Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Reviews: Tangerine Flicker Dress and Interspersed Ponte Dress

Anthropologie Dress Reviews:  

Tangerine Flicker Dress size 6 - by Tracy Reese - $358 - Sept 2011

Tangerine Flicker Dress Size 6 - by Tracy Reese - Anthro $358 - Sept 2011
Styled with
Honor Guard Booties - by Messeca - Anthro $168 - Dec 2010



This dress topped my Wish List to try at the 3rd St Promenade Anthro. I lucked out. The store had only 2 dresses. Both in my size.

Dress #1 in Size 6 would not zip.

SIZE: TTS.  Size 6. I'm 5'5" Tall, 130 lbs, 34C, 35-28-36, Narrow Shoulders. Short arms. I normally wear a 6 or Small in Dresses.

Tangerine Flicker Dress Size 6 - by Tracy Reese - Anthro $358 - Sept 2011
Styled with
Honor Guard Booties - by Messeca - Anthro $168 - Dec 2010

FIT: Dress #1 did not zip all the way. Dress #2 did. Neither dress had tight sleeves. Probably because I have narrow shoulders. My bra strap didn't show at the back.  If it had, I would have layered Anthro's Seamless Reversible Tank in Ivory with the V neck to the back. Length is just above the knee. I struggled with adjusting the slip straps to keep the bodice from pulling. Nothing helped. I knew what would.
There are at least 10 size 6 dresses online. I had no idea how many dresses I would have to order before I found a good fit. I wasn't leaving this one behind.

ISSUES: Why attach the slip to the bodice? According to the reviews, potential buyers left the dress behind because of this flaw. One reviewer paid a seamstress to fix the issue. When I arrived home I simply snipped the threads that held the slip straps to the shoulders, and under the arms. That completely freed everything up. No more pulling at the shoulders. I don't recommend doing this unless you know how to re-attach. I can't guarantee this simple fix is the right solution for everyone.

The White you see is camera flash reflecting off the lining under the dress

FABRIC: The shell is sheer, non-stretch, 100% Silk. Not as delicate as you may think. I found no pulls on either dress. Embroidered candle flames on the bodice and hemline are an iridescent Neutral shade. Dots at the sleeve ends are soft and appliqued to the Silk. Lining is Nude acetate. Crinoline is attached 1/2 way up the front of the lining. Rows of embroidery around the hem add weight to hold the lining down to prevent pouf.

This dress needed ironing to give it a smooth appearance.  I also ironed the slip underneath.  Once ironed, it needs only minimal touch up.


Note: I would happily pay $100 less for acetate, than pay for Silk Lining no one sees. Acetate also glides easily over tights so your skirt won't ride up.

Fully Recommended. One Star off for slip design. It's likely the sleeve issue is attributed to wide shoulders. My arms are by no means small, but my shoulders are narrow.


Styled with...
Divided Frond Booties by A Couple of - $218

Try all dresses in your size. Also size up and down. Order two dresses from online where stock is abundant. The sizing may be intentionally inconsistent to accommodate different body shapes for non-stretch fabric. Style with Gray, Gold and Neutrals.

Shop Anthro's Tangerine Flicker Dress by Tracy Reese HERE

SOS: I'm looking for the perfect belt to wear with my new dress.  It should not overpower the embroidery.  If anyone finds it, please let me know.


Interspersed Ponte Dress in Small - by Deletta - $168 - Sept 2011

Styled with...
High Gloss Belt in Yellow - Anthro Orig $28 - April 2011
 Quazar Necklace - Anthro Orig $398 2nd Cut $100 - Aug 2011


This dress would not have made it's way into my dressing room if Personal Shopper Domino hadn't put it there.  It turned out to be the sleeper of the day.

SIZE: TTS.  Small. I'm 5'5" Tall, 130 lbs, 34C, 35-28-36, Narrow Shoulders. Short arms. I normally wear a 6 or Small in Dresses.

Interspersed Ponte Dress - by Deletta - Anthro Orig $168 - Sept 2011
Styled with...
Rachael Sandal in Yellow - by Frye - Amazon $170 - July 2008
High Gloss Belt in Yellow - Anthro Orig $28 - April 2011
 Quazar Necklace - Anthro Orig $398 2nd Cut $100 - Aug 2011

FIT: Like a Dream! Flattering for a larger chest! Well placed pleats just below the waistline, allow this dress to drape nicely over the any size hips. Hides a small tummy pooch. A belt will define the waist further. Medium weight wool adds structure to the bodice. Raised seaming runs down the front and back, which nips and tucks in the right places. Stretch Lace at the shoulders, sleeves and upper back offers a custom fit. Plum or Black Bra will not be visible. Length is to the knee. Hemline is unfinished. 

NOTE: Remove threads used to tack down pleats at the hemline.

FABRIC: Substantial wool that will not fray if left unfinished. Layer a slip if sensitive to wool, and to prevent skirt from riding up while wearing tights.  Dry Clean. 

Interspersed Ponte Dress - Stretch Lace across the Back and Sleeves allows for a perfect fit.
Pullover styling.  Pockets would add bulk with this style.  Color is Deep Plum.  Style this with Boots or Pumps for Fall/Winter. Style with Red, Green, Yellow, Gold, Orange, Gray, Ivory and Black.


Styled with...
Berry Stitched Boots - by Lucky Penny - Anthro Orig $248, Sale $130 - Nov 2010
Infinity Belt in Gray - Anthro
$32 - Dec 2010

Fully Recommended! Fits TTS! Needs a Full Slip and Dark Bra. Wool is heavy weight.

Styled with...
Marjorie Heels Christofoli - Anthropologie Orig $148 EA $75 - Aug 2011
Infinity Belt in Gray - Anthro $32 - Dec 2010


Shop Anthro's Interspersed Ponte Dress by Deletta HERE 


Coming up next is Anthro's Painted Plaid Dress 

Anthro Sister Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

Comments (32)

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Ohhhh...I LOVE the Tangerine Flicker Dress. I am going to have to wait for sale though. I'm a little worried about the arms because I do have wide shoulders, but I hope it will fit, it looks so beautiful!
1 reply · active 708 weeks ago
Have you tried the dress on in a store LC? The Santa Monica Store was sold out. Online appears to have plenty. It drives me nuts that I can't check anymore than 10 items in stock online.

Sent from Laura's iPhone
Love love love both dresses! How did you find the panels/pleating on the ponte dress? Too swingy or just right? I like how you styled it up :)
1 reply · active 708 weeks ago
The panels are great Jess. I like the heavy wool. It provides structure. Not too swingy at all. I normally can't wear thin Jersey. Every lump and bump I own gives me away. This dress is smoothing and contouring. But it is a little itchy. I can solve that with a full slip. Which will be necessary if wearing tights. I know you are like me when it comes to tights. I'd wear them all year if I could. It's going to 101degrees F today. So I won't be wearing this dress for some time.

Sent from Laura's iPhone
I love both of those dresses and they look great on you! The Honor Guard booties are perfect with the Tangerine Flicker.
1 reply · active 708 weeks ago
Terrie,

I like the Honor Guard Booties with the Tangerine Flicker Dress too. But I think I will love the Written-In-Stars Heels even better.

Sent from Laura's iPhone
Vintageglammz's avatar

Vintageglammz · 708 weeks ago

Thank you for reviewing both dresses! Love the tangerine flicker dress. It's odd that one dress zips up but the other one didn't. The colour looks gorgeous.
The ponte dress is really nice- it looks like a classic.
Winner for you on both dresses! Gorgeous! After seeing both you and Kim in the interspersed dress, I really want the plum color now - do you think it would pill or stretch with wear?

As for a belt for the tangerine dress, I would envision a simple taupe belt, maybe with a cute bow on it or something - little detail that doesn't take away from the pretty dress. Not sure if the shades are dead-on, but I stumbled on these on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62549006/gray-bow-bel... or http://www.etsy.com/listing/65359968/gold-things-... or http://www.etsy.com/listing/57629572/nude-beige-l....
2 replies · active 708 weeks ago
Lisa,

Thanks for the listing. I will definitely take a look at them. I agree that simple is best. I really want to cover the waist seam. I'm thinking stretch will stay in place best with no belt loops. Plus I ordered the Taupe Written-In-Stars Heels. You read my mind.

Sent from Laura's iPhone
I missed your question about stretching and pilling. It's very difficult to answer since it's 100 degrees and I won't be wearing the Interspersed Ponte Dress anytime soon. Unless you want Roast Laura. Haha! Sorry! In comparison. I have a few wool coats that would shed everywhere from day one. This dress does not shed. I do believe that the fabric is felted wool. They make hats out of Felted Wool. Wool hats are not supposed to stretch or pill. I'm only guessing Lisa. I hope Deletta knew the answer and got it right.
Kim, I noticed the itch factor too. If the shoulders had been of the same wool fabric, it would have been a deal breaker. I'll try a Full Slip. If it still bothers me, then I will return this one to the store.

I was thinking of trying a thin jersey top in a contrasting color under the dress too. For a fun color play through the lace. With the same short sleeves, so not at all like a Jumper.

Sent from Laura's iPhone
You look fantastic!! I really like the color orange for fall, Im obsessed with it actually.
WOW, Laura, the Tangerine Flicker is GORGEOUS on you! That colour is just absolutely stunning. I've been wanting that dress for awhile now but will have to wait for sale. Hopefully it actually makes it to sale. Can't believe the sizing inconsistency though, that's a pain. The second dress is lovely, too! Both dresses seem to be made for you.
I just saw the written in the stars heels yesterday at the brand new BHLDN store here in Houston and they are even more beautiful in person!
1 reply · active 708 weeks ago
I saw the Written-In-Stars heels on my Reader and friend Joni over the weekend at Anthro. They are gorgeous. So feminine! Taupe isn't my favorite color. But the addition of the Gold makes them a masterpiece.

From my Yahoo Mail - Laura
Two beautiful dresses, Laura! The first is an amazingly pretty, detailed statement. The second is a chameleon, and looks very comfortable. Thanks for the reviews!
Thank you for the reviews, Laura! Extremely thorough as always! The Tangerine Flicker Dress leaves me breathless. I wish I was not in a corporate line of work and could wear anything I wanted every day. I am not complaining -- I am grateful to have a job, but it limits the occasions to wear this gorgeous dress to a couple of parties, maybe. So, when I consider the cost-per-wear factor, the practical side of me says No-no-no! Maybe if it makes it to sale, I can justify it to myself.
Did you find the fit of the Interspersed Dress to be at all similar to this very flattering Bailey 44 dress from last fall -- I can't recall its name for the life of me, but it came in a burgundy color (and some others), nicely draping jersey material, unlined, unfinished hem, flattering seams.... Urgh, what was its name???? If you know what I am talking about, do you think it's similar to the Interspersed?
3 replies · active 708 weeks ago
I don't have anything by Bailey 44, but I can probably figure out which dress you are describing. Although I may not be able to find that color version.

Is it the Rushing Ruffles Dress? <a href="http://reviews.anthropologie.com/5310/033232/rushing-ruffles-dress-reviews/reviews.htm
http://reviews.anthropologie.com/5310/033232/rush... />
Or possibly the Kissing Friday Dress? The seams and drape of the Interspersed Ponte resemble this dress quit a bit <a href="http://.http://reviews.anthropologie.com/5310/18938159/kissing-friday-dress-reviews/reviews.htm?page=4
.http://reviews.anthropologie.com/5310/18938159/kissing-friday-dress-reviews/reviews.htm?page=4<br />

I don't think it's the Once A Week Dress. Too recent <a href="http://.http://reviews.anthropologie.com/5310/19562461/once-a-week-dress-reviews/reviews.htm
.http://reviews.anthropologie.com/5310/19562461/once-a-week-dress-reviews/reviews.htm<br />

I have only two true evening party dresses in my closet.
The Jacquard Gala Dress by Ruffian
http://lauravirtualcloset2010.shutterfly.com/2110 and

The Moonlight Briar Dress by Anna Sui
http://lauravirtualcloset2010.shutterfly.com/2110#4799

I haven't added a new party dress in almost 2 years. It's time!
The Tangerine Flicker Dress is it. It's totally and insanely me.
I can't wait for the Written-In-Stars Heels to get here so I can try them together.

I here you about the expense of such a dress. The Tangerine Flicker is now the most expensive item of clothing I have ever purchased in my life, with the exception of my Wedding Dress. Let's not even go into the cost per wear for that dress.

The Anna Sui was orig $278. I picked it up on 2nd cut Pop Back for $70. I've worn it to two parties and two funerals. It's actually now my funeral dress. So $18 a wear isn't too bad. The Ruffian was full price $228. $114 is a lot for each wear. But it's got plenty of life left in it. It's a classic strapless and will never go out of style. Like you, I wear the straps.

And you are very welcome for the reviews.

From my Yahoo Mail - Laura
Laura, yes, it's the Kissing Friday dress!!! I am encouraged now that you said that the Interspersed Pointe is similar to it because I find it very flattering. I own the Kissing Friday in the plum color, so I'll probably pick up the Interspersed in Black. Otherwise, they would be too similar.
Love your party dresses! And, I think the Tangerine Flicker is a divine addition to the party dress lineup. With me the problem is, I go to parties with the same people all the time -- that forces me to wear something different each time. My girlfriends joke that "Anastasia only wears her dresses once" and asked if I would like to hold a sale of my once- worn dresses, so they can shop in my closet! Hehehe. My response was "No way!" I love my Anthro dresses too much to sell them after one wear. I'll just have to widen my circle of friends, I guess, so I can wear them again. ;)
I see your point. I really only go to holiday parties. So I will skip a year. One year I will wear a new dress to my party. When I was married I would wear my previous years dress to his party. And so the story goes. But the Tangerine Flicker is a very obvious dress.

If you're not going to wear those dresses again, I think you should sell them. Otherwise where will you put them all over the years?

Sent from Laura's iPhone
I love the Tangerine Flicker Dress on you! It's just one of those special pieces you know you will have around forever. The bold orange color and the beautiful back will never get tiring. It looks amazing on you and you are just beaming in it!
1 reply · active 708 weeks ago
I read your review and was worried about the tight sleeves. They were fine, thank goodness. I'm so glad they had my size at the store to try on. I was too chicken to order from online.

You should go back and try on every 0 in the store until you find a winner Tien.

Sent from Laura's iPhone
The tangerine Flicker is such a gorgeous color...and that embroidery! Why oh why did they have to go sheer? So glad you found a winner fitting one to take home. The interspersed dress was tried on by my cohort in crime yesterday at the store and we were both underwhelmed by the material. I LOVE the seaming on it...kinda rocker Madonna-ish actually, the way it curves like a bodysuit, however we couldn't get over the fact that it kinda looked and felt like wetsuit material (not the lace, obvi) but the rest of it. She passed because of this, but the plum color is definitely divine. Can't wait to hear your review on the Painted Plaid. I hope I bought the right size! (fingers crossed....)
1 reply · active 708 weeks ago
I'm working on a mega event post for tonight. My review for the Painted Plaid is up online with all the photos.

It would have been a blast to shop with you Molly. We are Anthropologie Twins at heart.

Sent from Laura's iPhone
That tangerine dress is just lovely on you! It didn't jump out at me on the website but I'll definitely be checking it out now.
1 reply · active 708 weeks ago
I love the Tangerine Flicker Dress JG. But it's not without it's problems. I can't figure out why T Reese keeps trying to make adjustable straps on a slip that's attached at the waist. It was fine for the Mompos Dress. But not OK on a delicate Silk like the Tangerine Flicker.

I sure wish I could have met you while you were in LA.

Sent from Laura's iPhone
Hi Laura, I have been searching everywhere to find a Anthropologies Tangerine Flicker Dress. Would you be willing to sell yours?

Chelcy
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