Today is my mother’s birthday and also marks day one of our Bolero pop-up shop. Usually, my mom’s birthday is a hard day because of how much I miss her, and I am really thankful (and excited) to have Patricia here to celebrate the beautiful world of bust-friendly clothes with me. Mom would have loved everything, I am sure! For the show, Patricia has brought multiple new styles, including some pop-up exclusive prints, for our busty customers to peruse and enjoy. Among those daring designs is a new variation of her stunning Besame Mucho dress, a style I have not previously reviewed but am so excited to present today.

Having a birthday on December 27^th is not all it’s cracked up to be. The holidays can be a struggle for so many, myself included, and Christmas reminds me so much of my mom and grandma who passed away.  To have a birthday wedged in between often makes you feel overlooked or overshadowed by everything else going on around you. This year was a particularly difficult year for me, and it took a lot of personal effort to move past the trauma and enjoy the season. Imagine my surprise, however, when a package arrived from Bolero with a birthday card and gift. Gleefully I ripped open the priority mailer and found this gorgeous dress.

I have mentioned before that ever since I was younger, I have always had a thing for black, and Patricia feeds my addiction in the best possible ways. After I ripped open the plastic packaging, I squealed with delight at seeing such a gorgeous creation in front of me and promptly held it up to my shoulders and twirled around in sheer bliss.

As with all of her dresses, Besame Mucho boasts wrinkle resistant fabric, high quality construction without mass production made right here in the USA, and space for a larger bust. Like her other designs Erica and Carmen, Besame Mucho exploits a soft circle skirt to cascade over curves and flatter a variety of figures.

The top, however, is pure drama. Even in the original style, the dramatic back cut-out and daring sweetheart neckline were traffic stopping, but in this updated version with a sheer mesh and black print, it becomes the kind of piece for the person not afraid to stand out in the crowd. Because of the transparency on the back and shoulders, the dress should necessitate a strapless bra by conventional wisdom, but I’m not one to be conventional. I prefer to wear my favorite bras and let the straps peek out as a fun addition to the design.

Right now, I wear a size US 14, and the Large fits beautifully if slightly snug in the bust. The fabric composition on the solid black is 50% cotton/50% polyester, meaning it has inherently less stretch than her traditional fabrics. If you’re between sizes or a little bustier, you may want to size up here. Furthermore, because the mesh fabric around the arms isn’t as stretchy either, those who struggle with tightness on the arms may want to consider the original version instead.

I know some people are going to look at this design and think it is not as versatile as some of her other pieces, and to an extent I can see the point. For me though? I have officially reached the age where I want to wear pieces which inspire me, which make me wake up cheerful and excited just to wear them, which make me feel like I am who I want to be. I’m not saying I’m going full-on ball gown to do bra fittings, but why can’t have a little fancy in our lives?

If you’re in town today or tomorrow, be sure to stop by the shop and check out everything she has to offer!

Erica