Burdastyle Magazine 09/2013

What makes a good Burda issue for me is not necessarly that it contains patterns I like and would use, but also that it shows innovation and good taste. I say this because despite all my complaining, I'm a fan of the magazine and I hope that it thrives.

So, this month I'm pretty much satisfied.

 For example, this is a nice take on a shirt dress.
Would I make it for myself? Not necessarily, but I appreciate the idea behind it.

Although I don't really like them together (and styled this way), I like both of these garments, the skirt in particular. Again, there are interesting details and design lines that make me smile.

 

Ok, these two dresses I don't really like at all but once again I appreciate the design behind them and the fact that they're not just rectangle with holes. They could inspire you as a starting point to make something else (perhaps a little more flattering...).

 I LOVE this dress, although I could never pull off this length. All those gathers make me happy.

 I really like both the top and dress version of this pattern. It looks extremely flattering.
The pants are also very very cute.

Well, this is just a slip, but the darts and pleats at the neckline make it a little more special. I use slips and half-slips a lot din cold months, so I'm always happy to find a new pattern to use.

The plus-size patterns are just so-so this month, but this blouse is really cute. If you use a lightweight material and avoid the pregnancy effect, that is.

 

And finally, although I usually don't pay too much attention to the children patterns section, I had to include the ones in this issue because they're so freakin' cute! If, like me, you don't have children, most of these could make some very nice presents.

All in all, it's not the best issue of the year, but I appreciate the effort.

What do you think? Did you buy it?

Mod print Belladone + I'm on holiday

Pattern: Belladone dress by Deer and Doe.
Size: size 38 at the shoulder and bust, size 40 at the waist and size 44 at the hips (I wanted the skirt to be very flared).

Alterations: I converted the front neckline in a deep V-neck. It's roughly as deep as the V in the back.

Fabric: A cotton blend with some stretch, purchased locally.

When this post goes live, I'll be happily driving to the Riviera where I'll spend the next ten days. YAY holiday! I'm so happy that I'll be able to kick back in the sun (wearing my Bombshell swimsuit and maillot, of course), get a little tan and catch up with reading blogs and replying to comments. Sorry I've been so absent, lately.

Anyways, the 15th August is a festivity here (called Ferragosto), and the night before my boyfriend and I will attend, as per tradition, a big party at a friend's place. "Place" is an euphemism because these guys have a huge villa on the hills with a gorgeous view of the coast. All the guests are pretty much all affluent people, so this country girl was faced with the biggest dilemma of all: "What am I going to wear?"

Obviously, I reached for my trusted Belladone pattern... This is my third version (here are 1 and 2), and it won't be the last. I just adore this dress and it came together so fast (about 6 hours from cutting to wearing it).
To make this version a bit more summer and evening friendly, I decided to lower the neckline quite a bit and make it into a V, which is always flattering and it goes well with the V in the back. Alas, the fabric I chose had a flaw, which I didn't notice until after cutting it, but luckily it just looks like a shadow in the back. Not too noticeable I think, especially at night time and after a few glasses of Prosecco.

Do you have any styling suggestions?
I think I'll wear these sandals, which are cute but comfortable (since we'll be a. drunk, b. up all night and c. dancing in a club by the beach). I'll put my hair up in a bun, add some earrings and maybe a bracelet and instead of this bright lip color (which, with the drinking and eating, might become a mess), dark smokey eyes and a nude lip.

I wish you all a good week and I'll leave you with the sweetest video you've ever seen.
Why? Because a couple days ago I had a close encounter with a baby deer in the very spot where I shot these photos and it was hands down the most tender moment in my life, so I have to share the love. Cuteness overload!

Minerva Blogger Network : First impressions Cambie dress

Pattern: Cambie dress by Sewaholic patterns

Size: size 6 for the bodice

Alterations: I straightened the front neckline, lowered the back neckline by 5 cm, replaced the skirt with a self-drafted half circle skirt.

Fabric: a beautiful cotton poplin courtesy of Minerva Crafts.

This is my first project for the Minerva Blogger Network, and as I wrote in my post over there, I'm a big believer in the importance of first impressions.

This adorable tape measure printed cotton poplin was just perfect for a colorful, fun summer dress that would immediately give a sense of my personal style.

In my post, I completely forgot to mention Roisin of Dolly Clackett, who also made a gorgeous dress using this fabric (but in another color). I guess great minds think alike? I can't help but be constantly inspired by her, I simply adore that woman and her style.

Anyway, this is my second Cambie dress (see my first here) and I'm still loving it, but this time I drafted a semi-circle skirt to make it even more feminine and swirly. More details on construction are in my post.

I was afraid this dress might have been a bit over the top after finishing, but after wearing it a bit and taking pictures, I just love it so much. It's very colorful and it definitely will make me stand out, two things I'm not super comfortable with, but it definitely makes a statement about my style and my personality, even. A success, then!

If you want to make this dress (or a similar one, if you don't have the pattern), you can purchase the kit here, in which you'll find everything you need: 3m of tape measure print fabric, a matching 18" (45 cm) dress zip and 4m of matching bias binding.

What do you think? Did I manage to leave a good first impression?

Burdastyle Magazine 08/2013

I'm so late with this review that I don't even even know if it makes sense to post it, but as I'm writing this I'm home alone, I drank a couple beers (because I'm a lady like that) and I feel like giving some unsolicited opinions.
Moreover, this issue is actually pretty good, so much so than while preparing this review I went out and bought a copy for myself.

Let's get the ugly out of the way first. Because this IS really ugly. Boxy and... I dunno, weird. Ew.

There's an abundance of tie-front blouses in this and I like them all. I'm a sucker for pussy bows, it's no surprise.
The first one has lovely sleeves, the second one is a design I've never seen before and the third one is quite cleverly constructed (and it looks so cute on the model!).

I admit this jacket is one of those garments you either hate or love. I've always had a soft spot for mutton-leg sleeves, so I LOVE it. Don't judge me.

Another beautiful jacket, this time with simple, clean lines. I love that what might look like lapels are actually just panels in a fabric with contrasting texture.
I think I've already seen something similar to this from Burda in the past, but it's ok.

 

Two variations of the same pattern, both very, very cute. They both really work in this structured fabric. I'm not a huge fan of peplums, but that top is gorgeous.

This could be a good base to make a dressing gown. There's also a longer variation, and it's really cute.

Big 90's sweater? NO, THANKS. But I included this because there's a variation of this pattern made in a lighter knit and it actually looks quite chic for casual wear! A bad presentation can be very deceiving!
Also, the skirt is one to keep on the radar. Too bad you can't see a thing in that black.

This is the designer pattern of the month, and, frankly, I'm underwhelmed. This dress looks heavy, dated and... a bit cheap to me. A straight hem would improve it enormously, imho.

What kills me about this issue, is that the plus-size patterns are incredible. Flattering, feminine and classic... perfect! Of course, the retro styling of the photoshoot just makes me like them even more.

But I know I'll never grade them down, I'm too lazy for that. So... sigh. I'll just drool on them and hope to see some curvy lady making them.

Was I right or was I right?

I think that the best thing about this issue is that even though you might not like all the patterns, the designs are a bit more elaborated and different than the rectangles Burda has offered us lately, and this makes the issue worth buying. Let's just hope they keep this up!

What do you think? Did you reconcile with Burda like I did?