Same Dress With A Few Changes

I've been really lazy with pattern making lately because it can take days of work! Instead of starting from scratch, I'm just using old patterns that I've previously created and making a few adjustments to them. I used the same pattern from this striped sweatshirt dress, but shortened the length and sleeves and also made the neckline a little higher. Can you tell it's the same dress with a few changes? ;)

 Wearing:

DIY Dress | Michael Kors Berkley Sandals | LV Clutch (similar) | MAC Brick Liner + Bobbi Brown Crystal Gloss

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Gray Drop Waist Dress

I've been weary of drop waist dresses for the longest time! I was worried that a drop waist would emphasize my long torso and make my short legs look even shorter. To help elongate the legs, I decided to make the dress a few inches above the knee to counteract the shortening-leg-effect. The dress is so simple, I didn't think anyone would notice so I was surprised when a few friends commented how cute it was.

DIY Dress | F21 Necklace (similar) | B.P. Peep Toe Wedges (similar) | LV Palermo PM

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Trendy Tuesday : Flutter Sleeves

I am currently loving flutter sleeves (aka circle sleeves) on everything! They are so cute and feminine and perfect for the summer weather.

Eyelet Dress | Lace Top | Blush Dress

 Maxi | Key Hole Romper | Pink Top

Fit + Flare Dress | Caftan | Shift Dress

Sleeves + How to Determine Correct Fit

DIY Coat | Aritzia Top (similar) | UO Jeans (similar) | Aldo Earrings | Pour La Victoire Wedge (RTTS)

 This coat is actually a blue version of my red coat that I made last winter. I've been wearing it during semi-cooler nights during the last couple of months. The self fabric is a very thin wool and the lining is a silky soft satin; I love putting it on because it feels so good against my skin! I also made changes to the original pattern after wearing my red coat and discovering a couple of fit issues. I noticed while driving, the sleeves prevented my arms from moving freely. Initially, I thought the sleeves were too tight and made the sleeves bigger, but that didn't help. Next, I thought I needed more ease (room) in the back bodice...that helped a little, but didn't give my arms total mobility and movement that I wanted. Finally, I realized the armholes were too low! So I raised the armholes and that totally solved the issue. Besides slimming or shortening the sleeves, other alterations for sleeves are probably the most difficult thing to deal with. So if you are trying a garment with sleeve issues (besides shortening/slimming), I'd probably advise against buying unless you have an amazing tailor.

Here are a few things you can do to test if the sleeves fit well. While wearing the garment, hug someone (or yourself if there's no one else with you lol) and raise your arms. If you feel restricted while doing these movements, then the sleeves are not fitting right. With your arms to your sides, the sleeves should hang pretty straight. If the sleeves are twisting, then it's not fitting correctly or it could have been sewn in incorrectly.

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My First Fashion Show

I had the opportunity to showcase a few pieces of my work for a fashion show a few weeks ago. I just wanted to take a moment to thank all my teachers, fellow classmates, friends and bf for encouraging me to do this. Believe it or not, it took a lot of hard work and time just to design, construct, fit and style 2 looks! It was definitely a huge learning experience and I'm so glad I did it. I also want to thank Jen from Life Unrefined for being my petite model. She was so kind and gracious to offer her time to drive up to SF to do the casting, fittings and the fashion show itself. She was amazing on the catwalk and her strut was so fierce!! I couldn't have asked for a better model. Please check her out in this video!!

If you love lace crop tops and sheath dresses, shop these amazing similar pieces below: