Pont Neuf Dress, $78
My lack of athleticism and interest in physical activity has become a running joke in my family. Their favorite line: “I’m in shape. The shape I’ve chosen is a pear.” But according to Shabby Apple’s Fit to Flatter body type identifier, I’m actually an apple. The Utah-based company specializes in dresses for women, with an emphasis on modesty, which are sold exclusively through the store’s website.
Shabby Apple’s owners Athelia CK Woolley and Emily Bell McCormick subscribe to a “more is more” philosophy when it comes to dressing. More fabric, that is. The pair searched high and low for dresses that didn’t require a camisole or cardigan to make the wearer feel covered, but came up empty handed. It seemed that the days where a single piece of clothing, a dress, functioning as an entire outfit were long gone.
As young Mormon women, this discovery was problematic. The faith requires women to wear clothing with sleeves, conservative necklines, and knee-length hems. Although not all Mormons choose to do so, followers must also wear special underwear, known as “garments.” Finding trendy pieces that comfortably accommodate these panties is a pain.
La Tour Eiffel Dress, $96
Woolley and McCormick took matters into their own hands, designing a line of dresses they couldn’t find anywhere else. The styles transcend religion and Shabby Apple gained recognition across the country. Ladies who never felt comfortable in low cut mini-dresses finally have an alternative to layering. With prices hovering around $100 dollars, investing in a Shabby Apple dress won’t break the bank. Plus, signing up for the online mailing list will earn you a 10 percent discount.
That the dresses are designed for the modest woman is more or less imperceptible. The website features eight different women’s lines, a line for preteens, baby, expecting mothers, and plus size women. The pair also designed a line of tankinis and one-pieces perfect for the summer.
Of course, Shabby Apple features an incredible selection of jewelry, handbags, shoes, and accessories. At the company’s core is the idea that the dress is timeless, classic, and if designed properly, needs only some well-chosen accessories to complete the look.
CEO Dress, $96
There is not a closet in the contiguous United States that would not benefit from a Shabby Apple dress. Perfect for work or play, the dresses are very Mad Men. Since having a backside and breasts was all the rage in the 60s, the clothing accommodated these ample assets. Ask any big chested woman these days and she’ll tell you that most lines are built for B-cups and designers assume women want to show a little cleave. The women of Shabby Apple don’t have the misconception that all women want their boobs and butts on display. Woolley and McCormick merge flattering fits and functional designs to create dresses that speak to an era when clothing respected, enhanced, and celebrated the female figure. PoorLittleRichGirls think this idea is not too shabby.
(Lauren Bonenberger)
