Review: Simplicity 1373 | Bringing Sexy Back!

I bought this pattern - Simplicity 1373, as soon as it was released.  It was the back that sold me on this one.  This spring and summer, one of the major trends has been that of the "Dramatic Back".  Cutouts, criss-crossings, plunging backlines are ruling this season.

For this dress, I wanted a sexy day dress.  I chose a casual fabric, this great light canary yellow striped viscose ponte-blend knit from Mood Fabrics.  And I also am particularly careful about the amount of skin I show at once.

This raglan sweetheart neckline aided in a "demure" look for the front of the bodice.  

For my modifications, I cut the size 14.  And with this knit, it was still way too big.  I ended up having to make a larger dart than suggested.  And for the peplum, I added 19 inches to create the skirt and created an a-line silhouette.  For a style like this, personally I needed a skirt with a loose fit.  It is a summer daytime look I was going for.

For the straps, instead of following the instructions to add button closures, I just stretched them over to the front bodice and finished with seam binding as suggested.  Even without closures, this dress still has enough ease to slip on and off over my head.  And yes, I'm wearing a bra.  Somehow, the fashion goddesses made a regular strapless bra work with this dress.  I tried a regular bra and the back of the dress just seamed too wide to hide the bra straps.

I love this pattern!  It's adorable and I hope I get around to making the version that ties in the back.