Hello Ladies,

After spotlighting Biu Biu two weeks ago, I knew I wanted to place an order and try some of their bust (and wallet!) friendly designs.  While perusing their website, I felt like the proverbial kid in the candy shop as there were so many items I wanted to order; however, I exercised restraint since I had never previously tested their sizing or quality.  To overcome temptation, I consoled myself with the promise that if the clothes worked for me, I could always order more.  Ultimately, I bought the Liverpool Dress in Honey:

and the Vanity Fair Button-Front in Pink.

This combination would allow me test the structured and knit offerings of the brand for size consistency.  Let’s start with the dress!

My initial attraction to the Liverpool dress was its quirky, 60s mod vibe which is right up my fashion alley.  Furthermore, the dress seemed like it would not only lend itself well to layering but also be one of those perfect season-less designs equally at home in summer or winter.  After doing some research (including scoping out June of Braless in Brasil’s review), I decided to order the 38BBB (For reference, I am 5’6.5″ tall, and my current measurements are 40.5″/28″/41″):

More of a mustard than a honey, the color of the dress is slightly different in person, but I still love it and find the shade flattering on my pale skin.  Never treading in “bumblebee” territory, the black accents complement the yellow and add the right amount of edge to the basic cut of the dress.  Interestingly, the exposed zipper in the back is not functional.  Aesthetically, I love a bold exposed zipper, but then I do actually like to be able to use it.  To put the dress on, you need to slide it over your head, which works fine, but I would have preferred a side or back zip.  Considering the dress is only $43, I was extremely pleased with the fabric quality and find it to be far superior to some of the dresses I’ve paid $80+ for in the past.  Not to mention, the fit is spot-on, and I feel like it runs true to their size chart.  My back and shoulders don’t pull on the dress while the fabric on the bust lays smooth.  Meanwhile, the garment nips in sharply at the waist before flaring out at the hips to create a flattering a-line silhouette.

Sadly, my only caveat with this gorgeous dress is the length.  When I purchased the Liverpool, I knew it would be shorter than my other dresses—a feature I liked as it would enable me to wear flats without stunting my shorter legs.  From the front, I feel the coverage is appropriate, but from the rear?  Eh, not so much:

I cannot bend over in this dress at all . . .  unless I want to expose which of my matching sets I’m wearing!  As a result, I can’t wear this dress to work, but I am contemplating whether I could have a band of black fabric added to the bottom.  Or, I may return it for one of the other, longer dresses I loved.

Now to the button-front!  As I mentioned in an older blog, I went on a button-front quest a few years ago to find one that would actually cover my bust.  While I bought some fairly good options, the process was laborious and tedious, and if I’m being completely honest, the deigns don’t fit my waist nearly as much as I would have liked.  To add insult to injury, the buttons pull when I move, which requires frequent adjusting.  Thus, I was cautiously optimistic that this would fit (although I plan on replacing my white button-fronts with a Campbell & Kate when the time comes).

Again, I went with the 38BBB, and as soon as I successfully hooked that troublesome button (you ladies know the one), I was in love.  Then, when the waist darted back so perfectly, I was unable to contain the goofy smile of delight that spread across my face.  With shirt shopping, my three problem areas are shoulders, bust, and waist as I always feel like I never get enough room in the two former and too much room in the latter.  This is the best fitting button-front I have ever owned.  While the shoulder area is a touch snugger than I usually buy, the stretch fabric allows me to move my arms freely and comfortably.  The bust buttons and stays closed without gaping even when I move, meaning I no longer need to worry about flashing a glimpse of my bra.  As if I couldn’t be happier, the waist narrows like it was tailor-made for my body before flaring out again to give room for the hips.  Fantastic!

Beyond the impressive fit, I can’t say enough about the beautiful color and the quality materials.  I loathe how so many button-fronts are made from thinner cotton that borders on sheer, but the Vanity Fair cotton feels thick and structured.  Moreover, the square buttons are a unique twist as are the angular collar and cuffs.  Of course, my favorite element is the slight v-neckline as I feel like it’s a less stuffy alternative to your standard button-front.  I’m always opening up my button-fronts to create an open neck (and to alleviate the stress on the buttons), which necessitates a cami.  Not so with this one!

Overall, I am incredibly satisfied with my Biu Biu purchase and will be ordering from them in the future!

Erica