Modest Brand Spotlight: Shabby Apple + Shabby Apple Holiday Dress Review
Dress: c/o Shabby Apple / Shoes: DailyLook (similar – $21) / Bracelet: Banana Republic (similar)
Other Jewelry: Rocksbox (use code downtowndemurexoxo to get a month of jewelry for free)
Oh, Shabby Apple. How I adore thee and your stunning clothes.
If you’ve been following Downtown demure since last year, you’re already familiar with my love for Shabby. I listed them in my ultimate roundup of modest fashion retailers, and I even featured them in my first big giveaway.
Given my established appreciation for this brand, I was unsurprisingly elated when the marketing department reached out and offered to let me review one of their dresses. Excitement level: Hyper kid in a candy shop! After a lengthy deliberation, I chose this dress: the Nutcracker Dress in Blue. And boy, am I happy I did. I truly adore this dress. It’s one of those darling dresses you never want to take off (when you’re not in the middle of heat wave, that is…).
What I love
- The shape and fit – I really like the retro-inspired fit-and-flare silhouette of this dress with the adorable bow details at the sleeves. It’s a timeless shape. Shabby actually specializes in retro inspired dresses for the modern girl, and they nailed that aesthetic with this beauty. Another good detail is It has with subtle pleating in the waist area that lends to its demure femininity. Depending on your body shape (I’m looking at you, hourglass, athletic, and inverted triangle shapes) this dress will be incredibly flattering. I do have to caution that this dress might not be flattering on some body shapes, particularly those with apple-type shapes or short waists.
- The fabric – Apparently I need more stretch taffeta in my life. I haven’t worn a taffeta dress since the age of 5 for fear of look like a human Christmas present. But I found this playful, shiny polyester fabric combined with the classy shape of this dress brought just the right mix of fun and glam. To be honest, I was very worried the polyester blend taffeta would look cheap, but it doesn’t. This dress is also surprisingly comfortable and wearable despite appearing frilly because the taffeta stretches and molds to your body.
- Effortless Glamour – You’ll notice I wore very few accessories in this shoot. They aren’t necessary! Just throw on some dainty jewelry and black sandals or pumps, maybe curl your hair a bit, and you’re done. If you’re into effortless yet unmistakably feminine glamour like I am, you’ll love this dress and likely the brand.
What I Don’t love
- Mismatched Bow Length – Sadly the bow lengths weren’t even, and you’ll notice that if you look closely in my photos. I’m anal about small details like this, so I fidgeted with the bows for a good 15 minutes before throwing my hands in the air. Clearly and do beeline the uneven lengths will go unnoticed by most people. slightly awkward if you look at the bows closely.
- The Price – Oh, the heartbreaking price points of Shabby Apple. That’s literally the only factor preventing me from purchasing more dresses from Shabby Apple (maybe that’s for the best.. The dresses average $98.00 . The ticket price of this dress is $106. Since Shabby Apple specializes in simple elegance, I do think the dresses are a tad overpriced, which is why I’d suggest purchasing during a promotional period…like right now! Shabby is actually offering 15% off LBDs with code: NEWBLACK.
- Limited Use – make no mistake about it — this is a special occasion dress that’s best worn during the fall and winter months (because of the shiny taffeta). Think: Winter weddings, winter formals, winter holiday parties, etc. This dress is so beautiful and elegant, it’s just not suitable for casual occasions.
Overall
Linking up with: More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express // Style to Inspire // Manic Mondays //Mix It Mondays // Pink Sole // Still Being Molly // Turning Heads Tuesday // Style Elixir // Garay Treasures // Pleated Poppy //Because Shanna Said So //Stylish Housewife // The Wednesday Pants // Style Me Wednesday // Happiness at Mid Life // The Red Closet Diary // Mix Match Fashion // Thursday Fashion Files // High Latitude Style //Friday Favorites // Birdie Shoots // Pumps and Pushups // Because Shanna Said So // Favorite Fashion Friday
The Comments
chel
You look lovely dear…love love love xx
Elizabeth
> chelThank you so much, dear!
Elizabeth
I can definitely see this dress at a fancy Christmas party! It reminds me of the way people dress in the picture perfect Christmas movies lol But the neat thing is that, even though it’s taffeta, it doesn’t look cheap or 80s! They perfectly nail down the vintage, classy look with their dresses!
Elizabeth
> ElizabethOh, yea! It does remind me of something from a classic vintage Christmas movie! Now I really want to twirl around it! Haha.
Alecz
What a stunning dress! I love that purple colour and the satiny sheen is beautiful. It sucks that it’s pricey! But, it looks like it’s probably worth it.
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Allison @ The Tall Mama
I love this dress! I agree with you, it does have limited use, but it’s just so pretty! The classic style means you will be able to wear it for years to come. x Allison @ http://www.thetallmamastyle.blogspot.com
Alice
First of all, you lovely darling! Love the color on you. Thanks for the honest review, great post!
Alice
http://www.protectyourglow.com/designer-spotlight-romona-keveza-fall-2016-bridal-gowns/
EE
Love your dress!! And the pictures are just beautiful!
xx,
EE
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Kelly B.
This a really gorgeous dress, but I definitely agree that their apparel is slightly overpriced, especially when it’s something you can’t wear year round. But I do love to look at their dresses!
kelly
How gorgeous are you! Love the dress, perfect for the holiday season!
Thanks again for linking up with Birdie Shoots Causal Friday Link Up
xoxo,
Kelly
Happiness at Mid Life
ShabbyApple selection of clothes are so fab but I have been hesitant to order because of the price point. What a bummer about the mismatched length of the bow with that price point but this is one pretty dress. I love this unexpected color for the holidays.
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you Thursday.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Grace Liang
Thank you so much for your honestly review. Really love the 5th photos from the top, you are so pretty in that dress.
Take care and keep in touch! Please stop by every Wednesday for Color and Grace Fashion link up! 🙂
Grace
http://colorandgrace.com
Elizabeth
> Grace LiangThanks so much, Grace! See you Wednesday 😉
Heaven
I love the color and length of that dress. Just beautiful! Found you on Modest Mom.
Alicia
That dress looks great on you! the cut and color are amazing. Thanks for the review!
Alicia | Beween the Pearls
Ana Luiza
This is a beautiful look and I love the location! Where did you find this pink wall?
Elizabeth
> Ana LuizaThank you, Ana! It’s a famous wall in LA at a store on Melrose called Paul Smith. Surprisingly, it’s a menswear store. 🙂
Michelle
This dress looks gorgeous on you & you look like you are totally loving wearing it!
http://michellespaige.com
Elizabeth
> MichelleThank you, Michelle! I really do love wearing it!
Ada
Shabby Apple dresses are perfect for your body type and for your feminine, demure style. This royal blue one is stunning. The styling is so classic and those pretty baby blue hydrangeas match perfectly. You look feminine and gorgeous.
Have a great day! <3 Ada.
Elizabeth
> AdaThank you so much, Ada!