This is the Michael Kors pattern everyone got excited about when it was released, followed by disappointment that the pattern photo just didn't look as good as the runway shots of this $2000 dress. I've ploughed ahead anyway, someone do tell me (gently) if I look a frump in it!
As I mentioned in my last post, although this pattern is rated average it is a bit fiddly and time consuming. However it is drafted really well and the instructions do give you a nice finish. When I cut the lining I really could not see how it was all going to fit together properly, but almost miraculously it just did!
The bodice fit is not as perfect as I would like - it sits off my shoulders a little bit and I had to wrap it a little tighter to eliminate any gaping at the front. The fabric is a grey lightweight wool, with silk satin lining - it feels really luxurious on, maybe not worth $2000 but not bad!
Finished dress with as yet unpressed hem, as Barney the cat is trying to remind me.
Close up of bodice - to get the top to fit me without gaping I needed to pull it in tighter so the pleats in the front bodice have almost disappeared into the side front seam.
I added a faced hem because I wanted a bit of extra length to wear this with boots in the fall, but still wanted a hem finish with a bit of weight to it. I understitched it and then hand sewed it invisibly to the dress.
No you don't look at all frumpy. You look very good in it. It's a smashing dress.
ReplyDeleteThe only slight letdown is the hemline - I don't know if you'd ironed it or not (in the photo of you wearing it) - but it looks quite lumpy and uneven.
wendy
Definitely not frumpy! I've been waiting to see someone have success with this pattern before I dive into mine, so job well done!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this dress, so great to see it finally made up. I love the colour, it's really classy.
ReplyDeleteThe V neckline doesn't seem as deep on your version as it is on the pattern - did you adjust this (to reduce boobage?) or is that just how the pattern came out?
I think it looks great!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Not frumpy at all.
ReplyDeleteYes you are right Wendy, I wanted to get this thing photographed before the light faded and totally forgot to press the hem, I only noticed when I took the dressform photos afterwards, It's much better now!
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying all your dresses. This one does look luxurious! The bodice is very attractive!
ReplyDeleteNot frumpy! This is an great dress for you - you really have the right shape for it.
ReplyDeleteYou think you might look frumpy in this dress????? No Way! You look amazing in it. This dress is stunning - I love it.
ReplyDeleteYou don't look frumpy at all! And the only thing you are missing is the $100+ per yard fabric to jack the price of this dress up to MK's price.
ReplyDeleteYou did an amazing job on this dress and it is beautiful on you!
I agree with Carolyn. It's a great dress and you did a fabulous job on it. You are definitely the queen of dresses.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. You do not look frumpy; you look fabulous.
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous! So feminine. Nice to know it's not too difficult either.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why you think you look frumpy in this dress! It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteA. - It does look very luxurious!! I love it and find that you took a lot of detail with this dress- thanks for the wonderful post! - P.
ReplyDeleteFabulous! I've been waiting on a review this dress and I'm so glad you made since we have similar taste! You look great! I'm going to work on this over the weekend!
ReplyDeleteExcellent job - it looks really lovely on you.
ReplyDeleteLove the dress!! Definitely not frumpy! Great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat dress! I love all the pleating in the front and totally didn't notice this when it first came out. I had to laugh at your "a frump" comment. I can just hear you saying that with an English accent. :)
ReplyDeleteI really like this dress, it's so feminine and ik looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteYou look fab in this dress - certainly not frumpy at all!
ReplyDeleteFrumpy?!? This dress looks great on you... I love the seaming at the waist line - I couldn't really see that too well on the pattern envelope... Beautiful work...
ReplyDeleteYou finished it! It is so great on. So classy/classic. I don't think it looks frumpy at all - sophisticated yes, frumpy no. Thanks again for posting the details. I feel confident enough to have another go at it.
ReplyDeleteLate to the party, but I'll add my two-cents: Not at all frumpy. Very sophisticated and tailored looking. This one is going on my short list.
ReplyDeleteFrumpy?! Allison, you crack me up! This is straight up classy, all the way. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteSherryV
You are just fabulous in that dress. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
ReplyDeleteStunning dress.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress --- I love the draped bodice. And Barney is so cute!
ReplyDeleteLooks pretty sleek to me. It looks luxurious enough and great job on this!
ReplyDeleteLike they said: You look great and you look great in the dress too. :-)
ReplyDeleteBeth
Frumpy? Are you kidding me with this? you look TERRIFIC!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely nothing frumpy about it.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great!! Quite Va va Voom. I have had similar issues with crossed bodices like this and found that I had to shorten the diagonal by taking a tuck out of the neck line edge and then releasing it to fit over my bust . I also used tape in the diagoanl neck seam to stop gaping. I used a toile to work this out and then used that as my pattern.
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous. What a great dress, very classy. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt's fabulous! A really chic dress with interesting details and not boring or frumpy at all.
ReplyDeleteVery nice dress. The details at the hip are nice and add a bit of interest. You are probably halfway by now to the 7 dresses!
ReplyDeleteStunning!
ReplyDelete