This is a post about buyer’s remorse. I love embroidered clothing – skirts, tops, bags – anything with colorful, ethnic-looking handwork always catches my eye. A few weeks ago, I saw a cute little embroidered dress on EBay and snapped it up faster than was probably wise. From the online photo, I stirred up images of me wearing this dress to the beach, running errands, even wearing it to a party or two. Then it arrived at my door and sad reality set in. It was longer than it appeared in the photo and it was pretty shapeless. I quickly realized that I wouldn’t be wearing this dress anywhere. All it was missing was an opening in the back as it looked like a very festive version of something I had to wear for a recent colonoscopy (a rite of passage for those of us in our 40′s).
I was hoping to pull together a cool bohemian look like this photo on the left (Free People), but I got a colonoscopy fiesta instead.
I’m sure it could be improved but have to admit I’m stumped for a solution. I think it would forever be your colonoscopy Fiesta.
Carol x
The only thing I can see to save this “dress” is to (1) consider a belt to cinch in the waist so you don’t look like someone’s Great Aunt Edith on her first trip to Hawaii. You fortunately have a waist, use it girl. (2) consider putting a colored t-shirt (tailored a bit) under the dress to keep the winged effect of the sleeves at a minimum. If all else fails, and it well may, shop for a feathered headdress and let your child take you to school on December 22nd as a Mayan sacrificial victim for Show and Tell. Drastic? Well yes, but believe me, dresses like this one do not die easily or willingly.
Can you try belting it? Or shortening it to a cute tunic?
could you add a red belt around the waist to help give it shape?
I think that if you hemmed it and put some casual heels on it would make you feel much better. It is very pretty.
I say, cut it off to about 1.5″ above your belly button, hemming it and then wearing it as a layering piece over a turtleneck or tank top.
The too flowery yoke and sleeves is what makes it look so odd, I think. Assuming the fabric and embroidery is decent, up close, I think it could look nice with some work. Maybe, turn the yoke into a two inch band and add two straps? I love this type of embroidery, too!
A long sleeve shirt under and a belt would do wonders. As cowboy bits and you’re ready for a real fiesta!
I laughed out loud when I read this.
Yup, sorry but it does look bad. I agree with the others, shorten it and add a belt, a brightly coloured loose large belt.
I would show off your lovely figure by wearing it with a belt, perhaps an old brown leather belt to contrast with the embroidery. As the bottom is plain you could easily shorten it with out spoiling the embroidery to make it more wearable
This happens to me EVERY TIME I try to shop outside my comfort zone. Sadly, for me, a friend could attempt the same purchase and look great. But for me? Frumpy, hospital gown, uckiness!
Honestly Camilla you would look good wearing a paper bag! I think you could carry off this dress with a belt and cute accessories, no problem. This post was hysterical though!
Now that you’ve dubbed it “colonoscopy fiesta,” there’s little hope of saving it. The design on the lower region even looks a bit intestinal….maybe just add a margarita and call it a day.
Oh dear, this was too funny! Although I am sorry the dress didn’t end up being awesome! Knowing you, you’ll make it so!
I loved the blog post, I laughed out loud. The dress is tough, hem it to an inch above the knee, cut off the sleeves and add darts to loose some of the fabric around the waist. Then the belt or whatever would work.
Camilla, you’re way too creative to be in a stump about this! I’d say get rid of those sleeves, and shorten just below the embroidery. then pair with some cowboy boots and a white shirt of some kind….all the best!
Yikes! That’s the best hospital gown ever, but as a dress,
give it up. Love ya tho’!
xo
AJ
how bout a pillow
Best blog post title ever.
You might consider cutting it in half to make a shirt a skirt. That way you get more than 1 way to use it which would be the case with a dress.
In addition to the belt, cut out the sleeve caps and make the bottom a handkerchief bottom. Or not. Thanks for the laugh!
Helloooo Mrs. Roper! Did you ever end up doing anything with this dress? Please post if you did. Love your blog.