When I received this dress in my latest Gwynnie Bee box I was so excited. The dress is even more dramatic than it appeared in photos. Also the quality is stellar. No skimping on fabric, this skirt has plenty of volume but strategically placed so it doesn't add bulk. The self belt is two strips attached on either side of the waist so you can easily customize (I wrapped in the back and tied in the center of the front). A sturdy snap to hold the neckline closed, and each cuff has three fabric-covered buttons to close. This is the kind of dress I love getting from Gwynnie Bee – perfect for a wedding, a blogger event, a date night but likely not something I'd want to buy and own for years. I can wear it as often as I wish, throw it in one of Gwynnie Bee's purple bags (no need to clean before sending) and get another garment lickedy split!
Dress: Unique Vintage ‘Farrah' via Gwynnie Bee (XL) | Bag: Clare V (sold out, same bag in cognac, same bag but not a folderover style) | Earrings: Jenny Bird | Lipstick: L'Oreal Riche Matte in Eva's Red
I got this dress in an XL which is my usual size but I found for my petite stature I may have been more comfortable in a L. The sleeves and bust are roomy and the waist is elastic so it's the kind of item you can size down in without feeling like you'll bust out of. If you're 5'6″ or taller, go with your standard size. With this dress I am wearing tights and knee-high boots for warmth, but this is the kind of dress that could work with a strappy heel, pump, or a flat.
Next month, Gwynnie Bee will be extending their size selection to 0-32 and I couldn't be more thrilled. Read more about it in this blog post. If you'd like to try Gwynnie Bee, a clothing rental company for free for one month, click here and use my personal referral link!
These photos were taken at Riversdale, a stately home in Riverdale, Maryland that was built in 1802. It was built by the Calverts of Prince George's County, decendants of the fifth Lord Baltimore. If you're from this area, the name Calvert is quite familiar as a counties, cities, roads, and many destinations in Maryland are named after them. Charles Benedict Calvert lived at Riversdale and founded the Maryland Agricultural College which is now the University of Maryland College Park (the college I attended). Following Calvert’s death, Riversdale began to decline. In 1887, the estate was sold to developers who used the house as their headquarters as they built the DC-commuter suburb of Riverdale Park which now surrounds the house. The mansion was also a boarding house, a country club, and the private residence of a couple US senators. In 1949, was sold to The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and Riversdale was used as office space. Restoration began in 1988 and the house was opened to the public as a museum in 1993. Riversdale is available for rent for weddings and other events. In the warmer months, they often have jazz on the lawn for free where you can bring a picnic basket and blanket and enjoy beautiful music under the stars. Click here to find other events that take place at the Riversdale House Museum.
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That dress is just so gorgeous on you! Of course I am wild about anything with roses, but wow!
I also love that you are showing so many lovely places in your area. I have a conference in Bethesda at the end of June that I am supposed to go to for work–I am sure it will be great but it seems sooo far from AZ to go. Your lovely stories help me to think I could/should go!
That dress is stunning on you!!!
Hi Allie, I just don’t understand how you can wear such a very long dress, especially if it is to be returned. I would have put my foot through the hem within minutes, caught it on a stair or an escalator. And even if you are less clumsy than me, surely the bottom of it will be filthy and scuffed? i guess I just don’t understand maxi dresses…
I’m a mega klutz, but maxi dresses aren’t a problem for me. I lift up the hem when going up and down stairs, and I’ve learned to wear solid shoes (like with this I wore my knee-high boots) without any skinny high heels so it doesn’t get caught.
I can’t thank you enough for being so consistent in your commentary on the locations for your photo shoots. I’ve lived in DC for 24 years, and have never been to, or even heard of, many of these sites. You make them seem very enticing. You are a great ambassador for the Maryland side of the DMV! And, as I’ve said before, the range of locations really shows off Karl’s skills. The palette (for lack of a better word) in the photos is really attractive. You are both doing your best work here!
Thank you so much Jennifer! I’ve lived in Prince George’s County the majority of my life and it gets such a bad rap. In fact, it’s a beautiful, livable community with rich history and some gorgeous spots. We plan to branch out to further parts of the county through the year especially when it gets warm. And thank you, I’ll pass your compliment on to Karl!
That’s such a dreamy dress, you look like a princess! The pattern is beautiful.
Thank you so much Marta!
Love this dress! I will be attending a wedding in Boston in April – so anything goes weather wise – and I think this type of dress would work well. Any suggestions for stores or sites to look at that carry this type of style? I saw the Unique Vintage link, but I need a return policy in case it doesn’t fit. I’m a size 4-6.
Consider checking out ASOS, one of my favorite places for dresses. They have a fantastic return policy. Here’s a link to maxi dresses in your size: http://bit.ly/2DABoXj I am loving this dress which isn’t a print but a gorgeous green and would be lovely for a wedding: http://bit.ly/2DwyYJ8 This one is a dark print with lots of drama that can achieve a similar effect: http://bit.ly/2Dw1bQs and this one is nothing like my dress except for being long but it’s so positively stunning I had to share it: http://bit.ly/2DxBsHl