Xmas Party Fashion Part Deux

So, I spent pretty much all of last Friday night and most of Saturday putting together my dress for Russel's office "bash"...and it was totally worth it!

The backstory: I bought this (terrible) navy formal dress for my honeymoon's formal dinners (in 2003). I needed something quick, easy and cheap, and this fit the bill at the time. Not wanting to buy something new for this year's Christmas party, I thought I would update this dress.

Enter novice sewing skills here!

Since I don't have one of those seamstress dress forms, or a willing volunteer just my size, I had to do all the pinning while I was wearing the dress. So yes, I did pin it to my underpants in many places without realizing it! HA! ha ha... And I also poked my arse more times than I am willing to admit.

So I gathered and pinned and pinned and gathered until I had some semblance of form to this otherwise unflattering dress. I forgot to take a "before" shot until it was too late, so you'll have to just take my word on it. It was way too long, and had an extra layer on the sides and back that parted in the front. Gosh, that made no sense...there are no words to describe it I guess! I took that piece and pulled it to the back, gathering it at the empire waist on either side of the zipper. Then I gathered bits and pieces from the sides to make some "ruching" in the front and to accentuate my curvy curves.

Thanks to all of this gathering, the hem of the dress was raised maybe 8 inches. So I sewed some tulle and netting to the lining, pleating it as I went. This resulted in a fabulous poofy bottom that swished as I walked! I used the same embroidered netting on the top to give some modesty to the look. I actually love how it turned out...I was worried for a minute that it would look a little grandma-y!

And no outfit of mine is complete without an over-the-top hair accessory. I started with a red fascinator that I was going to wear to Nadine's wedding, but never finished it on account of me hating how it was turning out. I added a row of red feathers, and some gathered blue tulle to the red that was already there. And I still hated it! So I ripped that strip off, folded it up, stitched it together and added a clip. The finishing touches were some bling and fabric roses (from that awesome American Crafts ribbon)

Please keep in mind that everyone else at this party was dressed like a normal human being, and not someone fresh off the Klondike Parade. I got many interesting stares, and some compliments as well!

All-in-all it was a great party, and I got to chat with the newlyweds who's reception we attended not too long ago. They are so lovely, and sweet, and cute, and they have a zombie apocalypse plan as well, so we got along just fine!

later skater alligator

p.s. I dyed my hair back. It's red red again. It's my new favourite.