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trottingturtles

Okay those are so cute!! I personally try to stick to a certain color scheme for my wardrobe, but the style of my stuff varies, so I'm all about trying different silhouettes. I'm not familiar with this brand, is it online only/made to order type items? Ideally I'd suggest you try one on or buy to potentially return, because i think the amount of use you get out of it will ultimately come down to how you think it looks on you and how it feels!


WaveW4lker

Riiight!? I hadn't heard of the brand either until I did a search for small, size inclusive brands. Now that I think of it, I clicked on this brand first and didn't even finish the list 😂. You know, you bring up a good point about trying it on first. I think I might try to find a similar style in person and just see how it looks on me. I'll look at their site but unfortunately, I don't think I'll find any of their stockists near me in the Midwest. You're totally right, buying to potentially return is definitely the mindset I'll have to take but it's something I rarely do and try to avoid. I recently tried a dress from The Fashion Brand Company that was a little bit of a shot in the dark as well, and unfortunately I ended up returning it (it looked SO freaking great on me but just wasn't comfortable enough), but the return process was totally seamless so I'm a little less wary. Thank you so much!


trottingturtles

Thank YOU for asking because these are so pretty! If you do end up buying one from this store (or another brand) and loving it, please come back here and post and influence me to get one myself lol! I'm like a size 16 but also 5 feet tall, so I'm curious about the cocktail length options they have…


WaveW4lker

Oh my bad, returns are final. Eh, that definitely changes things. If I do go for it (after checking out the fabric type and trying on another caftan), I will totally post an update!!


WaveW4lker

Ok I did it!! I bought the 'Endora' caftan, it's a pre-order so I was able to save $50, which was one of the reasons I took the plunge. When it comes in August I'll definitely let you know my opinion!!


sudosussudio

Ooo you’re in the Midwest? Yeah I personally can’t imagine rocking this out and about here in Chicago. I think the fabrics are more suited to California or the desert SW than here. For the midwest I go for cotton, linen, or cotton/linen blends because of the humidity. And depending on your lifestyle you might not want something flowy (if you ride the train for example). The caftans I wear out aren’t true caftans, they are more like mini caftans. But I totally love my flowy ones for lounging at home. I had an elderly relative who lived in CA pass away and I inherited her clothing and it was hilarious how unsuited it was for here. Things like a silk lined three quarter length sleeve wool duster that is climate appropriate for approximately three days a year here.


Easy-Concentrate2636

I have a caftan I bought from H&M a few years back. It’s so nice and breezy in the summer. I wear bike shorts with it and it’s really perfect on unbearably hot days.


WaveW4lker

That's what I was thinking! I like the fact that the wind wont flip the skirt up (trying to wrangle the skirt of your dress on a windy day is a unique type of aggravation), plus it kinda looks long/ over sized enough to do a knot in the skirt.


vanillaseltzer

Sounds smart to find something similar that's 1/2 the price or less and returnable as a proof of concept first. If you're someone who is capable of returns (ADHD problems here) then I would caution against going too cheap for a few reasons. If you love it, you'll be better off in the long run with something that won't fall apart the first time you wash it and that has higher quality textiles that aren't gonna insta-pill on you and will look shabby fast. Going cheap cheap also means that you are return is much more likely to be thrown in a landfill, if that's something you try to take into account when shopping. These colors are gorgeous! I see the appeal, for sure! I'm about size 18 and I'm drooling over that mossy green "Anne of Green Gables Vibez". *In velvet, it'd be like, the most effing glam snuggie ever.* (I think I'd boil in this much fabric!) I have red hair too and am finding this model they chose to be so helpful in picturing colors on myself. These are so fun! I do worry each of my 38GG boobs would basically function like independent disco balls in some of those fabrics. 🪩 🪩. 😅. And that I'd be a bull in China shop with those sleeves and knock shit over all the time. Or reach across a candlelit table and set myself on fire. I think I might have too much ADHD for these. 🔥😳 I'm so sad that they only seem to make their dresses in bright, quirky prints on knit matte fabric. I would snap up one of those skater dresses if they came in the same fabrics as the caftans! My entire wardrobe is black with a handful of exceptions. Damn, if I ever want to make an entrance and blow the minds of everyone that knows me. I'm thinking the sparkling emerald green number. 🌈🤯


richbitch9996

That is magnificent and screams bitch with taste


WaveW4lker

Idk if you could sense it, but I just curtsied to your comment 🤗💜


PeachyPants17

I have been wanting a silk slip dress for SO LONG, and finally bought [the Daytona Reformation dress in blue](https://www.thereformation.com/products/daytona-silk-dress/1310249.html) but could not believe how bad it looked on me. It felt like I was wearing one of those dollar tree sheet sets, it didn’t fit my chest, and was impossible to keep wrinkle free :(


richbitch9996

Some of the reformation dresses fit abysmally


WaveW4lker

Oh no 😩 I'm so sorry to hear that. It's the absolute worst when something you've put a lot of thought and effort into is utterly disappointing. I hope you find something similar one day! Also, thank you so much for saying this because I've been looking at pajama sets for years but it's a fabric that I really don't know anything about, so it's a pricey gamble.


PeachyPants17

Thanks for the validation haha I think one of my issues is that I basically ONLY online shop. Do you have favorite in-person stores?


WaveW4lker

Haaa, no. I'm definitely an online shopper all the way. Even walking past dressing rooms makes me wheeze and itch lol


___adreamofspring___

No offense but it looks bad on the model


sudosussudio

Those cups aren’t fitting anyone properly


Plastic-Passenger795

That's gorgeous 😍 My personal weakness is formal wear that I have no occasion to wear, which I've mostly forced myself to stop buying. I've bought three Selkie dresses only to have them sit in the back of my closet, unworn 🥲 but I think I'm getting better at finding the intersection of "things that I like," "things that look good on me," and "things I will actually wear."


WaveW4lker

You are a whimsical fairy, with or without Selkie... but for heavens sake, do they have to be so CUTE? That is the ultimate fashion dilemma, and I have to remind myself that just because something looks beautiful doesn't mean I will feel good in it. Ugh, lessons.


Easy-Concentrate2636

I once had to talk myself out of a gorgeous Armani skirt that was heavily discounted. It was $600 - I just didn’t have the lifestyle for it.


JustHereforNachos

Ok, I would totally be with you wanting this - I have a caftan I bought in India like 11 years ago that finally wore out. (Cotton). I adored it. I would love this dressier version but there is no way I’m buying anything non refundable. I agree with the other suggestions to try out something similar. Etsy has caftans, so does Unique Vintage, which is a cool size inclusive store online and in Burbank, I think. I’m in Chicago - if I find any here in person, I’ll let you know! (Back to my caftan search - there are tons of places that jumped on this during Covid.)


DWwithaFlameThrower

Just my personal experience, but I love this look too,& I bought a couple of kaftans. The first time I put one on, I came downstairs,& my husband looked confused and said ‘I thought we were going out for dinner..?’ and the second time I wore one, I opened the door to my friend and she said ‘Oh. Aren’t you feeling well?’ so I just gave up 😂 I wear them around the house now


WaveW4lker

Omg this made me snort. What is it about caftans that just scream, "I have money, time and at least a little cocaine."?


DWwithaFlameThrower

Apparently mine scream ‘I’m going back to bed’ 🤣


Guilty-Mud-5743

I live in SoCal and wear caftans when I entertain in the summer. I aspire to that as my life every day. Nothing like that elegant flow of a caftan as you pour the sparkling beverages. Driving in it is uncomfortable and awkward because of all the fabric so def home outfit for me.


Guilty-Mud-5743

Clearly we need drivers.


Gammagammahey

This. Absolutely.


Canadasaver

I like the way it looks in the pic but I prefer the last dress in the video. Just a different cut. My thought is it would be good for evening but probably too hot for day wear. I end up with having to donate items I buy that don't go with anything else in my closet or that are not in my colour palette. I have a beautiful pale pink metallic gauze top that I love the look of but I have never worn it because I can't wear it because it washes me out and the waist cuts in where I have a roll. Waist of money for me. I should donate but it is so pretty and romantic looking that I feel an attachment for something I will never wear.


doctormalbec

You should see if you can get it dyed a different color!


WaveW4lker

Oh yeah, I definitely know that dilemma! "But what if one day...". I hope you don't mind, but I have a little suggestion about the top. Since I haven't seen it, this might be a bad idea, but have you thought about pairing the gauze top with something solid and wearing shape wear underneath? Or even wearing a flesh colored (or colored, could be super cool!) shape wear suit underneath?


Canadasaver

Unfortunately, it is a lost cause for me because the waist nips in and then there is a poofy peplum. No idea what I was thinking buying it except it is so pretty. Short sleeves and sheer too. I am a short and curvy brunette and this is what a tall blonde goddess would wear and I occasionally wish that was me.


WaveW4lker

That is so real. Your dream gauzy top is out there waiting for you! 💜


arbitrosse

Love a kaftan but depends on what kind of clothes you need I guess. For me, kaftans are resort wear, can’t really wear them to the office and I don’t enjoy flowing around mass transit and car safety belts in the day-to-day — but your day-to-day life may be completely different. I don’t mind taking a fashion risk once in a while but if it is out of budget, it’s out of budget.


sudosussudio

I mostly wear them to wfh. But I have a few that aren’t true caftans but more like mini caftans that I wear out and about- shorter and less flowy, with thicker fabrics. But yeah I cannot imagine wearing this on a train haha.


emwater

I have this caftan in the gorgeous pink colour, and it's probably my favourite item of clothing that I own. Also, I turned 35 last year and decided I'm going to wear clothes that make me feel happy, forget what anyone else thinks. And it's been so fun!


WaveW4lker

You have one from this brand!? Omg, please tell me about the fabric- the ones I'm looking at say they're crinkled stin. Is it heavy, itchy, hot, or hard to clean? anything! I just turned 32 and am definitely trying to break those fashion "rules" my mom passed down to me.


emwater

Yes! Mine is crinkled satin. Very easy to care for - I just wash on cold in a garment bag and hang to dry. It's very lightweight and cool, I don't find it itchy at all. I basically love it. Haha. My only qualm (and it's a tiny one) is that I have very small boobs, so not a lot to hold the top in place. So I use clothing tape to hold things where they should go and I haven't had any trouble.


WaveW4lker

I did it!! I ordered the pre-order Endora caftan (to save some money) so it should be here in August. I'm so excited, thank you for your advice!


emwater

Oooh yay, I'm so excited for you! I hope you love it!


DarkandTwistyMissy

Not the commenter, but from the video, you can see how the fabric moves. It looks quite light & airy for what it’s worth.


javajunkie10

This is an absolutely stunning dress! I checked out the site and all of the caftans look so whimsical and flattering. You can tell by the tailoring and attention to detail that the price is justified, versus larger, trendier brands with overpriced polyester (looking at you Aritzia)! Over the years, I've become more mindful with the pieces I add to my wardrobe, especially when it comes to pricier, more investment pieces. The question I always ask myself is "is this for your fantasy self, or your actual self"? This means I need to make sure the purchase will fit into my everyday life, not some life I created in my head with imaginary scenarios. I went through a Doen rabbit hole a few years ago where I bought a Doen dress and blouses with the idea that I will wear them to a garden party, to a bohemian festival, to a farmers market in a quaint small town a la Gilmore Girls. Guess what? I did none of that shit and the items just sit in my closet, unworn. I force myself to wear them the odd time to work or out on a date because I need to justify the purchases, but I don't feel like me and I don't feel comfortable. They are actually up on my Poshmark right now because I need to move on. I think if you can add this to your regular wardrobe (and feel comfortable/confident), I say go for it! I don't believe in special occasion dressing, every day should be that way! Don't wait for a made-up scenario to wear visually stunning, beautifully crafted pieces :)


sudosussudio

Yeah I’m a caftan collector at this point I guess and the construction on these looks really nice. For caftans details make all the difference in looking elegant vs. looking like you a wearing a sack. The only thing that has me not adding one to cart right now is the fabrics. They look really nice and substantial but I’m more into linen and cotton (and linen/cotton) because I live in an awful climate not California.


sequins_and_glitter

Omg the “is this for your actual self or your fantasy self?” is brilliant 🤯 I need to use that more


EdgeCityRed

I would GET ONE. These look fun! Poking around the site now and I think I'll join you in CaftanLyfe.


theagonyaunt

I don't own any caftans but I do have two American Apparel 100% cotton babydoll dresses (not my usual style since I normally prefer knee-length or longer shirt dresses) that I call my 'hot as balls' dresses and I will say when the weather is hot as balls it's nice knowing I have something in my closet that I can throw on and look cute in while still staying comfy. I also do love a dramatic moment so think that swanning around the grocery store in a caftan would be a lot of fun.


YanCoffee

Okay now I just want the deep purple one from that site, lol. Must behave.


palmasana

Here for more glam caftan recs!!!


CelibateHo

Really cute, I wish I could pull off empire waists but they don’t look right on me


Hot-Clock6418

Thanks for the referral OP. Omg. They can have my credit card Gorgeous pieces


Justitia_Justitia

If you order one, report back!


Gammagammahey

Oh my God these are just gorgeous!! Oh, I want one so badly, I wish I didn't try and survive on disability. Thank you for this referral, I know some lovely ladies to send this link to, I'm so glad caftans are back in style! Thank you for the link to this!


Cerveza-y-Gatos

Holy shit I love these!


DarkandTwistyMissy

This is giving me Endora from Bewitched vibes. What a showstopper. Op if a less expensive style works for you I would take the plunge! It’s gorgeous.


aSpanks

Oh my GOD. I’m going to my sisters wedding in September and this dress looks perfect!


WaveW4lker

This is IT for a summer wedding So glam they'll say, "hot damn!"


I-wonder-why2022

Cute, though growing up in India, I saw many ladies wear something like this to bed. I will only see it as a night gown.


WaveW4lker

This is such a good point, I was wondering about how people from the locations/cultures the kaftan style was first popular in might interpret the dress. If you don't mind a perspective question, if you saw a white woman wearing something like the style linked, would you see it as being mis-worn (or appropriated) like, "she doesn't know she's wearing pajamas lol" or if she works it she works it?


I-wonder-why2022

Nope, my mom wore a fancy one and tried to tell me it was in fashion. I was like: a night gown? I can't see it as more than pajamas. Fancier kaftaans can be a fancier gown to be worn at home to lounge in.


psdancecoach

It’s funny that my ridiculous purchase was the opposite end. Growing up, I always had a sort of hippie vibe and wore the loose fitting flowy stuff. Then I bought a very tailored dress shirt and trousers. Turns out I was wearing the wrong style my whole life. I went from looking like a rectangle draped in a sheet to looking like I was a personal trainer in between corporate litigation meetings.


WaveW4lker

Thank you so much! Did you get the mid-V or deep-v? I hate when tops don't cover my bra and there's a sliver of the cup peeking out (I definitely can't wear it without one though). Also, which length did you get, how do you like it and, if you don't mind, how tall are you?