What I'm Wearing | Colorblocked Shift Dress!

"Colorblocking" is one of the biggest trends this season. It's an awesome way to brighten up your spring wardrobe with bold and vibrant colors. I saw this dress by Heidi Merrick and I was inspired to make my own since this one was $437!

Inspiration:

Heidi Merrick "Huntington" Dress -- Shopbop.com, $437.00

To recreate this look, I used Butterick 5522 as my base pattern.  As you see, the original design looks pretty boxy and shapeless.  I decided to use this pattern because I wanted an a-line fit.  I've had this pattern in my drawer since it was first released.  I always thought this was a cute dress, being that it was a Trina Turk knockoff.  I never got around to making it because I was deterred by the reviews I read. Most referred to the dress as being "tent-ish".  When I think of that, I instantly think "maternity-ish" and after being pregnant three times, I ran screaming from that look!  But after seeing Cidell's version, I completely changed my mind.  Sometimes you need to listen to your instinct instead of  completely relying on reviews.

To achieve my inspiration look, I first lengthened the pattern by 2 inches.  I made a 1 inch non-dart FBA and changed the sleeve to a slimmer style.  I cut the back, front and sleeve pattern pieces into block sections and created new seam allowances.  And I also used an exposed zipper because that was a detail of the original design.  I used cotton jersey fabric whereas the original used silk crepe.

Worn with: wedges: DV by Dolce Vita; vintage Chanel quilted drawstring bucket bag; sunnies: Karen Walker; earrings: Marc by Marc Jacobs;  necklace: Forever 21; bracelets: Forever 21, ASOS.com and Tiffany & Co.; ring: Melody Ehsani Jewelry.