Delightful Dupes

In the midst of this puff dress craze brought on by a combination of Selkie and Bridgerton, I know that it has taken a lot of time and working a lot of extra hours for me to afford my few designer puff dresses.  It would be nice to have a few inexpensive pieces in the mix, and I think I've found some really great dresses for one-tenth the designer price, so I had to share.

There are a few shops on Aliexpress that aren't pulling that old trick of using stolen designer photos.  Nope, they're taking their own product photos and videos, which is rare on Aliexpress and highly appreciated as it made me feel like I could trust what I would be getting.

This silky pink puff dress has a really gorgeous Venus print on it and all the fullness of a designer puff dress.  Rather than lots of printed layers, there are two layers of white fabric lining this dress, which I suspect is one way of saving on the the manufacturing cost, but since no one is going to see those lining layers, I don't mind at all.

Is it short like the designer dresses?  Oh, my, yes.  I had to purchase a pair of peach bicycle shorts to wear under my puff dresses, because even with a belt, there is very little dress covering the bum, and since I'm so tall, I felt I needed a safe guard.  You can see them peeking out in the pic below.

 

For under $30, this dress is so pretty, but I have to admit that even after all these designers and dupes, I am still not a fan of the puff dress style.  It looks cute on certain body types, but still not as good as a dress with a waist can make every body type look.  I don't think a single one of these puff dresses looks better without a belt than with.

So, while this style doesn't have me in an empire waist state of mind, I am leaning in to the trend a bit, especially as summer approaches.  This particular dress has very soft, comfortable fabric, that isn't itchy or coarse, and the print is very pretty.  

It comes in straight sizes, just S-M-L, and I ordered the small, since that was all that was available.  It's one size up from my usual, but still fits pretty well, so pay close attention to those measurements if you decide to order.

If you have been desperate to try the puff trend, but don't want to sink $300 on a first time purchase of a puff, this little beauty is a great way to try the trend without spending a ton.  I've ordered a bunch of Ali dupes and inspired dresses and I'll be trying them all over the next few weeks.  I should have a full video to release by the end of May, but if you're impatient, I'll be posting reviews here as the dresses arrive.

Shopping Info: Venus Puff Dress-$30 from ZJoan Headband is old from Shein, Heels are old from ModCloth