Fall Dress

Who would believe that this started out as a glorified bathrobe?! This summer I found a wonderful 1970's lounging dress at a yard sale. It was handmade and had its owner must have treasured it because it had been dry cleaned and lovingly stored. I just couldn't resist its flowing russet toned fabric, so for $3 I brought it home. Because of its humble orgins and intended use, the dress is very easy to wear while still making a statement.
Like I've mentioned before, Clarisse doesn't have quite the curves I do, but she still looks great in this creation. It is the type of dress I can imagine myself wearing for many years and I designed it to be forgiving of almost all the common figure flaws that naturally come with age and children. It is also one of those great "best friend" dresses because it could be worn by women of a variety of sizes and shapes.
The detailing is really what makes this dress. It takes it from a fun fall romper to an elegant fall gown. Its initial purpose was to be worn to an outdoor wedding and it was one of the most elegant dresses there! Many people questioned me about it and were very excited to hear that it was my own design. Those who know I am working toward a career in fashion were doubly enthusiastic.
This trim did not turn out quite as I had invisioned it, but the results are still awesome. I wanted a bit more gathering, but the slick fabric I was working with had other intentions. The chocolate fabric used in the belt and on the hem is tafta. All told, this creation cost me $9.