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Lace Dress Project - Inspiration

Monday, August 5

Its that time of the year again. my alumni gala is coming up, and I need to make something for the occasion. Last year I made this red dress, and though it was a success, I almost gave Mr.Dibs a heart attack because I stayed up all night sewing, and only finished it on the train, on my way to Birmingham.

This year I decided to start early. I do not know if I will actually finish it on time, or if I will be hemming this one on my way to the gala. Hopefully I finish it on time. This year, our Alumni convention is taking place in Worcester, in the West Midlands of England.

So, not knowing what I wanted, I decided to hit the shops for inspiration. I tried a couple of dresses, but none really touched me. Then  I saw this dress in Phase Eight. Isn't it just delish?

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I tried it on, and almost did not take it off. I certainly was not going to buy it, because at £395, I would have to sell Noah to afford it. And even if I did manage to sell Noah and buy this dress, don't think I would even get a chance to wear it because I am most positive Mr.Dibs would have my head, and I mean that seriously. So I had two options, either make a run for the door faster than what Usain Bolt has ever managed, or go home and make my own version. After much deliberation, I decided I would make mine. That was not an easy decision to make believe me.  I only decided against running because I was there with my elder sister, and I did not think she would be able to sprint as quickly as I would. I would have escaped, but then, they would have caught her. Not a good prospect. So we left Phase Eight, with me resolved to make a similar dress.

With the style decided, I needed to do some research on the colours and any other thing  I could modify, pattern search.....you know, the works.

Countless hours on pinterest and google later, I decided I wanted a blue lace dress. Something in this style


But in blue, possibly with a nude or gold underlay, like these



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I am actually confused between having long sleeves like the first dress, or short sleeves like this one. What do you think?




22 comments:

  1. Oh, WOW, what fabulous inspiration! I seriously can't wait to see your dress! Blue will look awesome on you, and I love the idea of a champagne underlayer. I like the look of both sleeves, but I'm wondering if long sleeves would be a little warm for the weather? Either way, it's going to be so gorgeous!

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  2. I like the cap sleeves or the strapless.....gorgeous dresses and cannot wait to see your interpretation...

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  3. Gosh, some seriously gorgeous dresses going on there. And I don't blame you about wanting to bolt for that dress you tried on - it's rather spectacular! I like both long sleeves AND short sleeves... so will be no help there. Goodluck with the lace :)

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  4. I vote for short sleeves - the style is much more youthful. Good luck!

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  5. I prefer the short sleeves. The long ones are a bit Disney Princess or wedding dress to my mind. You are going to look fab in those colours!

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  6. These are gorgeous inspirations! I also vote in favor of the short sleeves, it feels a bit more cheerful. Blue will look amazing on you. Please keep us posted on you progress with this project!

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  7. Short sleeves - will be much less fitting and fussing - you're already in for a lot of fiddling. These inspiration dresses are GORgeous!

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  8. Totally gorgeous hun! Have you considered By Hand London's Anna Dress - the kimono sleeves would be easier to work with the lace (less seams) and it has that lovely long skirt.

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  9. Hi Dibs - it was great to see you on Saturday at Goldhawk Road hun! I like the first dress (with the straps) or the short-sleeved gold one in terms of style. But if you do go for a strapless style here are some links on waist-stays to support it invisibly from the inside:
    The What and Why of Waist Stays
    How to Keep Any Strapless Dress From Falling Down
    clever way to insert a waist stay

    Plus about boning/alternatives to boning to add support ... from Threads Magazine:
    Three Ways to Attach Boning
    Create Gentle Inner Support with Horsehair
    Boning- Not just for Corsets... includes using light plastic boning on the hips for skirts etc.

    I hope these are helpful :)
    Claire

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  10. Wow that last one is gorgeous! Love the lace overlay dresses.. just have no idea where to start hah

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  11. wow - these are so beautiful! I wish I had an ocassion to wear something like this. I think the blue/gold combination will look amazing on you. I think short sleeves - long sleeves are bit too old or weddingy. Can't wait to see how this turns out!

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  12. They're all gorgeous, I'd go short sleeved but that's just because I'm too lazy to fit a long sleeve properly! It was lovely to meet you so briefly on Saturday too!

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  13. Ooo! All these dresses are gorgeous! I like the capped sleeves, long sleeves might be a bit warm. Good luck with it, you're gonna look fab!

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  14. Wow! Gorgeous dresses! How I love Phase Eight too...
    I also vote short sleeves, or no sleeves (spaghetti straps)

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  15. I kinda like the original with the spaghetti straps over the long or short sleeves. Then if you get chilly you can throw a shawl or even a little bolero over it. Cannot wait to see what you come up with!!

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  16. I have to vote short sleeves! Long sleeves in lace with a dress all lace can easily look outdated. I love your inspiration dresses and the one you tried on! You are going to look gorgeous in it!

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  17. Can't wait to see how this project progresses, just the inspiration I need to have a go myself. I think sleeves are in fashion this year (as if that makes a difference) but I find them easier to wear, with thin straps I'm always worried about being cold !

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  18. I also vote for short sleeves! This is going to be a stunning dress!

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  19. Blue will look amazing on you, as will the dress. I am going with short sleeves as well, whatever you decide I cannot wait to see the photos.

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  20. Blue will look fantastic on you, as will the dress. I think I would go with short sleeves as well. Whatever you decide I am so looking forward to seeing some photos.

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  21. I'm voting for the sleeveless number in blue... fifth picture. The satin cups and sash across the waist are on point. I like the one in gold as well. Blue is a great colour for a ball gown. Good luck Dibs.

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  22. Hi Dibs! I'll pick the one with short sleeves, don't know why...
    You have an award waiting for you on my blog:
    http://stepalica.blogspot.com/2013/08/liebster-nagrada-liebster-award.html

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