Polka Dot Dilemma

3:26 PM by Forrest 8 Comments A⁺ a^-

I'm just going to come out and say it. I think I look like a child in this dress.

This is the dress I was originally going for(on the right), from the Spring/Summer Clarks advertisements...

Source: thestyleconfessions.com via Forrest on Pinterest

And here's what happened...

I used a white with pink polka dot quilting cotton I thrifted a few months back. I also used Simplicity 1873, a Cynthia Rowley pattern. Here's the good news. It fits really well in the bust and I think I did a pretty good job making it, if I do say so myself. It's fully lined with white cotton and I think that, combined with the thickness of the outer fabric and the pleated skirt, is my one problem with the construction. The skirt feels a little heavy and I think the pleats hang a little funny because of the weight. I probably should have just gathered the skirt, instead of using the typical, weird Cynthia Rowley pleated skirt. (is this just me? I feel like every dress I make with her patterns has a weird pleated skirt, either asymmetrical pleats, or just a lot of them. It's never just a gathered or simply pleated skirt. I'm not really complaining though, I usually think they're cute, just not with this fabric)

So, when I comes to the pattern, I will most likely be using it again. In fact I think I already have some fabric in mind for a fall version. I like the shape and I think it fits well. But with this specific dress, something (maybe the polka dots?) makes me look like a little girl. It just feels sort of juvenile, so I haven't actually worn it yet. I was hoping it would be a great work dress but, I'm already pretty young for my field and my position so I usually try to dress a bit older and I feel like this has the opposite effect. I can't figure out why it looks so cute in the advertisement but I don't love it in real life...

What do you think? Mid-20's working lady or 5 year old going to a birthday party?

8 comments

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Christina

AUTHOR

September 19, 2012 at 4:11 PM delete

I think it looks great! You can "age" it a bit by how you accessorize, maybe? I'm seeing a cardigan and some cute heels, and it would look a little older.

Heather

September 19, 2012 at 5:27 PM delete

I actually think the girls in the photo at the top look more like children than you do. Your dress at least shows some curves. The fabric choice does look a bit child-like for a dress that has a full skirt, but you know, I think it's really cute and summery looking, and I don't think it's as bad as you think. Add a cardigan and some pretty heels or even some boots to help grow it up a bit and transition it to cooler temps.

Well, if you have coolers temps. You are in Texas, right? :D

September 19, 2012 at 5:28 PM delete

Aha, I didn't see your comment, but hi-five for being on the same wavelength! :D

Amanda

September 19, 2012 at 6:11 PM delete

I really like the print with this frock and the design! I think the fabric is not quite right for the pleating- it would work better either floaty or seriously structured. In saying that, I think you've done a bang up job here! I would go with a wider belt, cardi and heels to dress it up for work and it will look smashing. Polka dots for all!

Macska

September 19, 2012 at 11:10 PM delete

I love it! It's adorable. You could easily make it more 'grown-up' by putting your hair up into a bun or knot, adding some red lippy and some heels.

Heather Lou

September 20, 2012 at 8:51 AM delete

It's pretty sweet but not "too". Just needs to be toughened up a bit - a bigger belt, maybe some tights and heels (black would be nicely contrasty with the pink). When in doubt, add black tights and lipstick. It's my fallback plan almost every day.