Cali Faye Basics Dress

December 16, 2015
I’m not quite sure why the Cali Faye Collection of patterns has – ’til now – flown under my radar. It’s such a gorgeous “collection of minimalist designs” and I can easily say that I’d wear every single one of the womens designs on offer. The kids patterns are pretty damn cute too. 
When I first came across her Basics Dress pattern a few weeks ago, it was love at first sight. The fabric I used is our Butler Black which I initially thought was a linen. Ah no, it’s actually 100% cotton with a seersucker quality and that makes it my kinda fabric (with extra points awarded for ‘No Ironing Required’). 
Shoulder straps/lining hoo-ha aside, the dress is a nice straightforward sew. Though not needed for this fabric, the bodice is fully lined which really finishes everything off beautifully. I used a cotton voile which is probably a bit too heavy with my outer fabric choice but if I had a do-over, I’d definitely go with a silk/cotton voile. There’s also a short skirt lining included with the pattern but I decided not to include that.
I am totally and completely in love with the bodice shape. The straps are the perfect width and that neckline has just the right amount of scoop. Same goes for the deep back curve which hits precisely above your bra strap. The skirt part of the dress has lovely side splits with a curved hem detail and that just finishes the dress off perfectly.
Even though the bodice and skirt are separate, I could easily imagine this made up as a single front and back piece that would look equally great with or without a belt. As the pattern description states, the Basics Dress can be “dolled up in high end fabrics for romantic evenings or casually crafted as your favorite day to day dress”.  You can find more Cali Faye patterns over on Etsy here.