One-Dollar Wonders

What do we think of this dress?

February 23, 2012

I have been looking out for galaxy print items for... maybe 2 years? I think it was 2 Spring seasons ago that I passed up a galaxy print AS tank top, and I still regret it. Hot/sticky weather dresses are also one category that can count as a hole in my casual wardrobe.

I like this one alot, even though it would still be about $70 after a coupon. The loose fit and sleeveless nature seems good for 80-degree-plus jaunts to the swap meet/beach/etc. The black color would hide pit sweat well. The model is 5'10", so it would be much longer on 5'4" me... *possibly* even long enough to make it work for the office if I layered a cami underneath and a jacket over the top. Thinking it would also work for band performances.

Wondering if you might see something I don't - I have a hard time seeing pattern placement issues and things like that. Thoughts?

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Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

29 Comments

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    I love it! The only thing that would concern me is the low v-neck. It looks too casual for office wear to my eye, but perhaps that could be remedied with the fixes you've described.

  • annagybe replied 12 years ago

    It's ok, but not stellar (yes I had to go there).

  • modgrl replied 12 years ago

    Not sure, do you think maybe the galaxy moment has passed? you can buy a pair of black milk galaxy leggings for about this price. they are pretty awesome.

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    Yeah, but I don't wear leggings. I've been seeing more of the type of print, but mostly on tight, body con stuff or excessively draped stuff on Etsy. I don't mind if the moment has passed - didn't feel saturated at all in my area, and I love the look enough.

    Anna, do you think it's the print? Too abstract?

  • Victoria replied 12 years ago

    I really like it and print is fantastic! This can be worn lot of different ways although I can see how this may not appeal to everyone. Personally I prefer abstruct prints and can't stand florals but that's just my taste

  • amyreh replied 12 years ago

    I think this could be great on you, I really like the colors. If galaxy stuff was ever having a moment, I missed it, so it just seems unique to me.

  • Vicki replied 12 years ago

    As soon as I saw the photo, I pictured you in it, and wanted the model to disappear. I'm with Amyreh and Victoria on galaxy time and like this abstract look. It reminds me a bit of Angie's watercolor-print dress. With your adjustments, you could move move it between the worlds of work and music. I like it.

  • Girl X replied 12 years ago

    I think the print is gorgeous, though the only way I could see the dress being work appropriate is if you were able to wear a turtleneck or a button up underneath it.

    (and yes, I am having a very successful procrastination day!)

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  • ironkurtin replied 12 years ago

    I'm going to say meh - I think you can find better.

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    Ooh, I love it with the blouse underneath! Awesome mock-up; I had to do a double-take.

    The low neckline might be a problem... I wonder if sewing up the V a bit would work?

  • annagybe replied 12 years ago

    It's the swirling, it looks more like like the swirl print scarfs that were popular in the 90's

    http://farm4.staticflickr.com/.....a737_z.jpg

    Less like a galaxy. Plus yeah the neckline is low for work.
    ETA Marbling, this used to huge

    http://www.celebrate-creativit.....izing.html

  • ironkurtin replied 12 years ago

    Not a galaxy, but have you trolled Custo Barcelona?

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Or.....35b9bf84f0

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    Darn it, now you've got me finding things for you...

    http://www.stylebop.com/produc.....A5giWOiWnQ

  • rachylou replied 12 years ago

    I'm a buzzkill... I'm not crazy about the color design.

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    Ah, that explains it - I am a 90s gal, and I've also drooled over this Karen Millen:
    http://www.karenmillenoutlet.u.....colour.jpg

    IK, yes, I do browse CB every so often, but I haven't seen the perfect print yet. I will check out your link at home and ebay is not blocked. :)

    Una, of course this one has to be way expensive for me! It is gorgeous!

    Hm. now I'm wondering about getting some custom printed fabric. Anna's point about the print is valid, since I will probably still want a photo print something or another even if I get this dress. This is assuming custom photo fabric wouldn't cost the moon.

  • ironkurtin replied 12 years ago

    Here's a screenshot.

    I'm sure the perfect photoprint awaits!

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  • Kate replied 12 years ago

    That Karen Millen dress is gorgeous Rae, and so is the Rag & Bone dress Una linked to.

    However, all these galaxies aside, I want you to try on the Asos brushstroke dress. I think you'd look wonderful in it!

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  • annagybe replied 12 years ago

    Have you seen this photo print shirt?

    http://www.saksfifthavenue.com.....ID=jmFFlzu

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    I am so spoiled with you all as my personal shoppers! I wish everything wasn't so spendy, so I could get it all...

    I really like these, too, but none of the garments fall into a category I need:
    http://www.youreyeslie.com/women/digital-prints

  • replied 12 years ago

    Well, the print is nice, but do you actually have worn a dress with that kind of shape? You're always so structured in your wiw's high waist, sharp tailoring. Even the dresses seem more on the structured side. That one has no waist definition, i would have thought it's a tunic style top. Are you comfortable creating waists with belts? Or with surrendering to a more flow-y look?

  • HelenInCanada replied 12 years ago

    To be honest, I love it (the original galaxy dress)! I think it would work amazingly as a hot-day fun dress, and as a band-performing dress, and just traipsing-around-looking-cute dress. Not sure what the material is, but it does look a tad too casual to wear to work (though I could see an underlayer, tights & a blazer pulling you back from the brink somewhat reasonably - but still pushing it!). The photo-print shirt Anna linked to in her last post is lovely and funky, but you said you want a sticky-hot dress, and this one fits the bill! I lurve the print - but think sometimes the print placement is not always consistent from dress to dress...? Anyway, a yay from me.

  • annagybe replied 12 years ago

    Did not need to see this

    http://www.youreyeslie.com/wom.....oar-3.html

    Sorry thread hi-jack

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    Anya, it's true that that is my style in the office - but I can't stand clingy, close fits in super hot weather. Some concessions have to be made, and my current skimpy dress is pretty much all concession (smocked light green gingham).

    Helen, it says it's rayon. I hava one rayon dress and I seem to do fine with the fabric.

    Anna, it is not hijacking since I posted that link! That kitty tank would be my choice if I needed tanks at all. I like these "dresses," too, but it seems like a bad sign when even the promo pics are styled with pants underneath, right?
    http://www.youreyeslie.com/wom.....alaxy.html
    http://www.youreyeslie.com/wom.....dress.html

  • replied 12 years ago

    Rae, I understand your need for summer dresses that will stand up to the heat outdoors! You need something that can stand alone (without leggings/shirt underneath). I think this would be a good capsule to work on, because you'll need them before you know it. I like this one ok, but the print's center of gravity is pretty low. I think the eye would be drawn to low hip. If that's ok with you (it is loose, after all) then it could work.

  • Sunita replied 12 years ago

    The dress is not my cup of tea (too lowcut for my ample chest and I don't much like abstract prints), but I think you would look fabulous in it! It would definitely need tweaking for the office though...

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/vi.....sultback=0

  • annagybe replied 12 years ago

    Um nevermind. I looked at the size chart. I might not even fit into a large, Harumph!

  • Freckles replied 12 years ago

    Rae it probably looks different in real life but I think great for everything but work. Somehow having the solid black back in a work situation feels wrong with the amazing print on the front. Can`t quite explain what I mean but it brings down the dressiness a notch.

  • ManidipaM replied 12 years ago

    Applause for Girl X's mock-up! I was also thinking of a long-sleeved charcoal or brown layering T-shirt under it. Or white denim jacket over it. Or your grey trench from the orphan-skirt WIW. A purple cami underneath, or cap-sleeved orange-red top, or something pale blue and flimsy for contrast...

    Can you tell I rather like the dress? Better lock your closet once you have it!

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I'm just your average working stiff who loves nice things and hates to pay for them. This blog outlines my efforts to navigate that treacherous shopping/saving divide through swappin', thriftin', and even a little resellin'. Many of the pieces in my wardrobe cost me just $1! We've heard a lot about people "living above their means" in recent years; I'm championing the concept of living large *below* your means - whatever that means for you. :)