{Review} Singing the Blues: Petal Vintage Floral Swing Dress

{Review} : Singing the Blues: Petal Vintage Floral Swing Dress - The Dressed Aesthetic

As much as I’ve always loved quirky novelty prints, from atomic to kittens and everything in between, there’s no replacing the fundamentals. And every so often, a gal needs the perfect floral print. And when it comes to florals for me, the more feminine the better. Enter this Petal blue floral swing dress

A few weeks back, I introduced you all to Dolly and Dotty, a vintage-inspired retailer out of Brighton UK. It was my first time working with the brand, and I was so impressed by the fit and construction of the Grace dress that I knew it would be only a matter of time before I went back for more.

The weather here in Perth has been pretty ghastly – grey and rainy with small patches of sunshine. Despite the gloom, it’s almost impossible to be singing the blues while wearing this blue floral cutie…

{Review} : Singing the Blues: Petal Vintage Floral Swing Dress - The Dressed Aesthetic

{Review} : Singing the Blues: Petal Vintage Floral Swing Dress - The Dressed Aesthetic
Outfit styled using Dressed for iPhone

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This dress feels completely different to my other Dolly & Dotty dress – but just as special. While the Grace dress I tried out previously was perfect for special occasions and all about the va va voom, the Petal blue floral swing dress is absolutely perfect for everyday and beautifully feminine in her simplicity. I can see myself reaching for it again and again and can already think of multiple ways to style it (cream textured tights and a baby pink cardigan, anyone?).

As usual, I opted for my standard UK10, which felt pretty true to size everywhere but the bust (actual measurements of my dress were 33-34″ bust, 27.5″ waist, and free hip, with a 15.25 bodice from shoulder to waist). I found the Petal to run slightly tight in the bust on me, though with the stretch to the fabric (95% cotton, 5% elastane), I didn’t feel too squashed and am hoping it will give a bit over time.  This particular style also fell at my “happy length.” At 25″ from waist to hem, she fell just at the indent in my knees, making her work appropriate but still fun and flirty.

This dress also has the features I’ve come to know and appreciate from Dolly & Dotty – fully lined, hook & eye, and an invisible zipper. One of my favorite features was definitely the wide matching belt, which also helped to bring the waistline down to my natural waist (which prefers 16″ shoulder to waist). I’m also excited to use this belt to jazz up other dresses, as printed belts aren’t all that easy to come by!

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All in all, both of my experiences with Dolly and Dotty have been amazing. They even tucked in a free matching headscarf in with my order! It’s the small details about a company that keep me coming back, and the price point, coupled with great quality and excellent customer service, makes me want to come back again and again.

The Petal retails for £29.99 (~$44.99USD). There are only limited sizes left for the print I’m wearing, but this cut comes in a whole bunch of other lovely florals (I particularly love this one and this one).

As usual, Dolly and Dotty can also be found on FacebookTwitterPinterest, and Instagram if you want to follow along and get sneak peaks of what’s coming into the store! They also have an option on their homepage to sign up for their newsletter for a 10% off coupon plus future discounts and updates.

Any questions about this dress I didn’t answer? Be sure to let me know if the comments section and I’ll tell you everything you need to know!

 

xoxo

Outfit Details:
Dress: Petal blue floral swing dress c/o Dolly and Dotty
Necklace: gift, Swarovski (similar)
Handbag: Vintage Ancestor (similar here & here)
Petticoat: Malco Modes
Shoes: Seychelles (similar here & here)

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