Review: Simplicity 8383 | Bold, Graphic, Short & Sassy!
10:30 AM
Sometimes I just want to flaunt my hard work in the gym (I put in 60+ minutes of high intensity cardio on the elliptical) and pat myself on the back for still having really good legs at 46 years old! I decided this cute little number would be perfect!
It's a leggy look, but it doesn't violate my personal fashion rule: If I'm going short, then the top needs to be covered! Simplicity 8383 fits the bill on this.
This dress is a very swinging trapeze dress. For years, I swore off this style of dress because this was my go to silhouette when I was pregnant, 20 years ago. And as of a couple of years ago, this dress made me change my mind.
I cut the size the size 12 and added 3 inches to the length. I decided to keep it short because this dress has a lot of fullness at the bottom. If it were too long, it would really look like a tent! So I decided it would be more flattering on me to keep it short and sassy.
And the major change I made was deciding to go with a woven instead of a knit. This is ALWAYS a risky gamble. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I think it really worked this time. My fabric is a black and white cotton lycra medium weight twill that I bought a longtime ago from Mood Fabrics and used it for this look. But this bold, graphic black and white print looks like it may be of similar weight and would be a great substitute.
I added an invisible zipper because I wasn't sure I'd be able to pull the dress on without that opening. I could because my fabric has enough stretch. But the zipper makes it a lot easier and you don't have to mess up hair and makeup in the process! #winning
The neckline has a bias bound finish. Make sure to check out my tutorial and you can see my method for creating a bias bound neckline with a flawless finish. And the cold-shoulder detail is perfectly punctuates this look.
I absolutely love this dress. It's the perfect cute warm weather date night look!
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23 comments
I love both dresses and you have great legs! I think I found your ultimate inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEEsMTPZoVM
ReplyDeleteAhh yes! The Legend! Thanks Vernetta!
DeleteYou nailed it Erica.....just lovely:)
ReplyDeleteThank you Lora!
DeleteYessss, come all the way through legs! Beautiful, Erica!
ReplyDeleteThank you Candice!
DeleteWhat a great dress and as usual, the whole look is very chic and the styling is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Nancy!
DeleteWhen I saw this pattern last weekend I wondered what you'd look like in it. I said if Erica does it then I'll definitely do it...LOL. Literally two days later...here you are!!!! Go legs!
ReplyDeleteThank you Renee!
DeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Shamj!
DeleteBeautiful dress.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.apparelshopusa.com/leggs-casual-body-shaping-tights-233.html
Thank you Victoria.
DeleteJust FAB...you've got the legs, that's for sure....and love the boldness of the outfit....wear when it's not windy!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! Thank you Laura!
DeleteBeautiful Erica! I love those sleeves honestly and thank you for that link to your tutorial on youtube - I have this McCall's pattern (ah who doesn't now I wonder??) and absolutely love it I must say this was best seller for McCall's I'm sure. Your dress looks gorgeous and you're right - those legs! whistle :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathleen!
DeletePerfect dress for someone with lovely gams like yourself, yes flaunt them, absolutely...I know I would instead I live vicariously through you! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteYou look absolutely wonderful, Erica! I just adore the way you have styled it. xx
ReplyDeleteKate | SewandSo Promo Codes
Fabulous Darling! Love it
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