My sister and I were chatting the other day about whether we could do "tasteful" or not. We both insisted that we could, but that we found ourselves liking to edge our toe over the line into questionable territory so very much more.
I've been seeing a lot of chic sheath dresses in blogland and thought that was a safe place to start on something "tasteful". I got some navy blue cotton/wool mix fabric on sale and set about to create something.
I was glad I made a muslin because in typical Burda fashion that neckline wouldn't pass anyone's modesty meter. I raised front and back neckline 5/8 inch. Now here's something else about Burda patterns they like the princess seam to run smack bang down centre "girl" as the breast is discreetly referred to in sewing world. The big 4 have the line veer discreetly to the side of "girl" , which is much more tolerant of error. So I had to check that the line was in the correct position and that I added the right amount of FBA to both sides.
Then I wore it to the symphony on Thursday (which was the occasion that prompted the making of dull dress) and realised something very important. This dress is ALL about the bust. It's just a wide frame for the enhancement and display of splendiforous decollete.
This dress says "well heeeeeelo boys, let me introduce you to my girls." And if I had to bend over, I could do it personally.
Not for the faint hearted, this dress.
When you stand up straight I wouldn't have thought this dress was showing that much cleavage at all. I think it looks great on you, and definitely stylish!
ReplyDeleteI like it. I'm not averse to showing a bit of cleavage. You can dress this up and down as well as funking it up with unexpected accessories or toning it down with simple ones.
ReplyDeleteHa ha - I wish I could do that!
ReplyDeleteLove the colour - you will be able to dress it up/down as you choose!
Woo-hoo!! I think it's fabulous!! A little cleavage reminds a girl she's a girl - and helps hubby remember, too. Especially when it's been one of "those" days.
ReplyDeleteHoly boobies, Batman!! What the heck, show 'em if ya got 'em! Seriously though, the dress is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI like it, too. Interesting about the double-whammy (er...) of low neckline and centered seam. Oh those Burda ladies, what do they wear when THEY go out? The mind boggles.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great on you! Carol's right...this dress is a wonderful foil for some funky accessories.
ReplyDeleteTasteful is overrated ;-)
ReplyDeletei've been reading your fabulous blog for a while but never commented before. now i must because this dress is so great. i love it and you look gorgeous wearing it!
ReplyDeleteGood heavens, I was just going to make a semi fitted blue shell dress too! Are we cosmically linked or what???!!!
ReplyDeleteI had ginormous breasts for maybe 6 months after my son was born. I always said I would wear really low-cut tops if I had a large bosom, but during this brief time my body didn't really feel like *me*. If it had felt like me, you can bet money I'd be applying the Burda neckline treatment to every garment I made. WORK IT!!!!
ReplyDeletey'know, tasteful is only one style, along with boho, grunge, retro etc. And really, who is the arbitrator when it comes to taste? This morning my daughter was playing dress ups...she wore a boob tube as a tight, mini-skirt, put a big shiny skirt over her shoulders and topped it off with an eclectic scarf and high heels...reminiscent of the bugsy malone movie..and all I could think was gosh, that is how I'd like to look. So my taste is currently locked away in a dress-up box!
ReplyDeleteI have often wondered where princess lines are supposed to go. In the absence of good information on the topic, I have always positioned it over the bust point (can I say nipple? I find "girls" to be a little weird). This is not a topic that I have come across in my sewing reading.
Anyway, after all that waffle, I almost forgot to tell you that your dress looks great! Most tasteful!!
I think you should walk around leaning over and say "You want fries with this?" Hahah. I love your dress. I think it's very flattering on you. And really, how often do you lean over like that when wearing a dress like that? Presumably you won't be wearing it whilst taking care of your son. Right?
ReplyDeleteI am scared I might awaken my children because I am laughing too loudly!!!!! This is the best post yet!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe dress looks great!
Thank you for the best laugh I have had in quite a while!
You bring me a giggle just when I need it!
ReplyDeleteYou look great in this. And that final picture is just fantastic! I agree with others, this is a very versatile little number that could be worn well in so many ways.
Good job, you!
XO
Iris