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?
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
I am actually confused between having long sleeves like the first dress, or short sleeves like this one. What do you think?
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!
ReplyDeleteI like the cap sleeves or the strapless.....gorgeous dresses and cannot wait to see your interpretation...
ReplyDeleteGosh, 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 :)
ReplyDeleteI vote for short sleeves - the style is much more youthful. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThese 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!
ReplyDeleteShort sleeves - will be much less fitting and fussing - you're already in for a lot of fiddling. These inspiration dresses are GORgeous!
ReplyDeleteTotally 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.
ReplyDeleteHi 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:
ReplyDeleteThe 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
Wow that last one is gorgeous! Love the lace overlay dresses.. just have no idea where to start hah
ReplyDeletewow - 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!
ReplyDeleteThey'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!
ReplyDeleteOoo! 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!
ReplyDeleteWow! Gorgeous dresses! How I love Phase Eight too...
ReplyDeleteI also vote short sleeves, or no sleeves (spaghetti straps)
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!!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteCan'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 !
ReplyDeleteI also vote for short sleeves! This is going to be a stunning dress!
ReplyDeleteBlue 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.
ReplyDeleteBlue 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.
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteHi Dibs! I'll pick the one with short sleeves, don't know why...
ReplyDeleteYou have an award waiting for you on my blog:
http://stepalica.blogspot.com/2013/08/liebster-nagrada-liebster-award.html