As I prepared for Alt Summit over the last month, one of my goals was to wear something handmade every day. The first evening was dinner with sponsors, and we met up with Collectively at Sea Salt right outside of downtown Salt Lake.
I wanted to wear something special and memorable for this night; something that showcased exactly what I do — sewing and style. And when I found these two gorgeous, luxurious, and soft faux leather fabrics at Michael Levine in the LA fabric district, the wheels started turning and an amazing dress was born.
I began researching, pinning all sorts of two-toned dresses, and then started sketching until I came up with a dress that I loved. The fit and flare silhouette is flattering and on trend, the leather is edgy and fun, and the neutral coloring is perfect for any time of year (but especially on trend right now). It was a bit of trial and error, as it always is when making my own patterns, but I absolutely adore how it turned out. Plus, using my custom dress form to create a dress from scratch was a dream — I constructed the entire thing without trying it on once, and then once it was almost completely done I finally tried it on for the first time and it fit perfectly. Definitely one of my proudest sewing moments.
I’ll be sharing a full tutorial for it later this week — don’t miss it!
_________________________
dress: made by me // fabric c/o michael levine here — black faux leather not online)
tights: c/o we love colors
heels: c/o lulu*s (sold out — find them here!)
necklace: c/o lulu*s
clutch: similar
watch: michael kors
nails: c/o cult cosmetics “hollywood hills”
Slow clap. Absolutely stunning. Nice work!!! I finally broke down and bought a sewing machine so I'll no longer have an excuse to skip your amazing tutorial posts. Can't wait to try my hand at a project! You're great!
Hi,
Just wanted to menion that leather is a very difficult fabric to use and that perhaps a bEtter on e to start with is a simple jersey or knit but this pattern is super simple and seems pretty good to start with! Have fun sewing
Ella
AHhhh i love this look!!!!!
XO
Ellen from Ask Away
http://www.askawayblog.com
This is probably my most favorite look you have ever posted, I can't believe you made this yourself!! It is SOOOOOO CUTE and sophisticated and fashionable and so so beautiful. You did a great job and you look amazing!
That is one awesome dress! It really flatters you 🙂
I am continually impressed by your sewing projects, and this dress is my favorite by far! You did an amazing job!
Wow your dress is stunning. Great job!
That's amazing! Great job!
Your talent blows my mind. Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.
I would pay $$$ for that dress. Absolutely stunning!!! Wish I could have made it to Alt so we could have met!! xoxo
I have to share this post with Jill S. She will be SO PROUD of you!!! Gorgeous.
This looks amazing!! I aspire to have even 1/10 of your sewing and design ability!
wow! amazing. you are my favorite style blogger! best style ever combined with modesty = win.
This dress is absolutely amazing.
So incredible! Inventive, beautiful, and absolutely one-of-a-kind. As usual, your creativity inspires again! Thanks Merrick!
http://lovesthejourney.com/
That dress is gorgeous!!
Kristina does the Internets
Stunning! Love this
WOW ! That is more than impressive ! I love it
Madeline | Its a Mads Mads World
I'm not even a fan of the leather trend, but I think this dress is gorgeous! Seriously, well done. Can't wait for the tutorial 🙂
adifferentfashionmm.blogspot.com
I'm not even a fan of the leather trend, but I think this dress is gorgeous! Seriously, well done. Can't wait for the tutorial 🙂
I don't know that I've ever commented, but this dress! I'm seriously so impressed. So flattering and stylish. What an accomplishment.
I hope there is a tutorial for this because that dress is amazing. You are one incredibly talented lady!
You look gorgeous! I can't believe you made that dress, it's stunning!
http://www.fashionsontop.com
Amazing. So beautiful! You are so talented!
This dress is AMAZING! You did an awesome job!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Wow, this dress is so incredible! You did a fantastic job!
This golden dress is stunning! Love the way you accessorized them too! Found your blog through Twist Me Pretty and I wanted to invite you to join the utah bloggers facebook group I just started: Utah Chic Bloggers
Kat | http://www.poshbykat.com
you are really talented! I love this dress, the colors and the cut are perfection!
-AJ
OccasionallyAJ.com
Oh my goodness lady, what a beautiful creation! I can't even sew a square pillow, so color me impressed!!
xx
Here&Now
Enter my current giveaway!
You are looking absolutely gorgeous here. That dress looks so good on you. Not a huge fan of leather, but maybe if I had a dress like that! Dang!
xo, rn
http://www.rachelnicoleblog.com
I can't believe you made that dress! It looks amazing! You are so talented!
http://kacieskloset.blogspot.com/
this is the most amazing thing i've ever seen. I'm seriously so impressed. you are the best blogger there is. xoxo
It is absolutely stunning. I see Project Runway in your future.
You probably get this a lot; you are stunning. Absolutely stunning.
The only thing that I would recommend is that the sleeves are removable, so if you plan on wearing it, you may want to get it sewed on to avoid them from moving out of place.
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