Tuesday, August 7, 2012

One dress, three ways: Casual


Hello everyone!
First of all, let me thank everyone who left a comment under my last post. I'm always overwhelmed by the kindness of the online sewing community and by how much two strangers can relate to each other from two computer screens. I'm a bit behind with replies, but I'll get to it soon, I promise.

Now, let's talk about the dress in question. I recently decided I wanted a simple summer dress in a floral fabric, I wanted it to have a high neckline and naked shoulders. I remembered about the Sonja dress pattern by Salme patterns (available as a free download here) and it seemed perfect for the job.

For such a simple pattern, I knew the fit was crucial. It wasn't easy for me to find the right alterations for this bodice, because after an FBA I still had gaping at the armscye. In the end I used a method similar to this one, drawing a dart at the armscye and pivoting it into the bust dart, but I guess I removed too much fabric from the armscye, since now it pulls slightly and gives me a bit of side boob. Nothing I can't work with anyway, it's not too noticeable nor unconfortable.
As always, I omitted facings and finished neckline and armscyes with bias tape (although that might contribute to the pulling, so maybe it wasn't the best idea).

To make this simple dress more interesting, I installed an exposed zipper in the back, and I love the effect. My original idea was to use a metal zipper, but that would have meant no washing machine, and this dress will be worn too much for the cost of dry cleaning.
This dress made me love pleats! I initially wanted to turn the pleated skirt in a gathered one, but then I went with the original design and really loved it! I definitely won't avoid them anymore.

I'm very happy with this dress, it's exactly what I wanted. And since this dress is very versatile, I decided to play dress up for the blog and wear it in three different ways.

Belt, purse, sandals: Pimkie
Necklace: niandra
 
This casual look is what I would wear on an everyday basis: glasses, ponytail, huge bag and flat shoes/sandals. 
I also added a skinny belt because I made the bodice less fitted than I usually do, which makes it so much more comfy. I just need to wear a belt if I want to make it look more cinched.

Stay tuned for two more looks in the next few days!

19 comments:

  1. I love the zipper, and the arm stitching looks beautiful!

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  2. Aaah finally a photo! I love the zipper detail and the cute fabric <3
    I'm now printing the pattern because I bought the perfect fabric for it and I hope I can squeeze it out of 1 m. And it would also look lovely with a cutout in the front...so many ideas :D

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  3. I love this look! I just finished a dress with an exposed zipper. It's such a fun accent!

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  4. Well done! It looks really cute.

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  5. Love this!I totally get the gaping armseye situation. it ALWAYS happens to me. I guess I slump a little or something but I always have to adjust the pattern
    IThe fabric is so cute! where did you get it?

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  6. Ooh, I love the bodice...the neckline and exposed shoulders are so feminine and flattering....I'll be tempted by this one myself. Look forward to your other stylings ..

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  7. The dress is beautiful, I love hot it looks with brown accessories.

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  8. So cute! I love this! Great job, girl! The bare shoulders look really suits you!

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  9. I like the cut of the shoulders, nice summery look, although with a cardigan and tights would be nice for autumn too. I love the exposed zipper, very funky! Nice accessorizing, I look forward to looks 2 & 3!

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  10. What a nice summery dress! I love the cut of the bodice - its very flattering!

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  11. Really nice dress!! The fabric is really gorgeous and it looks great on you! I recently had a go on this pattern too (http://sefosseumacoreraamarelo.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/o-vestido-de-verao-2/), but I went with the gathered skirt. Yours looks so much more professional, though! I'm still a rookie! ;)

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  12. How cute! I love the little flowers and blue shade

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  13. I'm glad you liked the finished result! A cutout is a great idea!
    I don't know about 1m of fabric, I guess it depends on how wide it is... I'm crossing my fingers for you!

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  14. Thanks!
    I got the fabric at a local shop, so I'm sorry I can't provide a link for you. Although, floral prints like this one are usually easy to find, so I hope you'll have luck!

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  15. Thank you, Winnie! I'm sure it will look terrific on your athletic figure!

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  16. Thank you so much! I have narrow shoulder, I think this design helps balancing them.

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  17. Thanks! I also hope I can transition it into autumn!

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  18. Are you kidding? Your dress looks amazing! And, I'm adding your blog to my reading list stat!

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  19. =D thank you so much!! that's a great compliment, coming from you! =D and your blog is already on my reading list, of course! ;)

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