September 09, 2010

Anthropologie's Babergh Dress: Yay or Nay? (Aka, am I too curvy for this dress?)


I saw how the Babergh dress looked incredible on the entire Anthro-centric blogosphere (see Goldenmeans' comprehensive list of reviews at the bottom of her own here) but was still not convinced it would work on my curvy figure. This week I managed to spot one singular dress in my entire store and it happened to be an 8. I knew it would be a stretch because this shape usually requires me to size (way) up, but somehow it sort of fit. The quality of the dress was really fantastic and I actually like the funny flowers on the shoulder. I had plenty of room in the waist and bust and although my hips were hugged, I *think* it is supposed to be that way. In fact, I thought this dress was a total win until I turned to the side and saw this:


It's a little more Jessica Rabbit (and a little less Jess Pgh) than I typically wear. Can I pull this off? Specifically can I teach 18-24 year olds in this? Or will I be venturing into "inappropriate" territory?

37 comments:

Marianne said...

It is incredibly flattering on you! I don't know about teaching--could you cover up with a cardigan during class?

Amblus said...

2nd that. VERY flattering and lovely on you but maybe too dressy for teaching.

What Lou Wore 365 said...

Wowza it is a definite yay but I agree with the other comments, for teaching it might require a cardi. Still, it looks fantastic!

Rad said...

You look awesome in this dress. But for teaching, throw on an office blazer (I keep a neutral blazer in my office at all times for moments like this) and add an necklace. You'll be good to go!

Jesspgh of Consume or Consumed said...

Thanks for the votes of confidence, Marianne, Amblus, Louise, and Rad. I think the cardigan will be a good solution. I prefer to dress up for teaching because otherwise I worry the students think I am more of a peer.

And Chris just read the blog and said aloud, "No you are not too curvy for this. Besides, don't you need a few dresses that make you look like Jessica Rabbit?! It looks great!" That's pretty persuasive.

gee said...

YES a million times.
It looks amazing on you.
I want to buy/wear for my 2 year Anniversary.
its a beautiful dress.
xoox

Kate (Embarrassment of Riches) said...

I think it is perfection both in the classroom and out! I don't see even a hint of cleavage (maybe if you leaned over or something).

This dress was made for you. I really don't think I've seen anyone else who looks better in it!

M. (formerly known as Shakespeare's Feminine Ending) said...

Don't size up, it looks great on you. Again: go with a cardi.

Sharon said...

it looks amazing on you. I totally understand about having to look a little more professional/put together when teaching (I often get "you're the teacher?" comments on my first day of class). So a cardigan or blazer would be perfect for class and then the dress is ready on its own for a night out!

Heather @ It's A Lovely Life! said...

I think you look great in it! I don't even think you need a card... but if it makes you feel better, wear one when teaching... really, I LOVE this dress one you!

Michelle said...

I love it on you. I bought it too and was considering returning for the same reasons but I think you just convinced me to keep it.

Crys said...

Jess, you look HOTT in this dress. Do NOT size up! Your figure looks amazing!

Ady Grafovna said...

Wow! You really look great in this dress!!! I agree that a cardigan is a good solution to make it teaching-appropriate... but you need this dress in your arsenal just because of how stunning you look in it!

Anjali said...

I'll echo everyone else's comments -- you look great in the dress! If you need to conservatize-it for the classroom, I think a cardigan on top will work fine :)

Pamela said...

You must get this dress. There is no way you cannot. It looks like it was made for you! If you're concerned about modesty while teaching, I agree with the others to put a cardigan or perhaps even a cute simple little blazer over it. But the style just looks too stunning on you to pass it up.

Rebecca said...

I agree with Pamela. You MUST have this dress and now *I* must have it, too. Found you a week ago and I think we are about the same size and so I love seeing things on you. I totally would wear that teaching. No cleavage showing. You are busty, but so what? It's your body and that dress is in no way inappropriate. I wouldn't even wear a cardi with it.

On a related note: I'm 5' and 125 lbs and a 36C and wear a size 8P typically. I've started to wear only Lilyette minimizer bras b/c they hold the girls in so nicely. Have you tried that? I just feel like it gives me a more controlled look up top.

Academic Writer (a.k.a. A-Dubs) said...

Hotness! I vote with all others: acquire this dress immediately.

triciathomas said...

You look amazing in that dress!!! I say throw a cardi on and wear it to teach in!!!

robina said...

UMG OMG. LOVE and WANT.

You look great! Wear it with a cardigan if you're feeling selfconscious around the 18 year old dudes. But you need to own it.

Alicia likely badger said...

You look incredible in that dress!!! If you want to wear it to work, just throw a cardi over it. You look like you have the tiniest waist ever!!! Just gorgeous.

nel said...

that dress looks awesome, you are definitely not too curvy for it at all.

Raquelita said...

You look smokin' hot! I hope you buy it!

emma said...

Right, just to reiterate what everybody else is saying, this looks AMAZING on you. Two words: OWN IT.

xoxoxoxo!!!!

greatbleuheron said...

I'm a college prof too, so I understand your concern completely. The dress looks fantastic on you. It's definitely not a conservative suit; it does show your form. But it doesn't show your flesh, and that's an important distinction. I agree with the comments above that a cardigan would take care of any lingering concerns. And hey--if a glimpse of the form makes the 20-year old boys pay slightly more attention in class, that's not a bad thing.

None said...

I think you look amazing. Maybe not for teaching, but the cardigan is a good idea. Wish I could ever look this spectacular - you really should own this dress.

Chrissy said...

You look hot!!! Definitely grab a pretty cardigan for teaching, but you must get this dress!

SunnyDay said...

This is by far the best I have seen this dress look. You look incredible, Jess. It's like it was made for you.

thatdamngreendress said...

Oh, I agree with Desert Flower- that looks great on you! And I agree with Chris too!

Jesspgh of Consume or Consumed said...

Oh man I am kind of surprised by the enthusiasm! Thank you guys so much. You really know how to make a timid, somewhat self conscious gal feel like a million bucks!

I'm thinking I might stop and grab the dress from the store this weekend?

Gee, it would make an awesome anniversary dress!

Kate, that is a most generous compliment! Although I don't know that I agree (I've seen it look pretty dang hot on droves of gals) I really appreciate your kindness.

Shakespeare's Feminine Ending, I'm gonna try the cardi!

Sharon, Thank you! I think although I don't always dress businessy I definitely try to use wardrobe as a way to differentiate. Glad I'm not alone!

Full Price Never, thank you so much! I might need the option to remove the cardi if it gets too hot anyway.

Michelle (hi!! and xo), I bet it looks so killer on you! KEEP YOURS!

Crys, thank you and thanks for reading!

Ady, haha now I feel compelled to buy it!

Goldenmeans, thank you! I loved it on you too!

Pamela, thanks! I think a smart blazer could be really cool with it!

Rebecca, thank you and welcome!! You are very kind for thinking that my numbers were close to your (enviable) ones! haha but even though you weigh way less than me, it is possible we are otherwise shaped similarly. I will definitely try the lilyette bras! I mostly wear Wacoal, Chantelle, and Fayreform (I'm 34dd) but am excited to try a new brand. Where can you find them?

A-dubs, :) Thank you!!

Triciathomas, You are too sweet!

Robina, haha true story! I'm gonna try.

Alicia likely badger, thanks so much! I do not but I am hourglassy so it makes it seem smaller than it is.

Nel, thank you!

La Historiadora de Moda, thank you! I really want it now.

Emma, haha I am gonna do my best to buy it and wear it with confidence. Thank you!!

Greatblueheron, It is awesome to hear from another prof. Thank you so much! You are very right. Form and flesh are different. Also, your final sentence made me laugh out loud! It is true but definitely something I like to steer clear of... haha

Lady Cardigan, thank you for the compliment. I am sure you could and I'm sure you do! xo

Chrissy, thank you!

Desert Flower, you are so sweet! I have seen it look fantastic on many women so it might just be a magic dress?

Thatdamngreendress, thank you so much!

Thanks again for reading!

Marilyn said...

You look great in this dress!!! This dress isn't good for teaching by itself, but a jacket/blazer/cardigan will do the trick :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Iam Prabhu from chennai,joined today in this forum... :)

Rebecca said...

Awe, you're nice re my "numbers." :) I'm so short that it's deceiving. I look at your photos and think that if I look even close to how you look, then I'm thrilled! I get the Lilyettes at Macys or Amazon. My current favorite is called "Dream" but it's fairly full coverage. The "Custom Fit" one has a deeper plunge. Wacoal makes minimizers, too. I just find that in general the minimizers keep everything in place. Not very sexy, but I change later if I want to vamp up the undies and bra. http://www.amazon.com/Lilyette-Womens-Dream-Minimizer-Beige/dp/B003B3P3DC/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1284129945&sr=8-12

Incidentally, I'm a prof, too, though I think quite a bit older. I'm 41 and tenured (so I think I feel more free to wear whatever the hell I want...I didn't always feel that way). I would totally where that dress teaching, but I doubt my students would even notice...They think of me as a mom. :) My current worry is that I dress too young for my age. But whatever, right? It's not like I'd wear a super mini skirt. At least I have that much sense.

Tien said...

A cardigan or a blazer would really tone the dress down! I plan on wearing it in the fall with a pair of rugged boots. It's so cute and it looks great on you!

Sarah said...

you look PHENOMENAL!

Debbie said...

That dress looks fantastic on you!!

Jesspgh of Consume or Consumed said...

Thanks Marilyn! I am going to try to find the right pairing.

Hi Prabhu, welcome to my humble blog!

Rebecca, You are seriously too kind! I think we can be our own worst critics when it comes to body stuff. I know I can be guilty of it and have to actively convince myself to be happy with my shape. I have a few Wacoal minimizers but am stoked to try the Lilyette ones! I am glad that other profs stop by my blog. It must be so nice to have tenure. One of the great things about Anthro and the blogs that focus on the piece is how fantastic things can look on a variety of body types and age ranges. It's hard for me to imagine that students could think someone in their very early 40s was a parental age. That is so young! And age is really so much about attitude and life circumstances. I feel like profs age at a different, slower pace than other professionals (though I am bias! haha).

Tien, this dress is so pretty on you! You were one of the first reviews I saw. It will look so great with boots!

Thank you Sarah and Debbie!!

Adriana said...

Def not too curvy! Not at all inappropriate, either (I'm in that age range). It is very classy and fits you like a glove. Definitely a yay - totally my style, although I see this post is from last year. Too late for me, I guess :/ Looks great on you, though!

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