I told Blokey about my self imposed goal of not buying new clothes (with some stipulations) for a year, and he was both pleased and incredulous. I told him how I have beautiful clothes that I don't even wear, and I can't justify buying more (new or thrifted) when there are clothes languishing for non use. This is Exhibit A: a SKFK (a Skunkfunk offshoot) dress, purchased over 2 years ago at Cliche (in Minneapolis). I like the cut and the color (evidently, this wide band below the bust, gathers at the bust, and the A line cut above the kneed cut flatter a long torso-ed, smaller chested woman as myself). It's also a wrap dress, and has a fun exposed zipper detail on the left side. It cost a pretty penny, but I was all "I'll support a smaller Spanish brand and a local boutique!"
Yet I don't wear this often for a couple reasons.
1) I don't know how to layer it (the kimono sleeves do not take well to a cardigan)
2) It wrinkles easily (hence I am usually a knits gal)
3) I fear there are problems with fit.
4) I didn't realize it at the time, but there is a pretty strong "World of Suzy Wong" theme to the design.
As a women who would happily drape myself exclusively in knit fabrics until I die (not knit pants exclusively, but I could go skirt/dress/leggings instead), I am awkward and uncomfortable in fitted woven, stiffer fabrics. Observe the back view:
The puckering just below the waist band makes me wonder if this is too tight.
Reverse Wonder Woman, for A-Dubs
Yet I don't wear this often for a couple reasons.
1) I don't know how to layer it (the kimono sleeves do not take well to a cardigan)
2) It wrinkles easily (hence I am usually a knits gal)
3) I fear there are problems with fit.
4) I didn't realize it at the time, but there is a pretty strong "World of Suzy Wong" theme to the design.
As a women who would happily drape myself exclusively in knit fabrics until I die (not knit pants exclusively, but I could go skirt/dress/leggings instead), I am awkward and uncomfortable in fitted woven, stiffer fabrics. Observe the back view:
The puckering just below the waist band makes me wonder if this is too tight.
Reverse Wonder Woman, for A-DubsAny ideas how to make this more wearable (tone down the Asian elements)*? How noticeable is the pulling of the fabric on the back? Should this go into the donate/swap/resale pile? (If so, any takers?) I don't know if this is teaching appropriate (I thought it was, but I measured 3" from my darn low knees) but maybe for a lunch meeting or just going into the office. Although I prefer leggings, tunics, and flat boots for those days, but I can try to expand my options, right?
For now, it will accompany me as I continue to try to write, and for my produce getting needs.
Happy Tuesday.
*For some reason, I think I should not wear very "Asian" styled clothing, for fear that the number of ethnicity oriented come-ons and annoying questions I get, here in the 21st century, may only increase.
Dress: SKFK, via Cliche
Shoes: 9 West
Cat toy in the corner, via NYCPets
For now, it will accompany me as I continue to try to write, and for my produce getting needs.
Happy Tuesday.
*For some reason, I think I should not wear very "Asian" styled clothing, for fear that the number of ethnicity oriented come-ons and annoying questions I get, here in the 21st century, may only increase.
Dress: SKFK, via Cliche
Shoes: 9 West
Cat toy in the corner, via NYCPets
That is an adorable dress and very flattering on you. It is the kind of dress where I personally would be going ACK TOO SHORT all day, but that's my hangup not yours. I don't think there's anything wrong with the fit. The skirt I was wearing yesterday does that across the back a bit too and it's not too tight anywhere else. Perhaps it has something to do with designers designing for one shape and your shape being slightly different in where it curves. Anyway I bet a tailor could work it out.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Cynthia: maybe a tailor could work something out so the back would lie flat. Because, Woman, this is a gorgeous dress on you! Also, I'm seeing it with the black leggings and tall, flat black boots, for sure.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could try this dress just a couple more times before you commit to jersey forever? But if it bothers you all day every day you wear it, I say get rid of it. There are too many other annoying things in academic life - clothing should comfort us, not enrage us further!
And finally: wooHOO! I'm loving The Reverse Wonder Woman! And thanks for the shout-out!
Before I even read your first paragraph, my first thought when I saw the picture was Wow, that's a great dress!
ReplyDeleteI really love it. I think it's flattering on you. I don't think it looks too small. As with the other comments, I agree that a tailor might be able to work it out so it lays flatter for you.
But it is a great dress! As for the length, it's perfect for wearing with tights in the fall/winter. You could also try layering a longer skirt over top of it or wearing a blazer (since you mentioned the sleeves don't work well with cardigans).
I think that dress looks fantastic on you. I think the puckering may be due to the type of fabric, rather than the fit.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the suggestions of tights or a blazer as layering pieces.
Unfortunately, I have no solutions as to the wrinkly fabric. I wish I did, because I have a few shirtdresses in my closet that are saved for casual days due to the wrinkle-prone-ness of the fabric. As for layering, maybe you could layer a knit tee underneath? The nice thing about dresses is that you don't have to over think them...but I also know how fun it can be to remix. Also, not sure I get the whole "Suzy Wong" thing?
ReplyDeleteWow. My standards of shortness are different. This looks perfectly acceptable to me.
ReplyDeleteBut here's a layering solution that might kill two birds. If you've got a silky skirt that's a bit longer, layer it underneath and let it peek out to add length overall. If it hits high enough on your waist, it may also serve as a slip and ease the bunching at your back.
@Cynthia, Melissa, A-Dubs, and Rebecca: Sadly, the tailor told me that the material pulled because "your hips are too big". I love how tailors are the ones who tell me that my boobs are low and small, my waist too long, and my hips too wide. But I will definitely consider the blazer, maybe for fall (the material is thin for winter)
ReplyDelete@Sal: Oh, I'd wear much shorter than this for non-teaching, but I don't like to expose too much leg skin to the students. I don't have a silky skirt like that but I may try a slip. Darn bum bump!
@FA: I mean that wearing a kimono inspired dress with Asian style graphics and my looks may make me look too "costumey". Like if my Spanish friend curled her hair and wore a flamenco inspired dress.
Hmm I really like this dress- tights and a blazer are good suggestions- or a loose drapey cardigan if you've got one.
ReplyDeleteAs for wrinkles I think it just come with the territory - er - that type of fabric. And it's proablly something you'll notice while wearing it more than others-
I'm of asian descent (though I know it's not the first thing you'd assume by looking at me)so I know what you mean about looking 'costumey'
But the dress itself doesn't come off as being too kimono-like.
I don't even think this looks Asian-inspired in these photos?!
ReplyDeleteI agree re tailors maybe working out how the fabric sits. I have had tailors tell me that also but I usually say, "I KNOW BUT I LIKE THE DRESS - YOU'RE THE TAILOR - CAN'T YOU DO ANYTHING?!" all exasperated. I mean, I'm not there because my body fits ready-to-wear perfectly, am I?!
"too big...too low...too small" is, I'm sure, meant "for this garment."
ReplyDeleteI'd wear this to teach in with a pair of black tights, but probably not with just bare legs (I mean, I'd NEVER wear it with bare legs, but I'm talking theoretically, as if I had legs that could be bared). Also, a soft dolman-sleeved cardigan that comes down over the wrinkly part below the waist would be an easy fix.
"Too Asian"? Not at all. It's a very classic-looking dress, great on you.
I think this looks cute on you. Maybe instead of a cardigan you can layer a long sleeve tee or blouse. Or even an elbow length one? That solution is less practical for summer, though.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain on woven fabrics. I hate wrinkles but I also hate ironing.
Layer underneath, that is!
ReplyDeleteRad, first of all, I'm in. I will start my ban Aug 1. I will post it on my blog.
ReplyDeleteNext, closet re-dos are one of my superpowers. It really is. Yes, the dress is gorgeous but you wrote down all these reasons why you DON'T wear it. I clean out my closet every 6 months. If I haven't worn an item in a year, I'm not going to. You may be attached to the dress or spent some $$ on it but if you do not wear it do not keep it. Give the dress away, mourn the dress if you have to, but don't keep it. Everytime you look at it I bet you feel a little guilty for buying it, don't you? Say good-bye. You are not being wasteful, you are passing it on.
p.s. If you were going to take it to the tailors or wear a slip etc you have five days to do it, otherwise the dress goes.
First, I do wonder if a slip would help. Second, I totally understand the concerns about the "looking costumed in Asian clothing concern." On the one hand, I feel like I can wear a sari, but always look askance at white women doing so and on the other, I sometimes get very worried that if I wear an Indian inspired item of clothing, I am somehow overplaying how ethnic I really want to look. All of that said, I think the dress looks great, I think the back looks fine, and I think dark tights or leggings and tall boots are the way to go.
ReplyDeleteBut, if you try those things, and are still uncomfortable with the rear view, then I think Style Underdog is correct and the dress should go! (If it was expensive, see if you can consign it, perhaps?)
that dress looks PERFECT on you, although I giggled at the quote... I just donated a kimono-esque dress myself for that reason! haha
ReplyDeletehttp://diyainherstilettos.blogspot.com/
I think the fabric looks alright like that, but it may be different in person. That's a great belt! :)
ReplyDeleteThis dress is wonderful and looks great on you as is. I have a skirt that does the same thing in the back, and every time I wear it I wonder about starch. I have never starched anything ever, ever ever ever, but maybe that's the (overly fussy) key to staying perfectly unwrinkled?
ReplyDeletelovely. just wear it as is. i don't think its asian-y. but i'm not an asiangirl so i haven't has that intersectional experience ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis dress looks awesome on you! I would never have thought of it as Asian-looking.
ReplyDeleteFor winter, I second the suggestion to wear it with a blazer. Also, I think it would look good over a black or nude turtleneck. Or with a long-sleeved cranberry t-shirt and leggings. Or bright blue. And definitely I second the suggestion of the tall black boots.
I'm with Cynthia: maybe a tailor could work something out so the back would lie flat. Because, Woman, this is a gorgeous dress on you! Also, I'm seeing it with the black leggings and tall, flat black boots, for sure.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could try this dress just a couple more times before you commit to jersey forever? But if it bothers you all day every day you wear it, I say get rid of it. There are too many other annoying things in academic life - clothing should comfort us, not enrage us further!
And finally: wooHOO! I'm loving The Reverse Wonder Woman! And thanks for the shout-out!
That is an adorable dress and very flattering on you. It is the kind of dress where I personally would be going ACK TOO SHORT all day, but that's my hangup not yours. I don't think there's anything wrong with the fit. The skirt I was wearing yesterday does that across the back a bit too and it's not too tight anywhere else. Perhaps it has something to do with designers designing for one shape and your shape being slightly different in where it curves. Anyway I bet a tailor could work it out.
ReplyDelete