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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78 comments

  1. Erica, this is just lovely! You're an inspiration.

    Sherry in Little Rock

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  2. Saw that dress on Pinterest and loved it! What a great version you have.

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  3. I love the colours you have used in your version..... even more than the original. It looks great on you.

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  4. I LOVE it! Such fabulous colours as well! I agree with Belinda in that I like your version more than the original!

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  5. You are a BEAUTY! Really!

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  6. You wasted no time putting this together. I love it!

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    1. Kelly, I knew I was going make this the moment I pinned it to Pinterest! Thanks!

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  7. Oh, I love this! Fun dress.

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  8. Very nice! Of course, yours looks much better on a real body. If the inspiration garment was $437, how much did yours cost?

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  9. Gorgeous dress, perfect interpretation of the inspiration piece. Where did you find your fabric?

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    1. Thanks Lori, I bought it at Hancock.

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  10. Love 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!

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    1. Amanda, that's when I pinned it as well! Thanks!

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  11. Very pretty, I love the combination of colors.

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  12. Your version looks so much better. Another great looking dress.

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  13. Super cute Lady! Love it! And those wedges are cute as well:)

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  14. Very mod and the colors and great.

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  15. Fantastic! What a great interpretation of a current trend. And you look fabulous in it.

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  16. Great 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)

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  17. Erica 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 ?

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  18. Lisa, I used the pivot and slide method. Very simple. Thanks!

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  19. ı love your dress and you look so smart :)

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  20. Erica, that is so lovely!

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  21. Thanks for answering my question Erica it's much appreciated.

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  22. Like, 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!

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  23. Celeste 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!

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  24. Fabulous dress and great colors.

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  25. Great dress! It looks just like your inspiration piece.

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  26. The 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!

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  27. Thanks Divamom-Act II!

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  28. I 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.

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  29. this is amazing and it looks fab on you!

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  30. That's haute! I love the colors you chose.

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  31. I just pinned this dress from another blog and I come here and see you made it. You are the b.o.m.b. lady!!

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  32. Thanks narcissaqtpie!

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  33. I 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 :)

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    Replies
    1. That's exactly where I first saw it and immediately pinned it! Thanks!

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  34. Erica, I think your dress is lovelier than the inspiration. It's beautifully shaped and very flattering. You look great.

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  35. Your dress is fabulous. Love the colors. And it looks great on you!!

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  36. Your dress is much nicer than the original droopy version. I love your bright colours and matching nail varnish. All over beautiful!!

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  37. sen çok şık bir bayansın.seni zevkle izliyorum.TÜRKİYEden sevgiler...AHLAM

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  38. Love the dress, although I am curious what it has cost you, compared to the original dress.

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  39. La 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.

    Thanks!

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  40. Slamming! Holy cow, this just radiates, as do you!

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  41. You 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!

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  42. Thanks RedHeadShannon!

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  43. I LOVE this dress!!!

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  44. I absolutely love your version. It looks the Biz with a capital B. Want One!

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  45. wowza! awesome!!!!! i love diy's but this is amazing!

    jen
    www.livetreschic.blogspot.com

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  46. 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.

    keep inspiring. thanks

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