Friday, May 22, 2009

J.Crew: Ruffled Cotton-Sateen Dress Review

This is J.Crew's Ruffled Cotton-Sateen Dress (item #15199), which retails for $110.  It also comes in petite (item #15512).  It is numerically sized, and is available in classic navy, dark mushroom, warm shell, and papaya.  J.Crew describes the dress as such:
A sweet summer style in crisp cotton sateen, with a romantic ruffle trim along the scoop neckline. Our designers finished the lining with a pleated hem for added flounce. Sleeveless silhouette. Fitted bodice, with darts in front and back princess seams for slight shape. Slight A-line skirt, with shirring at front. Removable self sash. On-seam pockets. Back zip. Fully lined. Falls above knee; 22" from natural waist. Import. Machine wash.
This was a phone picture review (meaning you only get the front view).  I tried this dress on in a 4, and I find that it fits pretty true-to-size.  If you were on the smaller end of your size, I think you could get away with sizing down in this.  I think the fit on this dress is very nice - it's very comfortable, and I think it creates a pretty nice silhouette.

The cotton sateen fabric is light and crisp, and the navy at least was not as shiny as the papaya color looks on the model.  The fabric is not really that flowy, but it is nice and smooth and creates a clean line.  I would be curious about how this dress would hold up to wrinkling.


I think the details are really nice - the ruffled collar and the sash.  I like the ruffle, and I am glad to say that it works pretty well with a cardigan over it too (but that's another review).  The sash is removable, but I would probably keep it on, because it really helps to create a more defined waist.  The skirt is slightly flared due to the shirring (and the pleated hem that I didn't notice at all), but it doesn't add extra volume, in my opinion.

One aspect of this dress that I really wasn't a fan of (and it's true for any top) is the severe darts to help create shape on the top.  I am not a fan of anything that draws attention to anything pointy on my chest, if you know what I mean.  Aside from that, I think the dress is really quite cute.  I think it has the right amount of simplicity and cute details.

In the end, I left this at the store because I wasn't totally in love with it, and I don't think I'd wear it that much.    

What do you think?  Do you like this dress?  Have you seen it or tried it on?  Which colors do you like?

Check Out Some Other Reviews

5 comments:

jjc May 22, 2009 at 2:02 PM  

As always, thanks for the review. I picked up the dark mushroom one and love it. The fit is TTS, and a bit loose (which I like), unlike the poplin Sydney/Lydia dress.

OT, what'd your verdict on the 'hot' Melody dress? I ordered my usual dress size but find it a bit tight at the bodice.

Anonymous May 22, 2009 at 8:52 PM  

I tried on this dress last weekend and really liked it. It is about as comfy and easy to wear as you can get with a woven dress. I didn't buy it, however, because I was hoping and holding out for a petite version with the June online rollout. So glad JC made this one in petites!

I also noticed the bust seam issue you mentioned. I agree the seams plus the raised waist do call more attention to the chest. I wonder if going up a size in petites may help de-emphasize the area. Just look at the catalog pix of the dress modeled in the Warm Shell. It's a different look/fit but just as cute.

By the way, the dress looks great on you!

LL

post-fab princess May 22, 2009 at 9:44 PM  

Wow, great review!! I'm happy that this dress seems to be as cute IRL as it is online!

ashley May 22, 2009 at 10:26 PM  

oh it looks cute on you! but i sooo agree about those "darts"! i hate when they're sewn funny and makes it look like there are nipples or something. great review!

JTS May 26, 2009 at 8:49 PM  

@JJC - Woo hoo! I'm sure it looks great on you! I did like the slightly looser fit. I like the Melody dress, but it was a bit tighter in the shoulders (I cannot remember right now if I got this in petite or not) - I will try to do this review for you ASAP, but please forgive me if I contradict myself in the "official" review :)

@Anon LL - Thank you! I am always glad to see J.Crew putting out cute garments in petites and talls - I like when they realize that everyone is not a "regular" size. If you get it in the petite, let us know if it helps with the bust "issue"!

@PBP - Thank you! I was pleasantly surprised by this one - I wasn't expecting to like it, but it is pretty cute :)

@Ashley - Thanks!! And I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees it :)