The Gimme-Compliments Dress

Have you ever had an outfit that no matter where you wore it, you were showered in compliments? I actually MADE the dress that completes that outfit for me.  I found some wonderful floral print at JoAnn's and made a dress for my niece. I was pretty jealous when I finished, and had to go buy more fabric so I could make myself a dress.

This was another time that I purchased fabric without a clear goal in mind other than I want to wear this some day. But after scouring patterns that I binge bought on Black Friday, I decided on this pattern. From Butterick's Retro Collection: B4790 a reboot of a 1952 pattern.  This is the EASIEST dress I have made for myself, and I barely needed to look at the directions to figure out what I needed to do. I did (of course) make some changes, I decided against the buttons and bias tape, and replaced them with ribbon ties and lots of lace respectively.

When wearing this dress, I always sport a crinoline, in fact I feel like it's time I get a second one, because I've been wearing them out!

The black and white dress was the one that caught my attention. The blue one was cute but there was something in the two-tone that spoke to me. I ended up not having enough of the main fabric, so the back of the skirt is the contrast! But they are so similar, I think it's okay.

The first time I wore this dress out I ended up having to go to the dealer to get my car fixed, I was not in a happy mood, but the dress exuded some energy that I couldn't. People were opening doors for me, telling me I looked like a princess, begging me to know where I bought the dress, it definitely uplifted me that day.

I was inspired of course to make a second version of this dress. I went a little more playful and made a Mickey Mouse version. This dress had very similar effects, but to a much younger audience. While walking through the mall I had kids pointing, and actually found that a child had started following me instead of his parents! Oops.

A hint for this dress, you really should install some snaps or velcro on the sides -like they instruct- otherwise it can flop around and look sloppy. I keep forgetting, and will... one day.

Photos by Michelle Ramirez

Shoes were an awesome gift

Tights from Kohls

Crinoline from Unique Vintage in Burbank

Lipstick is Countessa Fluorescent blotted with Snowsicle on top, both from Lime Crime

Photos of Mickey Dress from my Instagram @cassiewanda