Mila GownClick here for product page
Item 11729
Regular: $495.00
A big "thanks!" goes to Anon at 11:02 AM (in this post) who shared with us her review of this gown:
I wanted to give a quick review of the fit of the Milla gown. I am 5'-4" and in JC dreses normally wear a 6R or 8R, and sometimes can wear an 8P or 10P. I ordered an 8R. The top was bigger through the bust than a typical JC dress.(I am 36B.)
The v-neck is deep but the top still provides decent coverage. I also would need to have the shoulders tailored because one or the other kept sliding off. Sizing down to a 6 probably could resolve the fit issues on top, but, for now, the skirt will be too snug through the hips in that size.
JC describes the skirt as being slightly a-line. Slightly is the key word. I thought the dress fit more snuggly through the hips than other "slightly a-line" styles I have purchased in the same size. Especially given the fit of the top. That said, because the skirt only has a slight a-line, the length was still quite flattering on a shortie like me and I could have had the hem taken up without changing the look of the skirt.
The dress is a collection piece but it does not come with any fancy packaging, which did not bother me one bit. I dislike how much packaging needs to pitched/recylced everytime I receive an order. I prefer things to be packaged simply--just enough to protect the garment from damage.
"Thanks!" again to Anon at 11:02 AM (in this post) for sharing with us her great review!
I won't lie, I think this dress is g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s! However, it's one of those dresses that you can only wear once- because you definitely will get noticed wearing it.
What are your thoughts on the Mila Gown? Are you considering or already have purchased this dress? Have you seen this dress in person? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)
I think this dress is simply gorgeous! Thank you for the review. I have not yet seen the dress in person, but I would love to. Unfortunately, my local J.Crew does not get a lot of the unusual items or collection pieces. Gorg though!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great review. I never really noticed the dress. I am happy to hear I am not the only one sizing up almost 2 sizes in some JC dresses. They REALLY need to fix the fit.
ReplyDeleteI think the print and style is very pretty and feminine (love the flowy cut of the sleeves). One question, is the fabric sewn together at the bottom of the v-neck? What a shame it's so loose it drops off the shoulder. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteIt is my first time seeing this dress. I think it has a nice design and the style is flattering. Thanks for the detailed review.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny... people complain about JCrew vanity sizing, and now they want them to make the dress bigger. Maybe it's not sizing up, maybe it's your size.
ReplyDeleteSizing-
ReplyDeleteWow, what a rude statement. The person is giving a review of a dress. I wear an 8 in all my JCrew dresses and one year I couldn't even get the back of my 8 zipped up--(I am a 36 A). The dress was the same size and style as another dress I bought that year just a print instead of solid. So there is lots of inconsistency in clothing sizing/fit these days.
I hope you have a good day and can stop with the nastiness....
This is a review afterall!
Now to the reviewer: Thanks for the review; I appreciate it. I was going to order just the top in a size 8 but now I will get the 6 based on your review:)
Thanks:)
Its a lovely dress, but I just don't see $500 worth in the Mila.
ReplyDeleteI was not directing that towards the reviewer...
ReplyDeleteI stand by the fact that most complain about JCrew vanity sizing. If they are fixing this problem or if you notice that in more than one dress you have to size up, maybe it is your size. I am just saying that you can't complain about vanity sizing AND then say that they need to make the dress or a dress with a certain cut bigger.
I like the print more for the dress than the tank. I saw the dress in the window of the Madison Avenue Collection store. It's a nice dress if you have the occasion to wear it (personally I would never buy at that price because I have nowhere to go with).
ReplyDeleteI love that print. Re: sizing, I have the worst luck with pants so I just won't buy any pants or shorts from J Crew, no matter what size I order (I'm normally a 6 or an 8 with other companies and the 6 or 8 works well for dresses, tops, etc.) they don't fit right.
ReplyDeleteAnd not being snarky, I've always wondered about the complaints about lack of fancy packaging in these posts. All that fancy packaging just gets thrown away.
Sizing, a lot of the complaints or queries I read on this blog are due to INCONSISTENT sizing. Like gigi says, having to size up 2 in some dresses only is not good. Makes it difficult to buy online. If you read this blog you will recognize that many people ask whether and item is TTS or should they SU/SD? It means they want to order the CORRECT size, not a smaller numbered size.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I have pants and skirts that vary in sizes 4-6 and wear a size 8-10 dress so I concur with gigi, sizing is not consistent.
I love this dress and plan to order it with the next promo. It's absolutely gorgeous and I have already planned to wear it to an event. I also plan to get the Milla pattern bikini. I wonder why the color is named coral pink on the dress/tank and fuschia on the bikini. Anyone have any insight on that?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
What a beautiful dress! Strange how the size on top seems to be different from the size on bottom, though. It sounds like a bit of tailoring will solve that problem, though. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm also slightly inconsistent with J.Crew sizing as well. With tops I'm a size 0, but with dresses I'm usually a size 4. This is why reviews on fit from other JCAs is so helpful! :)
Thanks for the great review. The dress is gorgeous, but I have no occasion to wear it, nor would my budget allow the price. It is beautiful and would make a great memorable "entrance" on the right person to the right event.
ReplyDeleteComplaints about fancy packaging are more about NOT GOOD packaging...sequin and delicate items just come in a plastic bag in a lightly padded envelope and the sequins/bead are already coming off....those packages are just tossed and thrown around by UPS workers.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I save all the tissue and reuse it. I also save the mailers and use them to mail items to others. I do not throw things I can use away!!!!
I appreciate quality packaging with lots of tissue and cushion b/c I am paying a lot!
Also, in the past, JC Collection pieces were nicely wrapped with a bit of extra thought for the high price/high end item. Once again, I Liked that Aspect.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for the great review! I personally LOVE this dress, but unfortunately it's too impractical for my lifestyle...absolutely gorgeous though! Congratulations to anyone who is able to get it! :)
ReplyDeleteGood morning! This is OT, but has anyone purchased the Alessia crackle peep toe heels? I'm wondering about the fit. I tried the crackle pumps a few months ago and was surprised by the tight toe box area. The rest of the shoe was fine, but the front was far too snug. They reminded me of the Juliet fit. I'd love to find a silver/grey pair of shoe and am toying with the Alessia crackle pair. Also, is anyone finding discomfort with the man-made interior lining (i.e., non-breathable, slippery, etc.) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning
ReplyDeleteheading out to the Garden State Plaza where they have a big store
will report if there is any thing interesting.
Its ok, meh, pretty print, but not worth the price. Jc dresses run uneven, I usu. take a 6, sometimes can do a 4, 8 is way big on, I am a 36B.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous print. Too bad the shoulders need to be tailored. Anyone else have this problem with JC dresses?
ReplyDeleteI recently bought the silk fresco dress for $32. I thought the fit might be a problem given the huge price reduction. I ordered a 4 and 6. I usually wear a 4 in JC dresses, 6 in jackets and coats, and a 0 up to a medium in tops/sweaters.
The 6 was floating on me, and the 4 was perfect except the straps keep sliding down my arms. When I returned the 6, I told the SA that it was too big, and said she thought JC needed to reduce the length of the "straps" on all their dresses. I hadn't even mentioned that I had that exact problem with the smaller size.
(Sorry if this mssg. is duplicated. I thought I posted a few minutes ago, but it didn't show up.)
Its totally true that jcrew has sizing inconsistencies.
ReplyDeleteI wear a size 6 in Jcrew. I was looking for the metallic jardin sheath dress from quiet some time and immediately bought it when I saw a size 8 online , hoping to get it tailored.
When I received it, I couldnt zip it up ! It was almost like a size 4 (No ! I did not gain weight)
I got the seaglass gown last year. It is a bit more wearable in my opinion. This one is gorgeous but I don't think it would work for any occasions I have coming up.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the review;) thanks:)
IRL: I am pretty sure that fabric simply overlaps at the bottom of the v-neck, and that it is not sewn down or together.
ReplyDeleteDear Sizing: Your argument does not make any sense. The problem is that JCrew's sizing is very inconsistent from item to item. This makes it difficult to know what size to order without trying something on. The issue with vanity sizing is a completely different issue, but is annoying nonetheless. Get it?
ReplyDeleteOT, but I received my fresco cardi today - cute, but I am iffy on the colours...anyone else on the fence?
ReplyDeleteOT- 'hidden' item
ReplyDeletewhat is that orange/bronze striped skirt? (shown with heathered slub vneck tee, item 14972)
There's no actual item page for the skirt (yet). I hate when they do that! :P
Anon @10:55 AM explains it perfectly. Which is why I feel there is no such thing as TTS. Blogger Crew Girl In Canada I think takes 4 or 6 in J Crew and takes 8 or 10 in the new Isaac Mizrahi for Liz collection.
ReplyDeleteOTer - I haven't seen the fresco cardi. I have the silk tunic and I'm not sure how saturated the colors are in the tunic vs. the sweater. You should do a search on polyvore.com for it to see how ppl have paired it.
tastymoog - That's a cute skirt. Good find.
Great review. I don't think I'll be purchasing this dress, though. I do love the print, so I might consider the tank if the price came down.
ReplyDeleteThere are other retailers who have inconsistant sizing, not just JC. I have to try everything on and the sizes can range from a small to a large depending on the cut of the item.
ReplyDeleteIt is making purchasing on-line a pain in the a_s!
casual-crew you make a good, although obvious, point. People are often shocked that I buy clothes online, without trying them on.
ReplyDeleteoff topic: anyone got a recommendation for a self-tanner for face? I'm thinking a moisturizer with a touch of sun to it - I don't usually do well with just a self tanner, because I never get it on evenly. Would love to hear what any of you would recommend :-0
ReplyDeleteTIA
marie antoinette-
ReplyDeletetry using a bronzer. it should give you the same kind of sun-kissed effect. play around with that before using a self tanner where you might apply it unevenly to your face. hth! :)
Thanks for the review. If they had it out a month ago I may have considered it for a cruise, but otherwise there's really no place for me to wear a long gown.
ReplyDeleteIf the price is cheaper or if they have one that's shorter I will go for it.
Question - does it have a bra strap holder? If it does, I found that if you snap the dress to the bra it stays up.
Marie A: I have found that the best self-tanner for the face is Sally Hansen. It says it's for the body, but it works great on the face. It is sold in drugstores for about $10-$12. Before going to bed, I wash and dry my face, I spray it on, and it dries in about 15 seconds. I wake up with a golden glow (and nothing on the pillow case!). If I want a deeper glow, I use 2 or 3 nights in a row. Believe it or not, it looks very natural. I have been self-tanning for over 20 years and I have tried all the expensive department store brands and this works the best, IMO.
ReplyDeletethanks for the recommendations - I've tried bronzer and find it messy, but maybe I should try again. I'll definitely try the SH stuff - love the price, for starters.
ReplyDeleteThis is totally off topic, but I am visiting in Dallas, TX - there are quite a few j crew stores here, BUT, which is the best and/or the biggest?
ReplyDeleteOT - has anyone used their student discount with the red card? Just wondering if they will accept that. I'm in Manhattan if that makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteThanks!! :)
KatieMarie-
ReplyDelete- The Dallas Galleria B&M is pretty large, and I've found that it carries some items that aren't in the smaller B&Ms, as well as some shoes and more jewelry. I've also had good luck with friendly SAs. This is my personal fav. store. :)
- There's Northpark, too. I've never been, so I can't vouch for it, but I know some JCAs shop there. There's also a Madewell there (I think) if you have any interest in checking one out.
- Willow Bend (Plano) and Stonebriar (Frisco) are both nice stores, but not as large as the Galleria.
- There's also the Southlake B&M, which is rather small and only carries women's items. It's in a more suburban area, so it could be more of a drive depending on where you're staying. Definitely the smallest B&M that I've been to in the Dallas area.
Hope that helps! Enjoy Dallas. :)
OT - I received my Frankie bag from the big FS update and it is gorgeous. I love the guava color and rich pebbled leather. It is the perfect size bag and so stylish. I'm going to take it out with me tonight.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen the red one pop up on FS lately? I would love to get it in red and only guava was available recently.
Oooh, check out the flower pins and barrettes from Club Monaco. I like the idea that you can use them two ways. I love the open white rose.
ReplyDeletehttp://special.clubmonaco.com/cgi-bin21/DM/y/e6bl0OIbTm0LOB0Bgti0EP
If the Anon that posted yesterday about CM new arrivals is reading, can you post your comments about the items you were checking out? The store is a bit of a drive for me, so I'm curious if it's worth it.
TIA
Marie Antoinette, try Clarins, they have excellent sunless tanning products.
ReplyDelete-Can anyone give a review of the pink metallic cotton linen pencil skirt item 12392?
I just noticed it blew out of inventory this week, I'm assuming because of Easter.
marie antoinette I believe a lot of it depends on your original coloring. I'm very pale, white on white, much to my dismay. Some brands look orange on me and not on my friends so I need the truest tan colors and not anything cheap and orangey. I have tried them all because I cannot get a tan, no way, no how and I hate to look pasty white in the summer.
ReplyDeleteFor the face I prefer Lancome Glow Sensuelle, which is a daily luminous moisturizer that will build up color over time. I also like L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Airbrush for body because it is a dry mist.
Before using these products I was a dedicated Neutrogena Sunless Tanning spray user. I still use it sometimes although prefer the L'Oreal because it goes on dry, but you can spray the Neutrogena into your hands and rub it on your face so it's pretty versatile and the color is natural and even. You cannot use the L'Oreal dry mist on your face.
One that I would not recommend for face or body is Lancome Flash Bronzer. The color is pretty dark orange and the application is difficult by yourself.
If you want color only on your face, there are plenty of lotions that will build up color gradually over time, like Lancome Glow Sensuelle. It helps you see where you can adjust the application, before it's noticeable to everyone else, assuming you examine your face/neck before you reapply. Be sure to do your neck and decolletage as well or the contrast may be dramatic and it will look like you've just OD'd on the foundation.
Of course, exfoliation before you begin is helpful too.
HTH.
I wanted to add a note to the sizing issue. I think almost all companies have at least some inconsistency to their sizing - and given that women in our culture base a lot of their self worth on their 'numbers,' of course it's a sensitive issue when you have to buy one or two sizes up.
ReplyDeleteThe truth is, sizes are a myth, and they're meaningless. They're just an idea. And our sizing system (size 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14) is especially meaningless - different companies decide what those numbers actually mean. Shopping for clothes in Europe, most American woman are shocked that sizes actually work - a saleswoman measures your bust, and the number she gets is the number you wear, and it doesn't covert to some magical, unrelated number like an 8. You're a 42, or a 54, because that's what all the measuring tapes on the continent say.
That said, I think that they had it right on What Not To Wear when Stacy said that women need to stop worrying about the size, and care more about how they actually look in their clothes. If the dress is too snug in the hips, buy it one size up and have the bust altered to follow suit. If more customers wrote to J Crew (and other companies) about the general fit issues with their clothes, there might be some broader thinking about what works best for women's bodies. If Jenna's doing most of that deciding, we might imagine rather easily why there might less some less well-developed imagining of how these items fit women who have a bust and hips.
Sorry for the rant. I just wish more fabulous girls didn't feel like slaves to the numbers, because they're so dumb. One day you're a 10, the next you're a 12 at the same store. I hope not so many of us care, though when you're having a sensitive day, I know it's hard not to. (It's hard enough being a fabulous girl!)
Anon 8:25 well said.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the best fit regardless of the size. If I am really shocked, I can cut out the size tag and honestly, no one sees them unless they are jackets/coats, or it's someone who sees your clothing on the bedroom floor. And men don't care about the numbers, they are really less critical than women are about their bodies. I've only cut out one set of tags. An Italian suit that I needed to buy in size 12 when I'm a 6 in suits in U.S. sizes. But honestly, who the hell cares? Get what fits and looks good.
Stacy and Clinton are great for that. Look in the mirror. How do you feel? How do you look? Isn't this more flattering than trying to be a certain number? We need to get over the numbers and feeling bad about it. It can be so random some times anyway. :P
Just an FYI - O/T BUT...J.crew is having the new roll out April 21. Th SA at the collection store said it's all summer stuff. They had a few of the items in store today - a couple of cami type things and a really lightweight v-neck cotton cardigan. I bought it in a bright tulip color that is AMAZING. Looking forward to April 21!!! :)
ReplyDeletetastymoog: the skirt is a pencil skirt! (I feared it was going to be a no-can-do mini.) I am excited to see it IRL.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. Not my style but fun to read :)
ReplyDeleteAnon 8:25,
Best fit is ideal. However, I think most people can't place a correct order when any online store has inconsistent sizing. No excuse when they make the exact same style but the size would vary like one anon mentioned. That said, basics aside, a clothier obviously can't tailor to all body types for a unique style such as this mila dress. They might have someone with a narrower hip in mind while some other dresses only flatter curvier bodies.
This dress is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!! I actually bought it to wear for an event, but ended up returning it as the print didn't do wonders for my hips and my bust is on the larger side and the dress was too low-cut for me. Anyone with a smaller chest will look great in this dress, but the print can easily add weight to the lower half since it is a larger print and made of silk. I think this print is one of J. Crew's prettiest as of late and this dress is a wonderful Collection piece.
ReplyDeleteI must have a very strong sense of self. I could care less what size I buy in an item--I wear a 6 or 8 at JCrew but am all over the place at other stores and I don't care. When I was in England where sizing starts at 4/6 NOT zero...doesn't even exist...I would wear anything from a 12, 14 or 16. Who cares! I have got some of the nicest, cutest clothes from all over Europe that others will never have!
ReplyDeleteAnony @ 5:25 - you've got a strong sense of something!
ReplyDeleteAnony@8:51
ReplyDeleteThank you:) LOL:)
I have been told I know myself very well and am confident in a good way:) by various people I meet in my life. I am kind and considerate and very caring and love children BUT I don't care what the size tag says at all! Ridiculous to behave that way but I know many women care...I just don't--never have--never will and I am in my early 40's!
lol, someone's not catching on this morning.
ReplyDeleteI guess I am just a positive and friendly person. Unlike some people on this blog. I look on the bright side of things....
ReplyDeleteRuby Gloom:) The Happiest Girl on the Planet.
I hope you can turn your life around:)
Some people got up on the wrong side of the bed this am, go back and try again, maybe you will get lucky this time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, I LOVE this dress and will be ordering it soon. Does it come in just one length, or a Regular and Short length? Also, has anyone had any experiences with JCrew altering any "special ocassion" dresses (such as this one) which do not fall under the free standard alteration? If so, how much did JCrew charge you, did they do a good job and how long did they take?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your help!
^At the risk of sound snarky, having a JC tailor alter this dress would be penny-wise, pound-foolish. My impression is that the tailors are hired based on their willingness to turnover work in short time span and at a low price in exchange for a volume of work. Experience and quality are not key criteria.
ReplyDeleteAsk around for recommendations; bridal boutiques might be a good source.
I don't think J Crew is alone with sizing variations. It really depends on the style and cut of the garment.
ReplyDeleteI've find consistency in sizing as long as the style is similar. If it's a tank or closely fitted dress I have to size up as much as to 10. If it's a loose fitting A line dress I have to size down to 6.
Also, I would think that if a J Crew tailor did a bad job at alternation J Crew will refund the dress and/or replace it.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI just purchased this gown on sale ($189.00) after coveting it all summer long. I bought it for a specific occasion that is happening next week. Besides buying it for it's sheer beauty, I also thought the style would suit my body type i.e. A-Line dress and flattering top. Much to my dismay, the top of the dress fits perfectly, but I find that it is barely an A-Line. I have curves so this slight A-Line is too snug around my hips. I won't be able to wear it. For now anyway - until I lose some weight around hips as this dress on sale is non-returnable. Too bad for me and my checkbook.
ReplyDelete