J.Crew feather paisley maxi

Hello all. I apologize for the long pause in posts. The inevitable child care crisis has hit our household and all frivolity is on hold until further notice.

I have still, however, managed to eke out a couple of review post ideas and photos, so here goes.

I love this maxi, love the print.

Pros: cotton, lined, good modest neckline, machine washable.

Cons: no pockets, the skirt-border thing (what's the technical term for it, anyone?) is potentially dowdy, as is the elasticated waist.

Sizing: it appears that JCRew vanity sizing has taken a definite step forward this season and I am now squarely a 00 in all pants and dresses and possibly in knit tops. I stick to a size 0 in perfect shirts, though. I sized "down" to a 00 in this, having first tried a 0. See comparison side by side below. The size 0 was definitely more puffy and less flattering. Especially in the torso, if you're wearing the wrong size, it will puff up.

Verdict: I love the print, love the feel of the dress. I have styled it with a chambray shirt, for which, it turns out, the elasticated waist is perfect. Otherwise, the elasticated waist does my minimal hips no favours. Love. Keep.

See how it lies just too wide and loose at the hips and waist in size 0?

See where it poofs above the waist in size 0?

Styled. 

What do you think?