These are great dresses; real 'statements.'  But, some caveats.  This is my second purchase of the lighter dress, because after the first time I handwashed it, the red flowers bled slightly into the cream-colored background.  Tip:  always handwash it INSIDE OUT; don't let it sit in the water for longer than 5 minutes; and let it air-dry inside out (I dry mine over a rack).  Never, ever wash these dresses in a machine, even on delicate cycle.  Another thing to avoid:  the ends of the tassels on the string sashes will pouf out when they get wet, and will dry that way.  To prevent it, put a clear little plastic ponytail band around the middle of the tassel, and by the time it's dried, it will look "normal."  Also, you'll need a split slip to wear under this. The dress fabric is sheer-ish, and since the front is split up to the knee, well, you wouldn't leave a great deal to the imagination.  Each time I've worn this dress I've received many compliments.  It's graceful, it flows, it's flattering, and the price cannot be beat.