When it comes to polka dots, I’m a 50/50 girl. If they’re small enough and on a background colour I really love, I can get into moods in which I am all for them. The rest of the time I will probably not-entirely-correctly say ‘Yeaaah…I don’t really like polka dots.’

When I first saw a picture of this dress I thought it was red polka dots on a pale blue background, and even though theoretically if I peer into the folder marked ‘Amy’s taste’ in my mind that doesn’t sound like a combo I would be super into, I was surprised to find myself drawn to the idea. I pictured wearing this dress on a warm spring day with a white cardigan and red accessories. Then I found out those polka dots are actually tiny pink roses and for a short while that put me off, because that ‘Amy’s taste’ folder said tiny roses would be too twee for me. But, as I am discovering more and more as I get older, sometimes my gut is wrong, and in this case it was, because the tiny roses are super cute and the blue of this dress is absolutely perfect. Also, as it turns out, that styling I imagined? It still totally works.

Dress: Giselle-Regina dress gifted by Miss Candyfloss
Belt: Old
Bag: Red vintage inspired bag by Lola Von Rose
Bangles: Assorted Splendette
Cardigan: White cropped cardigan previously gifted by MAK Sweater [Affiliate code yemak-amymay for 40% off]

I have to emphasize something right at the top here; I love this fabric. It wasn’t what I expected from viewing the product photos online–which, I’ll admit, I almost never study closely, just as I am also very lax in reading product descriptions fully. Had I done the latter I would have known beforehand that the fabric is, as Miss Candyfloss says, ‘a cute babycord.’ Instead, I pulled it out of the packet and was delighted to experience the plush texture of the lightweight, summer-appropriate cord in place of what I had assumed would be a standard cotton. That cord material gives this dress not only a soft touch but a softness to its look as well, which works beautifully with the delicacy of the small rose buds, evoking a fairy tale feel that this whole collection was designed to encapsulate.

The dress cut itself is not a new one but instead a design that is reprised most, if not every, summer. It has a gathered, lined bust that stretches in a V-neck up into straps that cross in the back, creating a faux-halter neck look that doesn’t strain your neck. Those each straps attach to the back of the dress with a fabric covered button, which you can move easily if needed to make sure you get the perfect fit. The waist appears flatteringly cinched before the skirt flows out into a full, pleated 3/4 swing, which twirls as wonderfully as any Disney pricess prancing through the woods. To top it all off, this dress comes with a white grommet belt.

I’m wearing this dress in my usual Miss C 2XL. The waist flat measures 36.5 inches with stretch to 38 inches, while I’d say the bust can accommodate approximately 46-48 inches (it’s hard to tell by measurements alone because of the darts/gathers of the bust.) The skirt is 29.5 inches long and can take a medium-full petticoat with no issues. The dress closes with a concealed back zip.

The Giselle-Regina dress comes in sizes XS-5XL and Miss Candyfloss ship internationally, in addition to having select stockists around the globe.

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Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Miss Candyfloss with no obligations. The hat was previously gifted to me by Unique Vintage for review. I bought the bag but it’s from a company, Lola Von Rose, who have previously gifted me items for review. Use of my Mak Sweater affiliate code will earn me a small commission from your order. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals.