Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Loft Fern Print Maxi Dress

Loft Fern Print Maxi Dress (#240415, $98). I got this dress with the 40% off dresses promotion, so it was only $58.80 - which, for me, is a more reasonable price. It's navy - Midnight Navy, to be exact - so you know I'm a fan to start with.  And I've been wanting a maxi dress, but the knit ones just haven't worked out for me.

I finally ended up returning the J Crew Promenade Jersey Gown because it just felt too heavy, esp for the price I paid, so I questioned how much I would end up wearing it (thanks to Kate who originally pointed that out, and Anon/Fave Fit Model who mentioned it in another post).  Plus the whole bra thing was going to be a pain. 

I am doing the review now, while the dress is actually up on the Loft site, so that hopefully the link will work.  It's been disappearing from the site over the past few days, which means stock must be running low.

I am wearing a 4 here.  Yes, you read that right - a 4.  But I swear that's not the only reason I got it (snicker).  Fit on this dress is *all* about the bust - it glides right over my hips.  If you are non-curvy like me, you can size WAY down.  And it's plenty long on me, but you could still get away with it if you were just a bit shorter, I think.  I had originally gotten the 6 and then returned it - it was just too loose on the bust so I kept fidgeting with it - anyone see Bachelorette last night (I embarrassingly admit)?  Poor Ali kept pulling up that left shoulder strap all night long.  I think her dress must have been too big because she kept having to pick it up any time she walked and then there was the strap thing.  Plus, she was kinda standing like she needed to hold the straps up via shoulder position (we've all been there, right?).  I just wanted to take in an inch or two out of the straps - she would have been so much more comfortable.

But back to this long dress, which is way more wearable than a long black evening gown, at least in my reality...with the fabric design and ruching over the bust, if you are non-curvy, you can get away without wearing a bra (and I'm not in the pic at right) - always a bonus in the summer.  But it works fine with a strapless bra, too, if you want a little more shape...and it's not bloody hot outside.

The fabric is fantastic - cotton voile, so it's nice and lightweight.  (see comment above on heavy jersery promenade gown).  And it's machine washable - always nice for a summer dress when you've been outside in the muggy heat and you feel icky so you *know* your clothes are icky.

It's also a nice, lower cost alternative to the fab >LL Bean signature sail boat dress here - which is not machine washable. (I've been coveting that dress, btw, but I realize the Loft one actually is more practical.)

And E approves - I had her vote on dresses before school this morning.  So it's a keeper.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, that looks great. I think the maxi dress looks great on you. I wish I was a little taller, I am way too short to wear something like this.

Jen said...

That dress looks great on you! All you need is a pair of chic sunglasses and a cocktail in hand. Seriously, the pattern is great for a tall willowy figure like yours. I liked the promenade dress on you too (full disclosure - I have it in lavender).

HeidiG said...

Rosa in DC - thanks!

Jen - thanks! Glad you have the promenade dress - it is a great dress - I just didn't love it on me, so back it had to go. Something about the bodice & straps made me feel "thick" up top - esp my arms. I picked up a knit sundress Loft today that has a similar style bodice, but I'm getting that same thick feeling, so it will probably go back - even for $25 - clothes should make us feel great, shouldn't they?

Pamela said...

That dress fits perfectly! And yes, nothing is worse than tugging and pulling up a dress at the bust. I love the pattern and the halter ties.

AllDressedUp said...

That dress looks awesome on you! I agree, it's a great pattern, and it just looks fun to wear. Nice job on the sale price, too!

DrBabyMamaDrama said...

I love that dress an keep wanting to bite the bullet and get it. It looks great on you and I love that navy/white combo - always reminds me of summer.

Suzy said...

Heidi!
Glam! Love it!

DaniBP said...

You do look totally glamorous in that dress. you just need your cocktail and you're all set for summer. ;)
Great review!

Summerilla said...

Dress looks fab - did you end up keeping or returning the other one you had that day?

HeidiG said...

Thanks, ladies. I'll have to mix myself a cocktail this weekend...

Summerilla - yep, kept the other one too. But you know I live in these in the summertime. I have a great story to share when I post on the other one, too. Argh - the Loft just does me in when it comes to summer dresses - much as I adore my JC dressy jersey strapless dress(es), the *vast* majority of my summery dresses are from Loft.

(original) Genny said...

The promenade dress was a HEAVY mess. It was hard to walk in even for the brief two minutes I had it on. When I went to the store to return it both SA's commented on how heavy it was and how HOT it would be to wear! Glad you returned yours too. I own two other maxi dresses and I knew I would not chose the JCrew one over the other two lighter weight ones I own

CECE said...

You look fabulous!

Cleo said...

I love this dress on you and prefer it to the J.Crew one. What a beautiful alternative and great find. I like Loft dresses a lot.

HeidiG said...

Thanks, ladies. This dress worked out perfectly. I've already worn it 2 or 3 times, including to my FIL's 70th bday bbq and Year End Bash at school (think hot, stuffy, crowded b/c we had to have it inside). The dress has served its purpose!