Hey Loves!
As you can see, I’m committed to the cut-out dress trend this summer. It’s all smiles over here about it.
I chose the Vikisews “Oona Dress” and this is my first spin with her pattern line. I see now why her patterns are so popular! Very on trend with a great selection.
The Oona Dress has this beautiful cut-out back and plunging neck line. However my fabric selection exaggerated both! I chose this GORGEOUS pink gauze from G Street Fabric’s clearance room as a first-run muslin. Well, it was going so well that I just ran with it.
The fabric doesn’t have full opacity so I had to use the gauze itself as a lining on the bodice and the skirt. The extra weight of the lining caused the skirt to dip more in the back and weighed the front down making it plunge even more. I didn’t have any quibbles with either. Lol. This dress is giving me sexy milk maid vibes even though I didn’t intend it.
I will say this, here’s an example of managing your expectations. You have to be comfortable in your own skin because it’s openness in the back reveals it all. I tend to carry my weight through my back and love handles and they are on full display with this dress. But honestly, who cares.
Construction/Alterations
Construction was easy as there aren’t a lot of pattern pieces to manage.
- I added a ruffle at the bottom to add length and break up the skirt. Otherwise, between the pink and the gauze fabric, it was beginning to look like a night gown.
- I added a hook-and-eye closure at the bust line because it’s quite open. I may add another for more modesty. You can see here how it drops open.
Styling
So let’s get into this PURSE! I’ve been following this boutique, Monkee’s of Ocean City, for a while. Finally, on one of my visits to the beach, I popped into the store because I spotted one of theirs bags online.
The entire store is eye candy! Between wanting to buy or sew-n-dupe everything, it was hard to maintain discipline. However, I remained laser focused and purchased this Squeeze de Citron “Box” bag. There’s an amazing story behind the company as the bags are made with 100% recycled plastic. Pretty and sustainable.
I chose more sophisticated accessories to off-set the sweetness of the dress.
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman “Braida Aleema”
Jewelry: Sweet Elizabeth Jane
Let me know your thoughts. On to the next sew!
Dei – this dress is stunning on you! Love how you styled it!
Thank you Carolyn! I think the styling really makes a difference with this dress.
Such a pretty dress and you look fabulous!
Thank you for the kind words!
You look fabulous in that dress. Great color choice! I agree you need to be confident in your own skin. You did a wonderful job styling it. But that bag though! You have lovely taste.
Thank you so much! Agreed! I had to stop overthinking it and wear this dress with pride, with all my humps and lumps. And thank you again. I really enjoy the bag for lots of reasons. Please visit their site. They have a great selection.