I joined the DAY & NIGHT DRESS CHALLENGE! I don’t typically participate in sewing challenges, probably because I was always so busy sewing for events. Nonetheless, when I was contacted by Elizabeth of elizabethmadethis.com, inviting me to join the line-up of Bloggers and Vloggers for the challenge this year, I accepted. However, it wasn’t a “yes” because I haven’t participated in the past. Nor was it a “yes” because I would feel bad saying no. I said “YES” because of the TWIST she put on it this year.

THE CHALLENGE

If you’ve never followed the DAY & NIGHT DRESS CHALLENGE in past years, here’s how it worked. Sew two dresses–a daytime look and a nighttime look. This year, Elizabeth threw a curve ball, put a different spin on it and I LOVE it because it’s totally relevant to my new sewing focus, which is to sew garments that I will actually wear, garments that fit my style.

I would describe my style as Classy & Ladylike. Whether I’m wearing a pair of jeans, or full length ball gown, I aim to present myself as a woman of class, grace and dignity–Ladylike.

Here’s the Challenge! Choose a dress from your closet that you never wear. Create two accompanying pieces, accessories, etc., to give the dress both a day and night look (Insert angelic music).

THE DRESS

As I contemplated this, I quickly realized that I was challenged before even starting the CHALLENGE. Hahaha! I couldn’t decide which dress to work with, but finally decided on this gorgeous Sweater Knit Bodycon Dress that I made in 2017. The pattern is from the McCall’s “Learn to Sew” Collection, McCall’s 7531, and I used a ribbed sweater knit that I purchased from the Michael Levine Loft in Downtown Los Angeles.

DAY LOOK

I wanted the day look piece to be something I could wear with many other garments, so I chose to sew a cardigan/duster. This is another McCall’s “Learn to Sew” pattern, McCall’s 7476, with a lightweight sweater knit from my fabric collection that I purchased from The Loft at Michael Levine’s in Downtown, Los Angeles (Hmmm… I’m seeing a pattern here).

The duster will be worn with other dresses, jeans, pencil skirts, etc. The possibilities really are endless. I plan to wear it to lunch dates with my girlfriends, the movies, church, shopping, casual events and parties. Heck, I can wear this cardigan almost anywhere. Yes, this is exactly what I need in my wardrobe–versatile pieces.

NIGHT LOOK

I went back and forth a lot on the night look. I couldn’t decide what to do, but finally settled on a vest. I knew I wanted faux fur and beyond simple. I have a vest pattern in my collection but needed something with zero design features. Therefore, I went to JoAnn’s and purchased Butterick 5359 (when patterns were not on sale)—-Breathe in—Breathe out!!! You KNOW we don’t do that! It was EXACTLY what I was looking for though, so I didn’t feel too bad. I sewed View E with only 2 pattern pieces. Now that’s what I’m talking about! Can’t get any easier than that.

I purchased the faux fur from Joann’s about a year ago, and lined the vest with a jet set knit from my collection.

After completing the vest and trying it on with the dress, it wasn’t enough. I needed something to give it that “PUNCH”, and the first thing that came to mind was a clutch bag.

What a GREAT idea, right? Yes, BUT, what I didn’t tell you is that this was my first time sewing with faux fur. I learned what NOT to do. DO NOT CUT THROUGH THE FUR!!! Cut the backing only. What do I do? It was taking too long cutting that backing with scissors, so I decided it wouldn’t be that bad cutting the fur since the pile is low. BIG MISTAKE!!! Honey, I had fur all over my face, in my hair, up my nose, on my lips—just EVERYWHERE!

Therefore, I knew that if I was going to make another faux fur anything, I needed to do it properly. I pulled out my box cutter and OMGosh, quick, easy and NO FUR EVERYWHERE!

I didn’t have a pattern for the bag, so I just drafted one of my own, making it up along the way. Hahaha! I may create a video tutorial later–MAYBE.

I styled the look with my black high-heel boots, a belt that I received in a Swag Bag from the Fierce 50 Weekend in 2017. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the name of the sponsor who provided it. I didn’t like the belt and never had any intentions of wearing it. It’s gold and just not my style–I thought. In fact, it’s been sitting in my giveaway pile that I haven’t removed from the house yet. The vest needed something extra to elevate the look. I don’t wear belts, so I didn’t have ANYTHING to wrap around my waist. Then I remembered this gift and decided to give it a try. Honey CHILE!!! I LOVE it! OMGosh!

The vest is another versatile piece that I look forward to mixing into my wardrobe. I can’t wait to wear it with a long sleeve turtleneck t-shirt, skinny jeans and a pair of boots. I can also envision it with a short-sleeve maxi dress. I don’t wear mini skirts but someone can totally rock that look with a long-sleeve t-shirt and a pair of booties or sneakers. Yes, yes, yes, honey!

JOIN THE DAY & NIGHT DRESS CHALLENGE

Would you like to join the challenge for a chance to win some amazing prizes that are being offered from a lot of awesome sponsors? Check out elizabethmadethis.com for all the details. You have until March 17th to complete your looks.

Thanks for stopping by!