Hello Ladies,
As an avid fan of all things BiuBiu, I was ecstatic to see they were releasing new styles for spring and summer. While I love dresses like the Viena and Noli, I find long-sleeve dresses to be impractical for summer, which left me unable to purchase anything new for my closet. Then the gorgeous Marsala dress and Venice tops debuted with their lighter fabrics and short-sleeves! For today’s blog, I’ll be covering the Marsala dress, but tune in later this week for a review of the Venice.
Sizing: My measurements of 41.5″-29″-41.5″ put me firmly in the 38BB/BBB category, but in the past I’ve often bought both the 36BB/BBB and the 38BB/BBB. Given the thinner fabric, I opted for the 38 which fits pretty well, but I would have preferred a tighter fit at the waist, especially without a belt. If you’re between sizes, I recommend selecting the smaller one.
Fit: As expected, the Marsala hugs the curvy figure beautifully. There is ample room in the bust without creating any pull lines across the center, and my broad shoulders have plenty of space to move without tugging the seams. With a fitted torso design, the Marsala nips in at the waist before softly draping over the tummy and hip region to offer a flattering silhouette. An open v-neckline shows some skin without requiring a camisole or becoming inappropriate for work, and in the back, the dress contours to my shape for a sexy rear profile. However, the fitted top portion of the dress ends rather low on the waist. I am over 5’6″ with a long torso, and the waist seam hits me rather well, allowing the pleating to fall straight down and softly accentuate my figure. Petite or short-waisted women may find the pleating sits too low and creates an odd bagging near the inseam area. Not to mention, the length of the dress itself is longer too, sitting slightly below the knee.
Because of the pleating, the Marsala may be better suited for women with a straighter tummy profile (not necessarily six pack abs) because the pleats may inadvertently create a rounded stomach from the side. Even though I love the fit of the dress, I think the Marsala is one of BiuBiu’s harder-to-wear designs and not quite as flattering across body types.
Materials: I’m a huge fan of natural fibers for clothing because they breath when temperatures rise but also feel soft against the skin, and the cotton used for the Marsala truly impresses. In many ways, the fabric feels like your perfect worn in tee shirt, but the weight is thick enough to conceal bra seams as well as any lumps or bumps. Instead of clinging to the curves, it gently hugs them to show the silhouette without being quite so unforgiving. Moreover, all of the stitching and seam work looks sturdy enough to withstand wear.
Design: One of my favorite purchases from BiuBiu was the Ponte dress in green, but the heavier fabric and longer sleeves mean it often sits in my closet during hotter months. When I saw the Marsala, I was struck by the similarities and was excited for a style conducive to warmer temperatures. As a big fan of lace and lace prints, I fell in love with the romantic but sophisticated vibe of the dress, and in person the pattern reads at once more muted and more intricate. Neutral colors add to the versatility, and I will be able to transition the Marsala across the seasons.
Other Comments: So far, I have worn the dress twice, and I adore it. As I mentioned, a smaller size would be a bit better because I cannot wear the dress without a belt, but the design and materials are so comfortable. In the morning, I can put on the Marsala and then forget about it, even on busy days at the shop. The neutral colored print provides the perfect backdrop for experimenting with accessories and layering pieces, making this dress more than one trick pony in the style department!
Overall Grade: A-
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