I finished my first iteration of Hot Pattern's Deco Vibe Diamond Life Dress. Trudy says that the idea behind the dress was to provide something stylish, a little edgy, but professionally appropriate that would be easy to throw on and wear in hellishly hot and muggy conditions.
This dress hits it outta the park on all counts. I can't wait to whip up a couple more in solid linens or a Japanese woven cotton design. It works as a dress on it's own, and it's easy to combine with a little denim jacket in chillier conditions.
This plaid, seersucker version is actually a 'wearable muslin'. Turns out the concept is Highly Controversial on the web......happily this one turned out. The fabric was on sale for $2.79, so i figured it was worth it to nail the fit, and if it was wearable afterward that's gravy! As it turns out i love the dress and it's wonderful to feel and look so pulled together when you're wilting from the heat.
The front bodice has a fairly wide overlap. I liked the feel of no buttons, and there's enough going on with the plaid. I ended up applying 6 1" velcro squares with topstitched "X-boxes". It works just fine as a closure and i'm digging the (very subtle) utilitarian feel.
To be brutally honest with y'all, i may have been a wee bit over exuberant on the footwear in this outfit. Crochet lace socks and flying bat patterned extra long laces? But i did get a lot of smiling faces looking at my feet. I figure a fashion faux pas is a small price to pay to bring a little happiness in this world.......
on edit: About the location: it's Moe's Books on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, CA. i shot the photo myself using a timer while posing in front of the Fashion section (of course!)
From Moe's website:
"Since its inception back in the heyday of the Beatnik era, Moe's Books has managed to become more than just a great bookstore--it has achieved the rarified status of a beloved landmark institution as well. Situated just four blocks from the University of California campus, Moe's has managed to mirror the often turbulent and triumphant times that have come to epitomize all that is exciting and unique about Berkeley.
Founded in 1959 by Moe Moskowitz and his wife Barbara, the original site of the store was a small shop on Shattuck just north of University Avenue. He moved the store up to Telegraph Avenue in the 1960's, right in the middle of the Free Speech Movement and the famous anti-war demonstrations that put Berkeley on the political map."
read more here: http://www.moesbooks.com/
Dress: Hot Patterns Deco Vibe Diamond Life, made by me
Jacket, Belt: thrifted
Hat: Berkeley Hat Company
Socks: Sock Dreams
Boots: Bass Lamont
Bracelet: Justina Leigh on etsy
Steph, that's a fabulous dress!! Looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteLove that dress, the fabric and the styling - I love a denim jacket with almost anything! I had no idea that muslin was controversial -- is nothing safe anymore?? : >
ReplyDeleteLike the idea of the utilitarian addition, too. I can just see this pattern with some of those nifty/weirdo Japanese prints. :) The crochet socks - well, I'm just speechless. I never dreamed. :)
ReplyDeleteI like that shot of you infront of all those shelves of books in that marvellous hat! You made that dress? It's a great fit and at $2.49 a metre I'm estimating it must have come in under a tenner with fixtures included!
ReplyDeleteThis dress is stunning on you, and even more so in person! I can't wait to see it in more fabrics and colors!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great dress, and I love the texture. Great work!
ReplyDeleteI like the sox.
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely smashing dress! Thanks for the link on the pattern--I may have to buy that pattern! Love the combo of the socks and shoes too, Steph!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you do it but your shoes always give a romantic touch to most of your outfits and make the styling unique. I love the lace shocks. I checked the pattern and it has nice details. The cloth you picked is very much you.Great outfits, Steph !ps is this your library???
ReplyDeleteAbout the location: it's Moe's Books on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, CA. i shot the photo myself using a timer while posing in front of the Fashion section (of course!)
ReplyDeleteFrom Moe's website:
"Since its inception back in the heyday of the Beatnik era, Moe's Books has managed to become more than just a great bookstore--it has achieved the rarified status of a beloved landmark institution as well. Situated just four blocks from the University of California campus, Moe's has managed to mirror the often turbulent and triumphant times that have come to epitomize all that is exciting and unique about Berkeley.
Founded in 1959 by Moe Moskowitz and his wife Barbara, the original site of the store was a small shop on Shattuck just north of University Avenue. He moved the store up to Telegraph Avenue in the 1960's, right in the middle of the Free Speech Movement and the famous anti-war demonstrations that put Berkeley on the political map."
read more here: http://www.moesbooks.com/
Merci beaucoup Madame Pesu!!
ah, Patti, you are busting me up! i had no idea either.....
Hullo Vildy! it's fun to have a fellow utilitariana fan ;) and i love all that Japanese stuff - just Sunday i was talking with my mom about the 'ironic/chic' Japanese cutesie stuff, like hello kitty.
then there's the hardcore 'japanese grandma' cutesie stuff, which i love even more.....the great thing about these socks is the sock itself is a very comfy waffle cotton.
Thank you Veshoevius! yep, just about at ten bucks including thread and velcro. big smile.
Thank you Ravina! heehee, from your mouth to god's ear!
hi Cynthia! very nice comment to receive from a woman who knows her dresses!
hi Anon! i like the sox too :)
oh Paula, i forgot you sew (dumb of me, but what can i say). Check out Hot Patterns for sure - Trudy comes up with some really well thought out designs and has a ton of inspiration & instructions for different embellishments, etc. i think you'd really enjoy her site :)
Welcome back to civilization angie!!! i was getting a little worried there, very glad you were out having fun! i AM a massive shoe hound. i love shoes and am ultra super picky about what i buy. it's very nice that you noticed :)
happy thursday everybody!!! steph
The photo of you by the books in that beautiful dress with hat is spectacular. Great profile!
ReplyDeleteI like the laces even more. 8-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Judith! (i was kind of nervous, trying not to make a spectacle out of myself.....)
ReplyDeletemom, you don't have to comment anonymously to my blog. ;)
love you!!! steph
That is a killer dress, Steph! And you look smashing in it.
ReplyDelete