One
Puckered gingham dress with eyelet trim (SU17, $158) – It runs in regular 000-16 (G6737) and tall T8-T16 (G6739). If it came in petite, it’s sold out. My guess is that it did not come in petite. The color is black (BLA). 100% cotton.
I think I tried on a size 6. My apologies for not being 100% sure. The empire style feels very comfortable because the fabric flows out from the seam, on down. There’s no cling. However, it’s not the most flattering style for me. I think it adds a lot of fabric. The print is a factor in adding visual weight, as well. The eyelet trim is at the bottom of the dress. Overall, I like the dress even if it’s not for me. The eyelet trim wasn’t necessary, imo.
The Feeling
Overall, I like the style. Yay for pockets and being 100% cotton.
More gingham
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Two
One-shoulder ruffle dress in seersucker – Size 6 (SU17, $158) – It runs in regular 00-14 (G3473), petite P0-P12 (G4673) and tall T8-T16 (G5924). Petite sizes usually begin at 00, but I’m only seeing P0 online at the moment. Tall sizes usually begin at T2, but only T8 and up is online at the moment. The dress was recently cut to $129.99.
The color is called lagoon white. 100% cotton. Color choices are bistro blue (BBL) and papaya white (PWH) 100% cotton. The papaya white (pink stripe) might be online or limited stores, only.
The shape of the dress is a sheath, which always fits well for me at J. Crew. I like that aspect of it, even with it looking a bit poochy in at my middle. The narrow seam and where it hits on me reveals whether I’ve been hitting my fitness. Or not. I liked the seersucker fabric and stripes. The shoulder ruffle felt a bit flouncy. I find that the flouncier a ruffle feels, the more occasion oriented it feels, esp the one-shoulder ruffles. I would try adding a 2″ or so brown belt across the middle and flat, brown sandals to make it more casual. I might’ve just talked myself into reconsidering this dress. lol
As I shared on this Facebook video, I’m really into pins. I would try adding a pin for visual interest and using it to manipulate the look of the ruffle a bit. From what I recall, there are no pockets.
The Feeling
Promo
Have you shopped the additional 50% off sale items? The promo is also good in-store. I got the silk tie peplum in both colors. Review in this post. If you tie the bows more forward then on top of the shoulders, it makes it really cute.
Thanks for visiting!
♥

Gigi, i think you should reconsider that One-shoulder Ruffle number, as it looks really flattering on you!! Also, I agree on adding a belt (i love doing that with dresses and skirts) or a pin. So pretty!
Empire styles, baby dolls and similar aren’t flattering on me either – like you, I need some waist definition. (Though I love how relaxed and comfortable they are.) That reminds me, I recently tried on Ruffle eyelet dress item G4621 in Regular – really liked it, but alas, I need the Petite version and it’s sold out. So cute!
Hope you’re having an awesome birthday/4th holiday! We went to a Mets game today (the game was terrible and it was so hot!! I think I’m still sweating hours later :-p)
Ah, yes, baby doll. That’s the style name I couldn’t think of as I was writing the post. It makes us look juvenile. Yes, the ruffled eyelet dress is really cute. I often will wear regular, but in this also felt a P would be better. Maybe a petite will popback for ya.
Baseball in the heat? You’re stronger than I am. lol
Thanks, Gigi! I’ve been missing your reviews. Really appreciate your styling tips. I would not have thought to use a pin on the ruffle, but it’s a great idea. I have quite a collection of pins, a lot of them from vintage shops on Etsy, and I’m always looking for new ways to wear them.
Happy Birthday and Happy 4th of July!!
Good to see you, Mary. Thanks for the birthday and holiday wishes. I totally forgot about Etsy for pins. I’ve purchased some from eBay, but I”ll bet Etsy has more vintage options. Have a great week!
I forgot about your Facebook videos, so appreciate the reminder. Just watched them and they worked for me, Yay!
I’m going to use your safety pin idea to tame a mandarin collar top that I just can’t get to look right. Pinning makes it look so much better.
Thanks for watching it! Pins are a very inexpensive way to tweak an outfit.
cute dresses, G
my store had a sad selection of stuff on sale,
but Factory is going strong
Hey Kate, yes the sale section is just about a bust. A good number of styles are languishing. When I’ve visited, I’ll walk thru in the event I see a return from online or what I like to call an ‘on rack popback.’ There are a few things I’m eyeing from Factory. I may have bought a little more from there this year than retail.
Hi Gigi,
Love the seersucker, and agree that it needs a belt. The gingham is more flattering than you think. Your fitness training must be working- you look fantastic. I also like the bun/ ponytail.
I have become so lazy this summer. I have found a default dress style, and have received a bizarre amount of compliments when I wear it/ them( I bought a few similar long and short versions). FWIW- you and I have similar builds.
The dresses are by Uniqlo, and they have a built in bra. It is like wearing a nightgown.
I think the defining factor for me in the heat is how many straps, slips, etc I am willing to contend with . Ditto ironing. So I have really segued into stretchy cotton territory- usually with a cute cardi, or denim jacket.
I love crisp cotton frocks. And JCrew used to make the best ones around. But I just don’t have the time to fuss this summer. HAve a happy birthday!
I think the one shoulder dress can work for you, esp. styled as you mentioned!
Thanks, Jill 🙂 I ended up ignoring (and ignoring) it when it went on sale this past week. I have a one-shoulder from the Factory side and decided that should be enough. Thanks for stopping by & commenting!