Review: Vogue 1329 | Black & White Colorblocking

10:30 PM

This is Vogue 1329 by Kay Unger New York.  On the pattern envelope, the original dress was black with a white contrast.  I decided to reverse it like this dress below:


                                                      Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Erica on Pinterest

This isn't even the Kay Unger New York dress, it's by Calvin Klein.  It makes you wonder which came first?
I've always liked the Kay Unger New York options at Vogue Patterns and this one is no different.  
This pattern went together so well and so quickly.  It was just what I needed to get my sewing mojo revved up.  I used ponteroma knit in off-white and black from my stash.  I'm not sure if I bought it from Joann's or Hancock... I've had it for just that long. 
The only alterations needed was adding 3 inches to the length.  And it's fully lined... I used nylon lingerie fabric.  And the yokes are just self-lined.  Oh... and I almost forgot that I tapered in the bottom of the dress. I prefer my pencil skirts and sheath dresses "pegged" at the hem.  It's just a personal preference for me.  It keeps my dresses and skirts from looking rectangular.  I always reduce the bottom to 4 inches less than the widest point of the hip.   
I really love the pleated detail at the waist.  It saved a this dress from easily going into the boxy territory.  Colorblocking is still a hot trend and the colorblocking possibilities with this dress are endless.  So it's a really good chance I'll make this again.
And since it was a gorgeous day that was around a high of 67, I added patent leather peep-toe ankle booties and my black Jason Wu for Target trench.

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68 comments

  1. What a wonderful rendition! I simply must have that dress - when, I don't know, but I know it's destined for my wardrobe. Like your combination better than the pattern envelope.

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  2. Looking FAB Erica! Well done!

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  3. Just wonderful Erica.

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  4. Love this dress! It looks great on you.

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  5. I love KKay Unger patterns too. Your dress is sensational especially the 'reverse' colour block.

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  6. I have wanted to do some colour blocking for ages and this dress is really tempting me - love it

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    1. Pdiddly, this is a great dress to test the colorblocking waters. Thanks!

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  7. Gorgeous dress. Love color blocking!

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  8. I can't believe I still haven't made a colourblocked anything! This is a great dress, I didn't realise before that the pattern had some gathers at the front waist, perfect!

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  9. You look fantastic in this dress! It really suits you. Great sewing job and fabric choosing, too.

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  10. Absolutely fabu! I am glad you described "pegged". I don't like the triangle-ness I get from pencils either. I've tried to figure it out and now I know how. I had the right idea. I was at the wrong point. I look gorg!

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  11. I love this dress! Smart choice switching the black and white around. I prefer yours now then the envelope picture, and I'll have to go back and pick it up. And great tip about pegging the bottom of your skirts!

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  12. I must agree with the others, your dress is beautiful. The entire outfit is just fab!

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  13. Erica - what a fabulous rendition of this dress! But dayum you're fast. I don't even own this pattern yet and you're wearing it. Great job!

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    Replies
    1. LOL... Thanks Carolyn... I picked it up at the last Joanns sale.

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  14. Very beautiful and what a great alternative to the little black dress.

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  15. Very lovely!!! It suits you! I prefer your "white" version to the original "black" version. I'm thinking of doing it for Christmas. The original calls for Shantung or Crepe and you did in knit fabric. What is your opinion on that? Would Shantung be too stiff?

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    1. I'm sure it would look lovely in a woven, but I wanted my dress to be fitted and comfortable at the same time. Thanks La Bergère Brodeuse!

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  16. This is a beautiful dress....I'm sure it's your fitting expertise that makes your clothes always look top notch.

    Thanks for the tip on pegging the hem, I think I need to do that on a skirt I am working on. Do you angle/trim the excess fabric from the widest part of the hip to the hem after you have pinched the 4 inches from the hem?

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    Replies
    1. You can Levone, but I just measure the pattern and make the adjustments there. Thanks!

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  17. What a gorgeous dress! You look awesome!

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  18. Beautiful dress, great job!
    I just bought the pattern last week and was thinking of doing the contrast in leather. Do you think it would work?

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  19. just gorgeous!!!!!!

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  20. Erica, You look spectacular!

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  21. DIVINE!!!! Simply lovely. I am tempted to make one myself in the same colours.

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  22. Anonymous7:33 PM

    Really cute! I love this! It's effortlessly chic.

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  23. It sure seems like everything you copy comes out Waaaay better!

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  24. Fantastic! I really like that you had the design vision to know how the white and black should be positioned to make it the most flattering for your body! That is a dress that is deceptively simple in design, but move the seam over, or change the colors around, and it quickly becomes something else entirely! That is just perfect!

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  25. i really love this dress on you. i especially like that you shared how you taper the bottom of your garments. that is a wonderful idea! i am always so inspired by your work! awesome!

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  26. I just discover your blog on Chictopia and I really love it! love your dress!
    Following you on GFC and Bloglovin!

    Kisses, Lucy:)

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  27. Anonymous9:33 PM

    Gorgeous and on trend, as always!

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  28. Very nice dress! I like your black on white combo.

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  29. I love LOVE the length you added to it. It looks so much more elegant. And thank you for telling how you lose 4 inches around the hem, I was wondering JUST that. You are an inspiration!

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  30. Love love love this dress on you

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  31. I loved this dress when I first spotted your review on Patternreview. I have had the pattern stashed for a year and am finally going to make it up. Hope it looks even half as good as yours does. Thanks so much for sharing it.

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  32. Hi Erica, not sure if you are still checking this. I found your review on patternreview.com. What do you mean when you say that the yoke is self-lined? Thanks.

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    1. The yoke is sewn in the same fabric as the body of the dress. And it's attached to the lining.

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    2. Erica! Thanks for responding. How do you know to do that? The yoke pieces only says "cut 2 in fabric; cut 2 in lining" or "cut 1 on fold of fabric; cut 1 on fold of lining." The instructions don't mention anything about using the same material of the fabric for the lining. Not doubting you, just wondering what I missed. Thanks for your help.

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    3. How do I know to do that? Because I've been sewing long enough to know how I like a garment to be finished. And I've also owned enough high-end clothing to have paid close attention to finishing details.

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    4. Erica, thanks again for responding. I swear I wasn't trying to question you (or be a know-it-all). I'm VERY new to sewing and am struggling to understand pattern instructions. I didn't see anything in the pattern instructions about self-lining so I just wanted to know when one uses the same fabric for both the garment and the lining. I usually use tricot lining (found that info from another blog) with knits - which I find a little difficult to work with so I'd prefer to use the knit fabric for the lining as well. Also, is there a reason you wouldn't line the entire dress with the same fabric? Anyway - again I wasn't trying to be a smart-a__, just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something in the instructions. Thanks again for your prompt response.

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    5. I don't even know what the instructions said, so I can't call it! It's been a year and a half since I made this. I probably didn't rely or even read the instructions in great depth. I hardly ever do. Most experienced advanced seamstresses rarely use the pattern instructions -- just FYI. And I pretty much sew things based on how I'm feeling in that moment.

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