Denim Dresses

Wednesday 3 April 2013


I saw a little denim tunic dress on the Topshop site a little while back. The next day it disappeared. I thought it was a figment of my imagination but then it turned up again. Phew! I thought I was going mad. Anyway, to cut a longish story short, I got it. It was in a dark blue rinse and I loved it until I saw the lighter version of it coming out three weeks later. I loved the lighter one more. Phew! Thank goodness for 28 day return policies.





So here it is as dressed up a little .....


  
Krimble sandals and Topshop Necklace


... with a necklace and not a little necklace at that but a full blown you can't miss me kind of necklace. This is one I got from Topshop in 2005(?) when I was pregnant with Ben. I was probably thinking that if everyone looked at the necklace, they wouldn't be looking at my big tum. The necklace is definitely a statement piece and quite heavy as the stones are real and not plastic which is a big selling point for me. But the thing I love most about it - the girly flower disc. Looking at this whole ensemble, it wouldn't look out of place in a Plumo lookbook would it?

And whilst researching denim dresses, I came across Alexa Chung in her Stella McCartney version and the similarities were not lost on me so of course, I had to have a play didn't I? Would you be able to resist?

Picture Credit : GlamourMagazine.co.uk

Now I'm not saying that mine is identical - it's not. Alexa's version is from Stella McCartney. Mine is from Topshop. Alexa's cost oodles of money. Mine didn't. Alexa's doesn't have pockets. Mine does which is great because I am a pocket jammer. I'm not sure there is an official term for people who like to put their hands in their pockets but if there's not - pocket jammer will do.

Still sticking pictures of myself near skinny celebs (will I ever learn?).

Topshop Necklace, Nine West Heels, Obscure Basket I had lying around (all old).

Anyway, I have to say that though I love the colour, cut and shape of this dress - I just wish it was 1.5 inches longer. It's at that critical length. The critical length between flattering and fattering. And because it is just that little bit shorter than I am comfortable with, I may have to return it and fall back on this one ... 


Dorothy Perkins Denim Dress, APC Bag, Krimble Sandals

I fell out of love with this Dotty P dress because I was trying to wear it in the winter with tights and boots and a scarf and I hated the combo together. But I'd never tried it on with just a pair of sandals which just works so much better. This is because I bought the dress in the winter time and so in my mind, it is a winter dress though the denim is quite lightweight. I popped this on just to find out what I disliked about it so much but as soon as I had it on, I felt so much better and more comfortable in this one than the Topshop one. Can you tell from my more relaxed body language? This one is at the right length though admittedly it has been shortened and the denim is so much softer - the Topshop one is stiffer though it has a lot of stretch. There is no tweaking in to place or tugging at the hem like on the Topshop one. Everything just feels right.

So I'm delighted that I have rekindled an unexpected love for my little denim dress. It has shades of an APC Madras one which I've spotted on my travels and which is probably why I was so drawn to it in the first place. And after all that love I've just spouted for the Dotty P dress, I think I've definitely talked myself out of the Topshop one. How did I do that? It doesn't matter - I'm just glad I did as it means I've saved some money and it also means I don't have a redundant dress in my wardrobe. 

Anyway, here's a round up of a few nice denim dresses to see you in to Spring (we seem to be getting there finally albeit slowly).






So tell me, any float your boat or do you have a little denim dress stashed away already?

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Last Note :

  • The Topshop one would be great on slightly taller ladies who might want to wear it in that wonderfully artistic boho Toast way with leggings or trousers.
  • It's Easter and there are children to be entertained and birthday parties to be planned so I hope you don't mind if I take a bit of time out. I'm still around but just chilling and visiting blogs. I'll be back before you know it :o)




51 comments

  1. Love the TS dress....in darker might even do for work. How tall are you Sue (I'm 5.3) and what's the sizing like?

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    1. 5ft 1.5inches. It all counts. It's true to size (I bought a ten) but it's short - well I did buy it from Topshop didn't I?. It's a curtsey dress - do not bend over this in this dress ever. That's why it's going back. I love the styling but I wish it'd been just a touch longer and made in a tencel type fabric or a softer denim to make it really lovely to wear. Why don't you pop in to Toast and try their version on? It's a strange thing this but my best length of dress is 89 cm - no more, no less. This one is 86 cm. So no go for me.

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    2. Sue, I do a lot of curtseying but think it may be a little short, would not want to flash any aristos would I ?! Will take a trip to Toast.

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  2. Ooooh love them - are they as polarizing as denim dungarees I wonder?:) You're right the TS one is a little short - I love the DP one though. The Whistles one is my absolute favorite - love the cut...So funny what you say about necklaces and being pregnant - it's about the only time I wore statement necklaces - I was trying to 'dress up' the sweat pant look.

    www.poppys-style.com

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    1. No - I don't think anything could be as polarising as denim dungarees ha ha :o) I'm really happy with the length of the DP one as I altered that one to fit but it's a proper jam your hands in your pocket kind of dress which is the best for feeling comfy and easy. The TS one has pockets but you jam your hands in it to try and drag the dress down a bit to make it feel longer. I do have a couple of statement necklaces but they seem to have fallen out of favour with me in recent years or maybe it's just my style has changed since becoming a mom. Either way, they don't come out very often and to be honest, I haven't missed wearing them. Time to Ebay?

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  3. Thanks for this Sue! I had a denim dress somewhere on the edge of my denim radar then it fell off after the bf jeans haul. I really like the 'tunic' aspect of it rather than as a dress, dress of which I have too many already. I would love to find one to suit all seasons - have to agree with you about the length of the TS dress, that's my constant inhibitor for shopping at such shops.
    I love the necklace on you and btw, your own jewellery collection would be fab!

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    1. I quite like tunic style dresses as I generally don't like being trussed up around the middle - I need eating room.

      You'd think as petite gals we wouldn't come across the length issue too much but it still happens. A lot of dresses I like are always just that little bit short like this one but then if I find one which is just right for me, what must they be like for taller people?

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  4. I love denim dresses - it's the one thing I always had in my wardrobe as a child and I've been feeling nostalgic for one lately. I really like that Topshop one in the lighter wash - I wonder if they do it in their Tall range? I'm 5'8" so length might be an issue! I like your Dotty P's dress too, especially the sleeves.

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    1. Hi Kate - thanks for popping past. I found your blog in the last month or so when you'd just started blogging again and I've been reading on the quiet and enjoying.

      I think I have a thing for denim dresses too. I also have a seventies maxi style dress too which I will probably drag out if we ever get to the warm weather. I'd forgotten about that one till just now. The Topshop one is a lovely design - just such a shame about the length. I'm afraid this one will barely cover your bum if you're 5ft 8 and no there is no tall version (or else I would have probably thought of ordering that to try on for the length). Hope you're enjoying the Easter break.

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  5. Have to say, I loved the TS one when you styled it a la Alexa .. but if it's not comfortable, then there's no point in keeping it. Both denim dresses are very cute indeed. And no J, definitely NOT as polarising as dungarees, lol!!

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    1. I'm far too self conscious in the TS one so that has to go back. Such a shame but there were too many factors against it in the end after re-trying my DP one. And it's all money saved and wardrobe space saved too!

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  6. I am totally jealous.. the dress looks great on you.. wish i could pull it off!! xx

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    1. Thank you Kat. I really liked the simple lines on this dress but the length was such a killer. Actually, it wasn't just the length - the denim did need to be a little bit softer to make it totally workable. But hey - you don't know till you try. Like I said, thank goodness for 28 day return policies!

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  7. I vote for the DP one, as soon as I seen the pics of it I thought you looked so much more comfortable in it, the Topshop one seems a little stiff. I eBayed a denim dress a while back when I realised it just wasn't for me, you look great in yours though and let's hope we get the weather to actually venture outdoors in dresses and bare legs!!

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    1. It's all in the body language isn't it and I hate clothes which wear me rather than me wearing them and feeling great in them. I think you put your finger on it to describe the TS one. It's a little stiff. Back it goes!

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  8. Second one is so much nicer and looks so much more expensive. They so so suit you. I would look totally comedic in one of these yet it is so so you, you luck duck. Elegant and minimal sophistication. Topshop one is lovely but I think the DP one (and I'm sooo surprised it's from there. Wouldn't have guessed in a million yrs) is a much better length. X

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    1. Kat - this is belt length on you. You would be locked up if you tried to wear this!

      I agree about the DP one being better (for me anyway). The styling is great on the TS one too but ultimately, it didn't feel great. More money to a pair of Golden Gooses (just joking).

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  9. I have to say I really like the Topshop one, but maybe you would be happier in the darker colour? But like your DP one too...it's sort of cute! xx

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    1. I think the darker one was about 2 mm longer and I didn't feel it was as short as the paler one but I liked the paler finish better. But never mind, I didn't really need the TS dress and it's all pennies saved for the future.

      I have to do these kind of mulling overs to get things out of my system. I'm Queen of the Returns Counter.

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  10. I think you made the right choice getting the light rinse over the dark (or returning you know what I mean!), it looks lovely on you, and I like the way just a few simple accessories dress it up a lot! I don't have any denim dresses, maybe this is something that will be called for next summer..

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    1. This dress would be the perfect length on you. You are the right age and have the perfect dress figure for it and it would look super cute on you. Maybe next summer ...

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  11. Actually Sue - quite a few are floating my boat and it's all getting a bit confusing! I like the Top Shop dress but can't decide which colour (think I'm leaning towards the dark if it was for me!). Of course I love Alexa's dress (and hair and bag and shoes!). I also like your own DP dress (it's cute - maybe not what you want to hear!) the length is much better as you say. Mango shirt dress though - love it - it looks a bit longer and the state my legs are in that can only be good! x

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    1. The Mango shirt dress is a lovely shade from what I've seen on line and quite versatile as you can belt it and wear it as a tunic as well. I like the slightly longer sleeves too - good arm coverage and all that for us with less than perfect arms. We have a Mango in the Trinity Shopping Centre now - you can go and try?

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  12. really digging that whistles dress! and i like the topshop one on you. i know the fabric because i bought the pinafore one in the dark denim wash which i'm sure was from the same range. it's quite nice, but a bit short on me so i still haven't worn it yet and being from malaysia i didn't even realise i have a 14 day return policy (way lapsed now) so err, since winter is coming i probably won't be wearing it for a while. i don't think it's too short on you though.. the wash is beautiful too.

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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    1. The wash on the TS one is gorgeous which is why I had to bring it home and try it on. It's like it's almost perfect but not. Drat. You look great in these kind of short tunic styles though. Can't wait to see you in the pinafore one next year. Sure you can't squeeze it in before the autumn hits where you are?

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  13. That is super cute Sue! Great find. I love the little a-line kind of cut to it. It's so flattering and I bet, super comfortable!

    xx Mandi
    www.findmeamuse.com

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    1. It is super cute, I know Mandi! It's just too short! Boooooo!

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  14. It's all about the neckline for me -I find a round neck makes me look really broad and flat chested ( which I am but don't want to draw attention to it do we?) but I love the look of the Whistles and Phase Eight - typical , probably the most expensive too. Poop. You look fab in the mash up of Alexa Chung btw.

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    1. I like the ease of the Whistles one - that looks so comfortable but I actually quite like the Mango one - could be quite sexy if done right.

      And would the Phase Eight one be good for work? Just a thought.

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  15. I saw that Topshop one in store last week and loved it! I also like that Dotty P's one, perfect for my body shape!

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    1. The Dotty P's is perfectly shaped for everyone actually. And you can eat and eat and eat in it. What's not to like?

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  16. Hi Sue-the TS one looks fabulous on and I do prefer it with the sleeves rolled up but I do admit I prefer the Dorothy Perkins one better, it just has the right amount of detailing on it xxx

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    1. You're right about the detailing on the Dotty P's - it kind of does the work for you and makes it very easy. The TS one needs a little help .... but not too much. It is lovely in it's simplicity.

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  17. I'm a sucker for denim, dresses and pockets .. put them all together and I am IN LOVE with the DP one, what a shame it didn't work for you

    Fiona

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    1. Can't win them all Fiona but I'm kind of glad after all how many denim dresses does a girl need really?

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  18. Oooh both those dresses are gorgeous. I am wanting a denim dress this year so I may have found something for me!

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    1. The TS one is lovely with Converse if you have the legs for it!

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  19. Love them! I love denim dresses and you have inspired me to dig out my shirt dress. I love the ts dress, I'm a big fan of short frocks (knobbly knees, so on the knee is a no no) but you look v comfy in the dottyp one!

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    1. Oh I am so not good with short dresses. I have far from knobbly knees - mine are a little on the chubby side and everything from there up just goes to pot. So the less you see, the better.

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  20. Hi! I loved you in the Top Shop one but it is all about being comfy at the end of the day & the Dotty P one is super cute! I cant wear anything above the knee here in Tunisia (unless I'm in a Tourist Zone & even then Hubby would look like he was gonna burst! Lol!) & so I'm sitting here sobbing into the keyboard! Is the Top Shop one a heavy denim & do u think it'll work with 3/4 leggings underneath?! I love your blog! Its just perfect! Thank you for making me smile giggle every time I read a post! Andrea x

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    1. Hi Andrea and thanks for stopping past and leaving a comment. If you're in a hot country, it might feel a bit heavy unless you have cooler days but I could certainly recommend it to be worn with 3/4 leggings. I tried it on in the shop as well and had my skinny jeans on underneath which didn't look that bad which is why I thought it would work well this way if people couldn't handle the shortness with bare legs.

      And I'm delighted that you like the blog. Giggle away :o)

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    2. Thanx for the extra info Susie! We just get nuclear heat here during the Summer but I am still tempted to get one for late Summer/Autumn! I'm hoping to be back to the UK next month so we shall see! :) Ax

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  21. I love the lighter one you bought - it's such a great simple style and versatile too for this time of year and through the summer since our weather is so varied. Easy to dress it up with accessories. Love the Topshop necklace with it.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. I agree totally ... but it just needed that extra few cm in length and it would have been hanging in my wardrobe!

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  22. I loved that Topshop dress when I saw it but then it didn't fit very well in the shoulder (I have broad ones). You look great and it's such an easy thrown-on thing. It doesn't look too short to me.

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    1. I've seen lots of ladies on my school run, probably older than me and wearing shorter skirts but somehow I don't feel totally comfortable. It's a shame it didn't fit you across the shoulders because it is totally your kind of thing - a simple shift shape, little detail and in one of your favourite colours - blue! It would have slotted seamlessly into your wardrobe.

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  23. If I'd seen these dresses on the hanger it would have been a definite no from me but you make them look so cute.

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  24. "Whit whoo!" The legs are out! Love the dark one susie, all look good on x

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  25. The denim dresses look good on you!!! *thumbs up*

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  26. So casual denim dresses, very beautiful, I like, thank you for sharing. cheap denim dresses for women

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  27. Great looking dress and necklace. Have you ever used Wholesale Accessory Market to buy any wholesale fashions?

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Susie So So