......with my DRESS!!!! (OK, not done, still have to do the hem, but since I need someone who knows what they are doing to pin it for me, I'm essentially done)
The pics are not the greatest, but because it's silk, it reflects light and it's hard to get the really detailed aspects of it. At some point I'll get some pics while I'm wearing it, but wanted to post this now.
This is the front, alencon lace on the bodice, silk dipioni ruching in the middle, and the skirt is silk dipioni with pearls sewn on it every couple of inches (fabric came that way, I didn't do that, LOL)......ignore the awkward way it is hung/looks, it looks ok on, it's just the way it's hanging....
This is the lace up/corset back. I had made a "modesty panel" for it, but 2 different people who saw me try it on (my 80 y/o Mom plus my daughter's aunt who is young) said I didn't need one. I was just afraid at my age it would appear too weird/risque to have it open, but it's really not open more than a few inches at the top...you may be able to see the teardrop shaped pearl with a rhinestone rondelle at the bottom of each tie....just more bling!
This is the dress with the matching alencon lace bolero I posted previously.... again, hanging very awkwardly, LOL.....
Closeup of the bodice & bolero, some of the pearls (already sewn onto the lace when purchased) and the additional sequins I added can be seen.
Overall I'm really pleased with it. It really does look much better on me than on the hanger. I think it took me about 50 hrs total to re-work the patterns, cut it, sew it, etc.