ZigZag Color-Explosion Cynthia Rowley Dress and a new Follower!

I would have posted sooner, but the internet has been down at my apt. since Thursday or Friday. I finally finished my Cynthia Rowley dress (Simplicity 2406) and I think I like it.  I'm actually not sure if it will actually get worn in public because 1) it is very bright and 2) I never have a place to wear a more dressy dress.   I'm not sure I love the sleeves either.  Is the  cut-out detail really me?

I have a real problem picking out fabric.   I like crazy prints on the bolt and tend to  not like them once they are sewn up.  I buy a lot of printed shirts, skirts, and dresses (mostly in florals), but I tend to stay away from prints when I sew clothing because I am realizing that I do not have the best eye for matching the right fabric to the pattern.  I also do not pick out the right fabric weight.  I am getting better with practice, but why can't I get it right already!?!?

I'll write the full review on P.R. soon. Maybe I'll post it to the blog as well.  It seems to be my M.O.

I really need opinions on this dress... especially from those of you who know me best.    I wouldn't want you to be embarrassed by me.  Al,  I doubt you would ever wear something like it, but do you think I can pull it off?   How about from my other readers?  Would you be caught dead in this dress, in the daylight no less, or should I stick it my closet until next Halloween and go as Pebbles from the Flintstones?

More pictures:

The cut out sleeve.  Because I chose a fabric with more drape than suggested (a horribly shreddy polyester semi-silky print from Joann's) the sleeve flop a bit.  I am very proud of their construction though and thought the directions were easy to follow. 

The side and the back view.  I LOVE the pockets.  I was actually confused by the instructions because I had never inserted a pocket this way and just followed along blindly hoping they were right.  I was very pleased how they turned out.  

(Don't you just love the Boyfriend's shoe and other crap emerging from his closet?)

This is what happens when I move in the dress.  I NEED to wear a bra with this dress, but the back is open.  I thought it would stay more closed than it does.  Because the dress has so much ease, I may just hand stitch the back up to just above my bra strap.  Any other suggestions that don't require major reconstruction.  Any picking of seams (I know this!) will cause major shredding.

And finally......

Thanks to Kristine for becoming my newest Follower!  Kristine has made some really beautiful garments and really knows how to get a good fit too.   Check out her blog!