When I stumbled upon this open back nautical Peter Pan collar dress from ASOS on Valentine of Hello, It’s Valentine and again the same afternoon on Blair of Atlantic-Pacific, I fell in love immediately and could think of nothing else for a few days. The cropped overlay vest with the sweet peter pan collar opened up in the back like a seductive curtain, revealing the gentle, sensual small of a woman’s back. The fitted waist nipped in the narrowest part of the bodice, accentuating a woman’s natural s-line curves. The full skirt flared out, perfect for femmes like me with no behind, masking what was not there, mimicking a gorgeous, full hip. And the nautical stripe. Oh, oh, gorgeous things. I HAD to have it. But it was $80. Reasonable, but out of my budget for the month, as most of my free cash was already spoken for on things like glasses, hair cuts and gas. But it was all that occupied my mind.
{ Architecture of an Outfit }
Valentine
Seen here in “Sweet Honey Bee“
Blair of Atlantic-Pacific
Seen here in “Swing“
After sitting on my laurels for three days, I stumbled back to the dress on ASOS.com only to find the dress had been sold out in my normal 2Petite size, and also the next size up! Dammit! This open backed, sweet little number had to be mine!
So I snagged it in a size 6Petite–four whole sizes bigger than I normally wear… I was so nervous, but I thought I could get it tailored.
When it arrived, I was totally surprised…
It fit! Mostly. The waist fit perfectly. Being large chested, I was relieved that it mostly fit. However, the width of the overlay vest is a bit big, so the shoulders pucker a bit.
I LOVE THIS DRESS.
Cons. The sizing IS TOTALLY wrong. Since the size 6Petite fit my waist perfectly, my normal size 2Petite would’ve been drastically small. The vest is about 1 or 2 sizes too large, even though I have a pretty large bust for a petite, slim girl, the vest still puckers at the shoulders and under the arms. I will definitely have to get it tailored. The size chart was absolutely off and misleading, because I still would’ve fit the 4Petite based on the measurements, and I’m pretty sure if I’d gotten the 4P, the waist would’ve choked my stomach until I had pains.
I hope this is an isolated event, but it’s enough to have me thinking of buying a size up the next time I purchase from ASOS.
THIS version is now sold out, but it does come in solid colors which are on sale for about $25USD. Solid color ASOS Peter Pan collar open back dress.
I love how the sheen of the nautical dress contrasts against the lush green backdrop of an abandoned house in Historic Indian Village in Detroit.
I wore this to an eco beauty event hosted by Love Publicity. More on that tomorrow.
have you ever bought something totally different than what you had intended and found that it fit your needs almost perfectly? Tell me about it!
{Outfit Architecture}
ASOS Peter Pan collar open back dress. (In nautical creme and navy cotton elastane–Sold out)
J. Crew silk polka dot flower pin (also a hair clip)
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Melissa heels “Dragon Lady Bow” in yellow (no longer available, but similar).
J. Crew amber acrylic jewel cocktail ring
Image credit: Valentine Vanesse, Hello, it’s Valentine!; Blair Eadie, Atlantic-Pacific; Mandy, Ginger Mandy.com.
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If you ever want to sell this dress, email me!
I just got this dress and I love it! It’s very well made and pretty. I agree the sizing is so random, I ordered mine on a size 10 because the 6 and 8 was out of stock and I have the same problems with the vest, but its ok! Really like your blog! I’m know following you via bloglovin!
xoxo
Juls
I just got this dress and I’m so in love!! Its so beautiful and well made! I agree the sizing is a little weird, I’m usually a US 6 or 8 and I got on a 10. Really love your blog!
you look amazing in that dress!!! beautiful. i’m glad it turned out well
the first paragraph totally sounds like the introduction of a porno.
No porno bothers to be that well written.
Darn it they sold out in the stripes!
Looks awesome on you!
I was worried it wouldn’t look good, since I have big boobs, but it looks totally adorable, and it minimizes the girls, surprisingly! I LOVE IT.
I need to get it taken in, though.
Gahhh, Mae! This is like my most favoritest outfit ever! I love me some asos, but have been “good” because I figure I can get cheaper shipping once I’m in Scotland- buahahaha! I love how you matched it with your yellow vivs! So perfect!
Yeah, I think you can probably get better shipping in the UK, and H&M and Zara have online shopping there as well. Dangerous times!
lovely dress!
xx
YAY!!!
So happy you bought it, my dear!!
It suits you really well, well done
Thank you for your nice comments, each time : it makes me smile because you’re always so sweet and funny
Bisous from Paris
I’m so happy I found it through you!
Mae… why oh why did you have to show me this pretty dress of yours? I’m going to pine over it for daysssssssssssssssss! I’m so sad that the stripe print is sold out. I want to one.. which do you think I should get?? Which color will make me look less like a chubba wubba?
xx Love & Aloha
p.s. I freakin love the perm!!
NAVY!
I don’t think they have it in your size anymore, though!
Boooo!!
I guess i should just make one for myself…
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THAT! Do it!!!!
that dress fits you … like a glove!!! amazing, darling!
That dress is so cute!! A much more playful version of the original versions.
You know, I so wanted the solid coloured ones when it first came out, but the price was way over what I was willing to pay. Then I put myself on a shopping ban and banned myself from visiting any online shops and totally missed all the sales and now I find out it’s sold out in my size. Dang it!
Btw, yeap, I’m doing a Masters. Yes, I am rather insane
Oh wait, yeah that sizing thing is a little messed up. It’s never happened to me, though, not on ASOS anyway. That is a little strange.
And to answer your question, nothing that I can think of at the moment, so I guess not *shrugs*
I really hope it’s an isolated incident! I can’t stand the idea of buying from ASOS in Hawaii, paying extra shipping to get it out there, and then finding out I got the wrong size in the size I normally purchase.
I love it! How did you holster the ladies?
Thanks, Jenny Tree!
I wore a Nu-Bra. It’s a self-adhesive strapless (completely strapless) bra that cups just the girls. However, on a hot and humid day like that, the sweat caused the adhesive to lose its staying power, and the bra started sliding off my skin after a few hours. No Bueno.
Cute dress! i like how the first picture pairs the dress with the lilac converse!
It’s such a trendy look.
I have never bought any clothing items online because different sizes fit me depending on the garment. But i am a online accessory junkie
-Bianca at http://theinbetweengirls.wordpress.com/
I’m a total online shopper. I can’t shop at the mall… I hate teens.
Hello, fellow San Diegan! Xx
Its a very cool dress, i like it. But that sizing thing is so very random. I mean, I’ve had that happen to things like pants. But its usually, they’re slightly too tight or slightly too loose. Weird. I guess happy accidents are always welcome.
HAPPY ACCIDENTS ARE DEFINITELY WELCOME.