Green Dresses

Lately, I haven't found much to get super excited about at J.Crew, but when I saw the new Madelene dress, I knew it would be mine. If it makes it to sale, with an extra percent off. I love bright colors, and a fun dress that is work appropriate is always a win in my book. For some reason, J.Crew now designs most of their suiting dresses to fall above the knee. Why, I have no idea.... because I'm thinking that if your office is formal enough to wear a suiting dress, it is probably also formal enough to require knee length hems!

So I haven't really bought many suiting dresses since 2009 for this reason. The Madelene is not just long, it is loud and it is different, so for me it is perfect. 

J.Crew Madelene Dress

I ordered it to try out since it makes the model look pregnant and could be a disaster. Happily, I found that it is not and that I actually really love it!

 It hits me about where it hits the model... just below my knees.

As an added bonus, I don't look as pregnant as the model! It does float away from the body but I didn't mind it at all. I actually think it is pretty flattering! This is my normal size and I think I might even size down. It was a bit loose at the waist.

Here is a picture showing the color. It is exactly the color I expected. I show it here with a jackie from Fall 2008 in a kelly green, which is how I'd describe the color of the dress. They are almost an exact match. The fabric is a nice mid weight wool that is not at all itchy.

The Madelene gets two thumbs up from me.

Apparently I really like the color green, because I have another green dress to show you! This one has been around for quite a few months, but I don't recall seeing any detailed reviews of it.

Clea Dress in vermont pine

I wanted this one as soon as it came out. The Teddie dress was a total failure on me... too short, and the waist hit so high it looked like a child's dress. I thought maybe the Clea, which is similar in style but longer, would work. It does... sort of.

Unfortunately, it does suffer from too-high waist syndrome. I almost always have this problem with fitted dresses, but it isn't terrible in this dress and I am keeping it. It is also shorter on me than on the model, who is presumably roughly the same height as me. As far as sizing, I had to size up in this one. The sleeves, bust and waist are very fitted and my normal size would never fit.

Here is a picture showing the true color as well as the heavy duty back zip. I like it; it is very easy to zip and feels sturdy. Nothing ruins a nice dress like a cheap zipper.

 I love both of these dresses and they totally fit into my quirky wardrobe. What do you think?