthropologie website as the turning point in the war — the day I took a major step toward dressing like a 30-something-year-old woman with a quirky sense of style.
It was the reviews that made the difference. So positive, so encouraging. They convinced me that this war could actually be won. People were talking about how the dress made them look taller, slimmer, curvier and cuter. Basically, they made it sound like the fabric equivalent of a minor miracle, so of course I had to try it on.
I drove down to the closest Anthropologie store and tried on the dress in Neutral Motif (it’s also available in Navy).
I was careful not to get my hopes up too high, though, remembering that stripes usually make me look wider and shorter, but I’ll be a monkey’s uncle — I think it had the opposite effect.
Man, I really love this dress. 🙂 Everything about it except the price (and the fact that it’s dry-clean only).
I feel like I look 10 pounds lighter and three inches taller when I have it on, which must have to do with the design, with its stripes that zigzag at different angles. They seem to slim the tummy and highlight curves at the same time.
The gal who was helping me said that she’d seen a whole bunch of women try the dress on, and it looked good on everyone, women of all different body shapes and sizes.
So cool. And it’s even comfortable. Very comfortable. It’s made from rayon and spandex, so it’s soft and stretchy like a pair of yoga pants for your whole body.
I usually dress it down with boots and a denim jacket, but I also like the way it looks jazzed up with heels and a black blazer.
If you decide to try it on, check the sleeves and seams. Just in case. I read a few reviews from people who said that the dress fell apart on them quickly.
And if you do bring it home, keep your receipt. Even if you do have any problems, Anthropologie has a pretty generous return policy.
Great dress, but I wish it was cheaper…and that I could just throw it in the wash.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Onward to Friday! — and hopefully another day of this unseasonably warm weather. It’s been kind of surreal. I think it hit 75 today and felt almost like summer.
P.P.S. What are you up to this weekend? Doing anything fun?
nekosan says
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:10 pmThat is such a cute dress! And tabs looks ginormous. #grin#
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:16 amLOL, yeah, he’s “husky.” They say the camera adds 10 pounds…
Annemarie says
February 24th, 2012 at 12:07 pmKaren
Great Dress! You look fab! What size did you buy?
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:10 pmHi Annemarie,
I got a medium, although the small fit too. I wanted the dress to be a little looser.
Carolyn says
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:13 pmsomehow there is a way to make money offering Tabs services to make people look taller, thinner and curvier. it’s him- not the dress
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:15 amHAHAHA! Maybe I could rent him out for an hourly fee?
Lindsay says
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:21 pmI’m totally a jeans and T kind of girl. I like that you’re branching out!
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:15 amThanks, Lindsay. How’s your Friday going?
Katalin says
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:27 pmLove the dress! Looks great on you!! And your kitty is soooo big! My cat is half the size than your cat! :O
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:15 amHe’s a big boy! What kind of cat do you have?
Allegra says
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:29 pmWow, I love this dress! You look great in it!
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:14 amThanks, Allegra! 🙂
gio says
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:50 pmThat’s a beautiful dresses! Looks great on you!
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Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:14 amThank you! Happy Friday!
Paris B says
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:11 pmThis dress looks amazing on you! I like your fashion posts because they’re so different from reading those in fashion blogs. I also love that picture with you and Tabs – is he really that large? o_O
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Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:13 amHey Paris,
I wish I could say that it was an optical trick on the eyes from the camera, but he really is that big! He’s a hefty 20 pounds of fur and love.
What are you up to this weekend? Doing anything fun?
Marina says
February 24th, 2012 at 12:21 amI am really loving the dress, you look beautiful!
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Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:12 amHi Marina,
Thank you, my friend! Happy, happy Friday!
Tavi says
February 24th, 2012 at 12:41 amyou look gorgeous karen!
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:12 amThank you, Tavi! <3
Hope you're having a nice day so far!
peach_ says
February 24th, 2012 at 12:54 amYou look great, Karen! 😀 The dress is really cute and sounds comfy. And gosh, Tabs is huge! <3
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:12 amHi Peach,
LOL, yeah, he’s a big boy. I like to think that it’s mostly fluff, but his tum feels pretty solid. Must be all those sit-ups. 😉
Misha says
February 24th, 2012 at 1:55 amKaren, LOVE the dress on you! I’m inspired.
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:11 amHi Misha,
Thanks, hon! Who knew stripes could be so flattering? I sure didn’t. I hope you give it a try.
How’s your Friday going?
Misha says
February 24th, 2012 at 12:14 pmMy Friday is going OK, despite fighting the flu. So I’msitting in bed reading your really old posts that I missed 🙂 P.S. I think Tabs looks great. He’s living the life of bliss and leisure 🙂
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:16 pmThe flu is never fun. I hope you feel better soon. Drink some hot tea and get lots of rest. 🙂
Tabs says hi, btw. He’s currently sitting on my windowsill watching the birds outside.
Dominique says
February 24th, 2012 at 3:14 amYou look gorgeous, really ! It’s chic and comfortable. Tabs is a big cat, waouh just to give you an idea my cat Organza weights around 2,4 kg lol.
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:10 amHe’s a big boy, that’s for sure… last time I weighed him he was 20 pounds! Maybe he and Organza can date, LOL!
Dominique says
February 25th, 2012 at 3:24 amLOL a date ? Well, Karen I’ll ask Organza but you know she’s a bit of an old lady now ( 14 years next april ) though she is still very cute. Ok I’ll ask LOL not sure Tabs will agree !
Sunny @ Mostly Sunny says
February 24th, 2012 at 4:46 amIt’s a gorgeous dress and you wear it SO well! Love how Tabs poses with you too 🙂 Seriously you’ve got great proportion!
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Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:10 amThanks, Sunny! Tabs is quite the camera hog. Put one in front of him and he can’t resist striking a pose.
Happy Friday!
artemis says
February 24th, 2012 at 5:07 amcute dress 😀
tabs is a pretty boy! <3
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:09 amThanks! I wish I could take credit for his good looks… sometimes I feel like such a stage mom!
What are you up to this weekend?
Ruchita says
February 24th, 2012 at 6:02 amYou look fantastic! I love the whole outfit. Mr. Tabs is a great accessory. 🙂
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:09 amHe’s the ultimate must-have piece for spring, LOL!
a stylized hysteria says
February 24th, 2012 at 7:23 amThat dress looks better on you than anyone else I’ve seen! It’s so flattering. And Tabs…he’s a big boy, huh? 😀 I love every furry, heavyset inch of him!
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:08 amLOL, I love that you use the words “heavy set.” That’s how my parents describe Tabs. “He’s heavy set.”
Sarah S. says
February 24th, 2012 at 7:39 amTabs does look huge – and regal as any big cat (lion, tiger, panther). Go Tabs! Karen, you look amazing. I best it’s really just you looking amazing, but I want to believe in the mystical powers of the dress and am seriously tempted to buy it now myself!
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:08 amHi Sarah,
This dress does have mystical powers. It’s the magic of strategic stripe placement!
I hope you try it on. 🙂
Cassy says
February 24th, 2012 at 7:57 amIt looks amazing on you! Wish it came in a larger size as there is no way I’d fit in the L, but I guess it’s for the best (for my wallet) that I skip it.
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:06 amHi Cassy,
Thanks, girlfriend! Happy Friday. 🙂
Naomi says
February 24th, 2012 at 7:58 amOh i love the dress especially with the jacket! how do you get Tabs to pose like that? hehe
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Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:05 amHi Naomi,
He’s a natural! Get him in front of the camera and he just knows what to do. He’s the cat equivalent of Tyra Banks. 😉
Katherine G says
February 24th, 2012 at 8:29 amThe dress looks amazing on you! I’m also a jeans and t-shirt (or hoodie and sweatshirt) kinda girl. I own cute stuff but never feel totally comfortable in it. Tabs looks so regal in this pic 🙂
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:04 amHi Katherine,
Ahh, give me a hoodie, tank top and some bootcut jeans any day of the week. 🙂
Happy Friday, btw! What are you up to this weekend?
Rachel says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:07 amHey Karen! I totally just bought the dress. Ouch, but so cute! I’m 5’1″ and run a 4/6 normally. I got a small. Do you think that will be a good fit?
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:20 amHi Rachel,
Ouch indeed! The good thing is, though, you should be able to get a lot of wear out of it come spring/ summer.
I’m your same height and wear a size 4; I ended up getting a medium in this particular color.
The small fit well too, although it hugs the body tighter. I ended up sizing up because I wanted a slightly looser fit.
Rachel says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:05 pmAwesome thank you! I may have to size up because I really like the fit on you. Granted…I’m 7 months preggers right now, but I’m super committed to getting back to my “fighting” weight after this and this dress with help me do it. 🙂 Thanks for the this post. It was fun!
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:15 pmAww, congrats! Is this your first?
Rachel says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:31 pmIt is! I’m 31 and wasn’t really sure I wanted kids, but then my hubby and I got a little surprise! We’re super happy about it now, but man…it was a shocker. We’re having a little girl (so fun!) I’m seriously ready for some cute clothes and a long run! 🙂
Rachel says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:15 amThat dress is so nice on you! I am an absolute Anthropologie addict! Unfortunately (or fortunately) this year my new year’s resolution is to not buy any new clothes or shoes for one year. I am trying to save money so I can travel more, so I will not be buying that dress even though I love it!
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:21 amHi Rachel,
Good for you. Traveling is like my chicken soup for my soul. 🙂 Where are you planning to go?
Rachel says
February 24th, 2012 at 12:22 pmI just got back from Jamaica, which was lovely. I would like to go to Hawaii, the Philippines, and Croatia. Any place with a beach!
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:14 pmI’m the same way. Give me a warm ocean any day of the week!
If you end up going to Hawaii let me know. I can give you a long list of places to go/things to do on Oahu.
Marian says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:35 amLove the dress, Karen! It looks stunning on you!
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:43 amThank you, Marian!
Chris25 says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:41 amThat dress makes you look better than Gisele, but sorry, Tabs has yet again stolen the spotlight (and my heart). 🙂
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 9:42 amMore proof that you can’t out-pose a kitty supermodel.
Katrina says
February 24th, 2012 at 10:22 amSoooo cute! Do want! It looks fabulous on you. You are so thin! I’m quite jealous!
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:14 pmLOL, honestly, I think it’s Tabs. He’s a big cat, and whenever I stand next to him I look 10 times smaller.
Kim says
February 24th, 2012 at 10:54 amI love this miracle dress! You look fantastic and I totally want one. Taller and slimmer? Um, yes please! 🙂 I’m with you on the price tag but, hey, looking 10 lbs lighter is worth a little dough for me. HAHA! I’ll be adding “google closest Antrhopologie” to my list.
And TGIF! What do you have planned for the weekend? We have some hockey, as usual. Spring League starts next week so there’s only a month left. I have a haircut and then a Relay for Life team meeting at my friend’s house tonight. Should be a pretty slow weekend. 🙂
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:13 pmYou should get one… then we’d be twinsies on opposite coasts, aww!
Um, this weekend I plan on doing a lot of self and home maintenance. A little bit of yoga, some running and hopefully a LOT of sleep. I also have to start doing something about the furniture situation. Our place is still empty and I can’t take it anymore!
Have fun getting your hair done. Are you trying something new, or going with your usual cut?
Trisha says
February 24th, 2012 at 10:58 amThat’s so pretty! You look so awesome. I wish there was an Anthropologie near me. I’d spend all my time (and money) there.
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Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:11 pmIt’s a fun store. 🙂
Michelle B says
February 24th, 2012 at 11:59 amWill you stop making me jealous of those boots?!
Every time I’ve seen them on you, I just lust for them so badly. Wish I could find Fergie boots! That dress is gorgeous on you too… the whole outfit is flawless! 🙂
Annemarie says
February 24th, 2012 at 12:16 pmKaren
Hi. Fab dress-you look amazing! What size did you get if I may ask?
thanks
Anne Marie
Karen says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:11 pmThanks! I got a medium.
BeckBeck says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:33 pmI love that style – I actually have a tee like that, with the diagonal pieces, from Limited’s Outback Red collection a few seasons ago.
Jess says
February 24th, 2012 at 2:39 pmYou look great in that dress, Karen!
I actually JUST discovered Anthropologie this past week… and I gotta say I absolutely LOVE that store!
Patty says
February 24th, 2012 at 6:00 pmThe dress looks great on you! Of course, my focus was on Tabs the magnificent! My wee little Dickens would be totally smushed by a kitteh that big!
Julia KS says
February 24th, 2012 at 10:23 pmHa! I couldn’t have said it better myself. When it gets really cold, I also go for the 12 year old skater look. And then I’ll get hit on by a 15 year old, and that usually shocks me out of it. But not before I tell the young man to cut his hair and pull up his pants. But today I was rocking a similar look to this! Tall boots and striped pencil skirt. Nice to feel like a woman once in a while. You look lovely!
Heidi says
February 25th, 2012 at 10:14 amKaren, where did you get those boots? They’re awesome!
Clare @ The Blossom Shed says
February 25th, 2012 at 4:56 pmWhat a fabulous cut – looks great on you, and comfy too! Tabs is looking particularly handsome as well:)
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Melody says
February 25th, 2012 at 7:17 pmOh man, dry clean only is so annoying. But you look fabulous in that dress! The layered look of it is so interesting.
Rica says
February 25th, 2012 at 11:07 pmOMG I absolutely love this dress! You;re looking great in that dress! Hmmm… I gotta find something similar with a more affordable price tag lol
x Rica
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Me! says
February 26th, 2012 at 9:59 amThat dress makes you look so good, I actually saw you before the cat in the last picture. Normally my eyes go straight to the cat in any situation. I can’t help it, cats are so damn cute, especially Tabs.