I always get a frisson of excitement when I feel the first few whisps of autumn. Don’t get me wrong – I can (and do!) wax poetic about my sundresses. But, there’s just something about autumnal layers that gets me excited about the fashion possibilities. Textures and plaids and some of my most favorite tights can come out to play. So, I was super excited to see some of the fall offerings at Unique Vintage these past few weeks and I was especially thrilled for the opportunity to take this perfect plaid Hepburn dress by The Pretty Dress Company out for a spin!
I‘ve been a fan of the Pretty Dress Company for awhile – ever since the Pricilla Candy Stripe dress graced my closet, I’ve kept my eye on what they have each season. And I’ve been really intrigued by the Hepburn dress. As a gal who does not abandon her love of dresses even in the winter (my winter wardrobe is my summer wardrobe with tights and a cardigan), I love dresses that suit the seasonal transitions. And the Hepburn has everything I look for in autumn: 3/4″ sleeves, a full twirly skirt, and plaid for days.
If any of you have been considering the Hepburn, which comes in a range of styles, I’m reviewing it below in terms of fit, fabric, and my favorite feature: twirlability.
First things first: this is an incredibly well made dress. I’ve never been disappointed with the quality of dresses from The Pretty Dress Company, and this dress definitely lives up to the standards I’ve come to expect. The fabric is unfortunately 95% polyester, but it has a really lovely soft feel to it and I felt so cozy wearing it, with winter starting to nip at my heels. This dress also has a lovely V-back and a back zipper closure, and those fab pockets we’re all so darned fond of (what is it with pockets? I swear they make everything better).
I’m so loving this plaid – an amazing oversize navy and red check. I feel there isn’t enough navy in the universe, and I was more than happy to bust out some of my favorite navy accessories. I went with my standard UK10 for this brand (about a US 6) and it fit perfectly. The fabric has a bit of stretch (5% elastane) so if you’re between sizes there’s a bit of wiggle room, but not a ton. My UK10 measured 36″ bust, 27-28″ waist, and 26.5″ waist to hem. This one did run short waisted on me (shocker – story of my life) and was 15.5″ shoulder to waist. This isn’t a huge issue if you have a bevy of belts at your disposal, but is good to be aware of if you run similarly long on torso and long on fabulousness…
My main critique of this dress, was that the lining of the dress wasn’t as full as the dress itself. So, while the dress had a gloriously full, twirly skirt, the lining limited the fullness of the crinoline I was able to wear. I will likely open the seam at some stage (cause you know my crinolines and I cannot be parted). But, as a quick fix, I rolled up the lining and pinned it. Let the petticoats be free!
The Hepburn dress comes in sizes UK8-16 and UK18-24 and retails for $188. If you sign up for the Unique Vintage newsletter, you can get 10% off your first purchase, which helps with the sting of the price tag. I will say that I find The Pretty Dress Company to make really high quality garments – some vintage inspired lined out there aren’t worth the price tag, but this one definitely is.
Uniquer Vintage definitely has no shortage of awesome autumnal looks – if plaid isn’t your jam, the Hepburn comes in a range of different florals, prints, and solids and is truly a wardrobe staple. And now that Christmas is a jing-jing-jingling merrily towards us (time to accept it people), I can start to build up my Christmas wishlist (this sunshine yellow floral number is definitely on it).
Well, off to tackle yet another day in the trenches. But isn’t it always a little easier to tackle when you look good?
How are you gearing up for autumn? Fun tights? Lucious swing coats? Ahhh I love the fall….
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: c/o Unique Vintage, Pretty Dress Company Hepburn Dress
Brooch: gift (similar)
Belt: Pinup Girl Clothing (similar)
Tights: Johnathan Aston
Handbag: Vintage (similar)
Shoes: Chocolate Shubar (similar here & here)
Lip Color: BITE Matte Creme Lip Crayon
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