Doctor T Designs

I’ve been super busy getting the last of my costume orders finished for this skating season, but I really needed to take a break, so I found some time to get this Burda review up.  The McCall’s Early Fall collection also just dropped, so look for my take on that coming later next week.  I will be taking a break from sewing/blogging/etc. during nationals, so I may be late posting when the Burda Fall/Winter envelope collection releases in a few weeks (traditionally it comes out the last week of July), but I’ll be sure to post any developments on that front when I resume blogging in August.

With scheduling out of the way, on to the August Burda!

I’m not really sure how I feel about this issue; I think it’s going to be something of a slow burn for me.  There isn’t anything that jumps out and screams “Make me naaaaoooooooow!” but there also isn’t anything that is really off-putting either.  I think August is full of lots of very wearable designs that would be good for a transitional wardrobe as we head towards fall, and I expect this could be one of those “I’m so glad I have it in the stash” sorts of issues.  I definitely feel like it is less of a fashion forward issue, and more of a fashionable everyday wear sort of issue.  Which can also be good, but is just less exciting at first glance.  Anyway, as always, there is a lot to see, so let’s take a look:

First up, the dresses:

I like this faux wrap shirt dress quite a bit.  I even find it grows on me the more I look at the images.  I’d consider making it with a 3/4 length sleeve as well, as the thought of wearing a full-length sleeve at the moment is ridiculous.  I do very much like the design and styling of this dress though.

Another dress win for me.  I love the neckline and raglan sleeves, and the overall style looks pretty comfortable.

I wouldn’t be that excited by the line drawing, but this looks so pretty on the model and in the garment photo!  I think Burda’s use of an abstract graphic print does quite a bit to elevate this design.

Another dress where the line drawing isn’t doing it for me, but the print and styling really sell it.  Nice to see an “interesting” sleeve treatment that isn’t a ruffle fest.

I really like the relaxed fit for the top of this dress.  I’d either make it longer (as a dress) or shorter (as a tunic top) for myself because I’m not a fan of a mid-thigh length dress.

The style lines on this jumper are quite pretty, but the styling is so 80s.  I mean, it is a good way to showcase a ruffle blouse, but it also looks really dated.

There aren’t many jackets this month, but the ones here have interesting features:

I’m not much of a cocoon coat girl, but I really love the softly curved details on this version.  The matching lines of the sleeves and hem are a nice touch, and the garment really comes to life on the model.

Not sure what to call this western shirt/bomber jacket mash up…thing.  Part of me is excited by the innovation, and part of me thinks it is a total miss.  Of all the looks, this one leaves me the most conflicted.

Pretty.  This makes me think of a tailored kimono, which feels oxymoronic, but there it is.  I love the collar and the slightly puffed sleeve.  The sleeve trend isn’t really dead yet, but it’s sort of being scaled down to reasonable levels, which is refreshing.  I think this is a great jacket for fall; not too heavy but enough of a cover for when that slight chill hits the air.

These cocoon cardigans feel like they are everywhere, so I’m not surprised to see one in Burda this month.  Looks like a super simple project, and really cozy style.

It’s been a while since we’ve had a vest; I like it.  I mean, I’m not really that excited by the ruffle pockets, but the overall fit and use of contrast fabric on the back is quite nice.

There are a lot of tops this month:

The blouse version of the neon orange leopard dress.  I like this top.  I’m not sure I’d want all the dangling ties everywhere (I feel like I’d get annoyed by that), but I’ve been into a relaxed silhouette this year, especially now that it’s so warm.  There’s nothing especially exciting in this pattern, but it looks like a nice casual everyday sort of shirt.

I wasn’t too excited by the line drawing, but the print version of this blouse is really grabbing my attention.  Well, the model photo is anyway.  The overall effect is stunning.  I think this could be nice in a lighter fabric with some drape.  The yellow variant just looks super stiff and uncomfortable.

A nice halter for those last days of summer.  I’d totally make this to wear to a summer concert or outdoor event.

Top version of the dress from above.  The sleeves are more subtle in a print, here they almost look too heavy in proportion to the rest of the outfit.

LOVE THIS TOP.  Love it!  I want it in all the colors and all the stripes.  All of them.

Since this is the season of separates, there are lots of bottoms too:

The pocket details on this skirt are actually pretty cool.  I don’t really wear skirts much, especially at this length, but I appreciate the vibe here.  Plus, having somewhere to rest your hands is great.

I really like this skirt though!  It looks easy to make, and nice to wear for summer.

The paperbag waist is a trend that’s been going around recently; have to say that these are some of the nicer paperbag pants I’ve seen.  Enough to honor the trend, but not so much as to have the look consumed by it.

Hard to tell if it is a bow detail or a welt pocket detail, but either way, these are pretty cute capris.

Love the waistband detailing here!  Might have to steal that and put it on a few other trouser styles from previous months…

The Burda Plus this month is actually really good:

Love this blazer!  Single buttons are my favorite, and I love the juxtaposition of the sharp hem and soft shoulders.  Very classy, and very modern.  Chic.

These pants are cool!  The seam details are great, and I love the added pipping.  And I think they have a half-elastic waist, so they should be easy to construct pull-ons.  Plus, those in seam pocket?  Super cool.

Another design with subtle seaming details that as so chic.

Not my style, but the drafting on those sleeves has got to be sort of fascinating.

Really like this blouse.  The very subtle sleeve detail is nice; not too over the top, and the overall simplicity of this blouse makes it great to wear with a variety of pieces.  Could be a very versatile wardrobe item.

I love that the Burda Plus got a skirt that is almost identical to the regular sizes!  Plus, the elastic in the back is a great way to elevate the look while still keeping the comfort a priority.

Ok, Burda went nuts in the Kids section – it’s all so cute!

The fox dress with the paws as pockets? And a freaking horse sweater?  Adorable.  Plus, that jacket pattern looks super useful for the school year, and having a rainbow jacket is totally something I would have loved as a kid.

And that’s it!  Another month of Burda heading our way.  Choosing the best and worst patterns was a real challenge this month, since so many of these styles are in the “good” but not “mind-blowingly great” category.  It was hard, but in the end I decided to give Best of BS August 2018 to:

The Burda Plus pants!  I’m a bit surprised I picked this pattern, but it has so many great features I felt like it had to win.  Plus, Burda made pull on elastic waist trousers look super classy in a wild green print; they deserve all the props for that.  It was a tough choice between this and the tailored kimono style jacket, but I really felt like the pants pattern had enough fun features to take the win.

And, finally, BWTF goes to:

The western bomber.  I want to like it, but I just can’t.  The neck tie just really takes it to a whole different level of costume.  And the tabs on the cuffs?  This jacket just feels so confused.

And that’s it!  Going through it more closely, I do find that there are a fair number of patterns I really like, but I’m still lacking the impact and wow factor I had from that yellow coat in the January issue or even some of the dresses from May or June.  I’m certain I’ll make patterns from this month (especially that diagonal striped top), and I know I’ll be glad to have this in the stash a bit later in the year.  What do you all think?  Is August maintaining the Burda momentum for 2018?  Or does this month feel a little lackluster in comparison to some of the totally awesome issues we’ve had so far this year?  What are your top and bottom picks for the month?  How do you feel about the crazy western bomber jacket design?  Feel free to discuss it all in the comments!