Maxing Out: A Tale of Two Dresses

So a few months ago, I lamented the petite woman's plight in finding the perfect maxi dress.  Since that time, I've found two--count 'em TWO--maxi dresses that my petite, five foot frame actually loves.

Dress 1

Designer: Macy's INC International Concepts
Price:       $89.99 $69.99 + 99¢ shipping

Description: In a dramatic ankle-length silhouette and paisley print, INC's petite maxi dress strikes an elegant pose.

The Lowdown: I tried this dress on in size Petite/Petite at the start of the summer.  I loved, loved, LOVED it, but still could not justify paying nearly $90 for a summer-y dress.  Since then, I have been keeping my eye on Macy's website to see if the price drops.  Well, I just recently saw it listed at $69.99.  This is still not low enough for me yet (but see Dress 2 below), but I'm holding out hope that I'll eventually be able to pick up this dress for $40 or less.  If I do, dear readers, I'll model it for you in a future post.  For now though, here's the scoop:

       Pros:

• Machine washable  (no pesky dry-cleaning bills)
• Made of polyester/spandex  (no pesky ironing either)
• Sleeveless with bra-friendly straps  (because peeking bra straps are a no-no!)
• Built-in soft cups  (in fact, we A-cup petites could probably go bra-less altogether) 
• Appx 42.5" from backline to floor  (FIRST and ONLY maxi dress that I wouldn't have to hem)
• Paisley print  (pattern is fun yet sophisticated, and it complements my skin tone nicely)
  

      Cons:

• Price   (maybe it's just me, but I don't want to pay $70 for a polyester dress...)
  
• Fabric at bust  (a slight white shines through -- visible on hanger, but not so much when you put the dress on)

Final Verdict:  I'll buy it when the price comes down!

Dress 2

Designer: Banana Republic
Price: $130 $69.99

Description: A silky blend of rayon and spandex makes this dress comfortable as it is stylish.  Knotted halter straps, a deep v-neck and an empire waist give it a sexy, summertime ease. Our designers added a touch of navy for an unexpected twist.

The Lowdown: I tried this dress on in size XSP yesterday.  OHMIGOODNESS!  It is L-O-V-E-L-Y!!!  I felt oh so sophisticated and effortlessly chic the second I slipped it on.  (Sorry, no dressing room pics. But I'm buying an iphone when I start making a salary in a few months, so I'll rectify that moving forward.)  The dress feels like pure silk against your skin, and it had such clean lines and a beautiful drape!  There was no way I could walk out the store without it -- even despite the hefty price tag.  So you know what that means?  It means I'm the proud owner of my very first maxi dress ever!  :-)  Now all I need is a bit of tailoring (see Cons below) and the perfect little sandal to complete the look. 

       Pros:

• Made of rayon/spandex  (but feels silky like super-soft jersey)
• V-neck with knotted halter  (perfect to show off toned shoulders and arms)
• Empire waist (I felt like my legs were a mile-long when I caught a glimpse in the mirror)
• Color  (stunning shade of gray with a pop of blue along the halter back -- it's GORGEOUS!)

      Cons:

• Length   (it was about 2 inches too long for my 5-foot frame, but my dad's tailor is going to fix this for me)
  
• Dryclean only (oh phooey!)
• No built-in cups  (a little surprising that BR left this detail out)
• Sold out online  (but you can check your local store for it like I did)

Final Verdict:  Had to have it!  Will be a go-to staple dress in the summertime!

Now what about you, dear readers?  Have you had any better luck with your search for the perfect maxi this summer?

Maximizing My Style - Maxi Dresses for Mini Me

 

The weather in Boston has been fantastic lately!  It's been warm, sunny, and beautiful for about a week!  The cold of winter seems like a distant memory as the city welcomes spring with open arms.  And what better way to usher in a new season than with a cute maxi dress?  The only problem is -- I don't have such a dress.  Never have!  I've always been wary of the style.  I thought maxis were a big no-no for someone like me.  Too long.  Too unstructured.  Too bold.  Too bad.  And just too unflattering for me to pull off (or should I say, to put on).  But that was before I started this blog.  And it was before I realized that (hallelujah!) there are indeed petite maxi dresses for women like us!   Inspired by the likes of Nicole Richie, Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson, and other petite celebrity fashionistas who manage to look chic and fabulous in floor-grazing duds, I am determined to find a maxi that works for me!  So here are a few petite-friendly maxi dresses I've found for women who want to look "nothing short of amazing"as they welcome the warm weather ...