Smocked puff-sleeve dress in indigo plaid

I loved this dress and got lots of compliments on it. Per other reviews, it did run a little small. I’m usually an XS at JCrew and bought a small which fit well. Throughout the day, I noticed a little blue tint on my hands similar to what happens if you have a brand new pair of dark wash jeans. No big deal until I took it off at the end of the day and my whole body, wherever the dress touched was blue. Not just a little blue, VERY blue. It took multiple scrubs with a loofah to get it all off. Now, I’m scared to wear it again, even after a wash! Feels like a big quality control issue.

So, dresses from J. Crew are usually hit or miss for me, but this one was a HIT! The fabric is nice and soft - not too thick or thin for this type of dress. And the cut is just sooo flattering with the smocked bodice and off-the-shoulders puffed sleeves. Very nice color too (and the plaid design isn't too noticeable). The chest area does run a bit small. My bra size is a 30F and I got a small - it fits, but only just. I probably would have exchanged for a medium if those were still available. My one criticism is I do wish this dress had pockets.

I love the overall style of this dress but there are issues. First, I worked in a buying office and this is obviously a case of buying a dress from a different company and slapping your label on it. The sizing is very small which is a big hint that it’s not there’s and then there’s the dye issue. If you get warm, the dress will bleed onto your skin and require a good scrub.