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I paid a visit to the Anna Quan showroom last month and walked out with a slight dent in my wallet and importantly, a couple of items to show for it! I bought two pieces – the Bailey Top in Butter Yellow (which I’m planning to talk about in a separate blog post soon) and the iconic Penelope Dress – a piece I’ve had my eye on for the longest time. There have been so many rave reviews about this dress and it’s also a much-loved item amongst my fellow learned friends and corporate lemmings. The idea of a one-and-done wardrobe item for the office is always appealing when you’re time poor, and I now understand what all the hype is about.
Anna Quan Penelope Dress (sz 6) styled with L: Bared Footwear sandals (sz 36 – featured here), Status Anxiety bag*, Status Anxiety sunglasses*, Francesca earrings*; R: Ally Boots (use ‘VIRGINIATALLBOOT’ for 10% off!), Francesca earrings*
The spring weather motivated me to give this dress a go. I’m not particularly enthused about warm weather workwear as it can get pretty muggy in Sydney, but the Penelope Dress has made spring dressing a breeze. As you’ll see below, I tried it on in a few colours, including the long sleeve style in navy, and ultimately decided to go for the Mocca version, a chocolate brown shade with a contrast white trim. I’ve got a bit of a thing for chocolate brown at the moment, and I found it to be the most flattering shade on my skin tone.
L to R: Anna Quan Penelope Dresses in White (sz 6), Black, with white trim (sz 6), Solid black (sz 6), Anna Quan Angelina Dress in Navy (sz 6)
The style is simple, but so stylish. It features a preppy polo-inspired top half, complete with a collar and button detail. The silhouette is fitted at the top and falls from the hips to a slightly flared hem. The models on the website are tall, but I can confirm that the length is also suitable for petites (I’m 158cm / 5’2 for reference). If you are after something playful with a shorter hemline, there’s also the Penny Dress.
Sizing wise, I’m typically a size AU 8 and I’m pear shaped, but I bought the size AU 6 which is consistent with the size guide (which recommends sizing down in the style if you’re between sizes because of the generous cut). I think the size 6 is ideal, particularly in the darker colours I tried, but I would probably size up to my usual size in the lighter colours, as it highlighted my general mum-tum region that I tend to be self-conscious about.
The dress is made from 100% cotton which is soft to the touch and excellent quality. I’m really keen to add another colour to my collection! While I bought this dress mainly for work, it has proven to be SO versatile. Take a look at the many outfits (both work and play) that I’ve been able to style!
Anna Quan Penelope Dress (sz 6), Ally Shoes kitten heels* (use ‘VIRGINIA40’ for $40USD off or ‘VIRGINIA10’ for 10% off your first pair of flats), Bellroy bag* (review here), Francesca earrings*, Status Anxiety sunglasses*
Anna Quan Penelope Dress (sz 6) styled with L: Gucci loafers (watch my styling video here), Bellroy bag* (review here), Francesca earrings*; R: Bared Footwear sandals (sz 36 – featured here), Status Anxiety bag*, Status Anxiety sunglasses*, Francesca earrings*
Anna Quan Penelope Dress (sz 6), Ally Shoes kitten heels* (use ‘VIRGINIA40’ for $40USD off or ‘VIRGINIA10’ for 10% off your first pair of flats), Bellroy bag* (review here), Francesca earrings*, Status Anxiety sunglasses*
As always, thanks for stopping by!
P.S. You can keep up with my outfits here.
