*dress clipped back 2″; original fit shown below*
This month has been a blur with work, moving, and lots of visitors, so please bear with my sporadic posting. We finished kitchen renovations and were so excited to have a less dusty corner to move into. My scatterbrained self unfortunately misplaced our clothing boxes, so my moving day ensemble (cutoff “jorts” and an oversized tee) got some prolonged wear. That outfit + no makeup resulted in the delivery man mistaking me for a 12-year old child, hesitating to let me sign for my darn appliances. I told him 12 was as bit extreme and had a good laugh, but the incident reminded me of this “How to Look Older” post and how little changes make a big difference.
On to today’s post – I helped a friend pick out this dress a while back and borrowed it to share on here. While browsing in-store, I caught a glimpse of the yellow lace and gravitated towards it like moths to a flame. For those previously interested, it’s a good dupe for my beloved Banana Republic dress, with the same see-through lace overlay at the top and full lining elsewhere. I’m a general fan of highlighter yellow (note: this one is very neon) but think the poppy or reef blue are more classic and universally flattering.
J.Crew regular sizing is not typically petite-friendly, but the waist placement and length looked decent to me on the hanger. Sure enough, the 00 regular ended up fitting my size 0 petite friend nicely. For someone my size it would need about 2″ slimming throughout the torso (clipped back below to show the intended fit).
Value-wise, this dress is not inexpensive and the lace is average quality, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised for J.Crew. They have several other similar lace dresses that retail for a hundred or so more than this one. I was also confused by the label – the inside tag is a black “JCrew Collection” label which typically indicates their pricey higher-end line, but this didn’t feel like “Collection” quality nor was the price at that level. The yellow is currently on extra sale for under $100.
Measurements of 00 regular: 15.5″ across armpits, 12.5″ across waist, 16.5″ across hips, 14.5″ from top of shoulder to waistline, 35.5″ total length. 100% poly with no stretch. Invisible back zip with button closure behind the neck.
Beautiful dress! I love that it's neon color but still looks classy on you looking gorgeous!
Very interesting. The best online store for women clothes for me is http://www.missholly.com.au/lace-dresses/ I have bought most of my clothes from there. Greetings!
I have a dress like that I bought it from ShopthisEasy, and I'm glad that I buy it. So beautiful!
Hi, Jean, I got the dress after reading your blog. You are absolutely right, the quality is much better than other produces in Jcrew at that price. The final price comes to 31.XX+tax (50% in-store discount + 15% student discount). Even thought I can only find a regular 0, which is somewhat large for me, I still grabbed it without hesitation. How can I complain at that price!
That dress is gorgeous on you! I'm more of a sewist than a buyer and would love to make a piece with the lace shoulders. Are you able to tell me how they finished the arm and neck openings as well as the hem? Just wondering if it's done eith binding or folded over.
Hi Jean, thank you for sharing the dress and the new sales. I just got this dress in neon yellow as well from reading your newest post about the good deals. The only thing I don't like about it is the sleeveless because my armpits are kind of getting darker starting a few years ago. Can you share your tips how to keep them from getting dark? In addition, what are the best colors of cardigan/blazer to go along with this neon citrus dress? Thanks a lot for your tips.
Hi Jean, I came across your blog and found out that you are under 5 ft tall? Then, you just inspired me. A question though, what can you say about shoes with ankle straps? I just bought 2 pairs of shoes with ankle straps and found out that they are not meant for not so tall women. But you definitely look good on those shoes. It doesn't make you look shorter at all. I'm only 4'11". Thank you.
Hi Jean, I was actually in Boston this past weekend and stopped in J. Crew just to see how this dress looked. It fit perfectly and I also got it on sale. Thank you for featuring it. It's a beautiful dress. It looks great on you.
the dress is so beautiful and classic, no matter how many seasons pass it will still appeal gorgeous and fashionable
Hi Anne – they are a brand called Nana from yoox.com but are a few seasons old. I see they have similar still available, but want to reiterate from my original review that the ankle straps are not comfy!
I just keep mine in boxes in my closet but should really look into proper care…as you mentioned, I do think the elements can cause damage or dry out delicate leather.
I'm wearing The Little Bra Company Sascha…I had the same problem as you (minus the support needed since I'm a sub-A cup now…) but their band sizes go down to a 28 so do a decent job of staying up!
Incredible deal!
Hi Jess – it's an old one from Ann Taylor
hi there – certainly, I'll keep an eye out! Since this is the second season they've brought it back I have faith they will again : )
Love this dress. Where is your nude belt from?
hi Jean, sorry that my comment is not about this post. I really like the pink blazer from ON you were in the other post. Guess what whenever I click on the link, it's no longer available in petite for that color, bummer. I hope ON notify you and you can let us know when it's back up again. Btw, the J-crew yellow dress above looks very pretty on you, you wear this color well Jean
Try calling your local store. I think that prices are similar across the country although some stores are doing 40% off versus 50%.
Loving that dress! The color is great!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com
Hey Love Accessories Giveaway!!
Wow, amazing deal! I'd get it for sure at that price point!
I got this dress in the highlighter yellow at my local J.Crew today for $99.99 plus 50% off plus 15% student discount. I think it's a steal at that price point.
i love this! you are so pretty! i'm your height but i'm 105 pounds and i have trouble finding clothes all the time!
Love the color of that dress
SUMMER CASH GIVEAWAY
Congrats on your new home! I love the deliveryman story. I'm also a PAG, and one of the first things I did when we bought our home was go to BestBuy to buy a replacement for our ancient fridge. When I went to the checkout, the lady looked sideways at 30-year-old me and asked, "Girl, HOW old are you?!"
Question. Bra! What kind underneath?
No, seriously, what kind? I love the "lace shoulders, full lining everywhere else" look, but I'm having problems finding strapless items that have enough support and give me nice lines.
That color is GORGEOUS on you. It goes so beautifully with your hair.
Thanks for the tip! I've been in a very neon and J.Crew mood lately.
xo
Kara
http://www.thebostonista.com
Shoes are so pretty! I've always wondered how do you store your nice heels/shoes? Is there a right way to do it? I always just leave them in the garage…but maybe that is bad because of the humidity/heat during the summer and freezing cold during the winter?
Sweet pictures and a great dress! 🙂
Kisses
Tabea
Auf Wolke 3
Mistaking you as 12yr old..lol! But 12 is just too much, c'mon delivery man! This dress is cute!
Got it at the store today in 00. Fits great!! 40% off and additional 15% student discount. Thanks! ��
Perfect dress and color for summer! Very pretty 🙂
mint-luxe.blogspot.com
Beautiful dress! I love that it's neon but still looks classy!
Style by Joules
Love the dress! I have the exact same dress 🙂
Maybe you have time to read my new post: What to wear with palazzo pants
Love
Akanksha
Wow so pretty…I like the blue one <3
I've been obsessed with this dress since I saw it on the website. I looked at it in store, and held it up too me, and it looked way too long so I didn't even bother trying it…apparently I should have! This is amazing on you!
So gorgeous, and such a great price. I love the yellow the best~~
Gina
http://www.thepinkwings.com
Beautiful dress! Thanks for the review!
http://www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com
Wowwwww! Wonderful dress! Very inspiring! <3
Love that color!!!!
Xoxo
Le monde des petites
http://www.lemondedespetites.com
LOVE this color and I gravitate towards it often. I'm just not sure it's over $100 worthy for me to bite the bullet since not sure how much wear I'd get out of this. Having said that, it looks absolutely gorgeous on you Jean. If you walked into a full room of people wearing that, all heads would turn!
As much as I love the color yellow, highlighter is something I do not want to venture into yet. Maybe in a few years; however, you did pull off the dress perfectly. Simple and clean ensemble.
❤ Nancy
http://inspiringnancy.blogspot.com/
Great classic sheath cut! LOVE the lace and the neon pop. Such a fun color.
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
So in love with this dress! Something about the youthfulness of the neon yellow color mixed with the classic lace and fitted silhouette really draws me to it. Hope you're getting settled in nicely into your new place!
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Jean, where are the shoes from?
It is very similar to the Banana Republic Anna Karenina black lace dress.