Tuesday, February 9, 2010

A DIY knockoff of a dress I can't afford

Etsy is a wonderful place, full of awesome designers whose work I just drool over. One such recent designer is Stephanie Bezaire. I am in absolute love with this summery confection:



And I will own it one day. But until that day, I hacked together a similar dress from a sales post (over at fatshionista.livejournal.com, every friday is sales post day and I've picked up some marvelous stuff there).

Total cost of this dress: $5

It came to me nearly ankle length, with in-seam pockets and fraying smocking at the top. It was also about 6 inches too big in the chest and waist. It is made of the softest old rayon blend that feels like cashmere, literally, I've never felt anything like it (that's what she said!). Anyways, here is my effort:



Closeup of bow:


From farther away:


Cardiganized:


I used the extra fabric from shortening the hem to make the bow. The bow is attached with safety pins so I can use it to accessorize other outfits.

All in all, I'm super pleased with it.

Emboldened by my success with this project, I decided to try to make a sundress from a vintage bed sheet this past weekend. It didn't go so well. More on that later.

4 comments:

doctor T said...

I just came across your blog after a random plus-sized fashion search that led to fatshionistas....I love your style and am now addicted to your blog!

I'm a difficult-to-fit size 18 with limited options up here in BC (Canada) but I'm totally inspired by your etsy purchases and am now on the hunt for sellers who will ship up here. Oh, and I love your cardigans. I am woefully low on cardigans these days.

treava

neffbot said...

Thanks so much! I have much respect for canadian fats, because options are so much more limited for you!

Erin {Plus Sized Pretty} said...

Hi there. I found your blog through fatshionista! on lj.
The dress looks great! The bow is such a cute fun detail. I wish I could sew so I could do the same! That designer has great things, but I am a really poor college student, so I like your idea of making cheap things similar to a more expensive item.


Oh and doctor T, I feel your pain. It's so hard to find plus size in Canada!

neffbot said...

Thanks Erin! I definitely love etsy and want to support the designers on there, but I also really like remixing things and taking my inspiration from the pieces I wish I could afford... :)

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