Fontaine dress Click here for product page
Item 96056
Regular: $650.00
This dress is one of those items that I think J.Crew Aficionadas will be divided on. I don't know how much middle ground there will be, I just feel like most will either truly "love it" or definitely "leave it". ;)
I have to say, that I actually like it! Of course I say this before trying on the dress. But I like ruffles. I also like that this dress has pockets. I just love dresses with ruffles and pockets!Although, I am not sure about the "silk/wool/mohair bodice". Will I be comfortable in this combination of fabrics? I also think that there should be other colors offered besides "root" and "pine bough" (like black and navy). I would love to wear this dress with a nice jacket or coat (similar to the style in the image on the right).
What do you think of the Fontaine Dress? Have you seen this dress in person? Do you own this dress (or have you already ordered it)? If so, please share with us your review. :)
I love this dress on the model in the catalogue when paired with a cardigan and scarf...but in the pic on the website with the model in the green dress it looks kind of like a horrible 80's nightmare. I also think they should offer it in a few more neutral colours. I wish the skirt was a seperate piece without the bodice, I LOVE the cute ruffely tiers!
ReplyDeleteI love it, but I totally agree with the previous comment. Looks great in the catalog, but not great on the website. And who picked those colors? But I'm all about ruffles!!
ReplyDeleteAlexis and all, I agree that the second picture (the model with the coat) makes it look fabulous. Looking at it on the catalog, I sort of pulled a face. But seeing the brown dress with the cute jacket made me like it more! I don't think I could pull it off but I admire those who can.
ReplyDeleteI think you have to be really tall and skinny. I have skinny, but I definitely can't fake tall!
ReplyDeleteSomeone's probably already mentioned this, but the cashmere peplum jacket reminds me of the dream tie cardigan, but with buttons. I'd like to see it in person.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was looking at the herringbone Fiona. I liked the gray a lot, but was also drawn to the blue, as the ruffles seemed to stand out more and were more defined. I'm a sucker for a pretty shade of blue though. :)
Also, with the felicity jacket, is it just lighting that makes the red on the model look like a very true red but the rhubarb look more pink-ish?
I like the sharkskin skirt / dress, but not enough that I would order it online without seeing it. Or perhaps that's just sheer laziness? :)
Sorry to post these in this topic, I didn't know where else to!
I think it would be a cute splurge for an occasion, but I don't see it being very versatile in my wardrobe. And unfortunately, being a college student, it's all about getting good use out of what I buy.
ReplyDeletePS. the site is down... at least, once you try to get to the women's section.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize the dress was the same one in both pics. I thought the on location shot was a skirt. Seeing as though I still don't have my catalog....
ReplyDeleteI can't wear this one and I'll live. I agree very 80s, though updated.
At least you could wear it once and use it as a lampshade afterwards! :P
ReplyDeleteSite is down for me. The error message says "JSP_EXECUTION_FAILED"
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely in the "leave-it" crowd! This looks like one of those things you'd have lingering in the back of the closet that you never get rid of for sentimental reasons but wouldn't dare wear in public. If you were on a makeover tv-show this would be the first thing tossed! I agree though, in the catalog - where it looks like it's a skirt and it's paired with that gorgeous coat, it looks nice (still wouldn't wear it!) but in that putrid green? Bring on the homecoming dance photos, circa 1987!
ReplyDeleteIt would be great if it came in grey. Also, Jcrew should make it a convertible dress which means it can be worn as skirt or dress.
ReplyDeleteIt looks shorter at the Prague shoot...so it looks a little cuter. I think it hits the model in green at a funny length. I love it as a wedding dress though!
ReplyDeleteIn the catalog picture, the ruffles of the dress peeking out of the bottom of the coat look very romantic (I guess the pic fulfills the fantasy of roaming the streets of a gorgeous European city the morning after a party) but I have to agree with the other contributors. The dark green version that appears on the website does nothing for that model, and she has a body to die for. It does sort of remind me of the 80's, and the only people who are nostalgic for that fashion period are the ones who weren't actually there!
ReplyDeleteI know I wouldn't be able to wear it--I'd look like a fat fairy!
like it, would LOVE it in black for a special event like a wedding, with long strands of pearls.
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE it as a wedding dress. I was perusing the catalog with DH and said to him, "If we were to get married again, I'd love to wear this dress" I espeically like the pearls all wrapped around her neck-SO pretty!!
BGD
I think it's hideous and even if the fit agrees with your body type the kind of piece that you wear once and never again.
ReplyDeleteI love this dress on the model in the catalog, on line the dress looks too long. If the last tier of ruffles was removed from the dress on the catalog model it might look better. I also really like the wedding dress version. Probably one would need to be stick thin and tall to pull this one off. As melissa said, I was disappointed that this was not a separate skirt! I think it would be really adorable.
ReplyDeleteAre those ruffles hemmed? The edge looks raw to me.
ReplyDeleteThe website is down again! I'm getting the "Be back soon" message" at least on Firefox. Unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteIt's back. Updated sale section with more items.
ReplyDeleteMolly - they are raw. I zoomed on the picture a few days ago.
ReplyDeleteI love this dress. However, I am about 3 inches too short and several pounds too much to pull it off.
I also like it in the catalog, but don't think it looks as good on the website, and I also LOVE it as a wedding dress, too! :)
ReplyDeleteCan't get on the website! On a happy note I got my catalog yesterday! I also ordered my hubby his first pair of J Crew jeans (whoo hoo he has upgraded from Old Navy!). He loves them.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress:)
lynzeeroo, Yea I do not like the brown color at all. Frankly though I am not a fan of this dress. No offense to anyone but she looks like she fell into a wedding cake.
ReplyDeleteHaha Anush, very funny!
Fan, Jcrew did that this summer.
I cant say I love this dress. I do agree with Melissa that it is cute on the model.
ReplyDeleteBlumre - ''Oh Charlotte, you're blind, she looks like a giant meringue''
ReplyDeleteI think that is the line in Four Weddings and a Funeral. Seems to fit your feelings re: Fontaine dress perfectly
FYI: The hammered silk tank is now on sale for people who were looking for it!
ReplyDeleteI love the wedding dress...I like this dress but I don't like either colored offered so I would not buy it....gray or navy would be much better color choices to offer...
ReplyDeleteLOL Jenn Brak!!!
ReplyDeleteBlumre: Can you get on the site? I'm getting execution error.
ReplyDeleteHi slightly off topic. Can anyone give me their opinion on the clasp rather than a button on the ecole jackets this season. All my j-crew jackets have buttons and I am just not sure about the clasp. Does it make the jacket bulge out too much at the top? I am worried that just one clasp isn't enough.
ReplyDeleteAnon: I didnt mind the clasp. But a lot of people do! The jacket overall didnt work for me. Which I was very upset about because I loved the color! If you want a good idea for a jacket the BR Bird's Eye is great!
ReplyDeletepink1: I did and I just ordered something over the phone. OK THAT IS IT! I AM GOING ON A JCREW FAST!
ReplyDeleteMelissa: I thought the same thing you did- maybe this should be sold as a skirt alone. :)
ReplyDeleteMary: your comment about "a fat fairy" made me laugh out loud. ;)
I am pretty sure hubby is going to rip up my credit cards! I got the long button up cardi (grandpa style) yesterday and a wool blend 3/4 sleeve dress yesterday. Yikes! I still can't get online. I have been ordering WAY too much lately!
ReplyDeleteha ha I love all these comments! I hated this dress at first, and still don't love it online. BUT as others have said, it does look pretty cool with the coat and scarf in the prague video. then again, that girl is gorgeous, and tall, and thin, and perfectly styled. I could not pull this look off!
ReplyDeleteOh dear. Leave it. Well, at least leave it if you're not going to layer it with something...
ReplyDelete-E
I think the dress is hideous. 1980 called, they want their ruffles back. Don't get me wrong, ruffles can be tastefully done, but too many ruffles is not tasteful. (IMHO) :)
ReplyDeleteok now that I look at the picture of the girl in the coat in it, I think they took an extra layer of ruffles off at the bottom. Which is a lot of why it looks better, IMHO. Maybe this IS coming out as a skirt later? Because the lengths are definitely different between the prague shoot and the online images...
ReplyDeleteI think they were channelling Cyndi Lauper with this dress! Just add some Converse hi-tops. ;)
ReplyDeleteWhile I absolutely adore this dress on a model, I think being an average
ReplyDelete5'5" I won't be able to pull this look. The tiered ruffle skirt will add tons of pounds to the hip area and I will look like a walking ruffled barrel.:)
I can see how it would look totally georgeous on someone size 2 and above 5'10" tall.
So, while I love the idea and execution , it is a definite pass for me.
I am new to this blog--is there a place I should be going to ask how people like certain items--fit, style etc.?? I have several items I am curious about. THanks!
ReplyDeleteNot really my thing though it does look better under the coat. It reminds me of a dress I had when I was about 10 back in the 80s and I have a rule about not wearing styles that I wore as a kid (this includes overalls, bat wing shirts and smocking).
ReplyDeleteAnon: Just ask wherever. Most of our conversations are pretty organic... just say this is OT or off topic :)
ReplyDeleteI think the reason it looks better in the catalog is because most of it is covered up by the coat! It reminds of the dress I wore at my 7th grade dance, only that one was HOT PINK and had a giant bow at the hip.;)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a LEAVE IT for me!
Okay--OT does anyone have the colored matchstick jeans-like them or going into Fall the matchstick cords??
ReplyDeleteIs there a discount going now (besides the catalog 15% on new) I have heard people mention the 20% off for website problems (yes--last week I recvd' a shirt that was NOTHING like I ordered and it came with proper invoice-what??)Is there anythign off sale right now? If not--do you think they will throw an addl out there anytime soon?
Okay onto other things--anyone have the yellow beads necklace-one or 2 strand and do they like it/wear a lot??
What about Martine cashmere cardigan (like Jenna wore in orange/pink) how does it run and is it cute on?
I have more but I will wait to ask--LOL and thank you:)
OMG-weab--I wore this dress to PROM and one that sounds like yours to HOMECOMING!
ReplyDeleteI hate this dress online--it's 80's and UGLY! I am ALL about ruffles but NOT THESE KIND!
Last--I love the outfit in the catalog but I do not see how it is even the same! Should be a skirt--I agree!!
Hi Anon at 10:13 AM! Welcome! We love to meet new J.Crew Aficionadas. :) Also, please feel free to search around the site. There are keywords on the bottom of each post that shows related posts. There is also a search box that searches the text of the main post (unfortunately it doesn't search through the comments). Also, like Blumre mentioned, feel free to ask questions in posts that you think are related. You will find this community is super helpful. :)
ReplyDeleteHi ALexis and thanks for the welcome. When I get my name figured out I will become official but was in a hurry so went anon.
ReplyDeleteI have followed/read a TON of the threads and messages etc over the last week but never posted. I have read tons of great comments and been enlightened a great deal on certain things. I also tried the search box many times to see if anything came up for example (yellow beads) but nothing came up so now I am just asking:) Thanks!!
anon @ 10:32: Unfortunately, I think there were A LOT of us out there! ;)
ReplyDeleteanon @ 10:30: There's also a 20% off coupon for people who schedule an appointment with a Personal Shopper by Aug. 29th. (This is only for full priced items.)
I think the matchsticks jeans are a very flattering fit. I found them to be true to size. Unfortunately, I can't tell you about the cords in particular. I know that they've been very popular though.
blumre - A fast, eh? I can't say I can help. However, I made a large purchase yesterday and it's going to impact my spending. I'll blog about it soon.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @ 8:59a - The clasp on the ecole is fine. It lays flat and doesn't pull apart. I don't own it. Only tried it on. The fit is just off. They cut the top 2/3 too wide and then the bottom 1/3 is narrower. There is a weird boxy/gaping look to it. I don't sew, so I can't exactly describe it, but I think something really went wrong w/the execution of this one.
Anonymous @ 10:30a - I tried on the matchstick cords and loved them! I have the bootcut and I feel like chucking all of them for the matchstick. I won't, of course. I think I will get the matchstick in black, though. They look sleek.
Its ok Gigiofca: I'm jewish I know how to handle a fast... so long as it breaks at nightfall. Haha
ReplyDeleteAnon: I have the single strand of yellow beads with the ladybug, and love it! I haven't worn it yet though but I have lots of plans for it. Are you on polyvore? A number of aficionadas have set up accounts over there, and you can then make outfits from images on the web. I love it, and go there for inspiration all the time.
ReplyDeleteI used the necklace here and here to add pops of color to these otherwise pretty neutral outfits.
Hope this helps!
Thanks Gigafca
ReplyDeleteI thought there was something off with the design and you confirmed my suspicions. But the Fiona is one that most people love right? I am trying to decide which blazers to buy and unfortunately only 3 come in Tall. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
The dress would be in danger of being way too 80s, though, if it had a shorter hemline or were strapless. I also wish it came in more colors, like silver, dark eggplant, navy.
ReplyDeleteI like the ruffles, don;t really like the scoop top, though. I think I'd actually just prefer it as a skirt (similar to the tulle one a fall or two ago).
pink1 - My husband is also upgrading from Old Navy! He looked cute & casual in that but he said he wants more flair now. Maybe finesse, I suppose. Go hubbies. :-)
ReplyDeleteblumre - My mom does Daniel fasts all the time. Christian. They say genes skip generations so I guess that's why I am not so good with it. *lol*
Anonymous @ 11:15a - Everyone loved the spring/summer Fiona. It came in canvas and it had 3/4 sleeves. I never saw it in person. Just the dang blasted false sale online. The fall Fiona has the Aficionadas split. I loved it in Sweet Potato (orange) and purchased it. My mom said it wasn't worth the $148 I paid for it and certainly not worth $198. Others here felt the same way -- that it just wasn't up high in quality. Others have loved it, purchased it and kept it. I am a ruffle fan so I really love it. I thought the fit was good. It's a topper than can easily dress up an outfit. However, I have a ton of coats so I figured my mom was right and I can live without it. For now.
Anon at 10:40 AM: Having a screen name be "official" on this blog is super easy. I can't wait to see what your screen name will be. :) :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer: the "hot mess" comment made me laugh! I just kept thinking of the SNL skit with Amy Poehler playing Christian (the winner of Project Runway). If you haven't seen the skit, click here. It's a definite must see.
The dress can always be tailored to fit you. Layers removed, shortened- whatever.
ReplyDeleteOT, I left the jcrew catalog on the kitchen counter while making dinner last night. My husband mentioned that some of the girls in his office were "prattling on" about jcrew that afternoon. He said, they were complaining about the site changes, recent orders, etc. One of them asked him if I had had any problems with any jcrew orders lately. He said that he didn't think so, but I shop there sometimes. She then told him she was drafting a letter to jcrew.
He then asked me with a straight face, if I knew about any of this.
Anonymous @ 8:59a - I bought the Ecole and love it. I actually bought 2, a velvet and a herringbone. I was a gymnast and have very broad shoulders so that is probably why the cut fits me better than a lot of people. I haven't noticed any bulkiness at all. It is one of my favorite jackets that J. Crew has made. It seems very classic looking to me and I love the single clasp in front. It offers something different and doesn't have the bulk that sometimes comes with the buttons or other decorations on the jackets.
ReplyDeleteOT: has anyone bought the ruffle henley tissue tee? How does it fit?
ReplyDeletecori: I bought that tee and I find it to be true to size. I usually take a small in all their tees, except the slub ones, I go to a Med. It's a little bit long too. I hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteAlexis: Hilarious skit! I hadn't seen it before so thanks for sharing! :)
blumre- The one in summer is in metallic silver, it look cheap. I would prefer matte grey but in good material. Convertible here also means the top part can be worn seperately. So it is a dress, skirt and cami.
ReplyDeleteFan: Sorry I have no idea what you are talking about... sure you are talking to the right person?
ReplyDeleteI love this dress as a wedding dress. As a regular dress, it looks lovely in the new catalog where it is pulled up with a belt to hit at the knee. The mid length will only look good on a tall, thin person.
ReplyDeleteOT-have any J Crew ladies worn any mens clothing? I like the mens sherpa hoodie better than the womens. I figure it will work in an XS. Height is not a problem, but I do have a very female figure. I also like the cotton cashmere sweaters.
Anon: I love the guy's cotton cashmere sweaters. I am also in the more feminine department so I dont think they would work for me... even in an XS. THough I have submitted a comment that they should consider "affordable luxury" for women too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Blumre. I'm guessing that the mens sweaters won't work, which is sad. I think lands End has cotton cashmere for women this year, but I'm not a fan of their cuts.
ReplyDeletethe dress is hideous and frightful. the lagoon-like color does not help it at all.
ReplyDeleteBlumre: did you say the hammered silk tanks were on sale? if you don't mind, was this in stores? and for how much? thanks!
ReplyDelete"Loathe" doesn't begin to cover it.
ReplyDeleteGreat green color, but stupid ruffles, unflattering on everyone length, did-someone-get-high-to-design-this silhouette.
NOT a classic.
How many women want a $650 special dress to add girth to their lower 1/2?
Sometimes it shows that the style director is 6'+ & skinny.
Ring ring- it's the Clue Phone reminding J.Crew that some women don't break the 6' mark & don't want to feel bad for being 5' whatever & over sz 0.
anon, no I saw it on the website early in the day yesterday... sorry wish I could be of more help than that. Maybe you want to try calling in. They were 99.99
ReplyDeletei love this dress, bought it, wore it and felt fab...i'm 5'6 and curvy (size 8)...it's all about what your comfortable with and in and if you like it, it suits your style/personality i say go for it...why leave the fab clothes for all the skinny people...we wanna be cute and fly too...
ReplyDelete