Lanston racer back maxi dress | size medium
Mephisto Helen sandals
Jas M.B. bag
This Lanston dress was actually on the cusp. I had it on the rack of things to get rid of, but then reconsidered. I’m still reconsidering I think; it’s a bit big on me up top, making it difficult to find the appropriate undergarment to wear with it (here, I’m wearing a strapless bra), and I don’t tend to like blousy dresses. After I played around with it a bit, I also discovered I like to wear it a little lower on my hips (not tied at the waist), which gives it a slightly different look and makes it easier to layer. So I decided to keep it.
In this adventure that is cleaning out my closet, I’ve discovered that I prefer straight, more fitted dresses, or oversized, easy dresses over dresses with a defined waist. At this point, I’ve purged most of those, and only this Lanston dress and Loup dress with a slightly less defined waist and silk paneling is left. Ideally, I only need one of those though, because they’re redundant. And I think the Loup dress is much more interesting, and worth keeping over the Lanston. But I can’t decide yet. And since I’m playing by my own rules, I don’t have to.
I’ve purged a lot, and my closet is pretty close to where I want it to be, so I don’t have to be in a hurry to get rid of more. Or add a lot more. I would like to add an oversized, long t-shirt dress this month, because that is something I wish I had.
*I’m in Atlanta this week, but will still be posting regularly. Hope you guys enjoy your Fourth of July week 🙂
I have that dress, too, and didn’t really wear it because I find strapless bras uncomfortable. Found a Wacoal Racerback bra this spring that seems to do the trick, though. Of course, now I’ve discovered a new coverage problem – the neckline dips now and then when I’m sitting *just so*, revealing the top of my bra. ARGH. I just want a dress to wear on a hot day!
Like you, I prefer to wear it not tied at the waist, but a little lower instead.
Does yours get pilly? I’ve only handwashed mine and it’s pilly.
yes! that’s my problem…i don’t mind the strapless bra i have, but the neckline does dip very low and sometimes shows my bra – also out the sides…
and i accidentally dried mine once in the beginning, so it did shrink a little and started to get pilly. but i’ve washed it and hung to dry since, and it’s still getting pilly. not too bad though. i still love the dress, it’s so soft, and i’m happy with the drape.
You sound like you’ve really thought this out well. ( Which causes me less anxiety for you! 😉 ) I really like the Lanston maxi, but you’re right that it’s a bit big on top. This weekend, I started to realize how much I’ve compromised on fit and “loves”!just for the sake of a sale. No more!!!
I’m still checking for consignment shops, and disappointed with things I’ve read about “Thredup” and their cheap payouts. I want to make something back from my stuff! Ebay seems less than wonderful lately…Any ideas?!?
Yes, I love the drape, too. And since it’s black, no one really notices the small amounting of pilling. Just me. 🙂
It’s good to be ruthless about fit, and why something works or doesn’t work. As long as you incorporate that into your future shopping.
I’m trying to balance between buying the things that I know I will love and wear and reminding myself that there is no shortage of suitable clothing that is available to purchase.
And Val, I also struggle with the compromising on fit or how much I *really* like something because it’s on a great sale. I’m particularly susceptible to it with buying multiples at J. Crew–i.e., I find a pair of navy pants in a style I like, then they have two other colors on sale + % off, but I only end up wearing the navy ones. Or “OMG–it’s Rag & Bone and it was originally $595!! And now it’s $125!!!” and I mostly like it but it’s not really perfect and I buy it on final sale so can’t return it.
Around here people tend to wear those types of dresses with a yoga bra that shows under it. Or a crop top bra-ish thing. A very I just left yoga class look which might not be your thing AT ALL;).
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Jen, if you only knew how many times I’ve done that exact thing with sales. Not so much the multiples, but the designer that’s on MAJOR discount and I think I SHOULD want it or SHOULD get it! Those are never good decisions when I make them with life events, so why would they be with shopping?
haha! yeah, i don’t like my undergarments to show AT ALL. mainly because they’re not pretty, just practical 😉
yes, that will be the challenge jen! especially with the james perse sale starting today. i have a budget, but i’m quickly surpassing it. i want everything, but i’m trying very hard to consider what i WILL wear and what i NEED.
i was going to try poshmark for the leftover things i have for sale, but i always just end up on ebay, because it’s easy , and seems to work for me
Can you have it taken up at the shoulders? A good tailor may be able to recommend some simple alterations to help with the bra issues.
That dress would be my designated travel garment! Throw on a cute cardigan & it would be super comfy for plane or car travel.
I’ve had straps taken up before..I could do that. I’ve worn it a lot traveling. When I first got it I took it to Rome and wore it constantly.