Review of Lindy Bop 'Ophelia' Vintage 1950's Garden Party Picnic Dress
My latest fiction writing project is under wraps at the moment, but I have found time to write the first in a series of dress reviews, which will be really useful for anybody trying to steal my identity! (Or just people who like pretty dresses.)
Me showing off my new 'Ophelia' dress
So, who wants to take me on a picnic? This gorgeous, floral dress has put me in the mood for a garden party.
I absolutely adore the Ophelia dress shape. It's a beautiful 1950s design with a slim waist and flared skirt. The style is so elegant and easy to wear that I'm surprised I don't see more people wearing this kind of thing. I would feel comfortable wearing my Ophelia dress out in the evening to anything from casual drinks to a formal occasion or just sitting on the beach on a summer's day.
It is hard to find colours that don't clash with my red hair. This dress effortlessly blends turquoise with red and orange, meaning that I can wear a vivid colour and still enjoy those autumnal shades that complement the ginger complexion.
This dress is not for the flat chested. You need a bit of bust for the top to take its shape. In fact, I'd go as far to suggest that you need at least a D cup to do it justice. I'm a C and I have to wear a heavy duty padded bra to get the panel around the ruched bust to stay flat.
I found the sizing accurate. I'm a 10-12 top and 12-14 hip, so bought a size 12 and it fits me perfectly. The fabric is slightly stretchy so if your weight oscillates by a few pounds, you'll have nothing to worry about.
The fabric is thick, brushed cotton and therefore relatively warm - I've been wearing mine regularly despite it being November.
The dress looks lovely with a fitted jacket/cardigan or you can add warmth with knitted arm warmers. The dress isn't lined but I haven't found the need for an underskirt, at least not for modesty reasons. To the get the 1950s swing look you would need a net petticoat. I don't have one that's the right length (26 inches) so I can't comment on that aspect.
I ordered four dresses online from Lindy Bop, with the intention of keeping the best one or two, but they were all so pretty and well-fitting that I decided to allow myself two and arrange for a third to be given to me as a birthday present.
On a further note, I needed to contact Lindy Bop with a question about a different item. Their email address was easy to find and they responded promptly and courteously.
All in all, a great find. Roll on spring so that I can host my next garden party.
Browse Lindy Bop 'Ophelia' dresses.
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