Another RTW Copycat!

Pattern: Butterick 5350 (view A) for the bodice and waistband, Vogue 8494 (skirt A) for the simple a-line skirt.  I cut size 14 on both, and they very nearly matched perfectly.  For the waistband, I used the lining piece instead of the 2 intended pieces, since I did not want a seam between the strips of ribbon.  I already owned both patterns, so no shopping was necessary.  If you're interested, Butterick 5333 is a wardrobe pattern that was marketed and is available specifically to copy this Donna Ricco dress that Mrs. O wore on "The View". My skirt is more a-line than that pattern...

Fabric:  Navy/White Cotton Print (with a teensy bit of stretch) from Haberman's in Royal Oak, MI.  I used 2 yds of 45", which left me enough to cut the waistband facing too, but I used batiste to line the bodice (which also finishes the armholes).  I didn't line the skirt, since the fabric isn't sheer and I can always throw on a slip.  It was on sale for $6/yd, so this lovely (with the ribbon and zipper), cost less than $20.  The real thing was $99.

Alterations: None for fit, none for design.  The neckline is a tiny bit gappy, so I may adjust a pleat to get it a little more snug.

Notions:  1" wide navy blue grosgrain ribbon, 1 roll.  I placed it at the edge of the waistband seam and topstitched with 2 spools of white thread.  I waffled on the topstitching, not sure if it gave it too much of a "juniors" look, but I really like the contrast.  Invisible zipper for the center back seam.  If I had more fabric, I would've placed the zipper at the side seam, but I matched up the seam well, so no worries.

Skill Level:  The bodice of the pattern would be "advanced beginner", just because they have it lined and you turn it through the shoulder seams before closing them up.  A little wacky, but it works.  Everything else was easy!

Warnings: If you are modest, you may want to raise the neckline an inch, or use twill tape to stabilize that seam line immediately after cutting it.

Future Plans:  I would definitely "franken-pattern" this duo again, it's a lovely dress, and would work with any pretty print or solid, cotton or shantung...  I will wear this to work (or to a lunch/shopping date with a friend), and would love to make a white short sleeve jacket to wear with it.  I have a pair of red Mary Jane pumps coming from Target, since I plan on wearing this to work (with a cardi) when school starts!

And, a big "Thank You!" for all your positive comments on my awesome grey belted dress.  If it wasn't a wool/lycra blend, I would've entered it in the Natural Fibers Contest. This one, too... it's a cotton/lycra blend.  I like wearing fabric with a little bit of give, but sometimes it's a pain to press or work with! Anyhow, thanks a million, your 40+ comments left me very, very flattered!