Sewn : Red Lace Dress

This dress was way out of my comfort zone, I'll be honest. I stick to neutrals typically, white and creams will probably always be my favorite color. However, not EVERYTHING I make can be white. haha, so I forced myself to try something new.

It's a recreation of this dress from Valentino S/S 2012 (on the left).

I thought it was pretty but didn't want a maxi length and of course can't afford a dress like this in the first place so the DIY route it was.

I originally got the lace from Etsy but it's sold out now, except hey I just found a listing on Aliexpress but it's way more expensive so not sure if it's still worth it.

(Ring: Anarchy Street)

The outer bodice is Newlook 6723 with lengthened sleeves (I added 7.5") and then I narrowed the skirt pattern so it would have less gathers. I also did this for the top of the sleeves.

The underlining bodice is drafted, and is basically just a sweetheart neckline, princess seams and boning for structure. I used Tasia St. Germaine's (Sewaholic blog) tutorial on sewing a boned bodice and definitely recommend. She explains things really well. The lining also has French seams.


For the closure, I used a gold zipper and a gold button on top. I like the peek-a-boo back, I think it's a nice contrast with the long sleeves. 

(Shoes: Soel Boutique, now online! Ahh trying to contain my enthusiasm about that one)

That awkward moment when you don't have a hand so the see-through lace sleeve looks really awkward. haha these pics totally caught me off guard. I'm used to seeing myself with short sleeves and/or with long sleeves that cover my arm but not with long sleeves that show light through where my arm stops! It looks kind of weird I'll admit so just try and ignore that. :)

I really like how it turned out though. I do have issues with the neckline, I need to go back and fix the scalloping in the front and I wish I wouldn't have cut so much off in the first place. I wanted a high neckline all along, it was just hard getting the scalloping right and I ended up cutting too much off. Oh well, trying not to knit-pick now because it will drive you crazy!

Lace Fabric: Red Venice lace from Aliexpress

Lining Fabric: Joann's in Tango Red 

Pattern: Newlook 6723

(Lining is drafted)

Button: 10mm in frog gold

Zipper: Aliexpress in #2