A preppy, happy, springy dress!!

A preppy, happy, springy dress!!

• 2.26.2010

Whew!
It has been off and on sunny this week, but I was too afraid of it passing to start any nice-weather projects.  But yesterday, I made this dress, which I think works for early spring (if I'm staying indoors) as well as spring and summer!
I was fantasizing about a 50's-inspired shirtdress, but cute and well-fitted.  Here are some of my inspirations...

I like the look of these but couldn't find a cute (and young) enough pattern--at least not in my collection.  So I used this pattern, which has waist definition but a cute detail of a high waist and large pleats.

I used the same fabric for both the top and bottom pieces, but did totally different sleeves than any of the ones provided.  I used the long, straight-ish sleeves and gave them cuffs.  I cut them too long for cap sleeves, then hemmed them with a big hem and rolled them back (kept in place with hand-stitching).
I added simple white cotton lace, the cheap an ubiquitous stuff, on the bottom.
I also played around with where to put the tie/bow of the sash... where do you think it should go?

Side tie, side bow, or back?
Just to be funky, I used four mismatch vintage buttons for the closure, and white ric rac at the neck/collar seam!

I have been way into blue/white stripes (which this fabric is, up close), and hoped to channel both JCrew and Anthro with this cutie.
I was afraid, after I cut it out and started sewing, of course, that the blue would make it look like a nurse's uniform!!  But I hope the ric rac and funky buttons make it less uniform-ey...
Unfortunately, it is rainy today, so I will be wearing jeans and long sleeves!