Dress Design for Shabby Apple

I won't lie--a part of me is totally motivated by the notion that I will someday see one of my dress designs on a stranger or even hear someone say it's their favorite outfit! But since I currently work in an office, not my home sweat shop, I rarely have enough time left over to even make the things I dream up for myself, much less produce them for others! Thankfully there are wonderful people out there who want to give aspiring designers a chance. I've been in love with Shabby Apple dresses since the first time a friend showed me their site (cute and classy dresses you can wear anywhere, be it the office or at home—I love the vintage inspired dresses and new Paris line) And after glancing over their blog at that time, I’d found that they had just barely wrapped up their first ever design contest. Ever since then I've been hoping against hope they would do it again, and I finally got my wish! The top 15 designs will be featured on the Shabby Apple Blog to be voted on by readers (starting Oct 22) and the design with the most votes by Nov 15th will have their dress produced as part of the spring collection! With that incentive, how could I not enter? So here's my design:

Having recently moved, dealing with all the unpacking and organizing has put comfort at the very top of my list of priorities, but a girl still wants to look good! 


My solution? Use a good jersey knit fabric for ease of movement and pair it with a wide fabric belt to mask the tummy that we all get when we slouch too much! It's perfect for any body type and comfortable enough for any activity.

I chose a red and brown patterned fabric, though this design would look even better in bright or plain colors for spring—green, lavendar, teals, and beige especially. 

I'm always inspired by fun treatments at the waist and neckline, so in addition to the contrasting belt, I incorporated a draped neckline for a touch of class. 




The pattern of this fabric lent itself easily to a southwestern flair, so you can dress the part with a sunflower clip on the belt and some fun boots, or make it more office ready with a pair of heels and pearls. 




Every time I wear it, it's so easy to move in and comfortable for any occasion, but I also feel very fashionable and put together in it—and the balance between those two things are what I think every modern classy lady needs! Not to mention, receiving compliments when I wear it always feels pretty awesome :) 


Entries are due in a few days, so please leave a comment and let me know what you think of my design.


(Photos Courtesy Chance Hammock)