Thursday, December 13, 2012

How do you Sparkle Up a Classic?

I've just had this tea-length teal dress made by local dressmaker Irena. Yes friends, that's after saying I'm done with dresses (can't be arsed shaving my legs) and that I need to stop stalking cocktail frocks because I don't do any many cocktail parties. But we're having a small soiree at our house Saturday night and I've long loved my friend's dress which is similar.

Don't look too closely...I still haven't shaved my legs


It has petticoats and is longer at the back!

The dress is still being altered: I need to get rid of some of the excess material around the armholes and I'm wondering if it needs a belt to emphasize the waist? A buckle belt or a bow belt...I'm leaning towards the bow.

Now I've tried it on at home, I've got a few questions for you. It's very simple - maybe too simple... how do I zazz it up? I was going to do my fake pearls but does that make it too costumey? Something big and bright and shiny? I'm wary of "statement necklaces" (now THERE'S a statement!) though I love them on others. I'm just always worried they will further emphasize my scraggly neck.

What about shoes? I've been on jury duty for two weeks (more on that later) so was only able to make a quick dash to try on shoes...

Crickey Dick, this officially makes me the Ugly Stepsister
Sparkly selection from Nordstroms

Sparkly selection from Neiman's: am I going in the right direction here?

I'm not convinced this has been such a great idea. There's so much uncertainty about what it's going to look like. Maybe I loved the dress because it suited my friend and she's so pretty. Having it made up is certainly a cheaper option -  half the price.

Ever been tempted to have a dress made from scratch?


48 comments:

  1. With your tiny waist, I say a "statement" belt.

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  2. When I was a child, we used to have our clothes made by dressmakers (yes, those were the days, my friend !). I long to do that now too for some items as I adore buying material but couldn't sew to save my life ! I personally love your dress without a belt and I really like those simple peep-toes silver sandals, but that's just little French me ! With your figure, anything you will wear will look great anyway !

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    1. It was very fun going to the material and buttons and bobs place in San Francisco., Britex. My mother used to sew when we were kids to make extra money. Consequently I made the evening meal and she did my sewing homework and i can barely sew on a button

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  3. Bears have absolutely no use at all for dresses, whether off the rack or custom-made. They just complicate life in the mountains and forests.

    You, on the other hand, look entirely well-dressed in your new frock. I have no suggestion about belts or bows. But I do hope you have a lot of fun wearing and partying in your haute couture (or whatever you Humans call it).

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  4. I think a belt could make a huge difference! If it was fab, you could avoid a necklace and focus on earrings or some cool bracelets.

    I think you look amazing and that colour is stunning!

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  5. I agree with Silver Bunny up above. I don't think you need a necklace or belt as the colour is stunning, your figure is gorgeous and I would be inclined to let the dress do the talking ... add the silver heels (I love the peep toe ones in Neimans) a few bracelets and go party! Enjoy!

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  6. Having it made is a genius idea, that colour is fabulous on you and a statement belt would be ideal. No idea for the shoes though.....

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    1. Loving those Kurts on you today on your blog - you neeed to wear them out on the town.

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  7. I would do a bow belt, a statement earring and keep it simple with either a silver or gold shoe depending on what jewelry you decide on.
    That dress is stunning - good call having it made. I love it!

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    1. Eleanor, funnily enough the top material was cheap and the silk petticoat underneath was pricey. The lady in the material shop said I should have the silk lining-petticoat made into an entire other dress which was a great idea, but too slinky malinky for me.

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  8. You look fab and the dress is beautiful - no good asking me for fashion advice I can't even match my socks!

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  9. I agree with Flaky - keep it simple - no necklace, no belt just some fabulous earrings. The simpler the better with the shoes too - just some gorgeous silver pumps like the ones shown - some pointy ones might be fun for that 'vintage' look. Sometimes less is more:) It looks stunning - striking with your hair up. Have a fabulous time!

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    1. Poppy, think I might have found some pointy comfy ones

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  10. Have a look at my girlfriend Donatella's site here http://www.inspirationrealisation.com/ - some amazing ideas that should help!

    LCM x

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    1. Wow LCM, your friend has enough DIY ideas to change the world. Tempted to do the sausage dog thingies and love the Martin Margiela inspired resort tops with the plastic bone-shaped ties.

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  11. Last time I had a cocktail dress made I was 21. It was a lovely thing in midnight blue silk satin, calf length with strappy shoulders and a fishtail skirt.

    Your dress is lovely too but I have no idea what you should do with it. I've no doubt you'll find something because you're good at that sort of thing.

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    1. Loving the sound of that fishtail skirt - did you keep the dress?

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    2. I did. Can't get into it now of course, but I couldn't bring myself to throw it out.

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    3. Something for the daughter-in-laws - hope they appreciate it!

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  12. That is a beautiful dress, I love the colour! You look amazing in it. I like the silver shoes with the dress and a simple belt like others have suggested.

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  13. Great dress Jody! Just leave it alone .. and by the way .. I DID notice your legs hadn't been shaved for the photo shoot:}

    Hope you are enjoying all the festivities of the season.

    xxleslie

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    1. Yes and I did have to lower the photo-taking arm when I realised I was doing a bit of a Julia Roberts underarm moment(remember that hairy moment on the red carpet?)Terribly glam...

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  14. This is the kind of dress where a bow would look better than a belt. JMO

    If you decide to go for a belt, it should be very close to the colour of the shoes. The ones you have on are perfect.

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    1. The pinky ones are OK, you reckon? and get a pinky belt? I'll look into that

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  15. Love the dress Jody! I vote for a silver belt and sparkly shoes--but definitely a belt! That color is going to look amazing on you!
    xo Mary Jo

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    1. Thanks Mary Jo - I was thinking about you a lot as i selected the material for this at Britex in SF. If I didn't know it before, I know it now: I could never be a dress designer - there are too many decisions to be made...colour of material? deepen the neckline? belt? length.... arrggh

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  16. Bow belt, no necklace, statement shoes! Fab colour and it looks lovely on you.

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    1. C - I need to go shopping with you - you're so decisive

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  17. Have you thought about getting some kind of bow sash (not too cute almost asymmetrical - quite structured) made in the same material to add drama to the dress and then you can wear that first pair of silver (snake) Choos and a largish diamond silver toned bracelet ? Possibly some earrings but no necklace. There you go. The dress is lovely though - you really suit these bright blues - it's not a colour I ever think of wearing but it really suits your colouring and hair.

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    1. Bow a bit like this but you can improvise. Just not too straightlaced though.

      http://www.bridaldressin.com/evening-dresses/1799-printed-satin-straight-strapless-neckline-empire-trim-with-bow-accents-asymmetrically-pleated-dropped-waistline-mermaid-draped-skirt-2012-new-arrival-evening-dress.html

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    2. Hi Sue! Just clicked into this link....Kind of like an obi type of belt with a flourish? (BTW< love that dress in the link too...) Really interesting idea...the bow she's making currently is just a straight bow, but she said easy to make alternatives. Yes your one would be unexpected and add drama.

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    3. Sue, re the blue, just realised that my one shouldered number was not such a different blue, more cobalt that this teal, but very similar....bugger. I should branch out into a different colour I think...

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  18. I love the dress and feel it needs a big brooch a statement piece .

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  19. If you must go for sparkle, I recommend Choo's version! I bought a pair for my wedding and get downright giddy any time I put them on. (If you're into giddy... ) :) Have a great weekend! Enjoy your beautiful new dress! xo style, she wrote

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    1. Love it - The silver or the green ones? The sling backs or the pumps - they are all fab!

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  20. No belt, sparkly silver shoes and (silver) necklace/accessories.

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  21. I think having a dress made is such a fun idea! tea-length automatically has a personality of its own (that some may take too far and turn into something costume-y).

    Anyways, I definitely like the idea of a belt and some sort of peep-toe (metallic I think). I saw the suggestion of a brooch and think that could maybe be attached to the belt?

    Can't wait to see the final product!

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    1. I totally agree that tea length is just in its own little town, I felt very swishy but covered up - love it!

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  22. Gorgeous dress - style and colour! I wish I knew a local dressmaker who could make me a dress that I would love (especially at half the price!!) I think sparkly silver shoes will look amazing and of course you could wear a statement necklace!!
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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  23. Jody- I could see lovely silvery shoes, the bow belt and have your dressmaker sew up a simple, very low-pile, silvery faux fur collar you can add to the neckline. 'Cause it's the holidays...

    Loretta

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  24. I love that you had a dress made from scratch! It looks gorgeous on you already. I love the sparkly Jimmy Choos and a statement belt will transport it to the next level. You have a tiny waist - accentuate it!

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  25. That is just stunning, i'd leave it as is, don't gild a perfect lily.
    I have those silver Jimmy Choos, worn er, once.

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  26. I work on the assumption that my pearls distract from my straggly neck. Maybe instead of a belt a flower or similar at the corner of your waist. Love the blue.

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  27. WHOA, Jody! The dress is absolutely stunning on you! Love what Poppy said. Your style has always been simple and unfussy. So I'd just go for killer earrings and pointy shoes. Boy, do I wish I have your figure.

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  28. this is saying Grace Kelly to me......keep it clean, keep it simple and you will shine!!!

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  29. Oh I so agree this dress is just stunning and looks wonderful on you!!

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