Review: Burda 6858 | White on white on white!

Every year, I make a white dress.  And they vary in style and design, depending on my mood.  Recently, this dress caught my eye:

French Connection

This dress immediately reminded of designs by:

 Cushnie et Ochs

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!