Madewell Review: Dresses!

Although I love Madewell, I just haven't been shopping there that much recently. The boxy, cropped, oversized look is not something that works well with my body right now. I love their vibe but sometimes the fit is funky with a capital F. Anyway, I had to make a quick return and thought I'd poke around a bit. I do love their summer dresses and have already proclaimed my love for this one which I wear on an almost weekly basis. And although it wouldn't work with my chest size, if I could do it, I would be all over this one. Here are some lovely dresses that I tried on:

Cotton Lakeshore Midi Dress in Bandana Red (size 2)

 I've tried this one on before. I love it. The cotton is crisp and the fit is lovely and flattering. Ok, flattering on the right body type, ie not mine. I don't know how else to put this but my BF boobs just sit too low for this one. Once every settled back to normal and I am done with BF I think this might fit but I'm not sure. Also want to say kudos to Madewell for picking such a nice shade of red.

Here's me trying again with a slight lift and tuck of the girls. Better, but no cigar. So cute otherwise!

 Ikat Brush Maxi Dress (size 2)

 I think this was the only one and I tried it on on a whim and I loved it! It flowed so beautifully and I really liked the slits on the side and the little button details on the back. It's also lined to the knee.

 Campweave Belt (XS-S)

The reviews don't lie - there is this weird poufing at the waist because of a bit too much material plus the waist felt a little loose. The belt definitely helped out a lot. It's the Campweave Belt and it's all sorts of adorable. It's sold out now but I'm sure it will pop right back. Perfect summer belt IMO. The right hand picture is of the size 0 which I felt fit much better. Yes it is sort of doing weird things across my bustline but I think that will be remedied when I stop the aforementioned BFing. The waist on the 0 felt much better so I would say this dress runs a bit big. It feels so elegant and the length is perfect on my 5'4" body.

Paperbag Tank Dress in Batik Stripe (size 2)

This has very good reviews online and I can't for the life of me understand why. The paper bag waist adds about ten pounds and the whole thing is big and dumpy looking. The print is sweet enough but nothing to thrilling. 

 Dockside T-Shirt Dress (XS)

 Me lovey the stripy dresses, but do you see that weird pouf at my waistline in pic 1? I am not doing anything weird in that picture people - it just did that. In fact that whole dress felt tight at the chest and hips and then HUGE in the waist. When I pulled it down it looked fine but I know that weird pouf of fabric would just haunt me.

 Courtyard Shirtdress (S)

 Uh, no. Granted this is a size larger than my usual size but just no. I would at least need the XXS. I get the look but it felt a bit too "Risky Business" for me. I love a good white shirtdress but I think it's hard to pull off without looking too lab coat-y (This Madewell Dress also fit the white shirtdress bill but was a bit too Lab rat for me.

Some swings and misses to be sure but I really liked that maxi dress. What do you think?