Ashley Nell Tipton for Boutique Sleeveless Lace-up Maxi Dress - Plus - Review

Photo:  J C Penney

This is a design by Project Runway Winner Ashley Nell Tipton for the Boutique line.

During at 30% off promotion (they are having another one today) I purchased  the above Ashley Nell Tipton for Boutique Sleeveless Lace-up Maxi Dress - Plus that was originally $75, on sale for $29.99, so I purchased the dress for a little of $20, but after getting it I am so happy with it I bought the other color it was available as well.

There are two colors and the one pictured here is "Midnight Petals".  

Pros:

• An underlining has been sewn into the dress - no need to wear a separate slip
• Is maxi length and hide a multitude of figure problems from head to toe
• Lace up can be loose, like above or tighter like below.
• It has an elastic waist that is slightly higher than your natural waistline and I think it helps give it a more slimming appearance.
• The skirt has permanent pleats in which gives it a classier appearance and also give you lots of room to move around.
• The material is a woven 100% polyester and machine washable and you can wear right out of the dryer - no ironing required!
• Has a short cap sleeve so can still wear it in an office that doesn't allow sleeveless garments.
• Runs true to size to slightly large.
• Is cool and comfortable to wear on a hot Summer's day.
• The majority of your look is polished even if you get ready in a hurry and don't have time for to do you hair and makeup properly (like my five-minute hair and makeup job below).
• Plus size available from a 1X-5X
• Would be a great dress to wear to a Summer Wedding or party.

Cons:

• If you are shorter than 5'6" you are going to need to wear heels with it so it doesn't drag the ground.
• The arm hole is a little larger than average and the armhole in the back about an inch more open - is ok if you are wearing a regular bra, but if you are wearing a sport/minimiser bra it will stick out the back. (To solve this I wore a thin black tank top underneath to hide the bra).
• Is not available in smaller sizes.

Although we are now entering Fall, I would recommend buying this dress to anyone to put back for next Spring and Summer.

This is what the top looks like laced up tight in the front.