Right now a pretty dress that turns out to be comfortable and lightweight enough to wear even on a hot, sunny day at home in lockdown feels not only like a happy surprise, but a total lockdown delight. The fact that this Elina-Lou dress is also so elegant that it will serve as a beautiful occasion dress once things return to normal makes it even more special.

Dress: Eliana-Lou dress gifted by Miss Candyfloss
Hat: Ali Express
Bag: Black vintage inspired boxbag previously gifted by Lola Von Rose*
Brooch: Vintage
Gloves: Plus Size Wet Look Elbow Gloves by LoveHoney
Shoes: Viviene heels by Hotter* (A/L)

I knew from the website description of this dress that it was ‘made in a soft and comfortable stretch fabric,’ yet somehow I was surprised by just how comfortable this dress was when I actually put it on. The real stand-out of the fabric is just how lightweight it is; in fast fashion lightweight fabrics used are generally poor quality, sometimes scratchy, and almost always a little sheer even when they’re not supposed to be. Contrary to that, Miss Candyfloss work only with high quality materials, so their clothes are made not only to flatter but to last. The fabric of this dress feels substantial enough to withstand daily wear and home washing, yet it is floaty and cool on the body, a perfect summer specimen. Plus, there was nary a wrinkle in sight when I pulled it out of its packaging, so it will not only remain looking pristine throughout a day of wear but will also be a great dress to pack for travel, once that’s back on the cards.

I can’t talk about the fabric of this dress without touching on the print–an abstract floral print of white tulips on a black background, it may look like odd sized polka dots from a distance but is very clearly a lovely floral up close. The duochrome colour scheme makes it easy to match your accessories in black or white to create striking and cohesive look, especially handy for those who don’t feel very confident with colour pairing in their accessories. But the black and white combo also lends itself easily to colour, of course–emerald green or red accents would look especially breathtaking with this dress, but you can be as creative as you want.

The shape of this dress is both modest and classic. Nodding at the 40s, it has a knee-length A-line skirt and a cross-over bust that actually sits as a high v-neckline before flowing into a pleated black waistband. That waistband emphasises the waist with sharp clarity, complimenting your figure. Without the copious fabric in the skirt that a more 50s design would boast there isn’t room in this dress for a puffy petticoat, but a very slim petticoat might fit if you can’t stand to be without one. Petticoat-lover though I am, I felt this dress laid with beautiful intention without one, and indeed in these pictures I’m wearing it sans puff. The skirt, joyfully, has pockets.

As with all Miss C pieces this dress was made in Europe, and as with all Miss C pieces I’m wearing it in a 2XL. The waist measures 36.5 inches flat with stretch to 37.5 inches. I found the bust difficult to measure due to the cross-over style and the lack of a side- or armhole-seam to function as a perimeter, and I don’t want to provide potentially inaccurate measurements given I have no technical knowledge of how clothes are made. The Miss C size chart for this dress says the bust fits 114-130cm busts (that’s 45-51.5 inches,) and that seems true to size given that my 47 inch bust fit in this dress with ease and no strain in the fabric or the lay of the bust. The dolman cap sleeves were perfectly comfortable on my large upper arms, with the sleeve holes measuring 18 inches flat in circumference, with an additional inch available in stretch. The skirt is 28 inches long.

The Elina-Lou dress is available in sizes XS-5XL. Miss Candyfloss ship worldwide, and have stockists all over the globe.

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Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Miss Candyfloss in exchange for an honest review. The bag was previously gifted to me by Lola Von Rose for an honest review. Items marked with (A/L) are Affiliate Links.  All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals. 

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken in the safety of my garden, thus abiding by the strict social distancing rules currently in place to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. Please stay home, and when necessary to leave the house for work or necessities remember to keep at least 6 ft away from any persons you may encounter.