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Sunday, August 11, 2013

Black Tie DIY: Phase 1

I wanted a more dramatic look for this year's black tie DIY (see last year's dress) and decided I would go with a fuller skirt, a print, and a bodice that would allow me to wear a regular undergarment (I feel like I'm constantly readjusting strapless bras) / feature a necklace of some sort.  After making a couple test bodices, I went with a simple one that seemed to fit my needs.  I was happily finishing up when my husband happened upon me and asked why my dress was skewing so "bridal."  I was about to protest  until I took a long look at my dress and realized he was right.  Epic FAIL.

The (inadvertently bridal) dress DIY

I added a tie at the back to dress up the simple bodice

So what do I do with this dress now?  I contemplated doing some kind of overlay, but ultimately, I think I'm just going to sew a different dress.  The rose dress will probably be a (very elaborate) Halloween dress - maybe the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland?  I seem to remember her having all the roses painted red in the cartoon.  I could then make E an Alice costume, V a Mad Hatter, and some yet to be named male character for my husband.  Ha, now I've roped in the whole family!

Phase 2 will consist of a new dress using this bold black / white paisley found at Fabrics R Us:


I might change the bodice in favor of something less plain.  Wish me luck!

What kinds of bodices / silhouettes are you drawn to for black tie occasions?

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9 comments:

  1. AbbyAugust 11, 2013 at 6:00 PM

    I hope your husband saw what the dress looked like on you with your hair up or something before he made such a huge statement about it! Ha!

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    1. SewPetiteGalAugust 16, 2013 at 7:55 AM

      Haha! I was initially thinking maybe I could style it to look less bridal, but once the notion got stuck in my head, all I could see was "BRIDAL". My own neuroticism at work, I'm sure :)

      Delete
  2. MimiAugust 11, 2013 at 11:55 PM

    that's so beautiful!!! i don't think it's too bridal, i actually like it. :D

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  3. soisewedthisAugust 12, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    oh i LOVE the red roses dress! It's gorgeous! I would keep it as is and just wear some very un-bridal accessories.

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  4. FabatFortyishAugust 12, 2013 at 7:15 PM

    I like the dress a lot I think some sparkly jewelery and a formal hairstyle would have made this dress perfect. Too bad,,,I wish I could wear it!!!

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  5. FabatFortyishAugust 12, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    What about a halter or bustier bodice? check Pinterest they have tons of formal dress styles on there.

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    1. SewPetiteGalAugust 16, 2013 at 8:04 AM

      Thanks for the suggestions! I love a halter neckline as well - I think I need to forgo the notion of wearing a regular bra, lol.

      Delete

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