After all that, I'm not head over heals for this dress. I did a bit of a naughty in buying Vogue 1102, knowing it compromised the number one rule for my shape: high neckline. I've been dabbling in some 'research' to figure out the what styles suit and what patterns I should go for. By research I mean, watching Trinny and Susannah's 'What Not to Wear' and trying on clothes that aren't necessarily 'me', just for thrills! Apparently, I'm an upside-down triangle. Broad shoulders and chest and narrow hips, means pencil skirts yes, high necklines no. Turtlenecks: BIG NO! Anything with an expanses of fabric across the chest make me look and feel boxy.
Rules Schmules she said! I had a vision of this dress in aqua linen-blend and I thought maybe, just this once I could overlook the neckline. There was even enough of this thrifted fabric, 4 yards! The stars were aligned, it was meant to be. And I love this style, really I do, but sadly not on me. I changed out of it and into a backup dress between wedding and reception. I just felt uncomfortable. Perhaps Vogue 1102 is better suited to girls who are petite up top. If you are full busted or broad shouldered or both, save yourself the heartache and go for a Vogue 8280 type neckline. Or just make it up anyway to reconfirm what you knew you already knew!
Excuse my underwear but this was too good not to share. Have I been living in a bubble? Did you know there is such thing as a 'low back bra extender'? I was just about to buy some alarming stick-on cups when I saw... a piece of elastic with bra clips/ hooks on each which attaches to one side your bra, wraps around your tummy and hooks onto the other side, dragging it down below the line of your dress. The best part is it attaches to your own bra (and it was a third of the price). You can't beat the security a proper bra in the event of shimmying/ leakage. As it turns out, 15 hours without breastfeeding led to some seriously engorged boobies. I just wanted to get home!
OH MY... that's gorgeous! Apparently I have been living in a bubble as well... I had no idea they have bra extensions. I learned somethin' new today! :)
ReplyDeletethe dress looks great in the pictures, pity you felt uncomfortable after all the work! Thanks for the bra tip, now I can stop wearing bathers beneath my dresses for want of a better option!
ReplyDeletewell, you look lovely :)
ReplyDeletei think it's beautiful, but if you feel uncomfortable in it maybe you can tweak the neckline somehow???? it'd be a shame not to wear this loveliness! i know what you mean about high necklines, though - i'm the same way. i do best in a v-neck or scoop neck.
ReplyDeleteOh my, the dress is beautiful. I'm an ex-swimmer myself, broad-shoulderd and I come nowhere near turtle necks :)
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are great, especially the first one. Whaw!
I totally get what you mean about feeling uncomfortable and just wanting...out. Brilliant idea to bring a back-up dress! I think it's fun and summery and has a nice swing. I love that you showed the lessons you learned. Not every sewing project can be a "win," but learning through the process just makes future projects better! And the back bra extender? Um...THANK YOU.
ReplyDeleteI like it! Your quite the experienced sewer these days, seriously impressed... I say Trinnie Shminnie ;-).
ReplyDeleteBrilliant. How much can we learn in one post! That was like having a talk on the phone to your sister with a glass of wine after the kids are all in bed... Thanks! grace
ReplyDeleteWhat a beauty! And I agree with Kristin. I'm sure there must be a way to alter the neckline to make you feel more comfortable. It would be such a shame to toss this gorgeousness in a back drawer :(
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! I don't think it looks boxy at all. I think you look fab. And for the record, I'm the total opposite shape. Your handbag rocks, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool dress!! Just found you via Peppermint magazine reading this Summer, hello, how do you do??
ReplyDeleteOh i've been there with the breast feeding boobs in frocks at functions, i've had to express into the toilet, so my Alannah Hill dress could contain my boobs as they grew during dinner. The things we do!! Love Posie
the dress is beautiful, and you look great in it! shame it didn't feel comfortable! x
ReplyDeleteI am so getting that bra strap thing, so cool! As for the shape issue, I feel you. It's really hard to resist making cute things, even when we know they're not the most flattering. I think you look great but that doesn't matter if you don't feel comfortable. I recently had to stop myself from making a circle skirt, I've decided pencil makes a lot more sense. Can't wait to see what you make next!
ReplyDeleteReally love this pictures! My English is not that good, but good enough to understand that it didn't feel as awsome as it looks... Such a shame... The bra thing is an eyeopener for me!
ReplyDeleteI never read that back of the marker package! That explains a LOT of my problems with them. DUhhhh
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your site, just saw you on Burda. Wanted to pop by to say this ia a beautiful dress and it looks stunning on you! And that bra extender is genius. Where did you get it? I'm always sewing way low backed things, but sometimes I just build a bra right into them.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress... looking awesome!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.majorbrands.in