Shirtdresses are a closet staple. They're an instant outfit and all about easy dressing, so easy does it with accessories. You want to look as if getting dressed was effortless, which means go light on jewelry and stick to breezy shoes like a wedge or an espadrille. Enhance the figure-flattering nature of shirtdresses with a belt to emphasize your waist. And if you feel too prim and proper, you can always forget to fasten the buttons all the way up! ;)

This is one of Simplicity's "Inspired by Project Runway" patterns -- meaning that you can be the designer and select from the endless variations offered in the pattern to create your own individual style. I chose the banded collar bodice, the flat sleeve with the slit, and the straight skirt.

This was my first time working with one of these patterns. It kinda threw me for a loop when I read the back of the envelope. The fabric amounts are divided by sections. I found when I added all of the amounts and cut everything out, I had almost a yard of fabric leftover. You may want to make a note of this. I have another one of these patterns I plan to make and I will cut the pieces out first and decide how much fabric I will need. Other than that, the directions were fine.

I made a 1" FBA on the princess seams. I decided to try out bound buttonholes for the simple fact that I had never use them on a dress before. I also love the rounded back yoke. It's doubtful that I will make this one again since there are so many more patterns I want to use, but this is a good addition to my Spring wardrobe that I'll be wearing this week.