…to help me choose a dress.
Because I was recently contacted by Shabby Apple, which sells dresses online, and they offered to give me a dress in exchange for my writing about it. And I was all, Okay!
See, the offer came at the exact moment that I realized that although my shopping moratorium had many things going for it (like saving money), it had a big drawback that I don’t actually have any new clothes. It turns out that unless you go to stores and give people money in exchange for goods, they won’t send new outfits to you.
It’s like some kind of a conspiracy.
So it was Shabby Apple and their dresses to the rescue, except now I have to choose the dress. And in the spirit of getting other people to do the work for me (see, e.g., guest posters), I thought that I’d ask the people who read this blog which dress I should choose.
Here are my choices!
Crouching Tiger:
Pagoda not included!
Forbidden City:
Imperial Court is extra!
The Last Empress:
How Revolutionary!
Shanghai:
I have nothing witty to say
Mandarin Plum:
Am I the only one who wants a rickshaw?
What do you think? Besides the fact that they’re trying to Tiger Mom me, I mean?
Please leave me your selection in the comments. And I’ll get the winning dress! And wear it. For all of us.
(all images courtesy of Shabby Apple)
One year ago ...
- Learning English - 2014
{ 84 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: annsrants
January 22, 2011 at 5:47 pm
I love crouching Tiger–Tiger mom not withstanding.
Twitter: wendiaarons
January 22, 2011 at 5:57 pm
The Last Empress. But only if you keep your hand on your hip at all times.
I am so all about the last one. Love it. Love it.
I would struggle with what shoes to wear though. Next post?
Forbidden City …
Shanghai.
But they’re all nice.
I like the Shanghai. You’d look hot in any of them!
You’d look fab in all of them, but I prefer the Tiger!
Twitter: gonnakillhim
January 22, 2011 at 6:08 pm
I’m a fan of the Shanghai. Or maybe I just really want to visit there since I’d take a vacation to Toledo at this point.
Seriously, I think the plum color would compliment your non-plum skin tone.
Twitter: melissacop
January 22, 2011 at 6:18 pm
I love The Last Empress.
Crouching Tiger! They have really pretty dresses, the first one wins me over for the sleeves, nice for Fall and Winter! It’s harder to find long sleeve dresses. If you pick that one and decide you don’t like it, can I have it?
Forbidden City
Shanghai or Forbidden City.
First choice, Crouching Tiger. Second choice, Forbidden City. Honestly, they’re all really pretty.
Forbidden City.
Twitter: arothenfeld
January 22, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Crouching tiger…I also liked the Shangai because of the ease of wearing this to anything.
Twitter: deckthoughts
January 22, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Forbidden City ‘cuz hello? Pockets!
Crouching Tiger is awesome. Gotta have a long neck for that one. If you’ve got the neck, this is the dress for you.
Crouching Tiger, because you can wear it now (and I like the two tone).
I really like the Shanghai it will make you pop with your beautiful hair!
Forbidden City. I’m thinking it’s a whole lot cuter than Totally Permissible City. Or Everything’s Allowed Town. But seriously, gorgeous dress.
Crouching tiger, ask for the shoes too, they look awesome.
Twitter: kalisah
January 22, 2011 at 7:15 pm
I like the Crouching Tiger, but the Mandarin Plum would be a fantastic color on you with your red hair. Do I get two votes? I don’t want to waste mine. Okay, Plum.
Forbidden City!
All the girls look great…… Few more dollars will go to China……
Who thinks about national deficit?
Twitter: randomhandprint
January 22, 2011 at 8:25 pm
Shangai gets my vote, but really awesome dude gets my vote.
Twitter: Peajaye
January 22, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Is Mandarin Plum actually sitting in a *rickshaw*? Oh-no-they-din’t.
Oh wait, I think it’s just a fancy golf cart or a surrey with the fringe on top.
I needed to re-read this post because for a second I thought you were picking an Asian sister wife.
Shanghai, definitely.
Twitter: grandemocha
January 22, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Am I the only one who liked Mandarin Plum the best? Alhough anything FREE is awesome.
Nope! I am totally digging Mandarin Plum, too!
Twitter: mannahattamamma
January 22, 2011 at 8:56 pm
the first one but only if you can also get those kickass matching two-tone shoes. And by kickass here I mean shoes that the next morning as you try to stand you say “holy shit those shoes totally kicked my ass and broke my back.” Could you wear that dress with, you know, knit tights and clogs? Although perhaps you don’t need a turtleneck to hide your nixonian jowl, as I do. In which case, either the Empress (great color) or Forbidden City (a dress with pockets? fabulous!)
Twitter: daviskho
January 22, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Shanghai. It looks perfect for practicing piano 8 hours straight with no bathroom break. Or for cocktails.
Twitter: waitinthevan
January 22, 2011 at 9:17 pm
ME TOO!
I’m requesting The Last Empress, so don’t take that one. Because THAT would be embarrassing at the next lingerie function.
Twitter: BigPieceofCake
January 22, 2011 at 9:26 pm
I LOVE Shabby Apple. What a great review opportunity. I would have a hard time choosing a favorite from these – but I think that for you, I would pick forbidden city. Based on the limited time I spent with you at blogger – I think that one would suit you best. Post pictures!
Twitter: Glamamom
January 22, 2011 at 9:54 pm
The Last Empress is the most you.
Didn’t you just have an Empress around here too? That’s a sign.
Forbidden City.
It’s black, so it won’t show subway dirt.
Plus, it’s beautiful!
Can you wear that to our favorite gay bar? Cause if so, I want its twin.
This is fun!
Ditto Josefina.
Twitter: neilochka
January 22, 2011 at 10:32 pm
I hate to argue with your mostly female readership, but I have watched enough “What Not To Wear” episodes with Sophia to know that we can’t just pick out a dress based on a photo of another woman in China. We have to think about Marinka herself. Now’ I’ve had the please of meeting this wonderful and glamorous woman in person, and while she is quite beautiful, her lovely figure reflects more of the slender curves of the Kremlin itself that the bamboo reeds of the Orient. I think Marinka would look best in Mandarin Plum. I just don’t see Marinka walking down 6th Avenue in the Last Empress. Her revolutionary style is more of the West.
Forbidden City! Can’t wait to see you in one of them.
Twitter: Mamabirddiaries
January 22, 2011 at 10:51 pm
i like forbidden city and the last empress and crouching tiger hidden dragon.
Twitter: MFAMama
January 22, 2011 at 10:55 pm
The Last Empress, totally.
Neil cracks me up. I like them all and I’m terrible at making decisions, so I can’t pick a favourite. I have a hard enough time figuring out what to wear everyday myself! 😉
Twitter: theflyingchlupa
January 22, 2011 at 11:34 pm
Definitely Forbidden City. But I’d pay up for the Imperial Court.
Twitter: _SHOWandTELL_
January 22, 2011 at 11:44 pm
Forbidden City. Ultra classy, elegant.
You could wear it to meet the President (just in case you were thinking of doing that), school reunions (if you’re game to show up), funerals (hope there are none any time soon), weddings (oh the joy of love)…..pretty much anywhere…..except the beach (oh, what the hell, there too. It’s not every day you get a free dress!).
x
Crouching Tiger. Just make sure you always tilt your knee like that.
Twitter: ohmommy
January 22, 2011 at 11:48 pm
Forbidden City.
Delurking here to vote for The Last Empress… with sparkle earrings 🙂
Twitter: gdrpempress
January 23, 2011 at 1:39 am
Now, I know you’ll be expecting me to say, “Why, The Empress, of course…” but that’s where you’re wrong.
I am going to answer you truthfully and honestly, b/c that’s the kind of person I am.
This’ll be easy: NOT Crouching Tiger, b/c you’ll have to keep your hands up like that all the time so the dress looks that good. And NOT Forbidden City b/c ….doh….it obviously is an arm chafer to those with delicate armpits. The Last Empress?? No way, again, b/c of the delicate skin of a flower that you have…chafe chafe chafe is all I see when I see that dress. Shanghai? Say bye bye….again, all poofy it’ll make you look like you’re pre-menstrual bloated. Which leaves the best for last: the long, lean lines, the two tones the sophisticated way the fabric lays: the only choice for you, Mandarin Plum.
Sorry about the novel in here, but I take fashion very seriously.
Now I’m feeling homesick for China. Thanks a lot, Marinka.
That said, I’d vote for Forbidden City except that it clearly isn’t the Forbidden City in the background and I’m a stickler for details. Also, the Forbidden City is one of the most boring places on earth, and I don’t want to to be boring. So I’m gonna have to vote for Tiger.
Twitter: janatude
January 23, 2011 at 7:33 am
I really like Crouching Tiger, but I suspect that The Empress would look best on you. (We met briefly, at BlogHer.) But what the hell do I know? You were wearing a blazer; I told you I liked your speech (act?).
I can’t believe how much fun this was. It’s better than TV!
Twitter: MommysMartini
January 23, 2011 at 8:12 am
Forbidden City is the most versatile, obviously, because you can dress it up or down, add a cardigan and tights in fall/winter, etc. But it’s black, plain and basic. If you need that, it rocks. If you want something more fun, I would say go for Shanghi for all the same seasonal versatility but more color, or Mandarin Plum for something that really stands out as different. As for being flattering on you (Neil is right about that being a consideration), I would say that Shanghi is cut to be looser and hence might look less flattering than either of the other two, which are more streamlined. Personally, unless you need safe & basic, I’d say go Mandarin Plum.
Nothing with cap sleeves unless you have delicate spindly arms (I so don’t). So that leaves the first and the last. The last has a really pretty neckline so that’s my choice.
It is just SO hard to decide between all the free stuff.
Is that really what they’re all called?
My vote is for Mandarin Plum.
Twitter: scarymommy
January 23, 2011 at 10:33 am
Crouching Tiger. I can’t wait for you to turn Asian!
Twitter: NonaNelson
January 23, 2011 at 10:34 am
They are all lovely, but I like Forbidden City. Very classy and yet sexy. Second choice is Mandarin Plum.
Twitter: erinmargolin
January 23, 2011 at 10:37 am
OMG! I love them all. Sadly I am partial to LBDs….and the first one? is beautiful. You look phenomenal in all of them. the last empress is exquisite, also!
😉
Twitter: suebob
January 23, 2011 at 10:37 am
Forbidden city
The Last Empress….I figure you probably love to stand out in a crowd, right?
Twitter: aroadwithaview
January 23, 2011 at 10:52 am
They’re all gorgeous, but I like Forbidden City and Mandarin Plum.
Twitter: PopandIce
January 23, 2011 at 10:53 am
Mandarin Plum absolutely. We live in the north, y’all, and do you know how often a decent dress with long sleeves comes along? Hardly ever. Snap it up!
I usually don’t comment, but this seems super important! My vote goes to Forbidden City
Mandarin Plum, baby.
Forbidden City….pockets!! Now you don’t have to carry your keys on your belt like a janitor (not that there is anything wrong with that).
Shanghai — I pick this one because I see it w/a cute cardigan, tights and some boots.
Twitter: NaynaDub
January 23, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Forbidden city. For sure. Even though she looks like she’s about to fall in the water. Just don’t do that when you wear the dress – you’ll look fab. And dry.
Twitter: rimarama
January 23, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Forbiddy City.
Twitter: danasfeast
January 23, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Crouching Tiger is hot. Nuff said.
Twitter: SheSuggests
January 23, 2011 at 3:01 pm
I like Forbidden City and Mandarin Plum, but what do I know?
Twitter: noshoppingliz
January 23, 2011 at 4:31 pm
I like…whichever one you end up with.
No? Not gonna work for you? Ok. I like Forbidden City and Shanghai. I think you should pick the color that you have the least of in your closet. I mean, it is a free dress, so if you pick the plum one and decide you don’t like it as much, no biggie, it was free.
Twitter: nicole_pelotn
January 23, 2011 at 6:03 pm
I like the Last Empress and Shanghai, just love the shoes on that first one.
Forbidden City.
Twitter: kferrandino
January 23, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Torn between Empress and Shanghai . . .
First, I LOVE Shabby Apple! I bought the dress I wore in my engagement photos there. Their dresses are easy to wear, simpe and very flattering.
Enough about me. Pick the Empress!!
Twitter: fromtracie
January 23, 2011 at 10:21 pm
I pick Forbidden City…or Crouching Tiger. Which actually means that I didn’t really pick anything, in a way, doesn’t it?
I’d go for the Forbidden City or Shanghai. Hope that helps 🙂
Twitter: theBitchinWife
January 24, 2011 at 6:21 am
Crouching Tiger or the Last Empress. I’m not sure about your coloring and the Empress dress, though. I think it would look lovely with your skin, but am not sure about your hair.
Also, FYI for Shabby Apple: I am having all kinds of problems with load times on your site! Not sure what is going on there, but it is very frustrating. Especially because clothes are gorgeous and I love the “search by body type” function!
Crouching Tiger!
Twitter: PhoenixRising73
January 24, 2011 at 11:24 am
I like the Crouching Tiger. That may or may not be because I have these really pointy, dry, old lady elbows that I prefer to hide. Truth be told, I’m not even thinking about you. I’m just selfishly thinking to myself, “Hey, here’s a dress with SLEEVES to hide your ugly elbows! Screw the groceries – buy this dress!”
Shanghai. Or maybe I want you to want it because I want it.
Twitter: lurossman
January 24, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Crouching Tiger is pretty. I like all the Asian names. It’s very cultural.
I kind of like the Tiger, with those poofy sleeves.
Love love LOVE Shabby Apple. So much so that I can’t buy any more of their dresses until I pay off my credit card. Sads.
Anyway, throwing all my votes behind Crouching Tiger.
Twitter: sellabitmum
January 24, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Wow what a great contest for you to win on your own blog..you are brilliant..winning dresses, hiring guest posts, manservants…
I love the forbidden city.
The Shanghai! Love the cap sleeves – so much to work with 😉 Add some dangles on the ears and some naughty monkey shoes … strike a pose Girl!
Twitter: houseofgirls3
January 26, 2011 at 2:51 pm
i agree with bitchin’ amy!! love the last empress … but wasn’t sure about your hair color either. was trying to stay away from black … as everybody does it!
and you’re the third person recently to recommend the shabby apple website. must look into it…