I like browsing Francesca's because their pieces are quirky (not Anthropologie quirky, but quirkier than, say... The Gap. I guess that's not saying very much, though), colorful, trendy, and fairly reasonably-priced (especially when they go on sale – then you can get a dress for $10, but their sizes seem to sell out quickly).
I rarely purchase anything there, though, because you get what you pay for – that is, Francesca's stockers seems to make rather liberal use of synthetic fabrics. I really liked the print of this particular dress, though, so I caved, despite it being 100% polyester.
So, the good:
1. This thing will never wrinkle, so it's good for travel. There are good things about synthetics, after all.
2. The kimono-style sleeves are flattering – especially good if you have thick upper arms!
3. The length is good (the size small comes to my knee; I'm 5'0", for reference) and the styling hides any tummeh you may happen to possess.
And the bad:
1. The colors aren't as bright as they are in the picture, and all the orange seems to have mysteriously disappeared into a bland tannish-yellow.
2. The inside hem of the bodice is raw. (It's hidden, luckily.)
3. Feels... well... synthetic.
It looks cute on, so I'm happy. Just keep in mind that if you ever shop at Francesca's, this isn't super high quality stuff you're getting. I've always thought of it as a boutique version of Forever 21.
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