"I don't do Trends!" But I Do Off-the-shoulder Dresses

If you read any of my blog post over the last few years, then most likely you would currently be calling me a liar!!  "Hello, my name is Andrea, and I am a liar."  At least where "Off-the-shoulder" trends are concerned.

It's interesting how trends roll around like seeds scattered on the wind only to take root where the ground is receptive.  (was that a corny analogy...?)  Anyway, my point is that the looks are always in fashion for someone, somewhere, at all times.  They only become a "trend" when the masses make it so via publications such as social media.  

I've done several "off-the-shoulder" looks to date....except now my look has lined up with the "trends"...which means I'm essentially back "in-style".  Wouldn't you agree.

Oh yeah...by the way..I am also #TeamNatural.  Been there for a long time, just spent most of my looks with the flat iron..frying the crap out of my hair to keep it straight.  So, now you know me in all my true glory. See all the that heat damage on my ends....I'm just gonna leave it be for now and enjoy all the beauty of "my" hair.

The dress is made of a cotton/poly stretch woven I got in New York last year from A&A Textiles.  The lining is just a lightweight rayon knit that I use to line all my knit garments.  

The fun part is that the pattern is "custom", meaning it is drafted to my measurement.  Very minimal fitting went into this pattern.  What a wonderful treat...so you will not get a laundry list of fitting issues in this post.  Just a "happy dance" and "happy hands."  Who wouldn't want that right.

Construction Details:  

The pattern started off as a customized base pattern from Bootstrap Fashions.  You can find that pattern here.  It is a raglan sleeve with sleeve bands and a long skirt.  These patterns can be customized for the following measurement ranges:  Heights 4'7" to 6'6" and Bust: 17"-58", Waist 16"-56", and Hip 18"-56".  

I redesigned the skirt portion by removing the waist gathers and side zip and made the skirt hi-lo, and I also sewed the darts with the lining and fashion fabric as one...my tutorial for sewing darts with lace overlay is here.

I created a Youtube video to help you with measuring for an off-the-should look here:

Until next time...please remember to subscribe.