The Search for a Perfect Knock-Off

The Perfect Dress *Sigh*

After months of neutrals and too much black, strong colour blocking is all over collections for the spring and summer.  Although some folks turn sniffy over the trend of pairing a combination of elementary hues, I’ll maintain the old standby that if it’s on my body, it matches.  Those standard LBDs paint you right into the background or else scream funereal, while by contrast, great splashes of colour signal a bold style which stems from self-confidence.

The Cacharel dress pictured to the right is my ideal for the season.  A yellow and blue combination always makes me smile from the cool glow it transfers to the skin.  For example, in Balzac’s 1846 novel Cousin Bette, when the bratty young Hortense hands over a worn yellow cashmere shawl to the titular figure, she tells the poorer relation that the shade is as good as makeup for one’s complexion.  Balzac knew his fashion (and no one ever charged him with producing chick-lit, either).  Also, the V-cut neck, nipped waist and flared skirt to the dress is universally flattering.  I bet there’s a jaunty flounce when you move in this number.  The problem is the frock retails for over $1500, so I figured it was worth a look around to see if there was a reproduction at an affordable price.

River Island's closest version seems too purple

Retailers such as J Crew, Collection of Style, Zara, A Wear and Monsoon offered nothing online close in cut or paired shades.  Top Shop had one floral dress in blue and yellow listed for £29, but it looks far too romper-twee with hues in the crayola range.  River Island’s version sports a belt and a more adult take on the summer dress at £24.99, but the heavy hand of purple makes it overwrought.

This Top Shop dress bears a poor resemblance to my precious

A smart woman once counseled to shoot for the middle when dress shopping, so I expanded my search beyond the High Street shops.

Nanette Lepore features a really cute floral mini, not quite the same colour blend and without the same emphasis on structure.  It retails for $300 which falls outside the whimsical purchase range.

These days, when boxed between the prohibitive designer garments and the spurious fabric and stitching that go for cheap, the smart approach would be to invest in sewing classes and a Singer.  Words I never would have guessed I’d say, yet a sentiment that would have made my seamstress granny proud.

Nanette Lepore's floral looks too casual

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