The Model and Me: Sacha Drake summer 2011-12

By on 07 Nov 11    Comments: (89)

Ever looked at a model wearing an item of clothing that appeals to you and dismissed the purchase out of hand?  Yep, me too.  Well, I’m here to tell you that you SHOULD get into that change room and give the object of your desire a try.  You may not look like the model (I don’t, I’m a size 14), but you never know, it just may look right for you.

So, on Friday I may have teased you a little bit about my latest maxi dress purchase. In fact I apologise as the teasing started way back in August when this dress appeared on the catwalk at the Mercedes-Benz Brisbane Fashion Festival.

I missed the show but there was no way I was missing out on this dress. NO WAY.

See, while others may have wondered whether it was best left for the tall, slender beauties of this world, I knew Sacha would not let me down.

Regular Stylers would know just how much of a fan I am of this Queensland designer … have been since long before I published my first blog post. So, when I saw the image of the Del Mar Dress, I knew it was destined for a lifetime of loving, starting with summer 2011-12.

To refresh you, here’s what Del Mar looks like on the model:

Sacha Drake spring-summer 2011-12 Del Mar Dress

Sacha Drake spring-summer 2011-12 Del Mar dress $265

Here it is in another colour variation:

Sacha Drake spring-summer 11-12 Del Mar $265

Sacha Drake spring-summer 11-12 Del Mar $265

And here it is on me:

Sacha Drake Del Mar maxi dress; Uberkate necklace; Country Road shoes; coolbabycool bracelet

Sacha Drake Del Mar maxi dress; Uberkate necklace; Country Road shoes; coolbabycool bracelet

Let me talk you through this miracle-working dress.

As is clearly evident, it has incredible powers. Incredible waist-making powers. The pattern of the stripes combined with the ruching works like a gold-medal-winning synchronised swimming duo to create shape and actually slim.

To be honest, when I first opened the package containing the dress, I had been a little concerned. The polyester spandex jersey isn’t overly thick. I was worried it would be too thin for a decent camouflage of my lumps and bumps but as soon as I lifted Del Mar over my head and it slid down my torso, skimming over my hips, I silently thanked Ms Drake. (Actually, I tell a lie. I punched the air and squealed)

She is a freaking genius when it comes to frocks that work for all shapes and sizes and this one is certainly no exception.

I’ve already worn it to lunch with girlfriends and this week, because it’s such a low-maintenance travelling companion, it’s coming to Sydney with me for the Beauty Directory Star Awards. I’ll team it with my white Country Road jacket … for a more professional look.

And yes, this dress will work dressed up with heels or worn with wedges or flats, depending on the occasion. I’ll do heels this week but the next barbecue with friends? It’s coming out to play in some blinged flats.

Can you believe the power of the shape of this dress? I know a few of my readers have already bought it. Very happy for more to join the club!


 

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Categories : The Model and Me

89 Responses

  1. 2011: the Styling You blog posts you loved | Styling You says:
    December 30, 2011 at 6:00 am

    [...] 9. The Model and Me: Sacha Drake Summer 2011-12 [...]

    Reply
  2. I'm going to Malaysia. For the weekend. | Styling You says:
    December 15, 2011 at 11:03 am

    [...] 4. Something nice to wear out to dinner and shopping Saturday night (I’m thinking this dress). [...]

    Reply
  3. Anna Wolfe says:
    December 6, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    I am searching for the perfect Christmas dress to see me through a number of functions. Looks fantastic Nikki! I am having a MAJOR dilemma, I totally adore the colours on the black and rasberry coloured one (I’m a very dark brunette) but will it have a similar affect as the magical striped one?

    Reply
  4. KateW81 says:
    November 17, 2011 at 4:30 am

    Lovely photos.Looks like a young model huh…Thank you for sharing your article.

    Reply
  5. Jo says:
    November 15, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    Hi Nikki

    I have the dress (hunted it down) – i would have never bought it without your post.

    It looks totally amazing on and makes me look SKINNY.

    Thanks for sharing :)

    Reply
  6. Kelly
    Twitter:
    says:
    November 9, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    Yep, I want to buy it.
    Kelly recently posted..A Window in Family LifeMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Laney @ Crash Test Mummy
    Twitter:
    says:
    November 9, 2011 at 2:01 pm

    I remember seeing this dress when you had spotted it on the catwalk. I love it! You’re looking super hot in it Niki ;)
    Laney @ Crash Test Mummy recently posted..{Take Care} My pelvic floor injury – how I broke my lady bitsMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Caz says:
    November 9, 2011 at 8:12 am

    First time I have stopped by your blog (came via A Beach Cottage) and I’m loving it :-) I’m a huge fan of Sasha Drake as well and this dress is seriously stunning on you I absolutely love it:-) I’m not sure if I could wear it though as I’m 6’2″ and it could possibly make me look like I’m 7 foot?? Also on a shopping ban as I spent a month in NYC on a millinery adventure so I spent way too much money and have to be good for a while although I could possibly use “oh this …its one I got it in NY with my birthday money..I just haven’t worn it before” ;-)
    Caz recently posted..I ♥ New York, I ♥ MillineryMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Em says:
    November 9, 2011 at 1:07 am

    Lovely, but unfortunately I have massive flabby arms which would look horrendous in this dress! If only there was shapewear for arms :)

    Reply
  10. Kim-Marie
    Twitter:
    says:
    November 8, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Lovely! Love your Veronica Lake do too x
    Kim-Marie recently posted..iKidsMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Carren Smith says:
    November 8, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Hey there Nikki!!! I want that dress!!!!! YOU LOOK STUNNING!!!!!
    Carren Smith recently posted..Get N-A-K-E-DMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Delia Timms says:
    November 8, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    Hi Nicky, My husband was asking me what I was reading so I explained “The Model & Me” and then showed him you and the model in the new dress. He said “That’s nice, I like it” (on you. A spontaneous compliment from him! What a great dress and it looks gorgeous on you!
    Delia
    http://www.whatshouldiwear.com.au
    Australia’s #1 style advice site

    Reply
  13. MadamBipolar
    Twitter:
    says:
    November 8, 2011 at 6:10 am

    Amazeballs.
    MadamBipolar recently posted..IgnoramusesMy Profile

    Reply
  14. sandraw2580 says:
    November 8, 2011 at 5:36 am

    Wow! I think you had the photo’s mixed up? the third photo is the one where a model is wearing the dress! You look fabulous on that dress!

    Reply
  15. Sarah says:
    November 8, 2011 at 5:12 am

    Nikki you look so lovely in the dress! Your photo looks better than the one of the model! Will have to find out if this dress is available in NZ :)

    Reply
  16. Jo says:
    November 7, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    Vavavroom Nikki. You totally rock in this dress and so will so many “real” women. It ticks all the boxes and some. I hope SD have plenty in stock or they better be prepared for a re-run. Love your work. Jo

    Reply
    • Nikki Parkinson
      Twitter:
      says:
      November 7, 2011 at 9:22 pm

      Oh, thanks Jo! Yes, there are have been a lot of inquiries at Sacha Drake today!

      Reply
    • Jo
      Twitter:
      says:
      November 7, 2011 at 9:24 pm

      Apologies Nikki. I thought I was Being original with my vavavroom description but it would appear I am guilty of Being a “Johnny come lately” so I gave it some more thought and I have failed to find a better description so I am going to stick with it with all due respect to the original author.
      I have a question for you – how does your head remain a fairly normal size with all the loving that is posted to you. You give it out and you will get it back!!
      Jo recently posted..I’VE LOST THAT BLOGGING FEELINGMy Profile

      Reply
  17. Brismod says:
    November 7, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    I totally would’ve said “no way” to that dress as it is worn by the model, but it looks absolutely fabulous on you. It really does. I’m looking for a formal dress for a couple of Christmas dos and a wedding, so I will check out some Sacha magic. xx
    Brismod recently posted..Mid-century bar stoolsMy Profile

    Reply
  18. bigwords says:
    November 7, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    VA VA VOOM!! You look stunning x
    bigwords recently posted..The Relaxing OneMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Carly Findlay says:
    November 7, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    You are gorgeous. I love how you wear clothes so well. This dress is amazing, and if I was not going to NYC I’d consider buying it. (And what happened to your shopping ban?!!)
    :)
    Carly Findlay recently posted..Let me introduce myselfMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Belinda says:
    November 7, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    Wow! Love it on you…..gorgeous!

    Reply
  21. Seraphimsp
    Twitter:
    says:
    November 7, 2011 at 7:43 pm

    I am searching for the perfect Christmas dress to see me through a number of functions. I have to say I loved this on you Nikki. It is gorgeous and you absolutely rock it!
    Seraphimsp recently posted..Shhhh, I’m reading!My Profile

    Reply
  22. Omega
    Twitter:
    says:
    November 7, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    You are definitely rocking that dress!! I agree with other commenters, the dress looks lovely with some curves to fill it out! :)

    I’m going to have to search for something cut like this in red, I think..
    Omega recently posted..How to wear cheap blue eyeshadow.. without looking cheap.My Profile

    Reply
  23. Catherine says:
    November 7, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    Wow Nikki! You look amazing. That dress has super powers. Loving your hair also. Did you do it yourself?

    I’m so in love with the dress, but I’m on a shopping ban and can’t get it :( Oh, the pain!!!

    C xo
    Catherine recently posted..25 ways to wear a scarfMy Profile

    Reply
    • Nikki Parkinson
      Twitter:
      says:
      November 7, 2011 at 7:45 pm

      Oh sorry about the ban! Would you believe that my hair is a brushed out blow dry and up do – two days after I had it done by my hair stylist for Melbourne Cup?!

      Reply
      • Catherine says:
        November 7, 2011 at 8:33 pm

        Wow, that’s some serious super powers of a good blow dry and up do!!! Love it! Yeah, the shopping ban is for 6 months… I’ve lasted 2 months so far BUT within those 2 months I have spent gift vouchers, birthday money and today I bought some things from the op shop, so not totally being honest on the shopping ban… Hmmmm maybe I could find a stockist that does layby?!!! I’ve had my eye on this dress since you featured it in your summer wishlist post! Love your style Nikki.
        Catherine recently posted..25 ways to wear a scarfMy Profile

        Reply
  24. Jodie says:
    November 7, 2011 at 7:34 pm

    I’ve had my eyes on this dress for a while – since seeing Louisa Claire modelling it! Looks fabulous Nikki.
    Jodie recently posted..My Birth Story Part 1 – Getting PregnantMy Profile

    Reply
  25. Maxabella says:
    November 7, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    Youblook stunning, Nikki. I love this dress and I absolutely love your “model and me” posts! x

    Reply
  26. Lisa Lintern
    Twitter:
    says:
    November 7, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Oh, this dress is divine. I’ve had my eye on it since the day you first told us you had your eye on it. Must have it. Repeat, must have it! It looks gorgeous on you. I love The Model and Me. xo
    Lisa Lintern recently posted..Bloggers are not bottom feedersMy Profile

    Reply
  27. Fab Friday style tip: how to find a maxi dress that flatters | Styling You says:
    November 7, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    [...] 3. DO choose a maxi dress that is a tank style or one that has a slight a-line like this one from Verily. You will be surprised how flattering they are. Ditto, this one I had one my wishlist from Sacha Drake, which I have now featured in this Model and Me post. [...]

    Reply
  28. Cate Backstrom says:
    November 7, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    It looks stunning Nikki!! Well and truly designed for you!

    For anyone else looking for the Del Mar Dress in the Turquoise Pink there is a stock list published on facebook here:

    http://www.facebook.com/sachadrake.designer#!/media/set/?set=a.270714279640700.69602.112696192109177&type=1

    ♥

    Reply
  29. Jennifer (Delicieux) says:
    November 7, 2011 at 11:27 am

    LOVE the summer colours of this dress!! So flattering too. I can’t decide between the one you are wearing or the other colour combination. I love both.
    Jennifer (Delicieux) recently posted..Cucumber SaladMy Profile

    Reply
  30. Kate B says:
    November 7, 2011 at 10:44 am

    Oh it looks divine! I am having a MAJOR dilemma, I totally adore the colours on the black and rasberry coloured one (I’m a very dark brunette) but will it have a similar affect as the magical striped one?

    Reply
  31. Christina @ Hair Romance says:
    November 7, 2011 at 9:53 am

    Love this on you Nikki! That is some genius pattern, well done Sacha Drake! I agree with the others, I like the dress even more on you x
    Christina @ Hair Romance recently posted..Love your hairMy Profile

    Reply
  32. Kelly
    Twitter:
    says:
    November 7, 2011 at 9:44 am

    I love that dress on you Nikki – you look better than the model!
    Kelly recently posted..A major design flawMy Profile

    Reply
  33. Norlin
    Twitter:
    says:
    November 7, 2011 at 9:38 am

    That is an absolutely STUNNING dress! Love both colours, but I think I’m more inclined to wear the one with the black top. Gorgeous!
    Norlin recently posted..PROM – What Was YOUR Formal Like?My Profile

    Reply
  34. Frankie and Nicole says:
    November 7, 2011 at 9:31 am

    Looks fantastic Nikki! You’re giving that model a run for her money. Sacha looks like she creates beautiful products for people of all shapes and sizes..something that F&N aspire to do also! x

    Reply
  35. Kirsten
    Twitter:
    says:
    November 7, 2011 at 8:59 am

    Gorgeous! Love the colours and the style. It looks much better on you than the model!
    Might have to invest in something Sacha Drake myself :)
    Kirsten recently posted..Gingerbread HouseMy Profile

    Reply
  36. Hannah says:
    November 7, 2011 at 8:00 am

    W.O.W. You look INCREDIBLE in that dress!!
    Do you think I can pull off those colours as a redhead? It would be PERFECT for my Christmas party… and a birthday party… and for Sunday brunch… and for shopping… for anything really :)

    Reply
  37. K says:
    November 7, 2011 at 7:50 am

    Love the dress, i am going to BUY BUY BUY one, can you tell me if it is true to size? for example if I wear a 14 in countryroad, what size would i buy?
    K recently posted..I snapped this somewhere in my neighbourhood, but for the life of me I cant remember where………….My Profile

    Reply
  38. Fadra says:
    November 7, 2011 at 7:15 am

    I forget that you have a whole lovely summer season ahead of you. I immediately thought I’m too short and have too much belly fat for this dress. But now I’m wondering if I could pull it off. I’m sure I’m still too short.
    Fadra recently posted..Stream of Consciousness Sunday: I got nuttin’My Profile

    Reply
    • Nikki Parkinson
      Twitter:
      says:
      November 7, 2011 at 7:48 am

      Check out the post I did about maxi dresses on Friday (link below) – height isn’t a problem if the style is not overwhelmed by too much fabric. This one is streamlined so would work. And yes … summer is just starting to make itself known over here!

      Reply
  39. Miss Pink says:
    November 7, 2011 at 6:45 am

    Oh gosh that IS stunning.
    Miss Pink recently posted..GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
  40. Danielle says:
    November 7, 2011 at 6:40 am

    A perfect item for your summer wardrobe and I love the colours.
    Goodluck in Sydney :)
    Danielle recently posted..Hot Park Mums – SkirtMy Profile

    Reply
  41. Vicky
    Twitter:
    says:
    November 7, 2011 at 6:09 am

    Oh wow Nikki – this looks amazing on you… I actually think it looks better on you then on the model!
    Vicky recently posted..when life was still pregnant with possibility…My Profile

    Reply
  42. Megan @ Writing Out Loud says:
    November 7, 2011 at 6:04 am

    I saw it on the model and shrugged… but on you Ms Nikki? LOVE!
    Megan @ Writing Out Loud recently posted..Introducing ‘Writing Out Balance’My Profile

    Reply

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