J.Crew: Linen Constellations Strapless Dress Review

This is J.Crew's Linen Constellations Strapless Dress Review (item #13320), which retails for $158, and is available in this one color, blushing cherry.  J.Crew describes this dress as such?

A real shining star—we adore this lovely linen dress. A summery strapless silhouette in a brilliant bright color with just a little bit of ruffle. Fitted bodice, with boning and elastic along the top edge to hold it up—so you won't have to. Straight skirt with two sets of pleats at front and back. Slight sweetheart neckline with knot detail at center front. Side-seam pockets. Back zip. Fully lined. Falls above knee; 22" from natural waist. Import. Machine wash. Available in select stores.

I had seen this dress a couple of times, and finally decided to try it on.  I didn't really have any intention of buying it, as I already have plenty of spring dresses, and this dress was a little on the pricey side.  I tried this on in a size 4, and at first when I was pulling it on, I thought I was going to have to size down, but I think the size 4 fit just fine.

I think the dress creates an okay silhouette.  I prefer a more accentuated hourglass silhouette, but the one on this dress is still nice.  The linen on this dress is really nice - I think it's a bit finer than regular pants linen, which lends itself to a softer feel and more refined look.  The dress is also lined, so it is nice and smooth inside.

The one thing I didn't really like about this dress is the little bit of pleating at the front is placed just so that it made me look a little bit more hippy than I would have liked.  I don't have extra pronounced hips, but when I was looking at this in person, I felt like it made my hips look much larger than they are.

From the side, I think it looks all right.  Looking at it now, I might have considered sizing down in this dress, because I think the pleats are again looking a tad bit unflattering, in the middle this time.

I like the length is really nice and flattering.  It falls just to my knees on me, which I think is a nice length - long enough to be modest, and short enough to be fun and casual.

I think the pattern is really pretty, and I love the red and pink combination together.  There is also a nice ruching detail on the bodice, which I think is really cute.  It almost looks like a sort of bow.

I left this dress behind in part because of the pleats, and in part because of the price.  If J.Crew ever drops the price on this dress, I might consider trying it in a smaller size.

What do you think?  Do you like this dress?  Do you like the shape or the color?