Saturday, February 23, 2013

The B Dress: Finale (Picture Heavy)

My Designer "Knock-off"
Back in January, I found this fabulous picture inside InStyle Magazine:

 And I just couldn't get it out of my head...
Then readers alerted me to the "bebe boatneck striped dome dress":

Whoa!! Nearly identical to my dress, but the back of mine (like the Lanvin Resort 2013 dress) was way more exciting with the full exposed zipper...
Since I added 3" to the length, making the zipper "short"
I left the center back seam open as a "vent".
 
Lanvin... I thought this zipper looked awful!


In the end... I made the dress that I wanted, the one that works for me. I didn't want the double-black stripes in center front, as I thought it made the model's hips looks wider...
While on "trend" with the black and white "bold graphics", I actually enjoyed the challenge this dress brought, with creating fabric strips and matching them all around. I'd never done an exposed zipper before, and the added challenge of this being a contest entry was a big motivator to see it through to the end.


Lanvin Resort 2013 Dress: $3730 at Bergdorf Goodman
Bebe "Boatneck Striped Dome" dress: $170 at bebe.com and Amazon

My Version: Stretch Poplin in "Caviar" and "Papyrus" $22, Posh Lining $6 (both from Joann's), and Satin Zipper (33") from Botani in NYC (thank you, Ann!) $16
Grand Total: $44
The confidence gained from completing this project: PRICELESS! Just look...
Don't Mess with the B!




41 comments:

Lisa Laree said...

*stands on chair, cheering and clapping* Woo-hoo!! Terrific! That is ONE COOL DRESS...and it looks marvelous on you. Great work!!!

Linda L said...

Wow! Great looking dress;truly love the stripes.

Summer Flies said...

Fabulous! You are right to be chuffed.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

You did a fantastic job on this and it fits you perfectly! Your dress is just awesome!

Northlady said...

Love it! Fits beautifully and you wear it well!

Dilliander said...

What a fabulous knockoff! A stunning dress in every way, great job!

Lori said...

This is totally, completely amazing. Superb job.

Bunny said...

Wowsa! You are giving those models a real run for their money. You look fabulous and what a dress!

glorm said...

Wonderful job on a great dress.

Mae said...

That dress is actually awesome. I am awed.

L said...

Pure fabulousness!

Meigan said...

Beautiful job! I like your version better than the original! (And your zipper looks WAY better!)

Kyle said...

What a great dress and a great photo shoot!! Outstanding!

LisaB said...

I rarely come out of the woodwork to comment, but how can I not now? This dress is fantastic! You made the right choice on stripe placement, too. Yours look just right!

JoanneM said...

EXCELLENT!!!!
Of course.....
:)

Linda T said...

As Tony the Tiger would say, "GRRRREAT!"

marysews said...

WOW! Your dress trumped All the inspirations!

Gorgeous Things said...

Fabulous!!!! I'm glad I could contribute in a teeny way. :)

Unknown said...

That dress made me do a double-take. It is FIERCE! I like yours even better than the inspiration.

Jean said...

So awesome! The dress looks fabulous on you!

Dana said...

LOVE IT!

merry-one said...

Gorgeous!

Susan said...

This is truly fabulous! I've been watching your posts, and dying to see the final garment. Very, very well done, and your's is much more flattering than either inspiration piece. I hope you'll wear it lots, and feel strong and confident.

Mariela Alethia said...

Fabuloussssssss!

Anonymous said...

Your version is much more polished and beautiful than the designer versions. Great job !!!!

Vicki said...

Fabulous! Looks spectacular.

Janet said...

Brava!

Anonymous said...

Love it! You got my vote!

Kay said...

Oh my goodness!! that is amazing!!

Anonymous said...

Lindo!! Mais do que todos os outros dos famosos!! Parabéns!
Luci

Dharma said...

What a great dress!! It looks terrific on you. Enjoy.

debbie said...

The fit is superb and the dress looks fabulous! I agree with your choice of eliminating the double black stripe at the waist.

Jody said...

unbelievably amazing! Congratulations on such a beautiful accomplishment!

Erin said...

This is an awesome dress such a great knock off! How good is your stripe matching!! I entered this competition for fun but now can't believe how talented everyone is. I will have to step it up if I go in any more lol! Yours is one of my favourite!

Gail said...

Total thumbs up from me!

Pam said...

Wow! You look amazing and the dress is better than the inspiration piece! Nice job!

Anonymous said...

I love it!! I just finished my review for the PR contest and your entry is my favorite!!

SEWN said...

Wow, this dress is stunning. Well Done!!!

Monica D said...

You a BAD girl...LOVE IT :)

Nkem said...

It is FAB!

FlyAwayHome said...

LOVE this dress!