Sunday, September 24, 2017

Reversible wrap dress in stretch rayon

The temps have dipped a teeny bit and school starts on Monday; for the moment the Bay Area feels like Fall!  This amazing sea green and black fabric, a medium-weight stretch rayon, felt like a gorgeous choice for a new cooler-weather dress.
Since the style is always flattering and effortless, I chose a vintage Diane von Furstenburg wrap dress design (Vogue 1548). The pattern envelope suggests that the dress can be worn with the wrap in the front or the back, but truthfully I kind of chuckled at the idea of wearing it "backwards". However, after trying it on both ways, I was convinced; the deep-v in the back is just so striking! 
The fabric has a glorious weight to it, and coupled with the busy print, all bumps and lumps are well hidden.  
To get a decent fit, I made some petite adjustments to the pattern.  First up, I shortened the bodice at the midriff by about 1".  I'm not sure I did it quite right as the wrap "front" gapes a tiny bit, but I think I can adjust that for the future.  Then, I hacked off about 5"of the hem since I prefer an above-knee length.  And while it wasn't a fit issue, I reduced the sleeve from full to 3/4 length, which is just my own personal preference.  
This dress is definitely business in the front, party in the back...but unfortunately, that's enough "party" to make it not at all work appropriate (at least in MY line of work :).  It looks so subdued from the front, doesn't it?

But wait!  While I prefer the "backwards" version, it can also be worn with the wrap in the front!
Somehow, this version is still not exactly work-appropriate either (I suspect that might be DVF's intention!) but is also very lovely.  Perhaps a cami would make it suitable?  Or a snap to keep the wrap at a decent depth?

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with my new probably not-for-work dress.  I can always use something fun for evenings out!  Happy Fall!
My most sincere thanks to Britex for the lovely fabric.  I know it's been crazy over there with the upcoming move, but we're all so grateful that Britex is staying in the city!  







11 comments:

  1. Love the dress! I was in San Francisco in August and bought this same fabric to make a skirt for my birthday.

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  2. quite a perfect dress! love multi function pieces! looks great

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  3. Love the fabric as well as the dress. Well done!!!

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  4. that looks fantastic on you, perfect fabric for this dress. love it!

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  5. So cute! It fits you perfectly.

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  6. Yes, I was just in Britex and telling the staff I am JUST SO HAPPY THEY ARE STAYING IN THE 'HOOD and they all seemed totally overwhelmed (but also very relieved). It has been a bit of a nail biter, I can only imagine how it must have been to them!

    Gorgeous dress. Would be appropriate for work backwards with a cardigan, obviously, or I think front-ways with a cami, myself.

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  7. Oh I love this in every way possible. I dream of finding that pattern in my size one day. Of course I now realise that when I was looking for the perfect geometric print jacquard for a dress recently that I should have sent you shopping on my behalf. I know you would have found something beautiful.

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  8. What a great idea! I will try to do the same with my Stylearc Kate dress...though I suspect the back neckline is a bit too high...but as I'm about to make another one...I might alter it to make it reversible.

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  9. I bet you could wear it to work with it "backwards" paired with a black cardigan or blazer. It would be a shame not to wear this often!

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  10. I like the fabric dress...Well Done!

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