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Original poster

Is Kaliko a bit old fashioned? Like a dress but worried it'll look frumpy.

37 replies

JellyBelly10 · 14/08/2013 13:16

Found this dress online and it's reduced from £199 to £69 which appears to be a major factor in why I like it! I was thinking ahead to the Christmas season and imagining it with high heel black shoes and a black pashmina...
I'm just doubting myself a bit because although I think it looks lovely and could suit my shape (5' 7" and fairly slim size 10-12) and I love the colour and the beading, a bit of me is wondering why it's so reduced...presumably because not enough people liked it to buy it!!! What do you think? Here it is Kaliko Dress

OP posts:

takeaway2 · 14/08/2013 13:20

I think it looks fine!!! but then you probably want to wait for the usual S&B people to come and make more valid comments! I like it!

TerribleTantrums · 14/08/2013 13:22

I like it, although it is quite modest with its high neckline and below the knee skirt. It would be perfect for family Christmas but not for a night out. It's also a very difficult colour for most celtic/northern European skin tones, which might be why it hasn't sold out.

If you like it, buy it.

Twinklestein · 14/08/2013 13:36

I think it's very pretty indeed. I agree there's usually a reason why something is that much reduced - it looks like it might be a bit shapeless on as there's not much waist definition.

I'd suggest a pale aqua ribbon round the waist if it needs nipping in, from a specialist haberdashery like VV Rouleaux. I've found that can really work with dresses you can't wear belts with.

Original poster

JellyBelly10 · 14/08/2013 13:57

TerribleTantrums, I love the colour but agree that it might totally wash out a typical English complexion and I definitely have a pale with touches of rosacea type complexion! Actually the color will tone in with my greeny-veined legs! It actually says that it's supposed to be just above knee length, so hopefully would look a little less frumpy than it would if it were below knee. Oh bugger it, I'm going to buy it as I've had some John Lewis gift vouchers sitting in a drawer since March so it will feel like I'm not really paying for it! If it looks hideous on me I'll send it back!

OP posts:

MadBusLady · 14/08/2013 14:14

Think it's a bit on the demure side for occasionwear, but would be great for dressy/casual with opaques, patent ankle boots and a leather jacket, all black, provided it was short enough.

SofaCanary · 14/08/2013 14:31

It's a bit twee.

Missbopeep · 14/08/2013 14:35

Hmmm.....TBH I liked it at first glance but I do think it's a bit frumpy. Sorry. I think the straight up and down style is aimed more at women in their 60s and older who don't have much waist definition ( on the whole.)
It's not a 'young' persons dress imo. More a 'mother of the bride' in late middle age or ladies Ascot or Buck Palace lunch party kind of thing.

Missbopeep · 14/08/2013 14:37

This has more oomph imo.

john lewis

MerylStrop · 14/08/2013 14:39

I think it is the kind of dress that could look FAB on a lady in their 50s, worn classically and elegantly, or on a lissom 22 year old, worn edgily, with something to quirk it up.

Are either of those you?

I would bet my bottom dollar that the reduction is because all the beads keep falling off.

Thumbwitch · 14/08/2013 14:42

I like it apart from the neckline which is dreadful. But if it had a more scooped neckline then I'd like it a LOT more. :)

I prefer the purple one Missbopeep linked to, AND it's even cheaper!

Missbopeep · 14/08/2013 14:44

I'm in my 50 Meryl and I wouldn't wear it
the combo of pale aqua, beads and shapelessness say no! to me anyway although it's pretty in some ways.

helzapoppin2 · 14/08/2013 14:46

Kaliko is part of a group of companies, Alexon/Minuet/ Dash etc who seem to radically reduce their stock at sale time to the point where they seem to be giving stuff away! I would take advantage if I were you!
Kaliko is supposed to be aimed at a younger market. This is reflected in the length of the dress, which is probably above the knee.
I am older and would just look wrong in anything that length.

Kezztrel · 14/08/2013 14:47

It's a bit of a frumpy shape at first glance but you're tall and slim so it might work on you - I think the colour and beading are gorgeous (but agree colour could be hard to pull off). The one Missbo linked to would be a safer bet...

Missbopeep · 14/08/2013 14:51

Goodness- it's aimed at the younger market? What is the older stuff like?

I think overall kaliko is along the same lines as CC, Alexon and other rather staid brands- on the whole. A bit like Phase 8.

I was once put off Kaliko forever when a very young hairdresser told me 'her mum loved the brand' and instantly classed me as the same age as her mum- maybe I was/am but I prefer the look of Mint Velvet, some of Jigsaw ( though not the prices) , and LK Bennett.

Fillyjonk75 · 14/08/2013 14:54

I don't worry about the shop, just the item itself. I had an outfit from Kaliko in my early 20s and it certainly wasn't frumpy.

I think it's gorgeous, nice length, classic not frumpy. I suspect most people can't wear it as they aren't toned enough in the midsection and fitted lace with pale colours can be unforgving on lumps and bumps. You could always apply a bit of self tan. It's one of my favourite colours though I am quite tanned and blonde at the moment!

Wear it with high shoes and 1930s style accessories, you will rock it.

Missbopeep · 14/08/2013 15:03

I think the general feeling was it was for people who weren't toned in the mid section as it's straight up and down, with no waist.

soaccidentprone · 14/08/2013 15:06

Well it is pretty, however it is nylon which might be why it hasn't sold that well.

flowery · 14/08/2013 15:11

Kaliko is aimed at 25 - 55, or it used to be back in the day when I was a manager there anyway.

Not keen on the dress though I'm afraid, I think there is a danger of it looking frumpy and I think the colour is bleeuurgh. However I do like (and suit) vibrant bright colours, so that muted aqua might suit you OP.

Fillyjonk75 · 14/08/2013 15:11

It wouldn't be straight up and down if I put my boobs in it! It looks shaped not just a straight shift, but you can't really tell until you wear it.

helzapoppin2 · 14/08/2013 15:15

25-55, that's a wide demographic!

flowery · 14/08/2013 15:18

Indeed. In reality when I was working there it was mainly 35-45 who were actually buying. I think they just like hedging their bets a bit, and there was no younger brand in the group so Kaliko was supposed to cover that end I guess.

flowery · 14/08/2013 15:19

Disclaimer: this was 15 years ago...!

flowery · 14/08/2013 15:20

I was 21-22 when I was a manager there and it was a bit old for me, although there were some things I got which were fab and lasted years afterwards.

MadBusLady · 14/08/2013 15:22

Yes, the 22yo with accessories to quirk it up was what I was thinking except am 34 but the more I look at it I think it just wouldn't be short enough, even on 5'7". Which is rare in dresses at the moment!

Arisbottle · 14/08/2013 15:25

I buy some kaliko as workwear . I find it is a bit like a better quality Principles ( is that place still open ). Some frumpy stuff but also some good classic work pieces . In also buy Phase Eight and Planet for work - are they all the same group ?

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