This dress is SO awesome and sneaky. Looks like two pieces, but wait- there’s more! It’s actually one dress! 
I LOVE these kinds of dresses! Looks like a silk blouse with a high-waisted pencil skirt, without the bother of keeping a shirt tucked in all day and making sure things match in the morning (because, ew, all I wanna do is sleep right now). Extra bonus – the skirt is a ponte knit, so it’s actually a COMFY pencil skirt. Are y’all feeling my excitement right now?? 
This is the Sugar Plum, from Lolita Patterns. Full disclosure: Amity sent me this pattern free to try it out and see how I liked it. I guess you probably gathered at this point my reaction to the finished dress – ummm, amazing! I love how it’s totally appropriate for a professional environment (not that I need clothes like that anymore, but, you know, I still like to dress up ;)), but it’s still beautiful and feminine and unique. The pattern is really fun to put together – lots of tiny pieces, clever seam finishes, the kind of stuff that makes me 😀 Since it doesn’t require a lot of fabric to make up the top half (less than a yard!), I splurged on this amazing Oscar de la Renta silk print from Mood Fabrics. I also bought this navy blue ponte knit for the skirt (omggg so comfy) and lime green china silk for the lining for a bit of a color pop. 
This is view B, without the front flounces. I sewed up a size 2. The top fit with no alterations, although I did need to take the skirt in a bit to get it fitted (it’s actually a bit toooo fitted now, whoops. Good thing it’s a knit lol). I did use a much stretchier fabric than suggested by the pattern, so I’m not surprised. The pattern has you use a stretch woven, and pontes tend to be a little more like an actual knit. Based on the way the skirt fits, I suspect you could also use a non-stretch woven and just cut the panels on the bias for the same fitted/comfortable effect. I skipped the pockets and the sleeve gathering detail for a more simple look. 
The more I sew with silks, the more I find myself not wanting to make up anything else. The most important thing I’ve learned when it comes to sewing lightweight/slippery/silky fabrics is to make sure that your cutting is super accurate, then the sewing is a piece of cake (or, at least, as much of a piece of cake as it can be!). I always rip my fabric along the cross grain first, to ensure that the edges are perfectly straight, and then pin the selvedges together before I lay down my pattern pieces. This prevents the silk from shifting as I cut it. When it’s time to cut, make sure your scissors are nice and sharp, and try to cut the entire length of the blades (instead of timid little snips). One thing I loove about ordering from Mood Fabrics is that I know the fabric is going to already be on-grain, so I don’t have to worry about straightening the grain before I cut. Just rip the cut edge, pin, and cut those pattern pieces! Sewing with the ponte was much easier than the silk, obviously. I used a serger for all the skirt seams, and my regular sewing machine (treating it like a woven) to attach the silk top to the ponte waistband. I love this ponte because it’s quite a bit more stretchy than other pontes I’ve tried, which means it’s extra extra comfortable. Just be careful when you press it – it definitely gets a shine, so use a press cloth. I keep a big square of silk organza specifically for this purpose. It absorbs the heat of the iron so my fabric underneath doesn’t shine, and it’s sheer so I can actually see what I’m doing 🙂 
I really enjoyed working on this pattern – lots of tiny details to make me feel challenged as a seamstress, but not so much that I got overwhelmed with the process. A lot of indie patterns run on the easy/beginner side – which is fine, I know there are lots of people who want something simple to make up, and it’s easier to complicate a pattern than simplify it. But sometimes it’s nice to have something that I feel is aimed at a slightly higher level, without me having to run through the steps and find ways to make it harder for myself. Wow, I just made me sound like a total weirdo. What can I say, I like a challenge! 
I did make a pretty crappy mistake toward the end of this dress. I was sewing in the invisible zipper and could not get the waistband seams to match up. I was tired, hungry, getting grouchy (you can see where this is going), and I thought, “One more try and then I’m outta here.” While picking out the zip, I somehow managed to detach the teeth from the zipper tape. WHYYYYY. I know I tell y’all that I have millions of zippers in my stash, and I do, but none of them are invisible. I actually have to go out of my way and buy one whenever I need it (because I’m too stubborn to keep those in stock, apparently), which usually ends up with me going to Walmart because they sell invisible zippers and they’re open at 3am when I suddenly need one. So I pretty pissed about destroying this zip, and trying to avoid another trip to Walmart. I ended up cutting the zipper right above where I sliced it open, and just finished the dress with a super duper short zipper – it ends about halfway down the waistband. Since the skirt is so stretchy, this works, kind of. It’s funny to watch me pull it on, ha! And you know the worst part? THE WAISTBAND PIECES STILL DON’T MATCH UP. Whatever, I’m over it! 
I love the little details on this dress that make it so special – the ruffled collar (hemmed using the rolled hem on my serger), the tiny buttons with the tiny button loops, and that BRIGHT LIME GREEN LINING. Really, it’s like a party when I take the dress off! 
By the way, don’t ever search Oscar de la Renta on the Mood Fabrics site unless you plan on dropping some serious dough on some seriously incredible fabrics. I just fell down the rabbit hole – again! – and discovered violet boucle, boucle with sparkly lurex (!!!), silk floral and some freaking polka dot silk taffeta. I want, I want it all! 
Now time for the fun part – a giveaway! Amity has generously offered a copy of Sugar Plum to one lucky winner, yeeeah!! Still having reservations? Just know that the sizing goes aaaaall the way up to 24 (yes!) and there is an entire sew-along on the blog for anyone who needs some hand-holding. You have no excuses, people! To enter, just leave a comment on this post and let me know what you’d make your Sugar Plum up in (Personally, I’m lurking on a second version with a leopard blouse and a denim skirt, like, ahem, Leila’s. Yes. Exactly like that. Sorry boo!). This giveaway is open to WORLDWIDE and I will close the entries a week from today, Monday, December 2 8:00AM CST. Good luck!
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
LLADYBIRD 
Woah, I can’t be the first to comment?! But hey, PICK ME!!
I love the whole ‘looks like separates but actually it’s a dress’ concept and I don’t think I’d go as fancy as silk as everything gets thrown in the washing machine so I’m thinking a deep plum ponte skirt with a grey/blue top. Leopard print if I can get it because Leila’s is just awesome!
Ooh, am I the first one to comment again? Must be the time difference and you must get up really early. Great dress – I love the two-in one look and your lime green lining is totally making it all pop – I’d have to keep accidentally letting a bit of it show.
Drat!
This looks so nice. I’ve never seen with power to before, but I have to get my serger blade replaced as u snapped it last night Grrrrrr.
Beautiful dress!!
I’ve been eyeing this pattern for a while. I really like the idea of a ponte knit skirt, so I’d probably do that. Not sure about the top. Sounds like I’d need to head back to the store to browse beautiful fabric!
I can’t believe how beautiful this is. This is my favorite make of yours in a long time — I mean, I really like all your makes but that top!!!!!! That rolled hem!!!!
I would copy you completely.
this is fantastic! I hate tucking shirts in. I love the idea of silk and ponte although I’ve never sewed with silk before. thanks for the chance!
I’ve been coveting this pattern since it came out, I really want it!! I would probably make it in maybe an eggplant colored ponte for the skirt and some coordinating graphic print for the blouse. Or, I would copy Amity’s and make a houndstooth one – soooo classy!
Gorgeous dress – I also like the two-piece-without-being-a-two-piece look. I’d looked pulled together in spite of myself! I’d opt for a floral silk print with a solid bottom. I’m not confident enough to try plaids yet.
What a great dress! I would love to win the pattern!
I would make a classic monochrome version that is office appropriate (white silk top, black skirt) and a more fun one with a printed top and a bright colored skirt.
Great work – I love your fabric combination! I’ve got a wonderful multi-coloured silk and coordinating grey wool knit (in the perfect amounts!) in my stash just *waiting* for this project – thanks for the inspiration!
What a great dress! I would love to win the pattern!
I would make a classic monochrome version that is office appropriate (white silk top, black skirt) and a more fun one with a printed top and a bright colored skirt.
That dress is amazing! Would be a good opportunity for me to practice sewing silk. I have a wonderful piece of pink silk, that I was too afraid to cut into until now. Maybe with a black or dark red skirt.
These dresses are so fun! I love the button details. It would be hard to choose between a floral top and bright colored bottom (for spring/summer) and a crisp white/plaid bottom for fall/winter! I’d just have to make both!
What an awesome pattern! I’m thinking maybe the skirt out of a heavy wool knit (I love warm things!) and a rayon or silk top? I’m kind of terrified of slinky woven fabrics, but I just have to jump in and try them at some point!
Oops, I just tried to leave a comment and something wonky happened! So my apologies if there are two….
What a cute pattern! I would probably use a heavy wool knit for the skirt for warmth, and then a rayon or silk for the top. I’m kind of terrified of slinky woven fabrics, but I guess I just have to jump in and try at some point!
Wow, I love this! Since I need to build up a more professional wardrobe, I think I would stick with black for the skirt and a purple silk for the top, or maybe a white cotton top for job interviews.
Wow, amazing make. I have been eyeing up this wonderful green wool plaid in my local sewing shop for ages. If I won I would splurge on that and use a solid for the top. I love your version of this.
I would probably make a dark solid color skirt, black or gray. Maybe a color block dress with a solid color top, but I also like polka dots. It depends what fashion fabrics I can find at the fabric warehouse store I shop at.
Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
Oh, that’s a really intriguing idea! I think I’d make it up in a red silk print with a stretch black skirt, I reckon. Thanks Lolita patterns! Thanks Lauren!
I like the way you made yours up! It would be fun to experiment with a print that might otherwise be too much for an all-over look.
Maybe a plaid skirt and hack the top to make it have a cute tittle bow at the collar.
I love this dress…the look of separates with the ease of a dress is great! I also really like the leopard print/denim combo.
hi!!! i think i use velvet, black skirt velvet and a sheer polka dot top, perfect to new eve party !! this pattern is so cool and have so many possibilities!! love it!! Thank you !! 😀
Beautiful – you look HAWT in this 🙂
If I were to win your little giveaway, Id make it up in a piece of silk sari that Ive been saving for something just like this!!!
This is such an amazing pattern! I have this beautiful blue plaid I totally see in this dress. It is Caribbean blue, slightly sheer, with silver metallic thread running through it. I’d use that as the top and put crisp white skirt underneath it. What a great pattern! And that silk on top is just divine.
ohhh I love it! I might try to be on trend and use a sweet red tartan for the skirt and a coordinating something or other for the top. Hm. Or I’d go in a totally different direction and sew something for spring (yes, right as we are about to enter the dark days of winter…) and use this peach eyelet I’ve had for a year that would be perfect for such a sweet dress!
A beautiful dress on a beautiful woman. I love a nice pencil skirt and having it together with a blouse in a popping color is even better. Your version is just stunning and I will definitely gonna sew this up, win or no. Thinking about a raspberry silk for the top and black pencil at the bottom. Thanks for sharing yours.
Cheers, Milan
Lovely dress, I really want to try this pattern, I would make it on this liberty print on top and navy ponte for the skirt…
You’ve sold me on ponte for the skirt, but I’m probably not up to silk yet for the top. Perhaps a light linen.
I love this concept and am certainly ready for a more challenging make- i’m thinking classic white/cream blouse, with a navy skirt 😀
Freya May
Oh I’m thinking Eggplant and Mustard… It’s the only color combo on my mind these days… Or maybe teal and slate grey… Or a polkadot… Yeay for polkadots everywhere and everytime!
Oi! I don’t know what I’d pick, but I know it would be something awesome — most likely a bright, graphic patterned silk bodice and a dark sort of conservative color for the bottom.
Oo la la! Love the idea of using a knit in the bottom! Count me in for the drawing, too please.
This is great! I’d probably make it up with a solid color on the bottom (maybe deep purple?) and a fun pattern on top. Not sure about what kind of fabric yet though…
Beautiful! You always inspire the worst copycat syndrome in me. Hm … the ponte knit sounds like such an appealing mod, I might try for a double knit bottom myself. Probably solid. Maybe in a beautiful fall color with a coordinating print on top. Or, haha, a totally whimsical print, like, yeah I’m gonna wear SNAILS into the office, what, this doesn’t look like a work-appropriate silhouette? (It’s really too bad I don’t work in consulting or ibanking, I’d love to toss that at the money-making machine)
What an amazing dress! Love the idea of striped silk top and solid black ponte bottom. Your dress is great!
Looks like fun to sew!
ooh I think i’d go for a purple silt top and a black knit bottom!
I would love to make this!
Cute dress! What to make? hmm. I like the idea of an eggplant colored skirt with a patterned top; or maybe the houndstooth with a cobalt top
Love the whole ponte on the bottom thing – I love ponte. My favorite pants are a ponte knit jean – I actually have two pairs! Beautiful work!
Lovely! I would make it up in a nice black point knit for the bottom and a silky geometric print coloured top!
Lauren, I absolutely love this dress. I really have very little occasions to wear this dress, so I would go all in with the silk as well. Might as well make it really special for the few times a nice dress is called for!
Ponte for the skirt sounds brilliant, I’d do my bright yellow ponte for the skirt with green for the top, for springtime! I love that idea of having a two piece outfit look, but easier. Ooh, I have so many ideas for the skirt part, peacock blue ponte, grey houndstooth check wool … but I will have to do some fabric shopping for the top parts. YAY! fabric shopping! You should pick me, this pattern is the perfect excuse for more fabric shopping! (like I need another excuse, haha)
Bright yellow ponte with green top?!?! That is fantastic! I think you just inspired (or not inspired so much since I plan on copying that exactly) my next Sugar Plum!
That dress is PERFECT for work! I’d make it with a silk pink top and a burgundy skirt, and an offwhite eyelet top with a forest green skirt. Aaah, the possibilities!
Ok, so I checked to see what up to a 24 meant and low and behold, it would fit my size 20 body. Well, in that case, I’d make this in a polka dot silk top with a knit bottom (type of knit tbd). I really love what you did and since it doesn’t need much fabric, that Oscar black and white polka dot could very well find it’s way into my house too. 🙂
Beautiful dress! I’d love to make one for myself with a red patterned top and black skirt.
Lovely dress! I think I would make the skirt black and the top bright blue. Although I think Leila’s version with leopard and denim is also really pretty.
I have a dress that’s similar in style to this one, and it’s one of my favorites because it’s modest enough for work but still très sexy for dinner out with the husband afterward. If I won this pattern, I’d definitely splurge on nice fabrics (my current dress is a cheapy from somewhere like Papaya or H&M), and I’d definitely want at least one print. As much as I lean toward classics like stripes, dots, and plaids, I think I’d challenge myself to embrace an animal print or a graphic floral. For the first one, anyway… 🙂
Beautiful! I just recently discovered Lolita patterns and I love her stuff! I have the perfect fabric for the top in my stash. Drapy and pretty (although not as scary as silk). The bottom fabric is still TBD and would definitely require a trip to the fabric store.
Ooh, I’d make the top bit polka dots and the bottom bit plain black, I think. It’s a very flattering dress – love your version!
Great dress!!! I would probably make a polka dot or plaid blouse with a denim skirt 🙂 Love your version. So cute…that silk you used for the top is tdf!!
Oooh I think I would do tartan top and dark denim bottom.
I would really like to try it in a deep cream silk or satin for the top, and a maroon tartan wool for the bottom. Or maybe blue, but I think red would suit me better. I’d maybe try the blue for my Mum.
This is seriously gorgeous! It looks so profesh! The blouse fabric is lovely but I’m not going to look at it incase I choke at the prices… Oh and I love the green lining too. Ok, what don’t I love about this?!
Save yourself the trouble of that whole random number generator thing…just pick ME! I want! I’ll basically be doing the same thing you did but no Oscar on top – i’d never wear it/too special! But I have FIDM to pick from and they almost always have some snazzy silks for me to snap up!
I would do something fun – like a cotton poplin on top and bright teal or kelly green skirt on the bottom 🙂 I love your idea of a ponte knit, so I’d probably go that route. Yours is super fantastic!
Ooh pick me pick me!
I love this dress! I can see me making several for work with silk tops and some comfty fabric for the bottom.
Oh MAN I want this dress. As long as I’m dreaming about it… I think I’d do the skirt in black ponte and then snag some of the navy reptile print brocade ( http://www.moodfabrics.com/navy-reptile-print-poly-brocade-fp19563.html ) for the top. Or brown ponte and ivory brocade (http://www.moodfabrics.com/ivory-cotton-lurex-brocade-fc19532.html). Or SO MANY BROCADES. Talk about rabbit holes…
This is so cute. Love your fabric choices.
Your version is beautiful! I have a gorgeous pale pink silk crepe de chine for the bodice and I’d hunt down some wool suiting for the skirt.
This is gorgeous – I love it inside and out! I immediately noticed that pattern on their website. I love the fake separates thing too. 🙂
Hmm I would want one made with a silk bodice too! And a black skirt to make it as wearable as possible.
I love the look of it. So great!
That’d be a great way to use up some fabric I brought back from India: some seriously gorgeous silk for the top and light wool suiting for the skirt bit…
Love this look! I’m never lucky enough to have the skirt/top combo I want to pair together clean at the time so this is absolutely perfect! I would use tartan for the top and definitely a fabric in black for the skirt – might have to copy the ponte knit, it looks so comfy! =D x
Ooooh!! given that summer is coming this side of Equator I would make mine entirely in silk with the bottom panels on the bias, as you suggested 🙂
Bummer about the zipper, but I bet you can’t even tell in person, the dress looks amazing! I’ve been wearing high waisted skirts this winter and suffering the torments OF THE DAMNED in keeping my fifties’ secretary blouses tucked into them…this is a two-in-one solution I can get behind!
I love this dress!! There are so many variations you could try, but I would like to see a lace top with sweetheart collar in a pretty coral color and a solid color on the bottom, like cream or black.
I love this dress– first time I’m seeing it! I love the idea of a white and black polka dot top with a black bottom. But I do love that version with the leopard and denim, too!
I was thinking about a denim skirt too! With maybe a floral print top?
Adorbs! I am a sucker for ponte knits right now. Count me in on the drawing. I think I’d give this dress a try in some winter whites.
Super cute. Navy knit bottom and silky polka dot top for me!
Denim and red satin!
This is a beautiful dress, it’s definitely can be variated with so many fabrics and colors ( color block) for the first garment I would sew the view A of the dress in a gray and nude pink tones.
I love dresses that look like two pieces. I would make the sugar plum dress out of a gingham for the top part and denim for the bottom. This would really suit my lifestyle and would be something I would get a lot of wear. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveway.
Oooh, love it! I’ve been wanting to try a ‘looks like separates, but is a dress’ dress for a while. I’d probably make this up with a black skirt and a bright pink or purple silk top.
Gorgeous! I love the idea of a ponte skirt…maybe a dark grey. I have red rayon challis that I’d use for the top.
What a gorgeous dress! Thanks for the giveaway. I’d probably make mine in a geometric/abstract print top with a dark bottom fabric, appropriate for work & similar to yours!
Seriously. awesome. dress. Sign me up for the giveaway!!!
Oooh, love it. Perfect for work. I would make it with a cream blouse, navy skirt and magenta waistband.
This looks great- always after patterns that are comfy. I have a piece of heather ross silk from spoonflower I’d love to use for the top section.
This is so cute – I’d love a copy of the pattern
I love this dress. I have no idea how I would make it up. I would probably use a rayon for the top and maybe a pointe for the skirt. I need to consult my stash!
Your dress is so cute! I would sew it up with whatever my daughter picks out!
Wow, adore the lining- I’m currently sewing a teal dress with bright yellow lining! Pattern looks great for the office!
Love it! I wanna make one of these, and I do NOT have an office job and probably never will. It’s a pretty special outfit, and. I always seem to be sewing in silk these days, mostly because I have access to cheapish silk where I work (Sometimes I wish there was more pretty cottons avail, but silk it is). So I feel ya, once you start sewing in silk and getting it right, it’s really a pleasure to sew with… also great tip about pinning the selvedge and tearing off on grain, I’m just about to cut into, yup silk, and always worry that its off grain!
I have a mudcloth inspired silk print in my stash that I would use for the top. I would use a dark brown silk noil for the skirt. Love your blog!
This looks incredible on you Lauren! I can always count on your makes to inspire me…I definitely need to do more plaid!
Love that dress! I might copy yours a bit (dark skirt) but make the top out of a semi sheer fabric I have in the cupboard (it has little pears on it!)
Very, very pretty dress! fits you so nicely, too 🙂 I would do mine in a navy polka dot silk for the top and i would maybe flare the skirt a little. I would just love it so much! thank you 🙂
Oh, may i ask how is your Bernina doing? do you have any thoughts now after using it for a while? i have been nice (yeah sure :D) and i am contemplating getting one…thank you!
We are getting along quite splendidly! I really should do an update post, although there’s not much to say – she’s really just as awesome as the day I brought her home. Her accessories are expensive, though 😛 I say DO IT!
The dress is gorgeous on you! Considering I have a beautiful leopard print and some denim ponte in my stash that I never thought to combine, I think I’d copykat Leila, too. Let’s see, maybe a red silk top with a navy bottom.as well or lime green top with a matching plaid bottom….
Love this – would make the perfect dress for work!! I would make mine in a ponte for the skirt too and some beautiful silk I bought on a remnant table at Tessuti’s here is OZ!!
Wow, I love this idea.
What a great way to use some of the beauuuutiful silk my s-i-l brought me from Malaysia, or the persimmon ponte I’ve been saving for just the right project along with the multi- batik rayon I found at a fabric sale, or ooooh wool on the bias, that’s a good idea!
I totally want this pattern, but I refuse to use paypal to buy anything. My credit card info has been stolen twice through them. Hopefully I’ll win it instead. I also have this fabric- I made a vogue dress out of it. I also have a weakness for fancy fabrics! I’m about to cut into this fabric http://www.moodfabrics.com/carolina-herrera-silk-twill-fs19500.html.
What a great dress! I would love to win the pattern! Would probably use black for the skirt and fuchsia or coral for the top…
Count me in! I would probably make mine in a black ponte knit for the skirt and a leopard print for the top, just in time for Jungle January!!
ooh wanty wanty! Between you and Leila I’m totally swung on this one, it didn’t grab me but it does now! But, silk or leopard?? Or both – together? Yes?
Great giveaway! I don’t have an idea for the fabrics I will use for this project.
Oh wow, up to size 24? I’d love to make this dress. I’d seen the pattern before, but it looks so much better like this, on a real person :). I think it would be perfect for work in a black skirt/royal blue top combo. Fingers crossed!
I want this pattern so much pleasssse select me
Ohh, that dress is perfection – I can never get blouses to stay in place and matching stuff from my wardrobe first thing in the morning is a nightmare. I’d like to say that I’ll be creative and fashiony and all when I make it, but why change? I already know that the top will have a tiny print (probably flowers) and the bottom will be grey, because, well, I’m me.
As it’s winter for me right now I’d love to make this with a red tartan skirt and white cotton for the top. For the summer it would look amazing in Nigerian wax fabric (I have an amazing yellow/ green peacock print) with a solid black top to contrast.
Ooh pick me! That dress would be perfect to wear to work!
I like all the pieces in the pattern. I liked the comment about polka dots for the top, and maybe color block the skirt?
Love that it is one dress but looks like two pieces! I would make the top with some type of geometric print and something black for the skirt. Giveaways are just the best, I hope I win!
Ooh, I haven’t seen this pattern before. Really like your smart but totally comfy version. I’m trying to put together a more office appropriate wardrobe so would make the top half in something nice and silky and the skirt half in dark suiting. Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
Oh wow, how have I never seen this pattern before!?
Your version looks amazing on you! I think I’d want to make the top part out in a “fun” silk, maybe one of Marc Jacobs’ prints with pretty little hearts on it or fun animals!
Why, oh Why haven’t I seen Lolita patterns before? Love this! Pale blue silk with grey owls from my stash and maybe a grey wool “ponte-ish” knit or some sort of tweed would be awesome, too!
That is SUPER CUTE!! I would go with a deep brown skirt, and a teal print for the top. And… I’d pair it with a sweater as my office is always freezing. Summer would be red skirt and white top. Love the ruffles.
I love how this dress looks. I think I would make one with a navy skirt & patterned top in navy and white. Boring I know, but would suit my work place. Thanks for the opportunity to win. I love your version.
Love it! I’d have to go with some sort of fancy minty or purple coloured wool and a simple white blouse. Very librarian chic 🙂
This dress looks stunning on you! Just want to say, I love the variety of garments you are sewing, i.e. not only vintage dresses 😉 your blog is truly inspirational! Another bonus: I get to know all the independent patterns without doing much research 🙂
I’d have to put this pattern in the drawer for a while if I won it, since my sewing skills are not very advanced. But I’d imagine I would sew it in a classic way: solid bottom and white or patterned top.
Gorgeous as always. Love love the lining. Count me in for the give away. I am thinking some navy posted and a hot pink chiffon on the top, both conveniently in my stash.
I would use this stretch woven I already have in my stash. Thanks”
Love your dress. In fact I like it so much that if I won, I would probably be completely unoriginal and copy what you have done. I already have a very similar silk in my stash
Omg. Keeping shirts tucked in is the worst. I need this.
I’ve had a beautiful blush rose silk for forever but it’s such a small piece I think it would be perfect.
Cute dress, looks great on you! I would make a white – black version that is pictured on the pattern cover.. Thanks for a giveaway!
I’m terrible at colour coordinating and usually end up wearing all black and white, so I think it’d make it up in loads of cool colours and send the people around me blind!
I would use an Oscar fabric too (thanks for the rabbit hole!) the white/nay/plaid suiting (find it here – http://www.moodfabrics.com/white-navy-yellow-plaid-suiting-fw11945.html) cut on the bias with maybe a navy silk top? SO CUTE.
I would make the top in a lovely nani iro print- too cheap to buy much of that lovely fabric at a time- bottom in a solid ponte or stretch tweed-y suiting.
So many possibilities… which is what makes the pattern so great. I’m with you on the ponte skirt idea, and I think I like the idea of a novelty print for the top!
this is an amazing pattern – I loved seeing it on the mood sewing network, but even more here b/c it’s a giveaway! haha – I would definitely use one of the 1 yd anna k bazaar prints I have for the top and some wonderful ponte for the skirt!
I really loveyour verson of the dress and would like to make something simillar.
This dress is amazing and fits you so well!! I am in love with the fabric and am searching Oscar De La Renta fabrics on Mood now and signing up to the mailing list. Oh dear.
This is a boring answer, but I’d love to make a version for work! With a black skirt, and fun bright coloured bodice, like burnt orange or something even more fun – print!!
Thanks for the cutting with silk/slippery fabrics tip.
This is a total newb question but do you have to prewash/treat silk?
I just soaked it in a warm water bath and then hung it to dry over the shower rod! I don’t wash my silk in the machine, so i think this will be sufficient. Fair warning – the china silk took on some weird outerwordly form when it got wet. It felt like thin plastic, almost! It dried just fine, though, haha 🙂
Well, now that you mention it, this would look great with a denim. But for the top I’m a plaid and paisley kinda girl.
I would have never thought of combining silk and ponte in one dress, but now I totally want it! Comfy stretchy skirt and luxurious silk top perfectly together all the time – genius!
I love this pattern! I’ve been stalking it for awhile, but my to do list is long and I need to get some stuff made before buying any more patterns. I’d make this up in some silk I have that has little skulls on it (left over from a summer tank I made), and probably a stretch cotton skirt. Maybe stretch sateen…
I love this pattern! Like you I would make the skirt out of a ponte knit, and I have a black-and-white geometric silk charmeuse which would be perfect for the bodice. Thanks for the giveaway!
I had a dress like that I loved with a light eyelet top. Id copy that.
You have completely convinced me of the Sugar Plum dress. I would love a soft blue on top with a gray ponte on bottom. I’d better get fabric shopping since I know I’m gonna win the pattern!
Oh my gosh, I am wanting this pattern so hard. The super-fitted skirt would be perfect with this patterned, pale gold upholstery fabric I’ve got in my stash, and I’d probably pair it with a black chiffon bodice.
That is the cutest dress….love the retro vibe! I would use navy bengaline with a cream and navy light knit I have stashed!
I’m not sure what fabrics I’d use, but I love that dress!
soooo beautiful. I will make at least 2 dresses, the first one will be very boring but very wearable completely in black and the second one black skirt combined with a blue silk blouse. the silk comes from my stash, a scrap that I keep to make something special with. Thanks for the inspiration.
Oooh, I love this pattern!!! I would probably go with a nice lightweight Liberty of London cotton voile on top and a nice lightweight dark chambray on the bottom. So cute!!!
Gotta say….loving inspiration from Leila. Looks like a fun pattern.
I love that this is an indie pattern that goes past 16. YES! My top would be black and white polk a dots with a cherry red ponte skirt. Or gingham top, or both.
I love your version! I have a perfect light blue with white polka dots fabric in my stash for the top and I’d have fun hunting out some fabric for the skirt!
I have been drooling over this pattern since I found it a few months ago. I would probably make a classic gray/nave version first and some pink/brown version for fun 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
That pattern is so nice and elegant looking! I can see a sheer top (I have an off-white silk chiffon with red polka dots that would be perfect) with a black or dark blue skirt.
For the office, classic white top with black skirt. For night, gold or shiny grey top withblack skirt. The possibilities are endless!
Love!!! I think I would totally knock off the houndstooth version and the leopard/denim version, but I also have a sparkley burnout that would make an awesome top with a wool crepe skirt for a lovely party dress.
Oh my goodness, this is HAWT! If I had an office I’d totally employ you just to come in wearing this dress 🙂 This is great. Count me out of entry as Amity kindly gave me the Sugar Plum when she was here in London, can’t wait to make it up xx
I think I’d make it just as you did: I have some black da ponte knit on hand AND some grey silk with pink polka dots. Perfect!
Your is really nice, I would make it in some thing fabulous, Is that enough I have no idea, I’m planing a visit to my fabric shop and get inspired. It will probably be silk for the top and wool for the bottom, My local fabric store dost not have a huge selection but most of the stuff they have is amazing.
Blue and purple would be nice or dusty pink and black.
I have a beautiful indigo slightly stretchy crepe for the skirt and a Creamy white silk voile for the top.
oooh, i love leila’s version too! definitely dark denim on the bottom and probably some of the pretty non-granny floral rayon i just picked up for the top.
Gorgeous dress!! I can see myself in a version made from vintage kimono silk (bright, floral in a red or coral pattern), with a plain black crepe for the skirt 🙂 Perfect for the warmer weather we have down here in Sydney.
This is gorgeous! Sorry, I’d do the same as you – ponte skirt & silk top. Hang on a sec.. no, as we are going into summer, a bias silk skirt -solid colour and a pattern top.
Thanks for the chance.
I’ve been drooling over this from the first time I saw it tested… its flattering to all sizes and shapes that I’ve seen, and as a ‘big ol’ pear’ I’m keen to try this one and see how it goes for my shape 🙂
I’d make it up with the flounces, and in a vibrant red silk on top with a black ponte bottom – to match the amazeballs red lipstick that I got recently 🙂
Oooooh, lovely dress. If it’s less than a yard for the top, I’ll be using the gorgeous greenJapanese fabric that I stupidly only bought a tiny bit of (it has little gold flowers on it). The skirt might need to be a lovely wool, so I can wear it to work!
Thanks for the giveaway (and awesome inspiration).
I’d make one in purples – or magenta. It would be fun to have a solid top and a striped skirt.
Your dress looks lovely. Though you had problems matching the waist. it is not seen like that 🙂 Add me to the giveaway list 🙂 Thanks
holla! top would be a silk/cotton silk, and i think i’d have to definitely find a stretch woven – not sure ponte knit would look awesome on my bum…??? yours is so great, lady!
Love it!! I’ve been having my eye on this pattern for a while now. Seeing your version just confirmed that I should stop doubting and just sew it up. Plus i have this great floral silk in my stash stash that was just waiting for pattern like this. The bottom will be a toss between dark gray and black.. Still to be decided..
I just stumbled over this pattern some days ago and think about the best way to make one. As my wardrobe is lacking some really “office appropriate” stuff I should maybe go for a white crepe for the top with some navy ponte for the skirt…
I love your version! I’d make a dark denim skirt with a flowery blouse 🙂
I think a lovely solid with a stark black skirt would look amazing. Maybe even get adventourous and add a collar? Such a perfect work dress!
I am really dig’n the leopard print with denim!
Gorgeous dress! Really sexy too 😉 I would love to make this dress with a Missoni silk that I have with a geometric print and then the skirt would be a solid knit, I’m thinking dark blue..
Ha! I JUST finished checking this pattern out on PR and was thinking “hmmmmm……that looks pretty nifty”
I really like the idea of using a luxe fabric for the blouse part, like you did. So I think I’d start off looking through my (enormous) stash for a small piece of yummy silk that I undoubtedly have and match it up with either some stretch cotton sateen or maybe a wool – whatever the silk would go with best! For some reason I have pink floating around in my head.
Love.
I’ve been contemplating a couple yards of silver Radiance silk/cotton poplin in my stash. Maybe sew the top with the shiny side and the bottom with the matte? Yes indeed.
I’m a copy cat and loved Lolita’s version with purple. I’d totally do that minus the ruffle front. I’ve been wanting to use up a purple silk I have sat on for ages.
Gasp! I have some leopard silk that’s been awaiting the perfect project… this is it!
Oooh, lovely dress! The top fabric is gorgeous! I would make a sailor-inspired version with a navy bottom and a top in red and white. I’m thinking stripes or small polka dots.
Love the look of a black skirt with jazzy top fabric!
Beautiful dress. I’d love to make a version of it for Christmas with the in-laws!
My favourite blazer is a wool black and light-pink, Chanel-looking thing my aunt gave me. I would totally rip off that colour scheme and go black skirt (I like the idea of wool, or something a little thicker) and light pink (silk!) top.
This dress looks terrific on you! I love the lining your chose and your labels are hysterical!!! Where did you get them?
They’re from here! I love them haha
Thanks! May have to get me some 🙂
oohhh This is such a lovely dress! I would make the skirt in polka dots and the top in stripes or a floral print. It would be interesting to test the boundaries, how far one can go with crazy patterns while still making a cohesive look.
And also thanks for having something for us international readers 🙂
This is so perfect for work! I would make the skirt from the houndstooth wool in my stash and splash out on a brightly coloured silk for the top (fuchsia? or is that too radical for my corporate law day job?)
I would definitely make this with a ponte knit for the skirt and maybe a leopard or other fun print for the top!
maybe a lace-covered (with lining) top and either a plain black skirt or pinstripes!
Thanks for the discovery of what looks like a great pattern!
A silk top and satin skirt seems to me the perfect combination for this pattern. It is super cute.
I love this pattern and your version is gorgeous. I have a lovely plum zebra stripe ponte for the skirt and a coordinating silk for the blouse. I would really like to make this. Thanks for the opportunity!
Love, love your dress. I’m seeing a purple skirt, with grey and purple chameuse top.
I think it would be lovely in a chambray if the pattern would work with that material. 🙂
Wow, this dress is beautiful! I especially love that you combined two different fabrics! I also would like to go either for a jersey or wool for the skirt and then some light-weight cotton for the blouse 🙂
This dress in awesome, and your version is so pretty! Maybe would see mine with a pastel crepe and a flower doublure for the details.
I have 1 1/2 yards of beautiful coral silk just waiting for the perfect thing. This could be it.
This looks great, very cute! I love the green lining, very cool. Hmm, I think maybe polka dots or cherries on top snd a red skirt for me! Thanks so much for making this worldwide too so us far away types can play!
Do you find the sleeves binding? Can you lift you arms up all the way? A friend made this and she could barely lift hers!
They are a little tight but I’m almost entirely certain it’s due to the way I have the gathers distributed at the cap (ideally they should run all the way across the top of the bicep, not just be concentrated the very top). I need to pull the sleeves off and resew them, but have I done that yet? Nope 😛 It’s wearable as-is, though, especially for a job where you don’t move around much 🙂
I have a perfect multi colored polka dots silk that is waiting for this one and a navy stretch suiting for the bottom.
Really love your silk!!
ooh, never heard of Lolita patterns before. That dress is perfect for work, me wants!
I really like dresses that look like separates. I agree about the whole ‘not having to keep the shirt tucked in’ thing.
The awesome versions of this pattern popping up all over the sewing blogasphere has got me wanting to make this so bad!
I love your version of this dress. And thanks for the giveaway!
it looks amazing,it could go with anything! I would definitely keep it simple!
I have some vintage silk with an air ballon print that would work great with this pattern. I would probably pair it with a black or dark navy skirt.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Gorgeous! I’d make mine in navy with polka dots on the top half. Boring, yes?
Thanks for the chance at winning this awesome pattern! I’d make the skirt in a navy ponte and the top in cream cotton shirting with little yellow buttons!
I would make the bottom skirt with a tweed and the top in some kind of satin (or this really expensive silk I have been creepin’ on, wonder about seam strength?) and then add some kind of complimentary bolero/cape thingy to make in the same tweed. Almost Sherly (not Sherlock) Holmesy like this butterick 5529 view C. Then grab my granddad’s pipe and solve the mystery of what to sew next.
I’d make the top part out of this rayon printfabric I bought ages ago that looks like sushi and the bottom in a blue or black ponte or denim!
If I was smart (frugal), I’d use the black double knit and the black/cream rayon challis in my stash. But now that I’ve peeked at the Mood silk prints, I’d probably buy the magenta Italian silk Op-Art print I just found. Maybe I’ll get lucky and it will go with the brown double knit I have already . . .
I’d make mine in contrasting colors, like a pink top and red skirt or perhaps orange and purple. Or maybe in the cute puppy fabric I already have.
I love your version so much! Of course I want to copy it, since I want to copy everything in your wardrobe except the booty shorts. I think this pattern is terrific; it’s been on my wishlist for a while now. I want to make it in all the fabrics. I like the idea of white silk top, dark pinstripe skirt, but I also like the idea of plaid top and rust skirt.
I love this dress! Yours is beautiful, and I’m loving that lining!
I’d make mine up with a bright purple print on top, and a dark, charcoal grey bottom.
Me want..I love high waistlines and the fact that that pattern goes to size 24 is definitely awesome, more companies need to do this. I’d probably go for a black or charcoal skirt and top and go for some awesome buttons! Your top fabric is fab btw, love the colors!
This pattern looks great! I would make it up in a silky large print floral and a black ponte skirt!
Love it! I’d make it in a bright blue flamingo silk for the top and a navy ponte on the bottom. I’m liking the idea of pockets too!
Thank you for sharing! I love this dress!! just bought the pattern and can’t wait to get started…