When I got word that online boutique Shabby Apple is now promoting their dresses for women, I have to be
honest, I was a bit skeptical. I like some but not all of their little girls’ dresses, and on top of that, mail order clothes + cheap prices are a
combo that generally doesn’t work for my hard-to-fit figure and picky picky tastes.
So when they offered to send a couple of dresses my way to try out, I have to be honest, I was not expecting to like them much. But like them I do!
The Tour Eiffel dress (above) actually looks like a striped shirt tucked into a high-waisted A-line skirt, only you don’t have to fuss with an actual shirt tucked into a skirt. It’s wildly flattering even on bigger hips and is a great look for curvy girls. Of course it doesn’t have some of the detailing that pricier dresses have–I wish the side zipper on the black skirt was black instead of white–but for $76 it’s a home run for days at the office or dinners with friends. Maybe in Paris?
I’m also digging the Mad Men-era Nantucket dress (right) which will fit a ton of figures with its forgiving cotton poplin and just a bit of stretch. Just know that that neckline requires a cami underneath (plunge-o-rama!), and unless you’re about 6-foot tall (like Kristen is) you’ll need to hem it to get it to a fashionable knee-length. But it kind of makes me want to pop on some pumps, mix up a tray of martinis and listen to some Nat King Cole.
[Ed Update: Unfortunately, this dress has not held up well over time. We’re going to pull our recommendation of it.]
There are also a couple of maternity dresses in the collection that look promising, like the very simple chocolate dress. Just stay away from the ones with the giant bows over the belly. Yes, the baby is a gift, but you don’t have to take it literally when you get dressed in the morning. –Liz
Find affordable dresses for women and children at Shabby Apple
UPDATE OCT 2010: We’ve gotten some word from trusted readers about disappointing customer service and workmanship that was less than impressive. That coupled with our own experience with the Nantucket dress means we’re going to rescind a wholehearted recommendation of Shabby Apple.
We remain impressed with some of their children’s clothes.
