1930s Joanie Bias Cut Dress - Ebony Satin

The good: beautiful material, elegant shape, rust color is gorgeous, adjustable belt, wrist elastic not too tight (some reviewers said it was too tight), extremely comfortable, many compliments.

The ok: material has a slight tendency to catch on things but the "pulls" are very tiny and not super noticeable; it wrinkles SUPER easily (but the wrinkles come out in seconds with a steamer - so I'd recommend bringing a travel one if you going to a destination event) - the material is so gorgeous I am happy with this trade off; I also steamed the neckline into a drape I prefer (I steamed the pleats down on the shoulder and then followed those lines to steam the loose neck drape, I steamed the top inch of the neck inwards so the stitching wouldn't show) - if you don't want to go through this hassle the dress still looks great (like the models in the photos - but you can steam it to look nicer than they have it, in my opinion); the belt loops (on the sides of the dress) were several inches higher than my natural waste, so the belt is not in those loops; the belt clasps are plastic and there was a burr left from the molding that I had to file away with a nail file so it didn't snag the dress.

I'm 5'8" 130lbs / 173cm 59kgs. I bought a size 12 (my bust is UK size 12, waist 10, hips 6). It says to select your size based on your waste but I have broad shoulders and was worried about the belt being too tight (the belt is actually adjustable - wish this was in the dress description!). I think a size 10 could have fit great as well but I was very happy with the size 12.

Felt amazing in this dress. Wore to a gold themed event and wanted something 30s in style but really wanted arms covered - love the bias cut and cowl.

The fabric and construction are of good quality. The drape and fit is perfect. I ordered this dress (in rust) to wear at my wedding, and it feels like a really special garment.

This is my 4th Joanie dress, and I’m sad to say it will be my last. Although I ordered the same size as the previous three, the sleeves are dramatically shorter with elastic so tight they cut off circulation. For the price point, quality control should be far higher.

Made and delivered in excellent time for a special vintage dining event - thank you so much for your help with this. I received so many complements I genuinely felt super glamorous - I was definitely wearing the most beautiful dress at the event. I usually wear a size 8 but size up in all of the cowl neck styles as I have fairly broad shoulders and need the extra room to comfortably get it over my head and shoulders - it still fits like a dream, with the deco belt giving it waist shape. Would love to have it in every colour.