DVF Inspired Dress

I really liked this DVF dress from the Pre-fall 2010 line:

I knew I could reproduce it from my TNT dress pattern...but was concerned that it's going to be very cold here this winter so did I really want another dress?  Well of course, I did!

Some stats:

Pattern:
TNT dress pattern (princess seam version) - added some long sleeves to this adaptation per the inspiration dress.

Fabric:
Vera Wang Lavender Line Wool Jersey

Notions:
20" gray zipper
1 yard bias binding

Construction Details:
I don't know what I'm thinking some days when I'm cutting out, but I added 5/8" seam allowances to only one side of each pattern piece...which of course I ended up taking out of all the seams, several times.  The finished dress was just too big. 

The dress is unlined.  I thought I would add a lining to it but the fabric is sooooo heavy that I changed my mind during construction.  So why did I pick this heavy fabric in the first place, because it's cold on Monday's in my office...very cold especially since I sit in front of a window...and I need to be warm. 

I did something with this dress that I never do...the seams are unfinished.  There was no need as the fabric does not ravel. 

The dress also has a handpicked zipper in the back.  This was done as an afterthought because I was basting the zipper in and thought I would just finish putting the entire thing in by hand.  It gives it a really nice touch I think!

The neckline was cut very low on the front to imitate the DVF inspiration dress.  A double line of topstitching was added to the front, unlike the original dress, because I needed to break up all that gray fabric.  One of the main attractions of the DVF dress was the neckline because it allows me to wear a variety of tops under the dress.  I like having the option to layer it as I please.

Option 1

worn with a black cashmere turtleneck

patterned stockings and shoe booties

Option 2

worn with a white cotton tank top

Option 3

worn with a red sleeveless turtleneck

and my funky black 'n white shoes

Since the dress is unlined, I added bias strips at the neckline which at first I hand hemmed.  However, the hand stitching left marks in the fabric so I went back and machine stitched it down.  I also machine stitched the hems of the sleeves, as well as, the hem of the dress.

Finally, it really is a pretty basic dress that will be used as a layering piece.  I can add or take away from the dress and totally affect the look I'm getting by doing so.  My only wish is that I liked my waistline in a belt...then it really would be exactly like the DVF Inspiration Dress.

I've finished up a pair of pants but need a top piece to go over them before I photograph them...so that's what I'm working on now.

And a parting shot...

I love these shoe booties and the patterned hose.  I don't get to wear them to work often, but I use this combination on Casual Fridays.

...as always, more later!