Saturday, April 22, 2017

Metropolitan Urban Gypsy Dress

The Twins are really into the cold shoulder look.
Elsa wanted a slinky dress for dressing up and down.
She decided on the Hot Patterns Urban Gypsy blouse
Originally we looked at a Style Arc dress. It was beautiful but Elsa's measurement put her over 3 sizes and they only sell one.
Elsa emailed them for help (as suggested on the site) but we didn't hear back.
I have since seen Lara's version and I think we could have got away with it, c'est la vie.
I drafted the size 8 top and and blended it to the 10 at the hips.
I lengthened the tunic to a dress, by 5 inches, at the hip line.
The recommended elastic length was spot on!
I took a lot of care with the ties and hems, taking the time to do a tiny narrow hem.

It took forever and my poor fingers were singed by the iron but it gives a lovely, expensive feel.
The tunic has a very clever, built in, shelf bra.
I was going to skip it but watched a video explaining how a strapless bra is just not as good so I gave it a go.
In a nut shell, the strapless bra falls down and pulls your boobs down, a shelf bra doesn't.
It fits together really nicely and Elsa has a small bust so I wasn't too worried about support (or lack of it)
She reports it is very, very comfortable as well as very secure.
The cleverest part of this dress is the fabric that my very clever daughter chose.
Elsa wanted a floral rayon and I didn't have any in my stash. I did have several metres of pj satin that she ferreted out.
I dissuaded her, remarking it was a 'Nana' fabric.
She asked why we couldn't just flip it, satin on the inside, matte on the outside?
Brilliant!

~Elsa's Verdict~
Theres not much to say that the photos don't! Isn't it just amazing?
The length isn't too short that makes the splits appropriate not skanky.
 I love love love it and many of my friends want one! Thanks Mum!!!! x

Well, there we are.
I think she looks amazing.

xx N

10 comments:

  1. Lots of clever elements with this dress; pattern design and re-drafting, fabric choice, tiny hems, self-bra and the outcome looks amazing. Second last photo looks like a magazine fashion model.

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  2. Thank you Deb, doesn't she look amazing?
    The self bra fist so well, I don't know how t would go on a bigger bust butElsa said it was far more secure then a strapless bra.
    xx N

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  3. Perfectly avoiding skanky there, Elsa! Nice one Nicole.

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    1. I know, one mustn't be 'skanky'.
      Thank you!
      xx N

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  4. I think it looks great in the nanna fabric!

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    1. Thank you.
      It is a pretty, pj satin, I think I have another 4 m's, would you like some?
      xxN

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  5. LOL Elsa, remarking that the splits aren't skanky (they're not, she's right, the length is perfect). What a nice dress and how cool that it has a built-in bra. I hope your fingers have recovered.

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  6. I wasn't sure how 'skanky' translates, I hope I am not offending anyone but I promised they could write what they wished.
    It is supposed to be honest.
    I think my fingers are permanently scorched, I could be the perfect criminal.
    Thank you!
    xx N

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  7. A wonderful look Elsa. Nothing Nana about it ... all rock chick, moo girl. Xx enjoy. You really do look amazing.

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    1. Thank you very much.
      She rocked with her new RM's (she bought herself)
      xx N

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