At 61, my daughter said: “Mum, that's much nicer than the things you normally buy”
A letter from a reader
At 61, my daughter said: “Mum, that's much nicer than the things you normally buy”

I'm probably not your typical person for these things, but here goes.
Saturday markets, then lunch
The first time I wore the Moana dress was actually to the Saturday markets and then lunch afterwards with my daughter. Nothing fancy at all, which is exactly why I liked it.
Why online shopping wears me out
I'm 61 and I find online clothes shopping a bit exhausting. So many dresses seem to be photographed on very tall, very slim women, and I can never tell how they'll actually sit on me. I'm fuller through the bust and tummy, so I usually avoid anything that looks as though it might cling.
Three days open on the iPad
My daughter sent me the link to the dress. I left it sitting open on my iPad for about three days before finally ordering it.
The neckline
When I tried it on, my first thought was that I was glad the neckline sat properly. That sounds like a small thing, but with a larger bust I often find dresses either sit too high and make me look bigger or too low and I'm constantly adjusting them.
It also fell nicely over my tummy without looking like a tent, which is usually the difficult balance for me.
What my daughter said
My daughter immediately said, “Mum, that's much nicer than the things you normally buy,” which I chose to take as a compliment!
Three things I've noticed
- The comfortable cut.
- I don't feel overheated in it.
- I don't have to iron it to death before wearing it. I washed mine on a gentle cycle and hung it up to dry and it was fine.
About the price
I did think about the price before purchasing. I wouldn't call it cheap, but I also don't mind paying for something if I know I'll actually wear it. I already have dresses in my wardrobe that cost less and were worn once, so they weren't exactly good value in the end.
What I'd tell a friend
It's a good dress for women who want to feel comfortable but still look as though they've made an effort. I wouldn't overthink it.
— Denise

The Moana Dress
A$273.95 A$79.95
- Soft and breathable feel
- Midi length, sleeveless
- Relaxed fit, pull-on style
- Moves naturally with the body
Sizes S to 5XL (AU 8 to 38) · Free tracked delivery Australia wide
Check the size chart next to the size options before you order.
This page is an advertisement for Portsea Boutique. Denise is a customer and gave her permission to share her letter.