Jun 18, 2012

Two Canada-bound Bombshell Bodices

Badass Bombshell!

Sometimes I sew something for myself and the results are such that I say (to myself): "Self, THIS is why you sew." And these two dresses, sewn from Burdastyle's Bustier Dress With Draped Detail pattern (using Gertie's "Bombshell Dress" Craftsy.com class, which I highly recommend), validated my most consuming hobby this week, as I stole precious minutes to finish off these detailed bodices. (That's how I felt, sewing these: like I was stealing — that's how busy I've been, and how rewarding it was to take the time to actually sew for myself.) 

Anyway, somehow I managed to pull them together in the final days before I leave for Canada for nearly a month. The gray cotton printed with Russian doll owls and branches is from Snoozer Loser. I won a few yards last year in a Burdastyle contest. The black skirt is cotton-silk voile from Mood in NYC. I didn't have enough of the print to make a skirt too, so I opted for something simple on the bottom. I don't love it. I may go back and change it one day, but not now. Definitely not before I leave on Friday for Vancouver Island, my Home and Native Land — and where I plan to wear these two dresses, to a stagette (that's what we call a bachelorette party in Canada) and a wedding reception.

Here's the other, in navy and pale peach bow print cotton by Marc Jacobs (I got it for $5/yard at Metro Textile Corp. in NYC's Garment District; still mad at myself that I didn't buy more of it), plus a peachy pink skirt (also a cotton-silk voile from Mood):


The skirt is simply a gathered rectangle, with two layers. I tried Cynthia of Dapper Duds' dental floss technique for making the gathers (in mint, so I smell fresh!). It worked really well. So well, I did it twice this week:

I can't say enough good things about this bodice. With only a few adjustments, it fits perfectly. And Gertie's class: amazing. You all know that already, right?


Each bodice has seven pieces of boning in it. (I ordered boning in bulk because I'll be making another of these dresses soon  — not for me; for a friend). But my husband didn't make a single joke about all the boning in our apartment. Off his game, I guess.)



I sure like to put my hands on my hips. 

Just don't tell me the skirt should be shorter. I'm not that young anymore 



I don't know how to pack light for this trip when I have so many dresses I need to bring (plus a kid and all her crap, and a carseat, stroller — don't judge me; she's the lazy one). I really loathe traveling by plane.

But that's for another day. Today is all about two-for-one Bombshell bodice dresses! How would you style these dresses?

15 comments:

  1. These are so lovely, Suzanne! I'd keep it simple -- clutch bag, maybe dangly earrings.. Nothing around the neck, please. Great job on these and you look beautiful in them. On the blue bustier, it looks like the lining wants to creep out a bit on the right. A stitch or two should hold that in place. Have fun in Canada!

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    1. Thanks, Peter! Yes, a little extra hand-stitching is needed here. And I agree: décolletage is its own accessory!

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  2. All I can say is amazing. I would never have the confidence to pull it off, but you certainly can. You look great. You will be the belle of Canada.

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    1. You've got to be kidding me, Kelli! You would look amazing in this bodice. The key is the fit, plus all that boning, lined cups and a waist stay — it holds everything up securely. If you're going to go strapless, you've got to make sure everything is tied down. And this bodice (sewn to Gertie's specs) does the job.

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  3. these are great! i sooo need to remember to use up scraps for bodices and not just kids clothes... then risk being all mother/daughter matchy matchy when someone wants to dress up just like me...

    big dangly earrings some bracelets and you're set. have a good trip!

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  4. They turned out wonderfully! Earrings, bracelet, clutch if you have one...Have fun!

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  5. GORGEOUS! You look hot as hell! Hope you and the gal have a great trip!

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  6. What a tremendous fit. I'm still too intimidated to try boning (snigger), especially since I'm pretty flat without a padded bra; I remember having my prom dresses made in high school and being told, "I can't tell your front pattern pieces from the back! They're both the same!" sigh.
    Oh, as far as accessories go, I'd recommend a fleece and raincoat: my man has been in Vancouver for the last week and is already depressed from the grey cold rain.

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    1. The great thing about the craftsy class is it teaches you how to make the adjustments to fit your bust, so I bet even a member of the Itty Bitty Titty Committee would look amazing in this dress. (I, for example, have shrunk considerably since my kid weaned, yet have boobs that still seem to start in my armpits...a few tweaks to the pattern and it's very flattering). Also, the spiral steel boning curves with you, so it doesn't poke you or hurt. (There's a joke in there somewhere).

      Too bad about the rain. But it's going to be at least 30 C in NYC today — with full-on humidity. So I'm kinda looking forward to it. Don't tell the Vancouverites.

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  7. Absolutely love it! I will definitely have to give this pattern a go now. You have the perfect shape for this bodice too. Well done!

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  8. These dresses are both gorgeous - I cut out a bodice months ago, and never got round to finishing it (got sidetracked by work sewing) But I really have to get back to it, I love the plain contrast skirts too:)

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    1. The skirt in the pattern is a little fussy to me, so I like swapping it out for something simpler and more casual. Options! I can't wait to see yours.

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  9. Hi hun -
    These dress are beautiful - I really love your blog.
    I have nominated you for some awards. here is the link:
    http://hugsandkissesclothing.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/not-one-not-two-but-three-awards-xxx/

    I hope you enjoy them xXx

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  10. Those two bombshells are bombalicious!!!!

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