Rose Petal Couture

So I probably say this way to often, but this was one of my FAVORITE dresses to create. I was in a local fabric store purchasing items for a custom design and saw this beautiful vintage appearance fabric. Something you would think for old fashion drapes. I then looked to the side and saw where the rolls of tulle were kept. I immediately spotted the green was the same green in the fabric. The picture of this vintage looking dress came screaming in my head. Talk about a kid in a candy store! Now, I was definitely rolling in tulle as I had to ruffle each layer, but as each layer was put on this dress I grew more and more excited. When finishing the dress, I knew this dress was a show stopper so I wanted to add something over the top special. I found some sparkled organza pieces I had left over from a pageant dress and began cutting away and burning the organza to create the stunning flower you see in the middle. Then I recreated that look as I pieced together the corsage and the over the top headband to create this look perfect to be photographed!        

Get Your Rose Petal Couture 

Amora Couture

My photographer had fallen in love with feather dresses. Only, she didn't want to spend an arm and a leg on a "prop" she could only use on one size child. I decided to look into some of the other popular feather dresses out there and I was very disappointed. Most of what I saw, had feathers GLUED onto the dress. Consider me less impressed. I decided to plan my own dresses that would be useful as props or on a child for more than one year. A dress this beautiful could become an heirloom!! I sketched out the design, and will be the first to admit that working with the feathers was less than fun, but as I worked, I learned lessons (as designers it is always trial and error) and was very impressed with the finished product and how versatile it became. Now what child would not feel like someone special in this dress?                  

 

Get Your Amora Couture 

Western Stampede

No doubt that this farm girl loves some western couture!  When putting this look together I knew I wanted to create something full of “ruffles”, but I also wanted it to look worn.  (I LOVE the look of worn denim!!).  I started creating the bottom of the dress first and decided on cutting out multiple circles so that I could create the flounces…..if you have ever worked with denim, you will know it is not something you would enjoy ruffling.  I tell people I usually find patterns all over my house, and of course I used a small plate for my circles.  After each were drawn and cut, my kids and I started hand fraying each piece.  The dress quickly started to come together after I finished tiering the skirt and adding in some extra peek-a-boo tulle underneath for fullness.  When doing my sketch work, I chose pink lace to go with the dress, because I wanted to “upscale” the western look and again, there is something about pink lace and denim that I love.  I had sketched a jacket to go with the look, but I ran out of denim in my trial and error on this dress, but look for something similar in the future!!

 

Get Your Western Stampede