Review: Gap Tweed Bell Dress (w/ suggested alterations)

Dress: Gap Colorblock Bell Dress sz 0 Petite (buy in reg, tall, or petite w/ GAPLINE for 25% off)

Heels: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5 (suede from last season)

Happy Saturday, readers! Just a quick little review on a Gap combo dress I picked up this month.

Likes: 

- Fully lined, decent quality

- Affordable, esp with coupons and sales

- Back zip closure makes side alterations easy

Dislikes:

- Fit is pretty decent for a 0P, however is a tad roomy in the armholes and bust

- Bust darts are too low for where my chest actually is

- Lining is too long and keeps peeking out (maybe it's just mine?)
- I wish the bodice part were knit / ponte instead

The top feels like a stretch cotton/poplin material, and the bottom is a thicker textured tweed.

Thankfully, most of my "dislikes" are fixable. The lining can be shortened if you're handy with hems, and the armhole and bust problems can be addressed with a simple shortening of the straps, like so:

After simply shortening the straps, the end result is:
- Smaller armholes
- More fitted across the back
- Bust darts move up closer to my actual chest
- Higher waistline (you may or may not like this)

My verdict? i'm too lazy to stitch this month, and this dress wasn't love before everything sight, so i'll probably go back. See this get dressed also reviewed by Ping, who's about the identical size. in case you're seeking out a reasonably traditional sheath get dressed with a pleasant texture, that is an low-cost option.

Readers - did everyone else pick up this dress? What do you believe you studied?

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