The Amazing Fit collection is some of my favorite Big4 pattern collections. I think all the fitting help is supposed to prevent muslining and wadders. I have now defied that concept. Whining ahead.
I bought this rusty adorable woven flannel at Mary Jo’s and matched it with this rayon from the store that shall not be named (Yes, hancock, I mean you- still making me sad. You only get lower case letters) and this pattern just said, ‘HELLO! MEET YOUR LATEST VICTIM!’ and we were off to the races.
I really like this pattern, the shape, the pockets- oh, here is my life lesson. If you want to make a contrast side panel in a flannel …….panel flannel panel flannel flannel panel flannel flannel spaniel in sandals playing madrills. Whoa. Sorry. That was just really too tempting. Back to my point.
I made the contrast panel in flannel, also the pocket facing. I wore tights. The static this area was creating- oy- I could have powered a small village with it. Also, it made me have to futz with it a good bit. Needless to say, I could not store any m&m’s in the pockets- they were way too warm. But, I was able to make a grilled cheese sandwich while walking back and forth to the Anesthesia Office a few times. A Fashion Win! But, this one was not a fit win. I feel very constricted thru the sleeves. Is this an armscye thing? Are they too far forward? The sleeves seem to be trying very hard to grab the bodice. Thoughts, people? I’d love to cal this a muslin and make another with my excess fabric.
This is another dress that due to my pear-shapedness, I can skip the zipper on. Good thing too. That hancock fabric store near me has the puniest collection of zipper colors available. They truly are not prepared for my needs. If they sell fabric in this color, maybe they’d like to consider adding a few tones to that color chart, eh? What if my Elsa costume is not ice blue???? What if my magenta fleece John Deere no sew blanket needs a snack pocket? Come on hancock- be a pal. Upgrade that selection. There is life beyond 9” Saddle Tan!!!!
Ok, less ranting, more pattern review details. I made my standard fit alterations- I lowered the back neck line, tapered in the front upper bodice at the neckline. Huh. I think these are the standard alterations for a hunch-backed crone. Well, that’s nice. I always wanted to buy a bell tower and yell at the neighbor kids.
Now, I totally missed this when I bought the fabric- I could have had a weird pattern placement tragedy. I saw sort of a roman south western hodge podge pattern- I never noticed it had an odd pitch fork motif. The last thing this chassy needs is the ‘oh, wearing your favorite thing, huh? A fork- I get it- you like to eat!’ Um, yeah, thanks for noticing…you suck and I curse your firstborn. Thornberry, I’m feeling your pain. Ok, find the forks!!!
Anyhoo. I’m still sort of trying to find the skirt shape that suits me best. I think hobble, but that can be inconvenient getting in and out of smaller cars but perfect training for my future in sack races. The skirt of this pattern just seems to be a little too triangular for me- I’m not sure I’m an A-line girl. Any thoughts are of course welcome- especially if they involve a 4 point train and attendants. I’m sad about this make- an illusion contrast side panel should remove my swaddled dumpling look and give me some middle definition, right? By the way, it was monsooning during these pics and I was freezing and of course shivering like a fool. Bless Mr B for getting these pics- he did the best he could with the typhoon situation and crap lighting- my trooper!
Hey, while we are talking, I’m thinking about Jungle January III- the Beast that would not Die ! Can I squeeze out another season of tolerance for the Fleecy Folk? I’m wondering if a little pre-season or mid-month Sabertooth Swap would be interesting? Anybody feel like receiving spotted gifts by post?
I love this dress! What a great pattern! This dress fits you perfectly and you look really great in it! I have to check the Simplicity patterns … it looks like there are some interesting ones over there.
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Thank you- want a grilled cheese sandwich?
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🙂
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Ooh, I hate the static cling beast! I have a few skirts that at the mere suggestion of too close for comfort, I will never wear again. The dress does look good on you but I do see when you bend your arms that the sleeve shoulders pull up. Maybe sleeves start too close too bodice, ie, you need more fabric before sleeves are added? Not really sure. And you KNOW I’m all in for Jungle January 3!!
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I’m thinking I overdid my upper bodice alterations, maybe?
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A couple of ideas: switch the contrast fabric to a dark fabric, maybe a tad more ease through the bust, switch from the A-line to a straighter skirt [why do they keep telling us pears that A-lines are the best?], lower the armseye, and change the motif placement so the largest part of the pattern isn’t going right across the abdomen. This dress is close to working for you, and the fabric is gorgeous. I hope you give it another go!
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I really want to save this one- your thoughts are definitely making sense. We shall see this cuckoo rise from the ashes!
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I’m not a pear and A-lines don’t work on me either. I’m convinced that the tiny-waisted slim-hipped wear them best. Sigh.
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Those slim hipped beasties get everything!
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I think this dress looks great on you and I love the pattern, but I’m sorry it doesn’t feel great.
The photos with the skirt in an “A” shape, like the last one, look flattering on you, so maybe it needs to be a stiffer fabric for it to work?
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I was thinking maybe the fabric was a little too limp for it. So much good help coming at me- thanks!
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Some sort of gusset under the arm?
Yay for the merest mention of JJ2015!!!
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Yay! Swap maybe?
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Never swapped before, happy to be initiated!!
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Ive never hosted one- we shall struggle together!
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Happy to help if you need swapping assistance?!
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Thank you! i will need a tutorial and snacks!
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Cool. Shall I drop you an email and we can hatch jungly plans?
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Yes, please!
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I think the skirt shape looks good – and I like the whole dress on you! And yes please to Jungle January… I just assume it’s on and stockpile fabric all year!
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Like most jungle beasts roaming your neighborhood, I’d hate to overstay my welcome- but YES! LETS SEW ANIMALS 2015!!!
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i think anything that makes the waist smaller,makes the hips wider. trade-off. boo! at least that’s the way it works with me.
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I love your dress. The colour is fab on you and it shows off your lovely waist. Shame about the arm restrictions… can’t offer advice as not sure what would cause it.
As for JJ – I am salivating at the thought of seeing more strutting of the wild animals – bring on adventure. Sabertooth Swap would be fun.
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Yay swap!!
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Oh – and colour me blind but I see no forks anywhere.
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Phew! Maybe they are less obvious than I thought!!
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I’m with pennylibraian…toss in a gusset and let the whole armsyce drop a little and the cap of the sleeve will drop and maybe allow you more range of motion. Otherwise despite being slightly uncomfortable a warming drawer/pocket is a dandy idea. It is darling and anyone can wear A-line especially if you walk up stairs or drive a car. There are anti-static sprays that I use on bridesmaids poly-poly dresses so they don’t attract every dog hair before the wedding…spray some on the back side of the skirt or wear a slip made from Ambiance…rayon and less magnetic! Could also be creating static from nylon tights too…some folks swear by a safety pin pinned to a seam allowance inside…sort of like a static chain on shopping carts at Costco.
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D’you think I can salvage this one or should I start over?
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What about taking one sleeve off and make a muslin sleeve with wide seam allowances and some top gathers…then attach it and see it is works any better. The sleeve could be wider just below the cap and into the bicep. If you don’t have leftover fabric, you could cut the original sleeve shorter and use that piece to add to the underarm dimensions. No one would ever know what was original or not. If you have a prefect muslin sleeve, then I would make the pattern again using different fabrics…less flannel. You could also line the whole dress with Ambiance for less static and it would not cling to the bits you don’t like. Send me a photo!!! Let’s work together, Anne!
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Im all yours! To the seamripper I go!
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I must be blind or something because I can’t figure out why you (if I am reading you correctly) are so dissatisfied with the dress. I like it and think it looks great on you. Can I pin this to the Pearables Pinterest Board at PEARABLES PINTEREST BOARD
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I would be honored to grace and follow that board!!!!
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I actually think the a-line skirt really suits you well. You must’ve taken photos today. We came to a-town to visit family. It was miserable today. I bought this pattern at the last sale and was eyeing it the other day. I know you say it’s a wadder but I think it’s definitely worth revisiting! The shape is really nice. I often have sleeve issues like you describe. I end up slashing and spreading the upper sleeve pieces for more width- not sure if that’s a proper fix or not. Also, I think the ability to make a grilled cheese sandwich could be a great selling point for dresses.
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I was hanging out on the porch of an eye surgeon on 81 today for these pics- what a lovely day to visit, right?
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Ok now I’ve stopped laughing… and you’ve provided a renewal resource re electricity for a thousand villagers…
I often flick back through my blog pics (another good reason to take photos) and reflect on what did & didn’t work in hindsight. I also consider my most beloved & treasured RTW pieces and think about why they work. Also the items of clothing that generate the most positive comments… Clearly I don’t always listen to my advice as at this stage of my blog I really should have made myself a maxi skirt… sorry far too much sensible – but it is Monday here… the working week has bitten me. Hard.
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The husband thinks Im just not use to a close fitting garment!
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I think he’s bang on the money there. Sometimes it’s good to showcase your curves – and you should… As we are all always telling you!
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Some of my curves go in directions that should be curtailed! Heehee thank you!
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‘Curtailed curves’ that would be quite a pattern line name!
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I think it’s very pretty! If you have enough fabric leftover, you might try this adjustment:
http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/PatternMod/Sleeve/EnlargeUpperSleeve.htm
I do it on all set-in sleeve patterns for myself, and it really has helped.
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Fab! Im off to learn somethin’!
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I totally vote YES!!! for Jungle Jan ’15! And a swap too – fun fun!! 😄
(Also try as I can, I can see no pitchforks…?!?)
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I need a super pitchfork close up!
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I have no solutions for the armscycle or grill cheese situations…however, I was really interested to read your review of this dress since I wondered how it would actually sew up – particularly those curves at the side seams. Flannel is always tricky. If you think this fits you well you should definitely make it again in two more compatible fabrics. Will be interested to read about the rest of your sewing journey with this pattern.
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Flannel is attractive to me, but I still have no idea what to do with it successfully. Like Hollywood and Dwayne Johnson…..
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You need to find your “Walking Tall”!
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LOL at the ‘power a small village’…totally know what you mean and hate, hate, hate static! Winter and low humidity are killers for that 😦 Mrs Mole’s suggestions are great – give those a go 🙂
I actually really like this dress on you. I’d have probably used different fabric for the contrast, but I don’t have your fun sense of pattern mixing. The style looks really good on you, and is very flattering, too. Also, those colors are dynamite on you!
No sewing tips to add, but you’ve had some expert advice there! Hope you can make this work. Keep us posted!
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I cant give up on this- a workdress with pockets is a special thing!
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I must need new glasses/brain because I can’t find the forks! Boo. Fitting advice eludes me, beyond wondering if there is enough ease in the bust and bicep areas? Hard to tell from photos. As for a-lines, no stylist has ever convinced me about them – the physics of it doesn’t make sense to me, because skimming over one’s widest point and then continuing on at an angle to the hem has *got* to make one look wider than one really is. All that said, this pattern truly has potential for you. The first thing I noticed was your small, well-defined waist and the fabric really flatters you. Maybe some extra ease somewhere up top and a tapered a-line will put this into top shelf territory. Good luck with v.2! Rachel ☺
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The bust and biceps area is not easeful- ease full? Its the issue, definitely!
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I found this post extremely useful for sorting out sleeve fitting issues. There are further tutorials on drafting from scratch on the website as well. They are written for children’s sleeves, but the information is still very helpful for adults. http://www.ikatbag.com/2014/03/subtelties-in-drafting-sleeves.html
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Thank you! Ive gotten such good help today!
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I think this dress looks great on you, I really love the colour and pattern. I understand the frustration with the fit and static, but persevere, it looks worth it.
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Thank you- she willbe back!!
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I second (or maybe third–I haven’t read all the comments) the idea of more ease in the bicep. That might fix the sleeve issue entirely.
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As a clerical gal, this is a major need! Cant keep surfing the internet at work without comfort!
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did I hear you mention Jungle January? Im already there! My first ever animal print garment finished yesterday ready to show you. Bring it on and a swapsie too! Swoon!
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Yay! A swap! A swap!
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Everything I was about to mention to save this dress has been mentioned by Paris Grrl already. I like the main fabric (can’t find any forks!) but the side panel-flannel doesn’t really work (sorry!)
Junge January III? Count me in! Some brown cheetah print somehow found its way into my stash the last time I went fabric shopping :))
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Cheetah can be so stealthy in those stores!
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I think your dress turned out lovely. Love the colors.
I have not had good luck with “Amazing Fit” patterns. http://www.lynnspace.com/blog/?p=4930 but I mostly blame myself. I’m not as good at this as non sewing people think I am.
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Oh, by the way, zippers! http://www.wawak.com/products/category.cfm/cid/103/Zippers/ I love that site.
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I prefer a side zip and fish eye darts in the back- maybe these patterns aren’t for the shapely!
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Perhaps not but I’m tempted to try this pattern now that I’ve seen your version of it. The Big 4 should hire you. You make their patterns look much better than their cover art and photos.
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I have that pattern you reviewed and Im approaching with caution!
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I actually really like this style on you and the colors are PERFECT for your coloring. I agree that the rayon is kind of making the A-line shape collapse and cling a little, but in the photos where you can see the A-line shape (like the first one here) you really look nice. I also think that the pattern placement is fighting the shape a wee bit- the strong, dark motif feels like it wants to be at your waist line instead of a few inches below it. But these definitely aren’t dealbreakers and in my opinion, the pattern has lots of potential for you!
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I feel like we may work thru our differences and still get to prom together!
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I think you should try again in less “electrifying” fabrics. Because this dress is quite slimming and I like the seaming. 🙂
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I actually thought it was subtle……heehee
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LOL! I didn’t mean the print/color, I meant fabrics that were less electrically charged–no one wants to get shock therapy from their dress! 😉
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Not even for perfectly cooked griiledcheese?
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I agree with a few of the suggestions. The arm scythe appears to be too low (I ALWAYS have this problem with big 4 patterns…does the whole dress bodice want to rise when you lift your arm? –>Arm scythe too low)…what I do to fix that is add a half gusset….you could also add a full gusset….I’m just too lazy for that 🙂
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It rises like you said! Making my pocket lining rise and then i have to push them back down and its quite a production. I cannot dance to YMCA in this!!!
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Hiya, did you use the larger bust size pattern pieces? If so, my observation is that the arm scye is totally WTF on them. Sooo deep, so far forward. I’d be inclined to lay the smaller cup piece over it and use that armscye as a starting point. And if you make your sleeves bigger, you can always pin the, in, though bringing the armscye in from the outer Hebrides will help a lot too. Otherwise this colour combo is glorious on you! I suspect the skirt shape would work for your eye if it were wider so it draped in more, in that crazy way things go with fabric!
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I am racing to my pattern pieces to look- I admit to using the larger cup sizes- that is crazy!
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I’m all about Jungle January!!!
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Yay!!!!
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Hello saucy frock lady! This is freaking rad!
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Its the flaming flannel fork motif!
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Hi there! Without being there in person…the armscye looks too small and high at the underarm. Width of sleeve at bicep too narrow. Shoulder seam might go out just a little bit for ease of movement. Is the back broad enough? can’t see that part of the armscye curve. Also, if you turn the armhole seam towards the shoulder it will puff less than if you turn it towards the sleeve. Your cap is puffy compared to the area just below it, like your arm is pushing it up – I like the idea above of slash and widen at the cap and down into the arm to address stuff I noted, for as deep as needed.
I like you in a slight A-line, the contrast panel really flatters your waistline.
oooo – I remember static! not much of a problem down here! And as for wadders…my sewing room is full of them the past 4 to 6 months 🙂
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Two ideas: Wawak has tons of zippers:
http://www.wawak.com/
And Style Arc patterns has a great gored skirt pattern:
http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=493&category_id=3&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=43
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Thanks for this! Im off to shop!
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I think the dress looks great! But, I agree with another comment. I think the sides would be better in a darker color. Not only would it pop in the detail, but I think it would possibly be more slimming.
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I wonder if I can deflannel this version without going insane….
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No no no! Don’t wad it — it looks terrific on you! Slimming and elegant. Can’t wait to see the next one from this pattern (I agree, try going darker with the side panels). Also, I think you were very clever to pretend you see pitchforks so that the rest of us will think our powers of observation are inferior. Again, you have demonstrated your diabolical superiority!
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Distract, distract!
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Though I can see the fit challenges you mention, I do think your dress looks lovely and warm. I like where you were going with it.
I cannot wait for Jungle January!
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Thank you! I am looking forward to my favorite ferocious Mother daughter duo!
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Colour choice – tick. Style – tick. Print placement – not noticeable and love it – tick. Grilled cheese sandwich – tick. I look forward to your reviews. You’ve made me laugh after a usually hectic week.
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Aw thanks, Maria!
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I really like this shape and colour on you, but I can understand why the static and tight arms would annoy you. Hope one of the many suggestions here helps out!
It’s interesting to note how controversial the a-line is! It just goes to show how subjective aesthetics are! I go out of my way to not use “makes me look slimmer” as a criterion, cos as they say, “effyourbeautystandards” so I just go by what appeals to my eye, knowing full well that that might not appeal to everyone, and seeing these contradictory comments is just evidence that you can’t please everyone so you may as well just please yourself.
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Thankfully we dont all want the same things- how dull that would be!!
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Exactly! And it means more pink leopard print for me!
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