What I'm Wearing | Colorblocked Shift Dress!
12:00 AM
"Colorblocking" is one of the biggest trends this season. It's an awesome way to brighten up your spring wardrobe with bold and vibrant colors. I saw this dress by Heidi Merrick and I was inspired to make my own since this one was $437!
Inspiration:
To recreate this look, I used Butterick 5522 as my base pattern. As you see, the original design looks pretty boxy and shapeless. I decided to use this pattern because I wanted an a-line fit. I've had this pattern in my drawer since it was first released. I always thought this was a cute dress, being that it was a Trina Turk knockoff. I never got around to making it because I was deterred by the reviews I read. Most referred to the dress as being "tent-ish". When I think of that, I instantly think "maternity-ish" and after being pregnant three times, I ran screaming from that look! But after seeing Cidell's version, I completely changed my mind. Sometimes you need to listen to your instinct instead of completely relying on reviews.
To achieve my inspiration look, I first lengthened the pattern by 2 inches. I made a 1 inch non-dart FBA and changed the sleeve to a slimmer style. I cut the back, front and sleeve pattern pieces into block sections and created new seam allowances. And I also used an exposed zipper because that was a detail of the original design. I used cotton jersey fabric whereas the original used silk crepe.
Worn with: wedges: DV by Dolce Vita; vintage Chanel quilted drawstring bucket bag; sunnies: Karen Walker; earrings: Marc by Marc Jacobs; necklace: Forever 21; bracelets: Forever 21, ASOS.com and Tiffany & Co.; ring: Melody Ehsani Jewelry.
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77 comments
Erica, this is just lovely! You're an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteSherry in Little Rock
Thanks Sherry!
ReplyDeleteLove this!
ReplyDelete-Shakiyla
Thanks Shakiyla!
ReplyDeleteSaw that dress on Pinterest and loved it! What a great version you have.
ReplyDeleteI love the colours you have used in your version..... even more than the original. It looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE it! Such fabulous colours as well! I agree with Belinda in that I like your version more than the original!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ladies!
ReplyDeleteYou are a BEAUTY! Really!
ReplyDeleteThanks Oksana!
DeleteYou wasted no time putting this together. I love it!
ReplyDeleteKelly, I knew I was going make this the moment I pinned it to Pinterest! Thanks!
DeleteOh, I love this! Fun dress.
ReplyDeleteThanks Liza Jane!
DeleteVery nice! Of course, yours looks much better on a real body. If the inspiration garment was $437, how much did yours cost?
ReplyDeleteNot a lot! Thanks!
DeleteGorgeous dress, perfect interpretation of the inspiration piece. Where did you find your fabric?
ReplyDeleteThanks Lori, I bought it at Hancock.
DeleteLove it! I pinned this exact dress when Bee wore it over at Atlantic-Pacific as something to perhaps knock off. It's such a bright and happy dress!
ReplyDeleteAmanda, that's when I pinned it as well! Thanks!
DeleteVery pretty, I love the combination of colors.
ReplyDeleteThanks Opal!
DeleteYour version looks so much better. Another great looking dress.
ReplyDeletethanks Joyce!
DeleteSuper cute Lady! Love it! And those wedges are cute as well:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Victoria!
DeleteFantastic! What a great interpretation of a current trend. And you look fabulous in it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carolyn!
Deletethanks Sing!
ReplyDeleteGreat job Erica! The fit is beautiful I'm not sure where they got maternityish from (maybe they've never been pregnant to know tent like when they see it - cause I'm with you been there 2X's don't wanna be there again!! LOL)
ReplyDeleteThanks Joen!
DeleteErica you look beautiful I wish I could carry off such bright happy colours. Can I ask how to do a dartless FBA . Did you rotate the dart to somewhere or did you do the pivot and slide method I keep hearing about ?
ReplyDeleteLisa, I used the pivot and slide method. Very simple. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteı love your dress and you look so smart :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Berry!
ReplyDeleteErica, that is so lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for answering my question Erica it's much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Lisa!
ReplyDeleteLike, like, like. Those colors just make me happy! Much better than the original which looks like she forgot her pants (and yes, I realize I sound like an old fart with that last comment). I just lover your posts, always so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteCeleste Lux, I must be an old fart right along with you. I like a cute little dress too. BUT, I want to be able to bend over and pick up something! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFabulous dress and great colors.
ReplyDeleteGreat dress! It looks just like your inspiration piece.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is fabulous. I haven't been around in a while, and you look fantastic. Solange Knowles came to mind when the image of you popped up. You are inspirational to mature women who still rock!
ReplyDeleteThanks Divamom-Act II!
ReplyDeleteI love that look! It's really nice to see you make something that I would have run from based on the pattern picture. You are inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise!
Deletethis is amazing and it looks fab on you!
ReplyDeletethanks Tamsin!
DeleteAWESOME colors!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mad14kt!
ReplyDeleteThat's haute! I love the colors you chose.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carla!
ReplyDeleteI just pinned this dress from another blog and I come here and see you made it. You are the b.o.m.b. lady!!
ReplyDeleteThanks narcissaqtpie!
ReplyDeleteI just saw this dress on a style blog, http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/2012/03/jumping-gun.html I LOVE how yours came out. And, thank you for the shout out :)
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly where I first saw it and immediately pinned it! Thanks!
DeleteErica, I think your dress is lovelier than the inspiration. It's beautifully shaped and very flattering. You look great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol!
ReplyDeleteYour dress is fabulous. Love the colors. And it looks great on you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Leslie V!
DeleteYour dress is much nicer than the original droopy version. I love your bright colours and matching nail varnish. All over beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteThanks KathyS!
Deletesen çok şık bir bayansın.seni zevkle izliyorum.TÜRKİYEden sevgiler...AHLAM
ReplyDeleteLove the dress, although I am curious what it has cost you, compared to the original dress.
ReplyDeleteThanks AHLâM'DaN.
ReplyDeleteLa Dutchesse, I really didn't bother calculating. The fabric was $9.99/yd., but it was on sale for 30% and I bought 3/4 yd for each color. And I already had thread and I'm sure I bought the pattern on sale because that's the ONLY time I buy patterns. So for a quick estimation: Lunch money.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Slamming! Holy cow, this just radiates, as do you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lavender!
ReplyDeleteYou are just super cute Erica! You always inspire me. Whenever I get stuck I always think "what would Erica make?" and then I troll your blog. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks RedHeadShannon!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this dress!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mushywear!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your version. It looks the Biz with a capital B. Want One!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sassy T!
Deletewowza! awesome!!!!! i love diy's but this is amazing!
ReplyDeletejen
www.livetreschic.blogspot.com
Hi, Erica, Was really inspired by this dress i made colour blocked dresses for my girls. Please check it out if you have got the time. www.zoeeden.blogspot.co.uk planning others ones too. regards.
ReplyDeletekeep inspiring. thanks