Ever since Kate Middleton wore a little blue dress on her engagement announcement back in 2010, it has started a frenzy and launched British brand, Issa. Now Issa is bringing her signature wrap dress made famous by Kate and making it relatively accessible at Banana Republic.
Last week, my boyfriend managed to snatch a dress in my size (I was seriously lucky) and I was excited to try it on. Sadly, the dress did not live up to my regal expectations. Ringing in at $160 + tax, the dress is astronomically prices for a rayon/spandex blend. On the website, the dress looks like a shiny, glossy material (like Kate’s), but instead, the fabric is just a matte jersey. The worst part is how easy the dress wrinkles. Even when it was wrapped up (almost like a burrito), it was a wrinkly mess. I definitely expected more from both Issa and Banana Republic for the price point. I will likely be taking it back.
Besides my issues with the value of the dress, I love the way it’s cut. Perfect for an interview or date night, the style is sophisticated and very classic. I’ve always been a fan of wrap dresses, and this one has an easy elegance to it, just like Kate’s style.
I wanted to emulate Kate’s style, while also putting my own style touches. Kate is known for her signature nude L.K. Bennett Sleigh pumps, and I’m wearing blush pink patent Prada heels. Almost like a nude for my skin tone, it’s a slight pop of colour.
I accessorized with a lookalike Sapphire ring, which I always love wearing as a cute joke or when I need to channel a bit of Diana’s and Kate’s style, as well a s a vintage magazine clutch. Kate Middleton always wears structured box clutches, so this is my twist on that.
If you’re thinking of buying a lookalike engagement dress, or pondering on picking up one from the Issa for Banana Republic line, I’d definitely try it on in store and make sure that you feel the value is worth it. For a diffusion line, I feel that I’m close enough to affording the real thing that it’s not as much of a deal for me. But for the diehard Issa or Kate Middleton fan, this one might fit the bill!
All photos by Dasha Kova.
Such an amazing looking dress for a gorgeous lady!!!!! You are so beautiful!
Author
Thanks so much Renee!
You look stunning! That dress is beautiful. I am having a What We Wore LInk Party, would love if you could link up: http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/08/what-we-wore-8.html
Author
thanks Rita! I just submitted my link thanks for reaching out 😀
You look lovely in this style and color, but I do agree with you on the quality vs. the price tag. Visiting via the Trend Spin linkup 🙂
Author
thanks for stopping by Jen! I would totally keep this dress if the “1” in front of 60 was knocked off!
It looks fabulous. I love that you have the ring to go with it. Nothing wrong with that dream – do you have a prince around there somewhere?
you wear it well my dear!
brett
I love this dress! And OMG, I have a Diana/Kate sapphire that I wear for a little joke with myself as well! Haha, I should’ve worn it for cobalt blue! Oh well, next time. Too bad this dress didn’t live up to it’s expectations, but it does give a feminine silhouette!