The Model and Me: Sacha Drake summer 2011-12

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:

Here it is in another colour variation:

And here it is on me:

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!