What I Wore: Embroidered Kimono Dress

 Hailey is wearing the Angie Kimono Dress from Johnny Was via Gwynnie Bee. - DivineMrsDiva.com

Sometimes clothes work and sometimes they don't.  Sometimes they fall into both categories, like this beautifully embroidered knit dress from Johnny Was.  Johnny Was is a new-to-me brand that I delved into through Gwynnie Bee.  I was excited to see the dress in person as the embroidered design really appeals to me.


Hailey is wearing the Angie Kimono Dress from Johnny Was via Gwynnie Bee. - DivineMrsDiva.com

Johnny Was is a Los Angeles-Based company started in 1987.  They feature six divisions that appeal to different types of women. From their website: "The brand's hallmark JOHNNY WAS Collection offers a broad range of boho-chic clothing fit for ones daily wardrobe. The BIYA line offers bold silhouettes in opulent fabrications, while Pete & Greta delivers lifestyle basics with an edge. JWLA represents casual-yet-unique cool, while sister line 3J Workshop re-imagines the traditional menswear shirt with unique feminine details. 4 Love and Liberty's ethereal creations cater to the fashion-forward sophisticate." 

Hailey is wearing the Angie Kimono Dress from Johnny Was via Gwynnie Bee. - DivineMrsDiva.com

When I pulled the dress out of its shipping bag, I was taken with the embroidery but hesitant about the rest.  It is a very loose-fitting dress without much shape.  Still, I tried it on (because that is what I do), pleasantly surprised by the way it looked.  This post should be more aptly titled "What I Tried" because I chose not to wear it out.  I did want to style it for you, however, to give you a better idea of its charm.

The material is a thin knit that is soft, stretchy, and comfortable.  I am wearing this dress in a 4X and it hits me right at the knee or slightly above.  From the front, it was boho-cute.  The large, fluttery kimono sleeves made me happy, as they provide coverage and air-conditioning on hot summer days.  I liked the design going down the front.  I felt it was a good scale for the dress and the design helped provide the illusion of a shape on a rather shapeless and over-sized piece.   But this didn't save the back from being less than ideal.

Hailey is wearing the Angie Kimono Dress from Johnny Was via Gwynnie Bee. - DivineMrsDiva.com
Hailey is wearing the Angie Kimono Dress from Johnny Was via Gwynnie Bee. - DivineMrsDiva.com

Granted it wasn't horrible, just not for me.  The tie-back helped cinch it in at the waist, but from the side it did nothing for my body shape.  It was like wearing a giant t-shirt, which is comfortable, but not the best silhouette on me personally.  Still I loved the design and wished it had been used on a more structured dress.  (Searching the internet, I found this dress on a couple other women.  I think I should have sized down, but it also seems to look better on women with a larger bust because the waist comes in more than it does on me.  I kind of want to try it a size smaller now.)

Hailey is wearing the Angie Kimono Dress from Johnny Was via Gwynnie Bee. - DivineMrsDiva.com
Kimono Dress - Johnny Was via Gwynnie Bee (4X)
Stretch Riding Boots - Avenue
Turquoise Necklace - Forever 21


Have you worn any Johnny Was pieces?  Are you a boho girl?  Do you love colorfully embroidered looks?  Share your thoughts!



8 comments

  1. I have seen several Johnny Was pieces that I like, but have never tried any of them before. I am a total boho girl and whenever I see embroidery, I just am nuts over it. I agree when it comes to finding clothing that works from all angles. I have had to pass on several items lately because of how they fit on the back side.

    Janeane
    Designing From My Closet

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    1. I definitely thought of you as I looked through the website. I love all the color and embroidered designs, so I knew you would too. I am going to try this dress in a size smaller to see if that helps. I think I am also not used to wearing more oversized pieces, so that takes some getting used to. I just adore the embroidery though. Just thinking about it makes me miss this dress.

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  2. I tried the black one w/ white embroidery and LOVED IT...I would have purchased it if it wasn't so expensive. I'm definitely boho, and I kind of like things with a more flowy shape. I want the dress you're wearing, lol. I'd rock that all summer long. (PS I think it's cute on you. Also, definitely try a size down, I think it will have more shape at the top for you & you'll like the fit more.) I think I also tried a cute little embroidered jacket from Johnny Was, but it didn't do as much for me as the dress did. If they still have it at GB, you should definitely try it...it's more in line with your style.

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  3. I definitely don't want to write this dress off completely because I do agree that a size down might work better for my personal taste. I am CRAZY about the embroidery. I just love the way it looks so much. It was definitely super comfortable though. It is something I could wear around the house in this oversized fit, but it was really expensive. I added the black one with the white embroidery to my closet in a 3X. It looks like it fits more like I wish this one did. I also added this one back in a smaller size just in case. I'm trying to remind myself that I don't always have to cinch things in or have things be more fitted. Flowy is great. But I think I just like the way things look when they are more fitted at the top.

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  4. Wow I'm sorry this dress just looks like a long nightgown to me. It's ok from the front, but the sleeves are really big and the back just plain. It looks like it'd be really soft though.

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  5. It was comfy for sure, but I do wish it had more structure. For as awesome as the front was, I was sad the back was so plain. I'm still crazy about the embroidery and added some different Johnny Was items to my Gwynnie Bee closet to try.

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  6. It's for sure too big, but I like the color and embroidery! I actually have this one on its way to me in the same size, so we'll see how it goes.

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  7. I bought this when Gwynnie Bee marked it down even further. I have worn it a few times in public when I had to run to the store, but for the most part it is my house dress. I love it cause it feels like pjs, but if someone stops in I don't look like I'm still in my pjs ;)

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