With spring on the horizon, we’re excited to share 5 must-have spring dresses and jumpsuits to get you off to a great start with your shopping for the season. Just as we went behind the scenes in December and had Gloria, Connected Apparel’s Head of Design, share her picks for the top 3 dresses & jumpsuits of 2018, this time around we tapped the expertise of Terri, another fabulous member of the CA team.
Terri Parker, Assistant to CEO & Fit Model |
Terri’s career in the garment industry began in 1975 working as a fit model for Spare Parts, where she was later hired as the CEO’s assistant. In 1983, she moved over to All That Jazz/Chorus Line as the personal assistant to all three owners - one of which was Jay Balaban, our CEO. In 1999, Terri joined the sales team for Jazz Sport (a division of All That Jazz) until she left to join Connected Apparel for our launch in 2000. Since then, Terri has been Jay’s right-hand and our fit model for regular size apparel. And the rest, as they say, is history. In total, Terri has been Jay’s assistant for over 35 years and is like family! |
Now that you know a bit about Terri, let’s find out what her 5 favorite spring dresses and jumpsuits are. Get the scoop on which spring dresses to wear to semi-formal events, find a great day-to-night jumpsuit option and more. Â
Why do you like this dress?
I like the print and how the Corey dress shirrs to the side; it’s very flattering. I love the form fit on the body and that the sheering hides parts of the body you maybe don’t want to show. I also love the chiffon sheer sleeves. They’re roomy, flowy and feel good on.
How did it make you feel when you put it on during your fitting?
The first time I put this dress on, it felt balanced. It felt good and it looked good.
Where would you wear this dress?
I would wear this to bridal showers, a dinner date, church, birthday parties, Easter dinner, luncheons.
Why do you like this dress?
The light weight, sheerness and wrap of the fabric is perfect for Spring. I love that the sleeves are sheer and fitted so you get a nice amount of coverage. I love the sexiness of the wrap in the front, the tulip hem is a nice touch and the shirring on the side gives beautiful shape to the body. The print is also very romantic.
How did it make you feel when you put it on during your fitting?
The first time I put the Mandy dress on I loved how lightweight it was and how soft it felt on the body. It just wrapped my body perfectly.
Where would you wear this dress?
Dinners, semi-formal events, date nights, birthday parties, family gatherings, vacation.
Why do you like this jumpsuit?
The Sara jumpsuit is pure sexy. The shape of the jumpsuit, the deep-V (I fought for that part) and the asymmetrical ruffle that elegantly drapes from your shoulder to the side of your leg is so flattering and romantic.
How did it make you feel when you put it on during your fitting?
The fit of the jumpsuit is perfect. It’s one of my favorites to try on. It makes me feel amazing instantly.
Where would you wear this jumpsuit?
I would wear this jumpsuit to dinner, semi-formal events, dancing, evening formal family functions, birthday parties, drinks with girlfriends, on a cruise.
Why do you like this jumpsuit?
I like Olivia because of the mitered V-bodice that accentuates your bust and narrows the waist. The lines of the pant are so slimming and flattering. The belt at the waist ties it all together and gives a great shape to this wide-leg crop jumpsuit. The fabric is super comfortable and casual but can also be dressed up. The fact that it has short sleeves also makes it a great day-to-night option.
How did it make you feel when you put it on during your fitting?
The first time I put this jumpsuit on, I instantly felt like it was figure-flattering.
Where would you wear this jumpsuit?
I would wear this to work, lunch, casual outings, errands, brunch. But then I’d also dress it up and wear it to casual dinners. It’s really a nice day to night jumpsuit.
Throw on a leather jacket with this jumpsuit to wear it at night. It’s a lot of fun.
Why do you like this dress?
First of all, I love the Tonya dress because of the bubble dot print. It’s one of our signature prints and dresses. I love the drape neck and the fitted bodice. It’s very flattering and holds you in. The ease of the mid length skirt creates a really beautiful silhouette that makes this dress comfortable to wear. It’s not constricting at all but, again, gives you a beautiful shape. The drape neck is really sexy to me.
How did it make you feel when you put it on during your fitting?
The first time I put this dress on was years ago when we first put it on the line. Every time I have it on during a fitting, it always makes me feel classy and comfortable.
Where would you wear this dress?
I would wear this to work, daytime events, luncheons, date nights, family functions, birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers. And with a hat to horse races!
We’d love to hear your thoughts about Terri’s picks! Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below. Shop these outfits and be sure to check out all of our new arrivals to find even more spring dresses and jumpsuits that will look and feel amazing.
Hi DarylLynn & Sheila! We have a number of these dresses available in petite sizes. Please check your emails as someone from our team has followed up personally with each of you :)
I wear only petite sizes. Would love to see outfits that flatter those of us who are, as my grandchildren say,” fun sized”!
It was great to read how Terri liked the outfits and how they felt. Nice read
I love the Sara and the Tonya! Do any of these 5 come in petite?