tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post8061310174857188610..comments2023-10-20T08:27:40.314-04:00Comments on male pattern boldness: Strapless Gowns - yea or nay?Peter Lappinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-14120064578644971802012-06-11T13:54:42.153-04:002012-06-11T13:54:42.153-04:00Interesting. Thanks, Anon!Interesting. Thanks, Anon!Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-7242349034363950942012-06-11T13:33:14.915-04:002012-06-11T13:33:14.915-04:00There is no choice regarding strapless gowns, it i...There is no choice regarding strapless gowns, it is the ***only*** style available these days. Heavy set gals look for a large cup strapless bra (Linda "the bra lady" says there's no such thing) for a strapless wedding dress. So only solution is a dress that fits very high up and extremely tight (making the girl look a lot fatter). <br /><br />Problem is lack of choice, back in the days of Rita Hayworth, Liz Taylor, Ava Gardner, women can get strapless or a dress with shoulders. They could also store buy different kinds of shoulder designs, profiles, etc. Because manufacturers are so obsessed with reducing costs, the business plan is to eliminate shoulders (fitted gowns are a bitch to fit) and framing a shoulder style to the woman's face profile takes skill. Get rid of the shoulders and get rid of that problem. <br /><br />And it is even going further, take a look a "fitted gowns" such as wedding and prom dresses. Besides all being strapless, they are now becoming lace-up on the back. Manufacturer's business plans are driving the fashion design and I think for the worst. I see much knowledge on how to make a fitted gown like was done in the 1950's is lost. Yes, it is not easy when using non-stretch materials and it does take more work to ensure proper fit in the bust, torso, waist, shoulder, etc. for a flattering look. Yes, like building a spaceship to go to the moon is a lot of work but the results are stunning. It is difficult to recreate what used to be especially with so many Chinese firms undercutting fashion design. Take a look at wedding and prom dress sites, listings on ebay, these are completely overrun by Chinese companies. <br /><br />But then women typically do not wear fancy dresses except on two occasions: Their high school prom or their wedding.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-34992206660938751082011-11-18T01:34:22.788-05:002011-11-18T01:34:22.788-05:00When I wear this it makes me feel girly and cute. ...When I wear this it makes me feel girly and cute. It fits just right and goes perfectly with any empire waisted tank.Sverigehttp://simplyrawcure.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-13162789378556077922011-07-01T12:49:18.315-04:002011-07-01T12:49:18.315-04:00FYI - the photo of Elizabeth Taylor is likely a pr...FYI - the photo of Elizabeth Taylor is likely a promo photo for "A Place in the Sun;" dress by Edith Head.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-40617171595917756392011-06-12T14:20:09.917-04:002011-06-12T14:20:09.917-04:00I like strapless gowns. I'm tired of strapless...I like strapless gowns. I'm tired of strapless wedding gowns. That's been the trend for too long, and too many brides would look better in a more flattering gown. I'd love to see wedding dress designers broaden their horizons a bit more beyond strapless dresses.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-65608497323703447262011-06-10T15:39:02.746-04:002011-06-10T15:39:02.746-04:00I personally have to confess to be rather fed up w...I personally have to confess to be rather fed up with the strapless look having been around for so long now... Mostly because most of those you see are badly fitting loaned ones, and that it seems you don't see anything else but strapless dresses in wedding parlours. (Living near one when at school does not help.) However, I do like it if done well and well fitted - my best friend looked simply gorgeous in her strapless gown on our graduation ball, and she's not very gifted in the bosom area (I hope she'd forgive me for using her as an example...) - but then her dress was bought, not loaned, and she had it altered to fit her.<br /><br />I cannot give Cathy much opinion on the exact style, because I have no experience with this style myself (and would not wear it myself - on 50s-Hollywood-style reasoning grounds ;). I just wanted to give another vote to well-fitting strapless gowns as opposed to not-so-well fitting ones... and a real life example that good fit helps, no matter what the wearer's figure (and assumed ideal figure).<br /><br />So... even though it's something I would not do myself, I guess if Cathy wants to try and you want to learn how to deal with this style, I'd say go for it, even if only for the learning factor. Just make sure that if it turns out to be a mistake in the end, you use something you will not regret having used for it, so it's not an expensive mistake. :DHana - Marmotahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03532515160608083460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-42664263098519493342011-06-09T17:30:10.081-04:002011-06-09T17:30:10.081-04:00Yea for me......but they should be in proper taste...Yea for me......but they should be in proper taste and well engineered. Jayne Mansfield's doesn't work. Ava's is great as is this Helen Rose gown worn by Dolores Gray. The costume clicks for the song and dance number that Dolores is in, but I'm not sure about the poofy fox hula-hoop. <br /><br />[IMG]http://i51.tinypic.com/2a4zsjp.jpg[/IAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-2117283914968340612011-06-09T12:45:58.656-04:002011-06-09T12:45:58.656-04:00I like them...if they fit correctly. Is there any...I like them...if they fit correctly. Is there anything worse than watching a bridesmaid tug at her bosom to hike up her dress all wedding day? Well, maybe there is...but anyway, I have seen many that work well and many that don't.Suznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-12893563370898012612011-06-08T08:44:55.919-04:002011-06-08T08:44:55.919-04:00We're going on a cruise this summer and I'...We're going on a cruise this summer and I'm really itching to try making a strapless dress for dinner. Ok truth is I'm really itching to make a whole new wardrobe but strapless dress out of pretty summer fabric is on my wish list. I'm just scared of getting it to stay up.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18258328541859721624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-49705877973897269742011-06-07T09:00:53.606-04:002011-06-07T09:00:53.606-04:00I think that the strapless look is unflattering on...I think that the strapless look is unflattering on many women. And it's marketed so heavily, that too many people are wearing it who would look so much better in another style. <br /><br />As others have mentioned, looking good in strapless doesn't have anything to do with bust size. I think it is more a matter of proportion and balance. I think that the shoulders probably matter more than the bust for this style.Bettynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-40942973516498265232011-06-07T01:39:27.940-04:002011-06-07T01:39:27.940-04:00Difficult question, really. On the whole, I'm ...Difficult question, really. On the whole, I'm not opposed to the strapless look but it might not be the best choice for Cathy. <br />I'm fairly flat-chested myself and I've dabbled in making strapless dresses last summer. My results looked more ballerina than vava-voom but they were nice. However, I do have a rather feminine-looking waist-to-hip ratio... (contrary to popular opinion, it's definately not just breasts which make for a feminine figure)<br />Maybe Cathy could consider trying on a waspie?<br /><br />Now, I work with strapless bridal gowns four days a week. It keeps surprising me for how many women this shape (strapless bodice, A-line or full skirt) will be flattering. On the other hand, I am getting rather tired of the look as well. When I started, I thought I would put this experience to work making my own dresses, but now, the idea seems just plain boring to me. <br />Although I can still get interested in vintage-inspired strapless things...Laurianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16602295642057814667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-35909575314220503602011-06-06T19:29:47.317-04:002011-06-06T19:29:47.317-04:00I am so tired of seeing the bride hitching up her ...I am so tired of seeing the bride hitching up her ill-fitting strapless dress. (Reminds me of one wedding nightmare where Jabba the Hutt-- I mean the bride, had a bridesmaid behind her hefting up her assets. SO attractive and bridelike). I digress--I love vintage ball gowns and I think the McCall's is better, the skirt is neater, no bow on the bodice and a cute little point d'esprit bolero would be fabulous on those swimmer shoulders.Pamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-26534451689353323702011-06-06T16:30:49.167-04:002011-06-06T16:30:49.167-04:00You know, Peter, I'm on the fence about strapl...You know, Peter, I'm on the fence about strapless too. I really like the style, but I think the designers have gone overboard - you can hardly find anything else when looking for a party-type dress. <br />I got married 3 yrs. ago, and there was not ONE dress that wasn't strapless, halter or tank. Come on, April is still cold in the Northeast! And besides, I was 45 and quite well endowed. I thought strapless would have been inappropriate.<br />However, if I were on a cruise, and the undergarments were supportive enough, I would go for it!Paulahttp://www.learnhowtosewnow.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-55598842091624474752011-06-06T14:43:38.638-04:002011-06-06T14:43:38.638-04:00I love a strapless dress! As long as you work out...I love a strapless dress! As long as you work out issues of support/boning, it's a style that looks great on all sorts of figures, including those with more athletic shoulders, like Cathy.Cliohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-75567677612360612522011-06-06T13:31:52.939-04:002011-06-06T13:31:52.939-04:00I say, go for it! But do remember, as Daniel said...I say, go for it! But do remember, as Daniel said, the support comes from the waist. You'll need a good waist stay that fastens separately in the back, to hold the boned bodice up where it needs to stay. Nothing worse than seeing Cathy pulling that dress up! And you could just remove the bust fullness and make the bodice fit her actual body. That could look good too. Make a muslin!!!!!Ustabahippienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-35076609821517598292011-06-06T13:04:27.856-04:002011-06-06T13:04:27.856-04:00Strapless? Only if you look just like Lena, or Av...Strapless? Only if you look just like Lena, or Ava, or Rita, or Liz. NOT like Jayne, and not like the girl next door either.<br /><br />That McCalls patt looks like something designed for Barbie. <br /><br />-- stashdragonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-68893062304356179762011-06-06T12:42:32.436-04:002011-06-06T12:42:32.436-04:00Topping Cathy's shoulders with a lace bolero, ...Topping Cathy's shoulders with a lace bolero, forming a sweetheart neckline will draw the eye to her face, neck, and upper chest. <br /><br />The bolero will help create an hour-glass silhouette, which certainly pays our gal dividends. <br /><br />With summer due to start soon, doesn't McCall's view "C" make sense? We all know there isn't anything quite like Cathy showing a little leg.Testosteronenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-47720624267310588612011-06-06T11:48:08.103-04:002011-06-06T11:48:08.103-04:00I'm clearly a "yea."
http://www.byma...I'm clearly a "yea."<br />http://www.bymaggie.com/?p=202<br /><br />I rocked a strapless at my sister's wedding last year, and again at a movie premiere a couple weeks ago - the former bought, the latter I made. Strapless is FUN. The one suggestion I have is to add a belt to the inside if there's a lot of weight on the bottom or you're in for a wardrobe malfunction.<br />And as for that swimmer's shoulder thing? I swam competitively for 9 years and still find time to slip into a strapless when I can.<br /><br />Try it out! You might like it. :Dbodicegoddesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00343284288914932128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-62588441691259301282011-06-06T11:44:54.273-04:002011-06-06T11:44:54.273-04:00Strapless OK for a glam evening party, but not for...Strapless OK for a glam evening party, but not for wedding gowns, and for Cathy--maybe with a wonderful jeweled necklace? plus bolero? I hope never to see another strapless (topless?) bride--used to think modesty was a bridal attribute and a requirement for church weddings, but RTW and Hollywood combined seem to have banished such thoughts. Ballerina types can wear strapless well, but most others, not so much. When did it become OK to bare a maximum of skin? In the tropics it makes sense, but I agree with those above who see the dress riding too low. I just don't want to see every asset of a stranger. Cathy is tall enough and thin enough to carry it off if she wants to--ballerinas have great shoulders! anna in the midwestAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-81552934773224947042011-06-06T10:44:39.248-04:002011-06-06T10:44:39.248-04:00Structure of the dress (it's got to stay uprig...Structure of the dress (it's got to stay upright) and posture of the lady (she needs to stay upright) are all important, especially if she has wider shoulders or much of a bust. I like the strapless look very much for party dresses, but wish it would go by the wayside for a bit on wedding dresses; there are so many other pretty looks to be had! Brides tend to look too similar when they all go strapless and, really, if you're spending that much on a dress, stand out! Ok, rant over ...flynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18383667208114103501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-28880083147911110642011-06-06T09:58:31.175-04:002011-06-06T09:58:31.175-04:00A chiffon strapless is different from a satin one....A chiffon strapless is different from a satin one. Texture, weight and detailing can do a lot to change the look. Has Cathy tried on some strapless dresses at a department store to get a sense of which style looks best on her? That may help in choosing a pattern.sewistafashionistahttp://sewstorebought.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-25208543486624744062011-06-06T09:55:19.666-04:002011-06-06T09:55:19.666-04:00Yea for very structured evening wear (although I&#...Yea for very structured evening wear (although I'm busty so the structured bit is very much required) and nay for anything else strapless!Alyssahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204598010453409678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-15082551420307013712011-06-06T08:18:16.899-04:002011-06-06T08:18:16.899-04:00Oh, the Simplicity is soooo lovely! I have broade...Oh, the Simplicity is soooo lovely! I have broader than average shoulders for a lady, and I'm a ballroom dancer, so I often wear very formal dresses that have to stay put - not very glamorous to be tugging at the frock while waltzing. The design of the Simplicity will complement the shoulders while enhancing the smaller bust.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-17770687100696672482011-06-06T07:30:52.883-04:002011-06-06T07:30:52.883-04:00I suspect that the prevalence of strapless wedddin...I suspect that the prevalence of strapless weddding dresses is just a reflection of the tendency towards poor fit in RTW in general. From a bridal boutique's perspective it must be so much easier to do strapless gowns - no worries about the sleeves fitting properly, no concerns about the shoulder seams falling in the right spot, or where the bust point lands. Why go to all the trouble of making dresses where everyone can see if they fit properly? Put those poor girls into a tube and send them on their way!birdmommynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-18635105811797090252011-06-06T07:18:47.415-04:002011-06-06T07:18:47.415-04:00Cathy should go with the Simplicity but with a dif...Cathy should go with the Simplicity but with a different skirt, skip the candy thing but think about the bolero and maybe a different skirt for the simplicity.Merihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01809954501162391688noreply@blogger.com