Shifting into Minimalism
12:00 AM
When it comes to dresses, I usually have a preference for a fitted sheath. That's been my go to style for years. But lately, I've been noticing how effortlessly adorable shift dresses are. On me, I find shift dresses to be a flattering and forgiving garment. And what better form than a LBD!
One I can wear and not be encumbered by foundation/shapewear garments and I can feel free to actually eat while I'm wearing it... and still look chic! And I've decided this season, they are a welcomed addition to my wardrobe.
This dress is self-drafted. It's based on the same pattern I used for this dress. With only minor adjustments. But for this one, I added lantern sleeves (with a 1/4" elastic hem) and an invisible zipper. And also, instead of using a jersey fabric, I use a black viscose crepe that I've had in my stash for many years.
I wanted a low back, but I wanted it to be "bra-friendly". Not too low this time.
It's amazing what the camera flash will reveal. Notice the sheen of my black interfacing for my zipper showing through. It reminds me of when celebrities are caught braless on the red carpet and all of their "bits" are shown on paparazzi pictures. I guess the next time I wear this, I'll have to avoid step and repeats and flash bulbs!
I'm pretty pleased with the way this dressed turned. I wanted something with a simple shape, that looked just interesting from the front and the back; and with dramatic sleeves. And that's just what I created. I plan to make a couple more of these dresses since they're so easy to wear.
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67 comments
It's amazing the interfacing showed through. A lovely little dress Erica - I love shifts too.
ReplyDeleteThanks SarahLiz!
DeleteIt is beautiful Erica. I love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks DK's Wife!
DeleteThe sleeves really make this frock- they are a fabulous statement! What a great LBD to add to the wardrobe :D
ReplyDeleteI've been obsessed with lantern sleeves ever since I saw the Alexander McQueen dress that Nicole Kidman wore to Cannes this year. I love that you put them on a shift dress--you look chic, as usual. I must add this to the "Erica B Tribute Wardrobe" that I'm always planning in my head.
ReplyDeleteWe're definitely on the same page! I have that dress on my Pinterest! Thanks Julie!
DeleteWow, gorgeous dress Erica! So stylish & classy - inspiring me to sew some sheath dresses for myself!
ReplyDeleteThanks Neney!
DeleteBeautiful dress and love the lantern sleeve detail.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila!
DeleteYou know shift dresses are my thing. I love the fact that any body type can pull them off. Me being of petite stature. ....it's one of my favorite and of course it's a staple of the 60s....one of my favorite fashion eras. I gotta say that you are absolutely working that bad girl. It is a beauty and so are you. Be bold. Be fabulous. Ve you!
ReplyDeletewww.fashionablyfab.com
I think this is going to end up being my favorite silhouette too! Thanks Natasha!
DeleteI love this look on you and the sleeves are fantastic. You also have great gams!
ReplyDeleteThanks K. Nicole!
DeleteNow I have to look up black interfacing because I've never heard of it. I bought interfacing for a waistband and ending up getting the garment stuck in the sewing machine because of the thickness of layers. I had to walk away or I would have cried, haha.
ReplyDeleteDo you think you could just skip the zipper since there is such a wide head opening? It would make the pattern even quicker if you wanted to whip up more.
As an afterthought, I probably can. I'll have to try to pull it on and off while it's zipped!
DeleteLove this look Ms. Erica! I learn so much about different fabrics to try and techniques from reading your blog. Thanks so much for sharing your passion. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks M. Inez!
DeleteAwesome! I want to make a couple dresses that shape for fall/winter, too. They are easy and flattering and you can wear 'me with leggings! I've also come to the conclusion that all my cloths must be bra friendly, because I HATE strapless and braless is just not a good look for me!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sew Rachel!
DeleteERICA!!! I'm dying. This is the most perfect LBD ever. I am also becoming a fan of the shift - it's soooo easy to wear and I'm starting the find that swingy, loose silhouette just as sexy as a sheath for all that it suggests rather than says out loud. The sleeves on this are legendary.... I'm so sorry, but I may have to totally copy the idea. So smart.
ReplyDeleteFeel free! Thanks Heather Lou!
DeleteSTUN. NING. and those sleeves!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Oona!
DeleteLooks lovely! What does this make? LBD #6? Lol And you pose like you own the show. Own it, Erica!
ReplyDeleteI've lost count! LOL Thanks Scheryka!
DeleteI love this on you! This is a great style -- reminds me of Paris and a look from Europe in the late 20s!!
ReplyDeleteYou totally got what I was conveying! At the moment, I've been so inspired by the street styles at Paris Fashion Week. And this is what came to mind! LOL Thanks Pam!
DeleteThanks Sing!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Shift dresses are good for me too.
ReplyDeleteThat hot! And the styling sets it all off!
ReplyDeleteThanks onefromphilly!
DeleteHats off to you Erica :) I stumbled upon your blog by accident and I am hooked. You are a true fashionista and I cant believe this dress is a DIY and not a hefty price tag. You go girl <3
ReplyDeleteLove from India!
personalfashionhub.com
Thanks Preeti!
DeleteLove it. Shift dresses are great - easy yet chic. Win Win!
ReplyDeleteThanks craftytraveller!
DeleteLove it Erica!
ReplyDeleteThanks Candice!
Deletefabulous dress. Simple can be chic!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelroc!
DeleteThis is such a pretty dress! Love the styling also.
ReplyDeleteThanks Levone!
DeleteI LOVE this look on you.....and the sassy up-do was the icing on the cake. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Celeste Lux!
DeleteThis looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G on you! Love those sleeves.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandy!
DeleteI love your LBD. Simple, Stylist and Comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThanks Opal!
DeleteBeautiful Erica. So impressed with your talent.
ReplyDeleteThis may be a simple dress but, you look absolutely beautiful in it. Great Job.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lovngwomn!
DeleteThat dress! Those shoes! Your legs!
ReplyDeleteAll giving me LIFE right now...
You're definitely inspring me to continue learing how to sew (and to go run on the treadmill for an hour).
Thanks Candyce!
DeleteLovely dress, Erica!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous - the lantern sleeves are such an interesting design feature.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of this one...
http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2013/10/04/nicole-kidmans-alexander-mcqueen-puffed-sleeve-detail-dress/
Yep, that dress was my inspiration! Thanks
DeleteThis is very elegant Erica and you look stunning in it too! I love the styling of your hair as well. Very nice work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Myra!
DeleteThis looks great on you. I think you nailed the fit through the shoulders and bust perfectly. You might use something like an organza strip to staballize the zipper next time instead of the fusible, although that might show also.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip Grace!
DeleteI'm late as I'm finally catching up on my blog reading but this is gorgeous!!! Very flattering and ypu are rocking it!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks BK!
DeleteErika I like effect the camera had on the zipper! I think maybe you can make one with a leather bound exposed zipper? That's what it looks like to me and I think its cute! I love the sleeves. Its just enough. Erika those legs though? Girl, you must have been stopping traffic hunny! Yaaaasssss!
ReplyDeleteThanks Su
DeleteGirl! you look fabulous in this dress. not to mention your hair do! Strike a pose.
ReplyDeleteI was about 30lbs heavier, but thank you!
Delete