OOTD/Made by Me File: Burda 7137...Just in Time for the Derby.

Hey, all!  First up will be the ootd portion followed by a closer look at the Burda dress pattern and how I made it work for my body.

Day: Saturday, March 22, 2014.

Where: School Auction (theme this year is Kentucky Derby).  You can see what I wore to last year's auction here (fourth outfit).

Ease of Wear: (4.5 of 5 stars--5 being the most easy to wear.)  I took a half-point off because the Boden shoes pinched just a touch by the end of the evening.  I didn't have a seat, so I stood the entire live auction portion.  Whatever.  I felt so good in my dress I didn't care.  :-)  This dress is so comfortable since I made it exactly to my measurements, in a stretch cotton sateen, and lined it it in a stretch nylon tricot. 

Cool Factor: (3 of 5 stars--5 being the coolest--for both outfits.)  I'll give it a 3 because I am so stinking proud of my creation, but I *know* it really isn't *that* cool.  I definitely resemble a lady who is on her way to a proper English wedding, though, so I am sure I would fit right in with that crowd.

BTW, we were asked to wear the hats.  If you have been reading long enough, you'll remember me picking this up after spending an evening trolling Burlington Coat Factory with my brother last year.  So glad I found a reason to wear it. 

Anecdote from the Day: The Mint Juleps were so strong, OMG.  The first one I drank nearly tipped me over the edge.  I chased the next one with some diet ginger ale and that seemed to help cut its effect.

The quilt I had made for CW's kindergarten class went for $325, so that made all that freaking time and energy I put into it worth it.  It was my first quilt and although it is technically not as good as it could be, it was really cute with all the squares having been hand-painted and drawn by all of her classmates.

I saw this beautiful fabric first when I spied this McCall's pattern a few months ago.  While in Joann's searching for some quilting and knitting supplies, I caught a glimpse of the same fabric, just in a cotton sateen and not a knit fabric (still hunting for the knit fabric, fwiw, would love a tee in this print).  I was sold on it, but was trying to figure out what to make with it, and then it dawned on me that I could use it for the auction dress, since I had plans to make it anyhow.

Pairing it with a pattern proved more challenging.  I initially wanted to use a vintage Vogue pattern from the 60s, but I knew that the button back and other details would make it a more time consuming project than I wanted to sew up.  I also thought of using this Kwik Sew pattern, but I thought the challenge of grading the pattern's top half and bottom half to match my pear-shaped measurements may be too hard (it also wasn't as fitted looking as I wanted), so I scrapped that idea.  Then I spied this classic sheath pattern from Burda and realized that I could make it work since the pattern could be graded out at the seams rather than through a slash and spread method.  I was stoked.

I cut all the bits out (only three pattern pieces total) and measured the tissue and determined that a 12 up top (equivalent to a 38 Euro size) and an 18 at low hip (equivalent to a 46 Euro size) would work best for me.  What I ended up doing was starting at the waist of the dress pieces (very clearly marked, btw, on the pattern) I took my hip curve ruler and carefully drew a long curved line (over a span of about ten inches--I have a L-O-N-G hipline) from the size 12 at the waist to a size 18 at the hip.  It ended up being the precise right measurement to draw and it perfectly follows my own natural curve.  If I had shortened the length, it would have had too much fullness at my high hip, which is much narrower than my low hip.

A bonus of this fitting so well is that it was super comfortable in this stretchy fabric.  I could, if I ever so desired, go *down* a size (so grade from a 12 to a 16 instead) the next time I make it in a stretch woven.  I also am thrilled to know that I can make this exact pattern again, with my alterations, in a non-stretch woven, and I just happen to have a really pretty textured ivory cotton that may look very nice in this silhouette.

I love that I have a pattern that can work as a sloper since it mirrors me very well.  I plan to use it against other patterns when trying something new, and definitely can use the skirt portion of the dress pattern to create a pencil skirt pattern.

The sleeves were not super tricky to set in, but of course I still didn't get them 100% perfect.  There is a touch of puckering in both.

The zip was easy to install, and I absolutely love my Bernina invisible zip foot.  I feel like a rock star every time I put an invisible zip in, lol, even though objectively I know the foot is doing all the work for me.

The vent was kind of a pain, and I don't think Burda did a great job of explaining how to properly do it.  I think my version looks okay, but could definitely be better.

The lining went in well and will be great for any time I want to wear this dress with tights.  I still need to attach the lining to the vent pieces, but having not done it did not mean it showed, so thank goodness for small things.

Conclusion--I will make this dress again, and I highly recommend it for any woman with a pear shape who will take the time to find the right measurements and curve on the paper pattern since it worked so well for me.  I turned to sewing, in part, because of dresses like this sheath dress.  Often if I wanted a dress like this from ready to wear I was forced to wear a sack up top to ensure I got something that fit properly through the hips and legs.  No more, hahahaha. 

Okay, that's it for now.  Anyone else try this pattern?  Would love to see what you all made!

Boden: Autumn 2013 Picks...Accessories, Shoes, Jackets/Coats, Tops, and Skirts.

Hey, all!  Today I thought I would get the final picks post done, with an emphasis on Boden's fabulous offerings from the accessories, shoes, tops, and skirts.  Part one is here, and part two (mini Boden) is here. 

I had hoped to include the Johnnie b. line, since there are so many darling items that we as women can fit into, but I am a bit pressed for time since we are technically on vacation, and our family wants to go out and you know, "live life" outside.  When I get home this weekend, I may get that post done, but if not, you can see all the pretty here.  I would wear a size 13-14 or 15-16 in tops/dresses and a 15-16 or 16+ in pants/skirts, so keep that in mind if you choose to preorder any Johnnie b.

I am pleasantly surprised by how many Boden shoes I picked, but saddened by how few tops I chose.  The shoes and accessories this year are stunning, unique, and seemingly well-crafted in gorgeous colors, whereas the tops are suffering from redundancy in both shape and patterns.  I feel like we have seen all the tops before.  I am not one to want completely new every season, and like that Boden doesn't get rid of its favorites, but there wasn't enough novelty within the tops to make me go "ooh" or "aww."  The few that I chose are the only standouts, but even having said that, I am only planning on ordering one of them, and would only consider the other few on deeper discount.

Reminder...use the code PRV3 to receive the 20% off with free ship and returns over at the shopping bag page at the Boden Preview site.  This code expires on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at 11:59 pm.

Okay, there is a LOT of photos here, so let's just start, right?

Boho Boot.  Wow.  Now this is a shape and a color I would not expect from Boden.  I don't want everything Boden offers to become Zara but it is nice to have more modern, urban options from them.

Anyone else think these are pretty cool?
 

Casual Winter Boots.  These boots are a classic, and if you don't own a pair of tan low-heeled boots, you should definitely consider these.  Although my tan version is from Lands' End, I pulled mine out constantly last season, and even brought them with me on my trip to Ireland, even though I normally don't like to travel with anything that heavy.  The weight of such a versatile boot was worth it.

Deco Flat.  These are exactly like J. Crew's Janey Flats, but in a bright green, which is a color that Boden has splashed all over its fall collection.  I am still unsure about this color for the fall, but I am happy that Boden is doing something a bit different (they are also using a lot of navy, another non-traditional shade for that time of year).

Equestrian Boot.  This is the more upscale version of the Casual Winter Boots, done up in a leather that is a touch darker and a with more polish.  How pretty are those buckles, btw?

In addition to all the normal boot shades, this also comes in a nice deep wine shade and a patent navy.

Heeled Brogue.  I bought these already, in this colorway, since they are gorgeous, and will be worn by me the moment the temperatures dip into the 60s. 

Even if they don't sell out (but they probably will), I will have worn them a ton before they make it to super sale, so I won't care.  ;-)  Let's just hope I bought the right size. 

Heeled Loafer.  Again, a big fave of mine, since I love a little lift from a practical shoe.  This deep grey color combined with classic penny loafer styling means I can wear them everywhere from the school run to nice nights out with the hubby.

Sixties Heel.  This particular combo is pretty special, the navy patent combined with a low heel in a darling ladylike silhouette.  I don't know where else we will be able to find a shoe just like this.  Maybe I am the only one who likes navy shoes, but I doubt it, and I am pleased that Boden is willing to pepper their collection with navy shoes, since so many retailers stop at black, brown, and nude.

Sixties T-Bar.  Swoon.  Like my favorites from last fall (see the blog header for an image of me wearing them), these pumps are unique, detailed, and very feminine.  Since I already have enough "special" heels, I will be sitting this pair out, but enjoy those of you who actually have a need for something just like this. 

Bow Tie Belt.  This belt is darling, and would look just right at any waist, especially atop a more serious dress, like the Wool Skater Dress.

Evie Bag.  I promise I will stop talking about how awesome it is that Boden is carrying navy leather goods after I show you this bag.

This shape is perfection for anyone who has a need for a medium sized bag with a strong closure.  The ability to either carry the bag by the handle or crossbody is also very appealing.  And it is navy.  LOL.  ;-)

Flowerburst Necklace.  The last few seasons of Boden's jewelry has been a bit of a letdown.  I have a necklace I bought from them a few years ago that I love and wear a lot during the holiday season, and I see that Boden has brought some of that back with this adorable statement necklace.  It comes in two other shades, but this pewter/gold version is my fave.

Metropolitan Bag.  Like the Deco Flats above, this bag is also available in a gorgeous emerald green color.  I could see many women carrying this bag to and from work, lighting up the sidewalks.  (Tell me at least one of you will do so, especially here in DC where the winter sidewalks are full of black and grey clothing and accessories.)

Retro Necklace.  If you like the look of the bubble necklace by J. Crew but can't handle its size, or you are just tired of its ubiquity, then this necklace may be more your speed.  The colors they offer are lovely, but this blue is about the purest shade of blue I have ever seen, right there in the middle, not too light and not too dark.

Chunky Knit Tights.  Boden sold out of these tights super fast last year and I made the mistake of ordering a size large when I should have bought a medium (they ran long and a bit loose).  I did catch a pair of mediums on popback, so I confirmed that is indeed my size.  I highly recommend ordering them early and in two sizes to try them out, since there is definitely a chance these super warm, super cozy and comfy tights will sell out again, especially in this not-oft seen combo of teal and brown.

Aimee Top.  Okay so this pale pink, airy, lacy sweater looks like it would work better in spring than fall, but for those of you willing to wear something "out of the box," I bet you will look pretty in this.
Also, if you live in the American South, this top will be more than appropriate, weather-wise, for you to wear most of our fall anyhow.  (Many October days will be in the 80s and humid in the DC area, for instance.)

Alice Lace Top.  This was the one top I am ordering early, since I think the jade lace is pretty and unique.  I think this top will look just perfect with jeans as it would a darling pencil skirt and under a jacket.

Embellished Ponte Top.  This was my sister-in-law's pick, and after we looked at it for awhile we realized the necklace beading was not black, but a deep indigo blue that we preferred.

Chepstow Top.  This is very "fall" like and since I love hotchpotch, I had to recommend it, even if I will only be buying it on super-sale (if it gets to there, of course).

Daisy Jacquard Top.  I thought I was going to purchase the Daisy Jacquard Dress in this color, but upon realizing the same design came in this top and a skirt (below), I have decided I am going to wait and decide if I want the dress or the skirt/top.  If the reviews say the dress is pear-shape friendly, I will buy it, but if it is not pear-shape friendly, then I will likely buy the top and skirt and combine it to make a dress that is pear-shape friendly.  Plus the skirt has pockets.  ;-)

Blackfriars Jacket.  The material is soft and stretchy, the navy and black piping looks fresh together, and the zip is modern looking.  Well done, Boden, well done.

Mia Coat.  Although I really, really, really want to buy this in preview, I know I wouldn't wear it until December at the earliest, so unless this jacket goes into "pink low stock" box territory, I will have willpower and wait.  But ooh, that color!

Military Wool Jacket.  I won't wait on this one because this jacket is made from a sumptuous wool herringbone, versatile, and well-tailored, and legions of women will probably want this one in their closet.  Navy will probably sell out fastest since that is the version the model is wearing.  I prefer this olive green color for me, though, better suited for my coloring.

Saint Germain Coat.  Another one I am waiting for, but if pink box territory comes out and rears its ugly head, I will go ahead and bite on it. 

Daisy Jacquard Skirt.  See the Daisy Jacquard Top above on why this skirt is in my picks.  (It has pockets, though, for those of you who don't want to scroll up...)

Monmouth Skirt.  I only picked this skirt because that print is exceptional, really a showstopper.

Notre Dame Skirt.  I have never seen a skirt in this particular kind of wool check, outside of a few photos of women in the 1960s.  Retro and special, I bet this particular version sells out, even if pink and green are not "in season."

Printed Cotton Pencil Skirt.  This skirt looks like it would be appealing to the J. Crew fans who read my blog and also check out Boden from time to time, since its print is very reminiscent of J. Crew while remaining quite "Boden."

Smithfield Wool Skirt.  I am going to sell the wool skater skirt I purchased last season and buy this one instead since this hipline is more forgiving for my figure than the skater skirt.  If you want to buy my wool skater skirt, you can e-mail me, btw.  :-)

If you like this skirt, it also comes in a tan color and a grey/black polka dot version.

Phew.  That's it.  LOL.  Do you have any favorites you would like to add?

Other news, before I go...

1. Boden is offering free shipping on the spring/summer end of season sale.  I wrote a post on it here.

2. Lands' End has given me access to an affiliate only coupon, currently running in my sidebar (and below), which is good until July 19th, 2013.  It gives you an additional 20% off sale items, and if you spend $50 or more, you will get free shipping, too.

Boden: High Summer 2013 Picks...Dresses Edition!

Good Wednesday!  I am creaking back to life after an amazing Rush concert last night, but very slowly.  I rock harder now that I am older than I ever did in my twenties, but I can't honestly say that is a very good idea now.  Oh, well.  It's hard to stop oneself in the moment, I suppose.

Onto the pretty from high summer.  Like the fall 2012 collection, I am in love with a lot.  I liked winter, spring, and summer, of course, but they didn't blow me away like fall 2012 did (with the single exception of the Lace Dress which you will see next week--I am saving to wear it first for Mother's Day).  High Summer has lived up to what Boden did last fall, making exquisite items in amazing prints, colors, and fabrics.  And of course they have continued their high quality garment construction, which is evidenced by some of the details I see on the below dresses (I will point them out when I see them).

Okay, so take a gander, and if you would like a peek at their item page, you can click through to them through the item name (not the photos, though).

Portofino Dress.  Big time cuddles for this pretty frock.  I like this graphic floral vine print, but it also comes in a oval type print in two other colorways.

I am unlikely to buy for me since its measurements look like it won't work for my pear shape, but if the reviews come through and suggest I can even try, I am definitely going to give it a go.  (I have a fabric that reminds me of the grey/yellow at the top, so even if this dress won't work for me, I can at least make a dress from a fabric just as pretty.)

I think the combo of cotton/linen and special detailing at the waist make this one a winner.  Hopefully this one works for some of you lovely ladies out there!

Fifties Halterneck Dress.  If you love retro looks, then this one is right up your alley.  The fun print is evocative of another era, as is the cute halter closing at the neck.  It also boasts a cotton sateen fabric, so it will stretch and move with your frame rather than constrict it.  (In other words, exactly right for a vintage lover in the heat of summer.)

St Lucia Dress.  A lot like the halterneck dress above, but in a very stretchy cotton jersey.  If you have a need for something beautiful, slightly sexy, and capable of moving with you, no matter what, this dress is the perfect one for you.

Avril got to try this floral number on at her Boden party, btw.  

Harbour Island Dress.  This one is already in my basket, since I saw it on Avril already.  :)  I normally don't want to do viscose unless it is on deep sale but since this beauty is backed in a stretchy cotton/modal knit fabric, I know that I can chance it at a little higher price.  (I am also going to size down to a 6 L based on measurements.)

I have no idea if this one will sell out, but since I feel like I would wear this right away (as long as it fit), I will go for it.

I also want to point out the delicate insert at the neckline, those are dressmaker details that are hard to sew in and show that Boden is continuing its commitment to quality.

Alfresco Dress.  I love that the American summer staple of seersucker (men and women around here wear it from April to September without fail) is being done so perfectly preppy by a British retailer better known for its fun prints.  Whatever.  With many American retailers choosing to be more edgy and editorial, prep fans just need to move on and find a retailer that gets it.  I think this dress proves that Boden at least gets it with one garment.  It also comes in pink and grey.

Oh, and it has pockets, just in case you can't see them. ;)

Fun Summer Maxi.  This dress is the fun skirt taken to new lengths and in heat friendly drapey jersey.  I love this pewter version, but wonder if I can wait for the price to go down a titch since even with a coupon, it seems a bit expensive.  That said, I definitely live in my jersey maxi dresses during the summer, so the cost per wear is lower than my other maxi dresses (love this one, but it's only been worn once). 

The aqua version's ribbon applique bugs me, it looks to crafty, but the grey and red version's less obvious stitching details are darling.

Drapey Colourblock Dress.  This is made from the same material as the fun maxi dress above, but in a shorter length and with an empire waistline.  I am not a fan of colorblocking, but it is done in a figure flattering way here, so those of us with some bits to camouflage can do so with these specially placed fabric lines. 

I would recommend that if you are a pear shape and are interested in this one to order down two sizes since the jersey is very stretchy and the skirt is very full.  Pear shapes can get swallowed up by jersey tops that are too large, and since the waist and hip measurement don't matter as much in this dress, go with your bust size.  (I would buy a 4 long if I was buying, for instance.)  Also remember that jersey since it stretches means that the "garment measurements" on Boden will mean nothing.  It says that the bust of a size 4 is 26 inches.  My daughter's bust measurement is nearly that, so I really do want to emphasize sizing down rather than using measurements for this one (or any jersey garment).

Summer Amelie Dress.  This one is in my bag because as much as I would like to believe I could craft a dress like this on my own, I have no ability to either a) knit and/or b) sew any sort of knit material.  So until then, I will let Boden and other companies do the hard work for me.

Anyhow, how lovely is this color, along with the pretty shape and neat line detailing throughout (hello to lines that make the bust bigger and the bottom half smaller!)?

This is made from a cotton and linen blend so just the right mix of materials for humid days ahead.

Brompton Dress.  Please tell me that one of you all will buy this and show it off at your blog or someone on the internet so I can see you in it?  As I have mentioned before, there is no way my lovely lady hips are going anywhere near this dress, so I have to live vicariously through others.  ;)

I adore this version, am a fan of the olive colorblocked version, but really don't care for the multi wow floral (surprise--even for me, Miss "pattern love"--it's just too much going on).

Summer Shift.  Avril tried this one on, too, lucky gal.  :)

I have enough summer shifts to last at least ten summers, but if you are in need of a great basic staple for everything from church to graduation ceremonies to weddings, this would be thes workhorse of anyone's wardrobe.  The cotton sateen is pretty as it is practical with a slight sheen for looks and a bit of stretch for comfort.

The navy on the bottom is for those of you who would prefer to accessorize an outfit up and the navy floral on top is for those of you who would prefer the print take center stage. 

Alegra Dress. This one is pretty darn expensive, but it is all silk and the lacy yoke and sleeves make it extra special (and are also pretty difficult to sew well).  This dress (and many of the other scattered throughout) are probably vestiges of the now defunct Boden Limited Edition line (sad face).  Although it doesn't have its own line any longer, I am glad to see the folks at Boden continuing to push out products that are a bit unique, a bit more subdued, and made from wonderful materials.

FWIW, if you like this one, it is selling fast, especially in this color.

Clara Dress and its dead ringer the Pretty Cotton Dress.  The Clara dress was always high on my "possibly buy on sale" list, but now that it is selling out, I guess we can say it's not going to be there anymore, but I am glad to see that I can have a cheaper, just as lovely option (and if I am being honest here, made from a more toddler friendly fabric) with the pretty cotton dress.

I have to wait to see reviews, though, since the measurements put me squarely between two sizes (of course they do!).

Newquay Dress and its longer, more easy going cousin, the Stripy Maxi. If you spend any amount of time here at My Superfluities or over at What Lou Wore 365, you will see we have a thing for the Newquay dress.  Now if you like the look of the Newquay but maybe don't love the shape, this stripy maxi dress could be the right frock for you.  It also comes in two other shades, including a heathered grey version which is just the right amount of casual dressy for almost any summer event.

Alrighty, all done here. Thanks for sticking it out!

Below you will find the current coupon for Boden.  :)


Also, before I leave I wanted to let you all know that as of Monday there are new items in the "trim" this week.  As in the past weeks, all items in the trim are 20% off and you can stack the coupon on my site (it's the same one as above) to get almost 32% off the items.  This week I can personally recommend the sparkle cotton top and wideleg jeans as I own, have worn, and reviewed (top here and jeans here) these items.  :)

You all have a great Wednesday.  Do you have anything to say about these dresses above?  Anything you want me to add to the Picks post for the rest of high summer?