For several years now I have admired the vintage clothing looks that are offered by Shabby Apple. I even own a few pieces, and they provide very distinct looks in my wardrobe, always having a nod to decades of the past, which I think is fun.

I also find that Shabby Apple garments, in general, tends to have a more modest look to them. They are less revealing, but still full of design details that make the pieces very interesting.

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Truman dress, which is in many ways an excellent dress option for the fall and winter. My dress does need to be hemmed to have quite a few inches removed in order to hit me at the right length, so do keep that in mind when checking out the photos!

Based on the reviews online, I went a size up from my normal size for this dress, and I’m glad I did. While it feels a bit large in the sleeves, I feel comfortable in the dress, overall, and like I can use the belt to accentuate my waist, rather than just having tight fabric clinging to my body. That would NOT be a great look for me, personally, but more power to you if you can rock it!

I absolutely love the cowl neck, which is one of my very favorite necklines to wear. This one doesn’t dip down nearly as low as other cowl necks that I own, though, which makes it different.

The sleeves hit me a bit lower than I think they should (remember, I’m only 5 foot 1, and I’m sure the model on the Shabby Apple website was something closer to 5 foot 10). And the sleeves, altogether, do leave me a little unsure about the overall look. I’m just not used to wearing sleeves that hit so far down. Basically, there’s a lot of fabric here, and it is such a departure from the normal look for me that I am having trouble discerning if I’m wearing the dress, or if the dress is wearing me, know what I mean?

I did really enjoy pulling out my vintage screwback earrings that I bought at an antique store for my best friend’s wedding 8 years ago. They are from the 1950s, and they add a pop of shine that I think the outfit needs. I also think this is the type of outfit that pairs well with a bold red lipstick. I think a dress that is modest in its nature really helps bring attention up to one’s face, so it is a good time to wear that power color (but just one…don’t go crazy with your lipstick AND your eyeshadow!).

Here are my little models-in-training out with me on the shoot. They are getting very used to heading outside in the morning to “take some pictures for Stuff Parents Need.” They are such cuties, and I often laugh about the impression I give them of what it means to go to work! As my blogging friend Brandy says, “Blogging makes your life weird!” But I adore it and get a lot of joy out of being a “real life, real body” clothing model for you guys!

So friends, I’m curious, what do you think about this outfit? Is it interesting to you, or just too much dress? Should I get it hemmed and rock the look this year, or is this a style better left to a different body type (i.e. much taller)?

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