This dress was one that I snagged in Phoenix back in November. I was doing a segment for The List (you'll see the clip at the bottom of the post) and was Goodwill-ing it with the host (Jan Jeffcoat). This was the number that I bought because I was really just in love with the gorgeous fabric and colors. The one main issue was that from waist down, it was completely open.
Like, if a big gust of wind came while I was shooting this pic, my lady parts would be on display. (PS, now I have that HEINOUS "On Display" song that Melissa Gorga sang on RHONJ in my head. That was my guilty pleasure while I was writing my book - thanks Bravo! Any other "guilty pleasure-ers" out there?)
I love grosgrain ribbon, but this was a bit too much as the belt.
Time to work!
Now, my original intention while in Phoenix was to shorten this and make it a sundress, however when I got it home I just loved the length. I also loved the big ruffle at the bottom and thought by keeping it long, it would be a little more special. (Plus I have a summer wedding to attend that this will work perfectly for!!)
I decided to keep all the seams in place and to just stitch up the big, gaping, slit down the front!! I pinned the dress from right below the waist to hem (there are buttons up top at the bust that actually work and aren't for show, which rules!) and then added a hook and eye at the waist to make it easy to take on and off.
With the dress pinned, I stitched it closed using up all my thread! OK, that's a bit dramatic...I did not use all my thread, but it was one crazy long stitch!
I bunned it, vintage belted it (I'll use a different, less casual belt for the wedding), clutched it, heeled it, and sunglassed it to make my dress party worthy!
I mean, what a huge difference some stitching makes!!
I kind of feel like a princess in this dress. Like a Goldie Hawn/60s/cartoon princess! I really can't wait to wear it again!!
Here's the segment for your viewing pleasure. I rewore one of my FAVORITE pieces ever that I dyed cornflower blue while we shot at Goodwill. Hopefully this will also give you good warm weather vibes...it was heavenly in AZ.
Happy holiday weekend!!
