Sunday, January 22, 2017

Review: The Pretty Dress Company Hepburn

After I tried on my first Pretty Dress Company dress, I knew I'd be adding more to my wardrobe. Well, it didn't take long. I'd already been eyeing the Hepburn swing dress in forest green, especially since I'd heard it was a good style for shorter people, but the shipping is steep (we're talking over $30 to order directly from TPDC) and I wasn't sure exactly what shade of green it was. After Amelia Jetson of Junebugs and Georgia Peaches posted a closeup of the black floral version, though, I was obsessed. I honestly hadn't realized how pretty the colors in that print were until I saw that photo, and once I saw it, I couldn't stop thinking about that dress.

Well, we know how this kind of story ends for me.

unique vintage hepburn black seville floral
Unique Vintage had one of their periodic 25% off full-price items sales, and I ordered it on Boxing Day. Two weeks of ever-mounting anticipation later, it had arrived, and it was gorgeous. Just look at these colors!

pretty dress company hepburn black floral

Seriously, this dress has singlehandedly rekindled my love of black dresses, albeit ones with some brightly-colored accents in a lovely print.

Beyond the perfect floral print and vibrant colors, though, this dress has made me a permanent convert to the Hepburn style. (Naturally, I've already started thinking about which one to buy next, once my shopping ban ends, since I've gotta catch 'em all!) It really is perfect for petites, and the half sleeves are an unusual and delightful find in the retro-reproduction world.

unique vintage pretty dress company hepburn swing
unique vintage pretty dress company black hepburn swing

I don't think I've ever said this on the blog, because I rarely feel this way, but this dress makes me feel beautiful. Walking (ok, twirling) around in this dress, I feel like I'm living in my very own Breakfast at Tiffany's, minus all the dramatic shenanigans that Audrey Hepburn gets into. I absolutely love the fit, and can't wait till my spending ban ends so that I can try out the wiggle version.

I went with the 14 in this dress, knowing that TPDC tends to run a bit small. I found this dress ran largely true to Unique Vintage's size chart. Measured flat, the waist is 15" across and the dress is 18.5" from armpit to armpit. The skirt is 25" long from waistband to hem, so I'm wearing it with my Jennifer petticoat. There's some stretch to the fabric, which gives it a comfortable fit and means I can still raise my arms above my head, and the bodice is lined above the inset waistband, as well as having an attached full slip.

pretty dress company pinup girl

One thing's for sure: my second Pretty Dress Company review definitely isn't going to be my last! I have a feeling that you're all going to get sick of seeing this dress on my Instagram, so let's all hope this spending-ban period passes quickly so I can snap up a few more Hepburns. In the meantime, I'll try to keep things fresh, styling-wise, when I wear this dress. What color tights would you pair it with?

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29 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh you look beautiful! I'm a sucker for black but it looks amazing with some splashes of colour, and twirly dresses are the best kind of dresses.

    Lizzie Bee // Hello Lizzie Bee

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    1. Thank you so much! I used to be such a fan of #allblackeverything but once I moved away from perpetually sunny Los Angeles, I found myself gravitating toward color. And I totally agree -- twirly dresses are the very best!

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  2. Ooooo a darker shade for you but I LIKE it!! It's still vibrant though with those beautiful flowers!! Ahh! And I am digging those textured tights/fishnets! I have a few pairs like that...hmm why don't I wear them more??? ;)

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    1. It's a major change of pace, but also a return to the Cure-loving, slightly goth ways of my college days ;). I seized the opportunity to wear these tights, since it's often too cold to actually wear textured tights here.

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  3. Such a gorgeous dress! The Pretty Dress Company makes really lovely dresses. I haven't tried any yet. I love the Splendette glitter bangles you paired it with, too!

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    1. Thank you so much, Bristol! I have a feeling you'll like The Pretty Dress if you try them ;). I'm trying not to be the devil on your shoulder! And Splendette is so amazing at making bangles. I need more, especially some of the purple ones!

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  4. It's a beautiful dress indeed. Very feminine but doesn't show too much... And you look gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you so much! I love the high neckline for work, and I'm tempted to get another colorway of this style. If only it had pockets, it would be perfect!

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  5. This is an absolutely stunning dress and so flattering too! Seems to be the perfect outfits for many different type an of occasions!

    Jessica & James | foodandbaker.co.uk

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    1. Thank you so much! It really is sort of magical in its figure-flattery abilities. I'm eyeing a wiggle version in a different print and will probably end up splurging on it next month!

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  6. Oh how this makes me wish it was spring already! I love that floral prints are back on trend (not that they ever really went out for some of us!) You DO look absolutely beautiful! Come to NYC and we'll get breakfast at Tiffany's the Holly Golightly way! :)

    Mary Lane @NewYorkCliche
    http://newyorkcliche.com

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    1. Girl, I feel you -- winter is the WORST! And it's so rare for me to be on trend that I'm gonna savor it while I can ;).

      Breakfast at Tiffany's sounds heavenly <3! Someday...

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    1. Thank you so much! I can't believe how vibrant the colors are in person.

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  8. I looked up the companies as I read this, and my god. Vintage styles make me weak. I'm going to have to browse their sale pages for something in my price range. You look so lovely in that dress. It would be a crime to not twirl around! What's best is how beautiful you feel in it. YOu should always wear something that makes you feel that way. I can't wait for you to get another since this one made you so happy. xoxo

    Breanna Catharina
    toocuteforlife.com

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    1. Awww you are so kind! The prices are pretty steep, but if you can find a style you like on sale at Unique Vintage, then it's totally worth it! The overseas shipping if you order direct is steep, but there are a bunch of gals I know who get together and pool their orders. As long as it stays under the customs threshold, you're golden!

      And I agree with you 100% -- clothes should make you feel beautiful and happy! If they don't, it's time to find some that do.

      <3!

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  9. This dress is gorgeous! I really love the back! Decolletés un the back are just so beautiful! I should do more outfit post... xx Corinne from Corinne & Kirsty

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    1. Thank you so much! The back is such a fun, surprising detail. I always love a good outfit post, so if you're in the mood to do more, I say go for it!

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  10. That dress is gorgeous, you totally rocked it girl!💕 love leigh| Www.imsophialeigh.wordpress.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Leigh! I love twirly dresses more than any other type of clothing.

      ps -- just followed you on BL!

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  11. Amazing post as per usual! And yet another beautiful dress 💖

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    1. Thanks so much! I basically only own dresses and skirts ;).

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  12. this dress!!!! oh gosh you look beautiful!
    Vicki x
    http://neverlandvicki.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1

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    1. Thank you, Vicki! I'm obsessed with this brand right now and dying to get more of these dresses!

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  13. I'm a sucker for vintage-style dresses lately and I so need this dress in my life, and you totally rock it! ❤️❤️❤️

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    1. Yayyy, vintage-style dresses are so fun! I love anything with a full skirt. Not to be a bad influence, but you TOTALLY need this dress ;).

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  14. Swooning over this dress! The cut is really beautiful! I love the sleeves on it. And the print is so dramatically beautiful. I was thinking of UV just before you said you found it there! <3 Glad you were able to pick this one up without having to pay the high shipping costs :)

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