Nearly a decade ago, the talented Patricia of Bolero (now Mirror Mirror Moda) called me to discuss one of her designs: a beautiful sleeveless dress with a fitted bodice and fuller skirt. As we talked, I raved over the soft, draping fabric and the practicality of discreet pockets. However, I noted how the lack of even a partial sleeve caused hesitation for certain clients, especially those working in conservative environments. A few weeks later, my eponymous dress debuted and quickly became a best-seller. Recently, Patricia brainstormed ways to improve the original design, and so today I am reviewing the Erica 2.0 dress.

What’s the same?

Think of Erica 2.0 the same way you think of your browser versions, a gradual evolution of the original to improve the overall experience. Erica 2.0 boasts the same ultra-flattering three quarter sleeves to provide year-round comfort. I love this sleeve length because it never interferes with my hands but also elongates and slims the arms. It’s a workplace-appropriate length without needing any additional layers too.

The fuller, circle skirt cascades over curves but can create them too because of the gentle folds of the fabric. Concealed within the skirt, Erica 2.0 retains deep pockets to store credit cards, lip balm, and even dog treats for the new herding puppy you adopted. Ya know, the usual. 

Furthermore, the wrap-style bodice can still be adjusted to conceal or reveal cleavage while also accommodating fuller-busts. The V-shape neckline breaks up the expanse of the chest and gives ample space to showcase earrings and necklaces.

A fitted silhouette along the sides, waist, and arms balances the volume of the skirt to create an hourglass figure. Depending on fabric selection, the Erica 2.0 works equally well in the workplace, on date nights, and at parties.

Finally, the basic fabrics for the Erica 2.0 use the same wrinkle-resistant, easy-care materials which make the designs so accessible. They are all made in the USA under ethical working conditions, and the combination of both quality fabric with expert craftsmanship means every Mirror Mirror Moda product will last years. In my case, I have pieces that are over a decade old and still look brand new!

What’s changed?

Erica 2.0 offers maximum customization for the discerning shopper. The dress is now available in both the original knee-length as well as in a floor sweeping maxi. Moreover, the range of fabrics available is breathtaking, including the possibility for limited edition custom ones!

Among the current assortment, Mirror Mirror Moda offers conservative work prints, floral designs for summer parties, quirky combinations for something unique, polka dots for the pin-up babes, crushed velvet for the holidays, ponte knit for cooler weather, and so many others with new fabrics available regularly.

From a structural standpoint, the pockets are now attached to the bodice for more stability and support. This design tweak also enables them to disappear more thoroughly, even when filled with oodles of stuff.

As with the original, Erica 2.0 exploits a lined back bodice; however, in the newer version, the back not only utilizes a contrasting fabric lining but also a second lining in the same fabric as the dress. The added layer not only enhances the smoothing but also prevents the tag from sticking out of the neckline.

Several of the fabrics, including the green floral print modeled here, feature a heavier weight to improve the fit, especially the drape of the skirt. I noticed this fabric is less susceptible to strong gusts of winds than earlier models. Despite the added thickness, the dress wears well and feels lightweight even in warmer temperatures, 95+ degree days notwithstanding!

American Made, Woman Owned

For those new to Mirror Mirror Moda designs, I want to close with a note regarding quality, sustainability, and supporting small businesses. Like most Millennials, sustainability is paramount for me, and with clothing, it means buying fewer items and wearing them longer. With Mirror Mirror Moda, I can confidently purchase any piece and know it will last.

Not to mention, the brand committed to a Made in America philosophy and is both woman and immigrant owned. Supporting diversity, especially in creative spaces, is essential to ensuring more interesting perspectives and thus distinctive offerings in the marketplace.

If you have never tried her designs, you must. MUST, I TELL YOU. Sorry, caps were totally needed for emphasis because you will never get clothes like this at these prices off-the-rack.