Sunday, November 1, 2009

Shabby Apple Dress Contest

Photobucket

I love dresses.

I would probably wear one everyday if my obnoxiously long torso didn't prevent them from ever fitting me correctly. I am so inspired watching Mad Man, which takes place in the late 50's and early 60's, and what I love is that women wore dresses that were perfectly tailored and detailed, instead of sloppy knits all the time. I truly watch the show just for the wardrobe. I wish we still dressed that way.

Did you hear that Shabby Apple is having a dress design contest? They are. So because I love dresses... I designed my perfect dress, inspired by Mad Man:

The "Betty Draper Dress"
Photobucket

Here is what my dress design for Shabby Apple dresses includes:

A pleated bodice that provides substantial structure to help coax a tummy into a more lovely shape, with pleats that open into a ruffle of sorts which nicely frames a delicate feminine collarbone.

Flattering elbow length sleeves--perfect for any season.

Generous pockets, because I firmly believe that all dresses should have pockets! Don't you?

Lovely hour-glass shape with its gathered skirt easing up on the gathers as it approaches the hips in order to provide just the right amount of fullness becoming on a woman's figure.

Full skirt hits just below the knee, and sports a peek-a-boo of colorful lace at the under-skirt slip lining.

Is made of stretch cotton poplin, so it's cool and breathable, and comfortable.

Its structure is one of form, with seams strategically placed to fit oh so well.

Is simple enough in its detailing to provide ample accessorizing opportunities...like a vintage broach perhaps.


Photobucket

(So... I didn't quite get a zipper put in....its not the easiest thing to do on a half-sized form...use your imagination.)

Photobucket

And even if I don't win, I might make one in several colors for myself anyway.

Wouldn't this color combination be nice for Spring?

Photobucket

Ohh...with these heels:
I only wish I'd had enough time to make a Joan Halloway inspired dress too.

What would your perfect dress look like?

24 comments:

  1. Looks SO good! They would be crazy not to pick this dress. love it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. danielle, you are amazing!! love this.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my word Danielle, it's awesome! I would totally wear this dress because it would give even me the illusion of a waist! You're so good.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amazing. Inspiring. Brilliant. Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. That is just adorable honey! You just amaze me!You will look so darling in that.
    Could you do a Joan dress next? I want to wear it!!!!!!!!OX, Mom

    ReplyDelete
  6. Betty Draper would look stunning in your dress! And, I absolutely LOVE LOVE Mad Men. I too watch it for the clothes, but I also watch if for the advertising aspect, since that is what I do...

    ReplyDelete
  7. WOW! I am so impressed. PLEATS?! That is no easy task, my dear. It is lovely and feminine and crispy white (I LOVE white).
    Well done. Can I vote somewhere online or something for you?

    ReplyDelete
  8. its so beautiful! good luck, do we get to vote for you?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi dear, just wanted to let you know that the Shabby Apple Dresses link doesn't work. I figured you must need that for your entry so want to make sure you know.

    ReplyDelete
  10. i sure wish i got your ingenious seamstress genes. that dress is awesome! i really like the purple ruffle underneath.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So, when will this be on the market to buy??? Love it. I also love black dresses, boat necks, and three quarter sleeves.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm so glad you are entering this contest. When I first saw the email I immediately thought of you. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  13. 1. In awe.
    2. If they don't pick you as a finalist, they are crazy.
    3. I will vote for you.
    4. I want one.
    5. No, really.

    ReplyDelete
  14. oh, my BEAUTIFUL, Danielle! This is the kind of dress I wear in all my daydreams. Good luck, friend! I hope it wins!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. oh, would it be really dorky of me to say that i'm really proud of you? i am!
    i love lori's comment - this is just the kind of dress i always wish i could find at the store, but never can.

    love you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh my! Wow! ....... I want one for me and one for each of my girls. Stat for Christmas party season.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow! THIS is what my dream dress would look like. Can I order a custom-fit one from you? (Also have the long torso dilemma).

    I too am a Mad Men lover. Isn't it visually inspiring? I actually tried pin curls the other day . . .

    ReplyDelete
  18. Good luck! You are SO talented, and I'd buy your dress.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I LOVE the shoes Anne.

    xox Cookie

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wow - Danielle, you are amazing. I love this dress - it's fantastic! You've got to be a finalist, for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hello, Danielle! My name's Anastasia, I'm from Moscow, Russia. I was looking for models of Betty Draper's dresses cause I'm a huge fan of her dresses and I was dreaming to make a dress in Betty's style for my upcoming wedding. And I came across the photo of this dress made by you and was just stunned. It's so unbelievably beutiful! It's amazing! And it's just what I want for my wedding. So I want to ask your permission to use your pictures of this dress for making my wedding gown. If you agree, I'd be so happy! And again thank you very much for this beatiful work. In Russia we say 'you've got golden hands' to persons who can create these kinds of things.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Danielle, you are a visionary. Your proposal is exactly the new silouette for O/W 2010 and I'm sure also for next spring-summer. My congratulations for your design. I wish you'd be able to share with us your pattern. Best wishes from Spain. Nikë.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...