Avonlea Shirtwaist Dress - Blue

This is a lovely all-cotton dress, the deep blue and white colors and the floral pattern are very beautiful. However, FYI, I found this dress runs snug in the shoulders and the back,(the upper torso), as my shoulders are a little larger from swimming, and also due to my ribcage getting wider in my late 50’s. If you’re on the cusp between a M and L and have bigger shoulders, go for the size L. I do wish this very cute dress had “real” short sleeves of approx. 2” longer, as not a big fan of the cap-sleeve look, and putting on another layer to cover up the upper arm isn’t appealing when it’s 95 degrees F outside. Due to the pretty jewel-toned color, that’s why I wanted to try out this style, but the M is too snug in the shoulders & back, and it will cost $12-15 to send back the dress to Exchange it, so I’m still mulling over what to do, as it takes money & time to send something back to the East Coast.

I was drawn to the pretty blue print that reminds me of cornflowers. Like all April Cornell clothes the cotton fabric is superb, lightweight, crisp, but drapes. I like the true waistline, I find it more slimming than the looser silhouettes I’ve ordered before. The tie belt is a nice touch, but the dress looks fine without it. The dress is more of a midi length, but I think I’ll keep the longer length.

Stunning. Perfect summer pure cotton material. Really flattering. Can be dressed up or down. Truly happy to have purchased it. Congratulations to the designer/dressmakers.

I tried this dress on as soon as it arrived and I love it! It’s such a striking blue, reminiscent of a lovely vintage china pattern. For size reference, I ordered xxs and am 5’4” 110 lbs, 27 waist, 32 bust. It has a little extra room, (I’m small busted) and could accommodate about 2 inches more in the waist if needed, but with the belt it looks just right. It does not look too big on me, but has an ease to it that makes it comfortable. (and as I mentioned the belt gives some flexibility to the sizing) The cap sleeves stick out a little, but it gives the dress a bit of a vintage styling to it with them. If you are on the fence about this one, buy it—-it’s just so pretty, feminine, and the color is beautiful!

Classy! Love the clean crisp color!

This beautiful blue spring dress is my new favorite AC dress. It checks all the boxes. I'm a huge fan of this shade of blue and this print. It fits perfectly and best of all it's cotton! : ) I also ordered the sundress and it's delightful. I can't have too much of this fabric. It's so soothing and feminine.