Product Review: Villa Dress in Stripe

J.Crew describes the Villa Dress in Stripe (Item 76356; was $88.00 now $68.00), as follows:

As easy as it gets. Our cotton knit dress boasts a button-up back and a fitted bodice with a flirty skirt. Done in a classic nautical stripe, this breezy little piece sails smoothly from the beach to a backyard barbecue or anywhere the day takes you. Sleeveless. Elastic waistband. Falls above knee. Import. Machine wash.

This dress definitely is one of the better knit dresses I have seen from J.Crew in awhile thanks to its material which is comprised of 70% cotton and 30% rayon. It is a bit thicker than one would expect for a Summer dress, but it totally works! No need to worry about undergarments showing through. (Definite plus for me!)

This dress has a fitted top with what is like an a-line skirt. Definitely not a full or straight skirt. As a pear shape, I am always concerned about sizing. (The usual concern for me is the top portion fitting fine while it is too small on the bottom. Or the bottom fitting fine, while the top is too loose.) However, the XS fits me great on top with enough room (not clingy) for the skirt portion. (For reference, I am a size 0/2 for tops and size 6 in pants/skirts.)

The actual dress has a darling stripe pattern that winks at the nautical theme that J.Crew has been promoting this season. There are also several buttons on the back which are a nice surprise. Putting this dress on pull-over style, is super easy too.

Lastly, the dress comes above the knee, but not too much. So it is definitely wearable for taller JCAs.

Overall, I {heart} this dress. It will be one of my go-to pieces this Summer thanks to its effortlessly chic style.

For more reviews on this dress, check out the following additional reviews & real life images:

• 1 More Shopping Blog:"J. Crew - April (III)"
• A JC Shopping Habit: "Dressed to the Max"
  
• Gigi's Gone Shopping: "J Crew - villa dress in stripe"
• Little Tin Soldier: "2012.villanelle."
  
• My Superfluities: "J. Crew: Whole Lot of IRL Fitting Room Reviews."
• ShopOpera: "J. Crew Reviews! Villa Dress in Stripe, Jersey Max..."
• The Handbag Aficionado: "Stripes, Leopard, Sunshine,Yoga and Flowers"

What are your thoughts on the Villa Dress in Stripe ? Do you own this dress? Have you tried it on at a store? Do you like this style? If so, please share with us your review. :)