Review: Burda 6858 | White on white on white!
9:00 AM
Every year, I make a white dress. And they vary in style and design, depending on my mood. Recently, this dress caught my eye:
This dress immediately reminded of designs by:
They are known for their minimal, clean but sexy style.
For my dress, I chose Burda 6858 because it's an almost perfect doppelgänger for the French Connection dress, with a couple of minor details.
I cut the size 12. I lengthened the bodice by an inch and added three inches to the hem. My fabric is White Polyester Neoprene (yes, the obsession continues). Recently, I've been using "neoprene jersey", which sews, handles and wears like a silkier feeling ponte knit. This is not that fabric. This is a medium weight neoprene that's almost spongey. So it took some playing around with tension and stitch length (I used a 3.0mm).
I used a very sheer mesh for the sleeves.
And also for the midriff panels.
I used an exposed metal zipper, and left the inside unfinished because it's neoprene and doesn't fray. I just trim down the seam allowances. And since I lengthened my dress, I added a vent.
My goal was to create a minimal, chic, modern white cocktail dress and it turned out perfect.
Styling tip: When going for a minimalist look, keep accessories to the bare minimum! I wore dangling earrings, a statement cuff and cocktail ring. And I kept it monochromatic by carrying a white studded clutch and punctuated with a white d'Orsay pump.
I know that some of you like to know where I wear my clothes. Last night, I attended Art on the Rocks at the Birmingham Museum of Art. It's a swanky soiree' where you dress to impress and mix and mingle with Birmingham's finest, while taking in the culture. My dress was perfect for my venue. I received compliments the entire night. And while there, I took in an amazing exhibit: "Rising Up: Hale Woodruff's Murals at Talladega College". If you ever get a chance to see it, you should!
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56 comments
Erica, you always look elegant and your figure is fabulous. You would probably look good in a burlap bag, however your clothes are simply elegant and expensive looking. You da bomb!
ReplyDeleteThanks Connie!
DeleteYou nailed this look! Lovely dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carolyn!
DeleteI'm screaming!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!! This is up there with the Michael Koors and Vintage coats!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol!
DeleteImpeccable!
ReplyDeleteThanks Colleen!
DeleteLove this! You did an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteThanks Samone!
DeleteSpectacular!! Question for us neoprene newbies who are getting intrigued...
ReplyDeletethe neoprene polyester is available at Mood's, but you mentioned using neoprene jersey - where do you get that? I didn't find that on Mood's or I didn't know what I was looking for.... LOL!!
Maybe I figured out the answer - is the neoprene jersey the same thing as the stretch neoprene sold at Mood's?
DeleteYou got it right! Thanks Angela!
DeleteOMG! Yet another gorgeous design by a gorgeous designer!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Loretta!
DeleteThis is just stunning!
ReplyDeleteThanks sewmanju!
DeleteYes, I'm off topic, but I must say I love the eye makeup and the shoes and that you know how to do your hair without straightening it to within an inch of its life!
ReplyDeleteBack to the sewing now, the finish on your garments is lovely and so is the choice of patterns on you.
Very nice, full suit of white ain't easy to pull off. Now if I spent more time sewing and less reading, maybe I'd have something to post to!!! LOL
I'm a fan of having multiple makeup ans hair looks. Thanks Miss J!
DeleteStunning!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie!
DeleteBeautiful, the construction of your dress is so professional awesome job, and your makeup is on point the whole look from head to toe, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon!
DeleteAlways, ALWAYS stunning...
ReplyDeleteId like to know though how you get such a beautiful finish on the mesh. Do you hand stitch? Do you double over? The pics are close up but I cant see the detail of how you achieve such a beautiful finish on the seams/edges.
I just folded it over and stitched close to the edge. And pressed. Thanks blacklabelblog!
DeleteThanks Erica. x
DeleteGorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Faye!
DeletePerfect and exact interpertation of the French Connection dress. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly!
DeleteBeautiful, spectacular dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks Levone!
DeleteOh Erica, this dress is simply a definition of perfection! You are making me want to take out my machine from storage and give the long forgotten hobby of sewing a second chance. All I can say is you are gorgeous and you rock everything you wear!
ReplyDeleteYou should Sanja! Thanks!
DeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteThanks Vicki!
DeleteSexy AND ladylike! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elle!
DeleteAmazing! Simply amazing Erica!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Paulinakoss!
DeleteWow, gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liza Jane!
DeleteYou look fantastic and that is such a gorgeous dress. Am sure you were the hit of the event!
ReplyDeleteThanks Belle!
DeleteStunning!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dr. Z!
DeleteErica B!!! You are more beautiful than the model! Perfect! So enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks Toni!
DeleteYour dress is beautiful! You look like a stunner!
ReplyDeleteThanks AriB!
DeleteYou look fabulous and sexy.. You're always sophisticated in a Grown and mature woman way.
ReplyDeleteThanks Natisha!
DeleteSo on point!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim!
DeleteStunning and an amazing likeness of the FC dress, but no doubt yours is better quality!
ReplyDeleteThanks Allison!
Delete