'Minimizes my stomach, defines my waist': Amazon shoppers are obsessed with this 'beautiful' dress, so I put it to the test
Luckily, I ended up hitting the jackpot. The PRETTYGARDEN Women's Eyelet Maxi Dress totally exceeded my expectations in terms of quality and cuteness. It immediately reminded me of the bestselling Somerset Dress from Anthropologie — but at a more affordable cost.
This stunning dress is perfect for summer.
I snagged it in this bright blue shade, which screams summer, and it scored me tons of compliments at said event. When I told people it was from Amazon Canada, they were visibly impressed. While $77 can be considered pricey for the retailer, in my review below I'll touch on why I think it's worth the price — as well as some areas that could use improvement.
However, while we're on the topic of price tags, the shorter — and equally gorgeous — version of this dress is currently on sale for $50 ahead of Prime Day 2025. I'm tempted to add a couple of colours to my cart for summer.
Let's dive into all the details of this frock, why I think it's great, as well as what I didn't like.
Right off the bat, this dress is effortlessly stylish and comfortable. It's made from soft, lightweight fabric and features a flattering A-line shape, chic V-neckline and dainty eyelet details that add a feminine touch.
The short sleeves and ruffled hem make it look elevated (and quite frankly, more expensive than it actually is). Plus, the flowy silhouette is flattering for all body types, making it a go-to for everything from special occasions to casual brunch.
It's available in sizes S–XXL and in various vibrant and neutral colours. You can pair it with your favourite sandals, flats or heels to complement virtually any look you're going for.
The airy eyelet material feels very comfy for all-day wear
Its flowy A-line silhouette is flattering and makes me feel confident
The V-neckline allows me to dress it up with necklaces
It's versatile — great for travel, events or casual days
Very stretchy and not constricting
Super easy to take on and off (no buttons, zippers or anything to fuss with)
It's on the pricier side for Amazon (however, still worth it, in my opinion)
I spotted some threads that had to be cut off
It's on the bigger side, so next time I'd size down
The liner underneath isn't as long as the dress itself (just a personal pet peeve)
No pockets!
👗 "Truly a great find."
⭐ 4.5/5 stars
🛍️ 500+ ratings
Don't just take my word for it — let's see what other reviewers have to say about this dress. Do they love it as much as I do? Someone who is "very self-conscious" about their postpartum body said they're "in love with this dress." "This dress made me feel better," they stated.
Another person called it a "fun, cheerful dress" that you can wear to "a range of occasions." A third reviewer echoed this sentiment, calling it a "beautiful dress."
"This dress is so incredibly flattering," said one customer. They continued, "If it were $20 cheaper I would probably buy another colour."
"Minimizes my stomach, defines my waist," wrote one person. However, they said, "If I could change one thing, it would be to lengthen the arms a tad."
"The only 'eek' was the price… just a tad too rich for my blood but in the end, it was worth it!" shared another.
If you've been struggling to find the perfect versatile dress for many different occasions, this PRETTYGARDEN Women's Eyelet Maxi Dress might be just what you're looking for. As a shopping editor, I come across (and try on) a lot of pieces, and I can honestly say the quality on this one passes the test. After wearing it to an all-day event, I can confirm it's comfortable, lightweight and very flattering.
However, is it worth $77? I'm going to say yes, while simultaneously agreeing it's kind of pricey for Amazon. But hey, when you find something good, sometimes you've gotta splurge. Not interested in paying more than $50? Then I suggest starting with the mini dress version.
Snag the shorter version of my editor-approved maxi dress on sale for $50.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CNET
2 hours ago
- CNET
Amazon Deals of the Day: I Found a Discount on Taylor Swift's Album-Reveal Headphones
Amazon sells a vast array of products, with new ones arriving daily across multiple categories, including home essentials, tech gadgets and furniture. Lucky for us, the retail giant loves cutting prices as much as it loves adding new products. But deciding which offers are worth grabbing (and which aren't) is a full-time job, so we did all the heavy lifting, hand-picking the top markdowns from the bunch. Today, we spotted the headphones that Taylor Swift just wore in the announcement for her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, at a nice discount. We also found the Anker Soundcore portable speaker for over 30% off. And finally, the Magic Bullet is only $5 more than its record-low price. Unless you're living under a rock, you know that Taylor Swift just announced her 12th studio album "The Life of a Showgirl" on football star Travis Kelce's podcast. But what you might've overlooked are the headphones she was wearing as she revealed the blurred-out cover art album. These are the Sony MDR7506 headphones and they've actually been around since the 90s. But they prove to be a great pair of vintage headphones. It uses neodymium magnets and 40-millimeter drivers to produce excellent sound. I mean, why else would Taylor Swift be rocking them? These wired headphones have an almost 10-foot cord, so you can still move around without having to unplug. Swifties, it's your chance to grab Swift's headphones at a discount. Normally listed for $110, you can score $10 off the headphones, bringing them down to $100. It's not the best deal ever, but it lets you twin with Taylor for just $100. A reliable speaker can make a huge difference to your life, especially one that you can take on the go. The Anker Soundcore 2 is exactly that, it even previously took home the CNET Editors' Choice award. We love it because it delivers higher than average sound quality, especially for the price. It is also water-resistant and has strong battery life, perfect to bring along on any adventure. There's also a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls. Plus, it can go up to reasonably high volumes before it starts to distort, something we don't usually see for speakers in this price range. This affordable speaker retails for $45. But thanks to a limited-time 35% discount, you'll pay just $29. That's a price you can't beat, plus it's only $1 more than the lowest price of the year. Having a blender to make smoothies, sauces and more is essential. But an easier way is by using the Magic Bullet Blender. This 11-piece set is compact and made for fast and easy food prep. It is made with a high-torque power base and stainless steel blades, meaning it can handle all sorts of ingredients. The blender also comes with cups, lids and to-go accessories to help make it easy to serve and store what you made. It's lightweight and easy to clean, no hassle required. This blender set is normally 50 bucks. But thanks to a 30% discount, you can pick one up for $35, only $5 more than the all-time low price. With so many deals on Amazon, deciding which ones are worth your money can be difficult. But CNET combs through what the world's largest online retailer has to offer each day and gathers the best deals for you to check out.


Indianapolis Star
3 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
Shop alarm clocks and sound machines to help kids wake up for the new school year
Getting your household back into a consistent morning routine after the summer break can be tough. If you're anticipating the struggle to get your kids out of bed and ready for school this fall, we've got a few ideas to help make your mornings a little smoother. Once everything on the back-to-school shopping list is checked off and the backpacks are filled with essential supplies, you'll want to think about how to get everyone out the door before the bell rings. That includes finding ways to get your kids to wake up early enough so they have plenty of time to get dressed, fed, packed and ready to go without the morning rush. A key part of tackling any morning routine is setting your child up for success with the right tools. Many parents are finding that smart alarm clock devices are a game-changer. Today, there's a wide variety of innovative options available, like sunrise alarms that use light to gently welcome the morning sunshine and smart alarm clocks with customizable schedules. Below, you'll find several popular alarm clock devices you might want to consider grabbing to better prepare for the upcoming school year. Even better, some of these items are on sale, making this a great time to shop! This alarm clock uses gentle colors and facial expressions to teach bedtime and wake-up time. It features a contemporary design that adds charm to any kids' room decor. Shop on Amazon This alarm clock features ringtones and sounds from the world of Mario. Plus, there are over 20 other styles to choose from, including Disney characters and comic book heroes. Shop at Amazon This alarm clock features gentle lights and sounds to soothe your newborn, teach your toddler when it's time to rise and help your big kid develop sleep independence. Shop at Amazon More: Head back to school in style with top shoe deals from Hoka, Rothy's, Nike and more The only extra super loud smart and obnoxiously cute running robot alarm clock for heavy sleepers, adults and kids' bedrooms. Shop at Amazon This easy-to-use digital alarm clock features bright, colorful lights with a dimmer slider and a battery power back-up. Shop at Amazon More: Back-to-school sales aren't just for students: Shop deals at Ulta, Lowe's This all-in-one features white noise, a built-in Bluetooth speaker and 10W fast wireless charger. It's perfect to help teens streamline their morning routine and evening relaxation. Shop at Amazon This alarm clock features the combination of simulated sunlight and nature sounds, which makes every wake-up and wind-down soothing and stress-relieving. Shop at Amazon This high-tech device combines a smart alarm clock and a night light sound machine in one simple device. It features over 100 sleep sounds like white noise, nature sounds and guided meditations. Shop at Amazon Transitioning back into a school routine after a long summer can be a tough transition for kids and parents alike. With two months of late bedtimes and sleeping in, those first few weeks of early alarms and rushed mornings can be a real challenge. But the secret to a great morning is a solid bedtime routine. Many of today's smart alarm clock devices, from sunrise alarms to smart lights, come with features that help create a calming wind-down ritual. They can dim lights, play soothing sounds and signal to your child that it's time to relax. By establishing this consistent routine, you're not just helping them fall asleep—you're setting them up for a refreshed and energized start to the next day.


Tom's Guide
4 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Epic Brooks running sale is live — shop my 9 favorite deals on sneakers and apparel
Whether you're hitting the trails, running a marathon or heading back to school, having a reliable pair of sneakers is a non-negotiable. And now that summer is winding down, we're seeing some great deals on Brooks running shoes and apparel. Brooks, Amazon and REI are slashing prices on some of the our favorite Brooks running gear. For instance, you can get the Ghost 16 starting at just $90 on Amazon. Another deal worth mentioning is the Revel 7 priced at just $84. Additionally, you can grab shorts, half zips, jackets and more running essentials for less. We don't know how long these savings will last, so you'll want to act fast to snag a pair of discounted sneakers or apparel before they sell out. Keep scrolling to shop my favorite Brooks deals for summer, back to school season and beyond. The Revel 7 is one of Brooks' most budget-friendly running shoes at full price, and right now, there's $15 knocked off its affordable price. Whether you're going for a run, lifting weights, or running errands, these shoes offer comfortable, adaptive cushioning that'll support your foot all day. This is a great all-round running shoe that's comfortable, supportive and protective, making it a prime choice for everyday miles. It comes in a range of colors, so it's worth checking which ones are included in the deal to make sure you get the best price before you buy. Shop the men's shoe here. For those looking for maximum cushioning in a running shoe, this is the one for you. In addition to plenty of Brooks' nitrogen-infused foam, the Ghost Max 2 also features an upward curve at the heel and toe to improve heel-toe transitions and a broad base to increase stability. There are several colors to choose from and you can also grab the women's shoe for $109. In the market for a new training shoe? The Brooks Hyperion is one of the lightest options when it comes to running shoes. It's perfect for speedy training days thanks to ultralight cushioning and an updated design that accelerates your heel-to-toe transition to propel you forward. The Brooks Glycerin 20 is at one of its lowest prices in a wide range of sizes and colors available in both women's and men's shoes. All shoe versions are reduced, including the Brooks Glycerin 20 StealthFit, with its tighter upper, and the Brooks Glycerin 20 GTS, with extra stability features. These best-selling shorts are designed to give you just enough coverage without weighing you down. The adjustable fit has an infinity drawstring for added security, a soft, stretch liner that won't ride up or bunch and three hidden pockets to hold your valuables. In short, they're the perfect companion for distraction-free jogs. Hit the road or trail running in this Brooks shirt that wicks away sweat to keep you comfy. It features a higher neckline that works with your hydration vest and thumbholes to help keep the sleeves in place while you're on the move. Even though this soft half-zip is better-suited for fall temperatures, it's worth snagging now with nearly $20 off. Plus, you may get some use out of it in summer if you love to workout at your local gym, where the AC tends to be quite cold. It's breathable and moisture-wicking, so it'll keep you comfortably warm at the gym. For extra skin protection, throw on a lightweight running jacket like this one before heading outside. It's super breathable, so you shouldn't get too hot while running, but if you do, you can quickly slip it off and wrap it around your waist. This jacket is also water-resistant, so you can go for a run even if it's lightly raining.