Let’s face it, every now and then a gal gets in a Princess State of Mind. Don’t get me wrong – this is not a mood that solely inspires lounging on a throne while being fed grapes (though that sounds nice too). No, in my world, Princesses get things done. But, some days I wake up from a long, deep sleep and the birds are singing (alas, they don’t help me get dressed) and the day feels imbued with a hint of magic. It’s the kind of mood where I feel inspired to wear a tiara and bejeweled slippers (and no one bats an eyelash). And it certainly doesn’t hurt to have the perfect pastel dress at the ready, which casts the entire day in a dreamy glow. I may not have a ball to attend, but let’s face it – the world is my ballroom.
I very recently discovered the wonder that is The Pretty Dress Company – a UK-based retailer that designs dresses inspired by the 1940’s and 50’s. Hello – welcome to Princess Dress Central! I’ve seen their pieces around for ages on some of my favorite websites and on some of my favorite bloggers. But, as with most things, you’re not ready for it until you’re ready. For me, it really took the perfect dress, with multi-colored rainbow stripes like lines of taffy, to nudge me to take the plunge. And she was worth the wait…
My maiden voyage with The Pretty Dress Company started with the Priscilla Candy Stripe Midi Dress. Since this was my first time with this brand, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The price point is on the higher side (the beauty is ~$198 USD), but you can really tell this is a high quality garment and well worth the cost. It’s made from a stretch cotton sateen, which gives it great fit and shape. It also has some really nice finishes – the bodice is fully lined, closes with a concealed back metal zipper, and has hidden hanging ribbons on the inside (cause no one likes their straps to get stretched out). And just when you think she couldn’t get any better, you find she has pockets.
I went with a UK10 (my normal size) and found the fit to be pretty near perfect (I’m a 35-36″ bust, 27-28″ waist, and 17″ nape to waist). The UK10 fit my bust comfortably without any under arm pudge. I also appreciated that the scoop neck wasn’t cut too low – my fellow well-endowed ladies will appreciate that their cup doesn’t runneth over in this dress. I did find it to be ever so slightly short waisted on long-waisted me, measuring at a hair over 15 3/4″ from shoulder to waist, and a tiny bit large in a waist (but I’m being very nitpicky here).
And the skirt – ohhhh the skirt. It hit below my knees and is so sumptuous and full and can hold as many petticoats as my heart desires (and ohhhhh my heart desires many). It has large pleats at the waist that angle the stripes to be very figure flattering, and moves with a lovely drape. It truly makes you feel as though you are living in a fairy tale. Everyone who passes me tells me this dress just makes them happy. You will literally exude happiness and shower it around you wherever you go.
As an added bonus, this dress was also made for the perfect instant Halloween costume! A few minutes with some blue eyeliner and highlighter to adorn my cheek with a raincloud and poof! I was an instant rainbow. The kids seemed impressed…. Or at least they pretended to be so I would doll out the sweets.
This dress is available through The Pretty Dress Company website, or through one of their stockists. It retails for £155 (~$198 USD) and is available in UK sizes 8-18. I purchased mine from Unique Vintage, who sells PDC dresses exclusively in the US. This cutie sailed across the sea and into my waiting arms (and then flew right back over again in my suitcase. I wasn’t letting go of this one). It’s good to note that Unique Vintage often has sales and coupon codes: because of the higher price of the dress, I patiently waited until there was a coupon and snapped her right up (Sign up for their newsletter and you get 10% off. Just sayin’).
This was the perfect dress to don this week, as I’m a Princess on a mission to find her castle. I feel like we’ve seen every house in North Carolina! Weighing up cost, size, location, amenities, layout, size of the moat… We found one that we think has the right balance of everything. Fingers crossed it works out – then we can really feel like we live here.
Do you have this dress or any other from The Pretty Dress Company? I’ve got my eye on this one next…
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: Priscilla Candy Stripe Midi Dress via Unique Vintage
Necklace: Swarovski (similar)
Belt: Alannah Hill (similar)
Handbag: Gift, Review Australia
Shoes: Miu Miu, thrifted from Bindaring (similar here & here)
Lip Color: M.A.C. Ruby Woo
.
instagram // twitter // facebook // pinterest
.