L'Alysse

Coral Red Body-hugging Dress

I was sent this dress for review purposes, and to assist in verifying the size. I love the simple shape and soft feel of this tight but comfortable sleeveless dress. It's available in a number of solid colours, the one I'm reviewing is the red one. In person the colour is a bright coral red, with no hint of blue, pretty much as per photos.

According to the size guidance, I fell between Medium and Large. I already know that L'Alysse dresses run true to size and have some give, so I asked for a Medium (my usual size is EU 38, UK 10, US 8). The fit is perfect and I like the length, just skimming the knee on me (I am 1.73 m or 5'8").

The dress has a long concealed zip at the back so it's very easy to put on (although I always need some help with the back closure). Tailored details include tucks under the bust, a slanting empire waist, oblique “real” pockets and tiny cap sleeves.

According to the label, the fabric is a blend of 50% Nylon, 45% Polyester, and 5% Spandex, very stretchy and clinging. It's medium weight but you need to pay attention to your choice of underwear as the cut is very revealing. The deep V slit at the neckline sits well on me without gapping and does not show a plunge-style bra. If you have a C cup or larger, it may be a different story, though!
You can get an idea of the quality of finishing and manufacture from my detailed photos. I saw no imperfections or loose stitching and the packing creases disappeared completely after the first wash (hand washing is recommended).

I don't wear dresses often these days, but this is one I will use, especially in warmer weather. It's so incredibly comfortable to wear and follows your every move. It can be accessorized up or down for daytime and evening, and I already have belts and scarves that look great with it.

Black and White Bodycon Dress
I was sent this dress for review purposes, and to assist in verifying the size. This form-fitting little number looks smart and business-like but also very stylish. According to the label, the fabric is a blend of 45% Polyester, 50% Nylon and 5% Spandex, and has a lot of stretch and elasticity. Normally I favour natural fibres, but this dress is so incredibly comfortable to wear that I have no issues at all with it.

L'Alysse are in a class of their own as regards body-hugging dresses, with so many pretty styles made different by the detailing. This one has snow-white accents: a round neck outline with a single black button, cuffs on short sleeves and two faux-pockets, each anchored by two shiny buttons and angled to emphasize an hourglass shape. It could elegantly see you through a busy day from office to shopping to dinner.

Looking at the chart, I was in between sizes and asked for the smaller one this time, a size Medium (which is my usual, or US 8). It fits me like a glove and is just about the perfect length for me, a shade above the knee (I'm 5'8”). On arrival the white accents seemed a little grey so I washed the dress by hand (as recommended) and left it outside to dry in the sun. It came through the wash brilliantly and also lost the few wrinkles it had from being folded up. Next time I will use the hand-wash program on my washing machine.

Quality-wise, it is well made with all stitching and detailing carefully executed, and only one loose thread to trim (after washing). The long zipper closure at the back runs well and gives a fitted look. You can see for yourself the finishing in my detailed photos.

I'm very pleased with how this dress fits and I love how it feels. I think it's a versatile, smart option for many daytime occasions and the cut is very flattering and adjustable.

Black and Red Form-Fitting Dress
A striking combination of red and black make this smart dress really pop. The cut is conservative but edgy, and I imagine it being very suitable for a corporate setting, or business environment. I was offered one for review purposes, and to assist with size guidance, so this is my experience with it.
Looking at the size chart, I should have asked for a Medium (which is my usual size), except that my hips are larger than 36.6 inches, so I went for a Large. My mistake. The fit is a little generous, and I expected a shorter skirt. I know the model is 5.9 ½, while I am 5.8, that might explain the difference. For reference the label on the dress says: Large, US 8, UK 12, EU 40, essentially, a full size larger than my usual. So my advice is, the size chart is accurate, no need to size up.

The dress is very nicely made of a substantial fabric, super stretchy and comfortable to wear. It feels like a synthetic blend of polyester and Spandex, the cotton part is not evident to me. It is tailored and quite complex with the contrasting coloured panels and the slimming V shape. I also adore the long diagonal zip, it really makes it different. You can check out the manufacture and finishing in my detailed photos. All stitching and detailing is tight and carefully done, no loose threads or visible imperfections. Another version is available in black and lime-yellow, but it would not flatter my complexion, plus I love the colour red.

I really like this dress, I think it looks smart with a bit of attitude, and could be worn to a formal occasion as well as for the daytime in a professional setting.

Long Royal Blue Party Gown
A very feminine long gown for a festive celebration, party or formal occasion. I don't have occasion to wear long dresses very often, but it's great to have one like this available when needed. When I was offered a sample gown for review purposes, I was very pleased to accept and, since size is such a problematic issue, I hope that my experience will help you choose the best size for you.

Looking at the size chart, I should have asked for a Medium, but I wanted to be sure of the length, so opted for a Large. I am 5'8” and usually take a UK size 10. The dress is long enough, which is great, but the fit is a bit off for me: the sleeves are just right but the bodice is a bit too big. I have encountered these shape discrepancies before; I'll see if I can take in the top a little.

The colour is a lovely royal blue, pretty much as you see in my photos. The fabric is light (chiffon) and the lining is soft and silky but a shade see-through. It would be a good idea to choose colour-coordinated underwear (you can just see my white slip at the back). The lace is very pretty and feminine; lace is everywhere at the moment, and this dress uses it to good effect. The stitching and finishing are well done, and the long zip closure at the back runs well but, obviously, it's easier to get someone to help you with it.

This dress is made for dancing, and looks very elegant in movement. For the price, it's a pretty choice for a party or formal occasion.

Red Lace Dress with Slanted Hem

Lace and oblique lines are currently right on trend and the combination of the two makes this tailored dress quite intriguing. When I opened the packaging, I was surprised by the solid look and feel. This dress is certainly not a lightweight slip, more like a quality structured garment, properly lined, carefully sewn and well finished (check out my close-up photos).

The pattern of the lace is large but refined, really beautiful lace. A sample dress was sent to me for review purposes and to verify the sizing, and I really think I have something to offer here, as I got it spectacularly wrong.

According to the size chart, I was between M and L, but seeing that the fabric was described as being part cotton, I went with the hips measurement, and got an XL. It's not the moulded look I was hoping for, in fact, the label inside the dress says: XL, US 10, UK 14, EU 42: two sizes too big than my usual.

It doesn't look too bad because it's well shaped, but it “feels” big. What I could not tell from the pictures is that the fabric is very stretchy and accommodating, like jersey with Spandex. Something else you should be aware of, the model showing it on Amazon is 5'9 ½”, so everything looks shorter on her tall frame (I am 5'8”). So you can trust the size chart and do NOT size up on this one!
Colour-wise, it's a true saturated shade of red, a bit shimmery under the lights, and set off by the white lining. There is a royal blue version which looks beautiful, too. A bold choice for a party, dinner or special occasion, and it's so nice to wear, very soft.
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