This dress was an experiment in gathers and flow. I attached the skirt portion to two different bodices and took them apart before settling on this simple one. I wanted to create a summer dress with a bodice that didn't compete with the amazing coral netting. This skirt fabric has the softest feel you can imagine. No stiff tulle here. It's all feathers and whispers completely in balance with the soft cream lace. The DIY bridal jewel hair comb tutorial is posted here.
I've decided to start selling some of my older design samples, because a girl can only wear so many dresses and I create so many in a year that it seems a shame for the beauties to die a slow, unloved death in my closet. I will be sharing news of the sales on my Instagram account @thekristinajblog. Follow along over there if you want the most current updates on which dresses and DIY projects are being listed.
Old Navy bag | HM belt and shades | Steve Madden flats similar | Francesca's watch
I'm the first to admit I go overboard on the fancy dress building, but for this little number I went basic and...plain? Which is what it felt like when I was sketching it out, but the Dockside dress is just so ridiculously summery and comfy that I can't seem to hold a grudge against it for not being more fancy. Plus, I found this fabric that reminded me so much of the Madewell Stucco Dress at Goodwill for $3. And shoot, I'm down with that. HA.
You know that Fancy Nancy syndrome that makes a girl want to wear cut lace and scalloped hems every day? That's what I'm indulging with this laser-cut lace design, which is actually a top and skirt worn as a dress. You've seen me design coordinating pieces and style them as a dress before with the Marquette and St. Ignace designs. I love the versatility! It's like getting four outfits for the price of one. Design home-run!
It's always so fun to look at all the pieces of a project together. It helps me see if the elements are cohesive as a group. Thought you might like to see a part of my design process for this collection. NOW.
On to SPRING!!
YOUR TURN | Which design would you choose to buy first? Second?
I love this swishy, billowy skirt so much I've been asking myself why I've never created one like it before. But then if I had, I wouldn't have this design to feature now, so my lack of insight in the past has really worked out for me. I didn't have anything fancy going...just a mad-crazy-girl-desire to wear TULLE, and lots of it. I know a lot of you get like that as well (and this is why we get each other! HA. Group hug!)
So this marks the end of the mid-winter collection I started LAST year (before getting sidetracked with move, a job change and on and on....collection recap to come.
Hope you enjoyed!
