Design for Shabby Apple - Submission #2

 This is my second creation for the Shabby Apple "Dare to Design" contest.

 
This dress is so much fun.  It is simple to wear and has a very forgiving fit.  The entire front bodice has very small pin tuck seams that enhance the crinkly appearance the fabric naturally has.  The waist sits at your natural waist and is elastic.  It could be made with a matching sash but I chose to model it with a favorite belt that gives a nice pop of color.

The skirt is a full circle.  I love circle skirts because you gets lots of flirty volume on the bottom while not adding volume to your waist or hips (who wants that?). 

 I don't normally think of gray as a color for spring but I think it works in the dress.  The fabric is a very soft crinkly lightweight synthetic fabric that is wash and wear - huge plus.  I think it would look equally good in a floral like one of these. 

This dress in either a solid or a floral would be a great Shabby Apple dress.  It would be a great honor to design for Shabby Apple.  In the mean time I just need to make this dress for myself.

Design for Shabby Apple Submission #1

8/19 - UPDATE 

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This skirt made it into the top 15 designs for the 

Shabby Apple Dare to Design contest

You can go here to vote - PLEASE :)

Mine is #14

When I first learned about the Dare to Design (click the link to learn more) challenge by Shabby Apple I was intrigued but unsure if I wanted to take the time to put together a submission.  The more I thought about it the more I wanted to do it.  So here is what I came up with.

I wanted to make a pinstripe skirt but with more whimsy than usually found.  The skirt sits just slightly above your natural waistline and is fitted to the top of your hip.  The skirt is pleated and very full.  No woman wants to be without pockets for her cell phone, keys or lip gloss so this skirt has two large pockets that have been placed at a diagonal for comfortable access.  The pinstripe is vertical on the waist band, horizontal on the skirt, and vertical on the pockets.  The fabric is a black polyester pin stripe fabric.  It doesn't wrinkle and can be machine washed and dried - what more can a woman want.  I would love to see this skirt in other colors of pinstripe fabric as well.

The white blouse is an easy fitting top with a deep (but not too deep) V neck that has the same pleated detail as a designer mens tuxedo shirt. It can be worn tucked into a skirt or left out and belted with your favorite pair of jeans.  I have no patience for separates that only look good with one thing.  If I am going to buy separates I want it to mix and match with my entire wardrobe. This shirt fits the bill.  The shirt is made from white cotton fabric so it is nice and cool all year long.

It would be an honor to design for Shabby Apple so here goes nothing.  First step is to make it into the top 15 and then the voting begins.