Anthropologizing Jo-Ann's: Ruffled Plaid

If you've been with me from the beginning, you'll recognize this dress as the first one I ever featured on the blog last fall (original post).  At that point, I hadn't started the Anthropologizing features yet and thought this dress definitely deserved it's own post now. Plus, I've been so busy constructing the pieces for my latest collection that I haven't really built anything else recently.   

I initially thought constructing this out of red plaid flannel would limit its use to Christmas services and other holiday events, but it's proved to be incredibly versatile (yay!). There's nothing more annoying than a gorgeous dress relegated to the back of the closet simply because you have absolutely no occasion to use it.

The flannel keeps it cozy so it's not too outlandish to wear to church or for business, but the design is just unique enough to make it perfect for more special events, too...so yeah, it's been pretty much perfect.

Photos courtesy of LookNook

I love the dimension these ruffles add to what would otherwise be a very simple pencil dress.  The main fit issue I had with the Anthro version was the flutter sleeves.  I love drama in clothing as much as the next girl, but to have flap sleeves like that with the ruffles and corsage and plaid just felt like too much, so I decided to make my sleeves echo the simple shape of the dress silhouette.  You can check out the tutorial on how to make a shoelace corsage on this page (waaay down at the bottom).

Cardigan: J.Crew Ginny  Belt: Anthro Bakerloo Watch: Anthro Modern Master  Pumps: Steve Madden