A month ago I was excitedly packing for our trip to Europe – a trip that took us to Italy’s Rome and the Amalfi Coast, Croatia’s Split, Dubrovnik and the Island of Vis.
I created a 20-piece capsule wardrobe, which was based on the principles that I talk about in my e-book, Confessions of a Reformed Packer.
BUT. On top of that capsule, I took two pieces to shoot as part of a new season of Model and Me here on Styling You.
If you’re new to this blog, the concept of Model and Me started here seven years ago. The idea came about because, through my personal styling work, I’d discovered that most women struggled to see themselves in a garment that they saw on a model in a magazine or on a poster in their favourite store.
I thought, what if I showed those garments on me (SO not a model) alongside the model image? Would that help women better visualise how they might look in those garments?
This week, we start a new season of Model and Me on Styling You. I know we’re still in winter but the fashion stores have got us focussed on the season ahead with spring-summer 2017 collections starting to land.
The first drop in the Sacha Drake spring-summer 2017 collection had me all in a flutter thanks to the dress featured below. It was the perfect frock for a fancy evening out at Franco’s Bar in Positano.
Sacha Drake is a Brisbane-based label, of which I’ve been a long-time fan. Sacha and I go back to a time long before this blog.
Sacha still creates each garment by draping fabric over her own body – a size 14 hourglass – then converting the style into a pattern. Sacha’s commitment to designing clothes that are uniquely feminine, yet striking, and that create a flattering silhouette, remains the essence of the SACHA DRAKE brand and is behind every garment she creates.
The model
Sacha Drake Amaryllis dress in black (also available in red)
and me
Sacha Drake dress (I’m in size 14) | Christie Nicolaides earrings | FRANKiE4 Footwear wedges (coming soon)
OK, so you know that this dress had me at its twist on the off-the-shoulder trend, didn’t you? Well, yes it did. There is something next level about the one shoulder on; one off and thin strap as a feature.
The fabric of this dress – a textured viscose – has really good weight to it. This means that the structural detailing in the top half sits beautifully and, on the bottom half, it skims like a boss. No need for shapewear, which I definitely didn’t pack for our trip!
Wear the dress without the tie for a more casual look. Either way, this frock offers great shape for your body.
Re sizing, there isn’t much stretch in this fabric. It will run true to your size.
It’s the type of frock to consider if you have an event or a special occasion on the radar. You’ll feel comfortable, confident AND dressed up.
Yes, it won’t be to everyone’s budget but for an Australian-made garment with superior patterning, this is a piece that will be a favourite in your wardrobe for many years to come.
Oh, and the shoes I wore with this dress in Italy? These are new-season FRANKiE4 Footwear – coming very soon. I loved having the height of these wedges but without bit arch drop, I was able to walk in them for kilometres whenever we went out at night.
So tell me, do you love an LBD with a difference? Dreaming of the Amalfi Coast with me?
PS. This dress is also available in red.
* These garments were gifted to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy here.
Comments 12
Great dress and you look fabulous in it, Nikki
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Thanks Anna!
What a gorgeous dress! I prefer it on you as opposed to the model Nikki. Sacha Drake makes such gorgeous pieces & I LOVE how she caters to different body types (something you never really see in the fashion industry) as not all women are cookie-cut, if you get my drift.
It is lovely that there are different designs in the collection that work with different shapes Shell!
Amazing look Nikki. Any chance we can see the capsule you packed for this holiday?
I didn’t photograph it separately Cate but my outfits were all on Instagram. It was 20 pieces based on the formula in my e-book and the summer capsule in this blog post: https://www.stylingyou.com.au/2017/04/how-to-plan-and-pack-for-a-european-spring-summer-holiday/
The key to it all working was that the tops and bottoms worked with each other and I kept my shoes to four pairs and they all worked with each outfit too.
Looks gorgeous on you. What a smart, sexy dress to pack for a holiday.
It was fabulous – and didn’t need any ironing either!
What a great designed dress. Not only could you wear a normal bra with it but they it cleverly covers the tops of your arms. I’m sure nothing wrong with your arms but I don’t like mine!! Sacha Drake always designs amazing clothes. Wish she had a store in Sydney!!
I like to have my covered for an event or occasion too Jacqueline. You could wear a normal bra if you could pin the strap to the shoulder strap. I’ve got a strapless bra on in this photo. x
Stunning dress on you Nikki Xx
Thanks so much Lisa x