Tuesday 31 January 2012

Who wants to help me design a wedding dress then?


Ok peops, hope you're sitting down for this one. See that pic above? That's a ring with a little silver bird wearing a gold crown with black diamond eyes. He's proof that someone has made the questionable decision that they want to marry me!!! I know! I told you that you should have been sitting down.

Pat (AKA Patty), who I often refer to as 'Mr So Zo', must actually like that idea because just before Christmas, out of the blue, he proposed me up. It's taken me about a month to get my head round the thought that I am going to be married, and equally long for us to develop some opinions on what the actual event should be like.

The most frequent question I've been asked all month is 'Are you going to make your own wedding dress?'. Umm, well I make my own coats, jeans, pyjamas, T-shirts, knickers; let me think... YES!!!!! Of course I'm going to be making my wedding dress! And my best mate's bridesmaid dress for that matter. Except, whilst I've been slowly developing an idea of how all the rest of this wedding should look, my vision of the dresses remains a bit of a blur. Which is why I need your help......

Let's take a look at the facts:
  • I'm going to get married in late September this year
  • It's going to be a fairly quick, non-religious ceremony in Brighton Town Hall
  • The reception will involve music, dancing and cava (and therefore merriment
So far, I'm thinking the bride's dress will be red and the bridesmaid's dress will be black. The general theme for the whole wedding will be mid-20th century vintage glamour (think cocktails and casinos rather than fairy princesses) and both dresses will be cocktail length (just below the knee). My dress should flatter my hourglass-y silhouette, and could, but not necessarily, be a variation of my beloved wiggle dress. I want to be able to wear a normal bra rather than a strapless contraption so I needn't spend all evening yanking at my bodice. I'm not a fan of sewing with, or wearing, super-slippery or very drapey fabrics. Actually, written down like this I can see that I've figured out more than I thought I had, but still I'm really vague on any actual design details like overall silhouette, skirt shape, bodice detailing, necklines, sleeves (if any) etc.

Oh, and I am going to buy new fabric for these dresses rather than relying on second hand flotsam and jetsam as usual with my sewing projects!

So please help!!! If you have any ideas for any element for either of the dresses, please share them with me! If you have an awesome image saved on your computer, or saw a great vintage dress on ebay, or watched a great inspirational old film, or have seen a great sewing pattern for sale or basically ANYTHING that could inspire the design for these dresses, please let me know. If you have a link to something on the interwebs, please leave it in the comments section. If you have an image file to show me, please email it to me at sozoblog (at) gmail (dot) com. I'm casting the net wide at this stage so any inspiration or starting point you care to throw into that net will be most gratefully received.

Thanks everyone! xxx

103 comments:

Stevie said...

Wow! Congratulations Sweetie thats fantastic news! How exiting! I can't wait to talk all about it on Saturday! xxx

Andrea said...

Congratulations! How excited you must be. While I don’t have any awesome pictures of the perfect dress, I just wanted to say I love the fact that you'll be wearing red. I did the same for our wedding (also a city hall event followed by merriment) and later found out that in some Asian cultures, getting married in red signifies luck. Congratulations again!

Unknown said...

Woohoo, congratulations!! I'm getting married in July this year and currently playing with wedding dress muslin….exciting but fun!!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! I don't have any images to share, but I can't wait to see what others suggest.
p.s. Love the ring!

frifris said...

Oh, congratulations!! Big news!!

Well, I've never even commented here, but now I might as well ;)

Just one thought I had, not very original at the moment, but why not: how about a lace dress? Or brocade (not so slippery, not too shiny)?

And a good friend close by to pin the fabric and the dress in its various stages onto you might be a tremendous help.

How exciting!

Kathryn said...

Congratulations!!!! That's amazing! Can't wait to see what you sew.

What about a classic wiggle dress with a twist, like this one on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/90691519/1950s-misses-dress-vintage-sewing

And I kind of love the massive bow on the back of this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/77567329/everyday-or-special-occasion-one-piece

An illusion neckline would be awesome, like the ones Gertie posted about recently.

Leah Franqui said...

That's amazing, congratulations! And the mission is now clear, maybe you should make a pintrest board, and then we can suggest pins, etc?

strugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com

Unknown said...

Sorry to leave another comment but I'm getting some inspiration from these two websites:
http://www.rocknrollbride.com/
http://ruffledblog.com/

Kat said...

Congratulations! That is very exciting.

Clare said...

congratulations!! I'm sure whatever dress you make will be stunning. Great news! (and gorgeous ring!)

Roisin said...

Congratulations Zo and Mr Zo! I love the ring, it's very cool.

As for the dress - good call :) If it were me I'd go for something reasonably simple in construction but then go wild on the details - embroider some anchors, lots of lace, something like that! I'm with you on the no strapless bra shenanigans and have two ideas for you.

One is this awesome dress I saw at Unique Vintage:
http://www.unique-vintage.com/unique-vintage-halter-back-cotton-swing-dress-p-17726.html?osCsid=dbe84e7489934517f6ec6a91f1d369d8

You might need a special bra for this one, but I thought it'd be a good one to modify the Sewaholic Lonsdale pattern into by putting a circle skirt onto and sewing the straps down at the back.

The other one is the Grace dress from Vivien of Holloway:
http://vivienofholloway.com/en/category/grace-circle-dress/grace-circle-dress/1377/
I don't think it looks great in the pictures but I've seen it on and it's lovely. It's satin here but would work well in other fabrics, and it's a simple enough shape to take some embellishment. Plus, with the little cap sleevey dudes your upper arms would be warm in the possible September chill!

My best friend got married recently in an awesome tea length gown, photo here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dollyclackett/6614008197/

Her dress was really simple but the lace at the waistline was just gorgeous.

Anyway - very many congratulations to you again! x

Hillary said...

Congratulations, Zoe!! Excellent taste that Pat, well OBVIOUSLY but I was thinking of the ring, it's got to be the greatest engagement ring ever!! Oh yes, you will have the most spectacular of wedding dresses, we will all send you the creme of ideas and patterns we might have. Exciting!!!

firstmute said...

What exciting news! I have no help to offer, but I can't wait to see what you come up with.

LLADYBIRD said...

First of all - EEEEE!! Congratulations!! And what a perfect little ring!!

As far as your dress is concerned, I'm very surprised & shaking my head - no leopard print?! Tsk tsk! :)

Here is what I immediately thought of: Butterick 9598 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lladybird/6668954379/in/set-72157628798165111), view A in red and do the scarf in a leopard contrast :) Of course, this is pretty casual but you could always fancy it up with something like dupioni silk - which is soo easy to sew, not slippery at all!

If you decide you want to make your dress out of that specific pattern, let me know - it's in my collection, and I'll gladly mail it to you as a wedding gift :)

molly said...

I know you're into vintage, but Style Arc (http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/) has some really cool and well drafted modern patterns. I'm making my wedding dress out of their Pippa pattern and I'm pretty sure I might be making it again as a cocktail length some time too, it's that awesome.

Marie said...

Congratulations, what a fab ring!!! Just wanted to say that while I go off and do some research for you...I'll be back with some ideas later ;o)

Claire (aka Seemane) said...

Hugest congratulations to Pat & Zoe!
And, fab that you're making the dresses :)

jo90 said...

Hey, congratulations!! I think a version of the wiggle dress but longer at the back than at the front creating a kind of train (but not a Royal wedding length of the room job). The back could be in tiers. I can so picture it in my head but not describe it. I will have to search for some pictures!

Crystal said...

Congratulations! I have just fallen in love with this brand new vintage style Burda envelope pattern:

http://www.simplicity.com/p-7358-burda-style-dress.aspx

Anna said...

Congratulations, I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Sewing Princess said...

Congratulations! That's a very happy news. The ring is very unique. I will look into my files for ideas

Tilly said...

You are going to look so gorgeous, Miss Zoe (soon to be Mrs Pat!). A visit to the V&A's forthcoming ball gowns exhibition is definitely in order: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/ballgowns/ballgowns-british-glamour-since-1950/.

xxx

poppykettle said...

Well this is super exciting! And making your own wedding dress is even more so. I don't have a secret file for weddings in my head so I'm drawing blanks on ideas. But I AM really looking forward to seeing what you come up with :)

Valerie said...

Congratulations! I don't have any good dress suggestions, but am sure that whatever you decide will be lovely and completely you!

christina said...

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!
I also think the ring is just perfect and like to second roisin: embroidery or applique might be just the thing. Not only anchors but perhaps a little birdie somewhere to echo the engagement ring (like a pair of swallows next to the deep sweetheart neckline http://www.flickr.com/photos/19474091@N02/3331509787/). I'm sure you will rock!

Bunnykins said...

Congrats! And, boy, are you ever brave asking for opinions as I'm sure everyone who reads your blog has one. ;-)
If not strapless, how about backless? And with tiny waist/full skirt? In red lace over red satin or charmeuse (starch it) under dress? Very late 50s glam.

Or long, slender glam like this:
http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/showimage.aspx?gid=1586195&image=515659555&images=515659555&formats=0&format=0
I just bought that pattern for DD#1, to be made in something washable for summer.

Merriment and dancing sound much better than a staid, too formal wedding. Oh, what fun! Do we get progress reports?

Bunnykins said...

P.S. What a great ring! Nice to have a man with imagination.

niddetissus said...

Congratulations!! I can't wait to see what you cook up!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I love your ring. And how wonderful to make your own dress. (Trust me, RTW wedding dress shopping is a deeply demoralising experience. I was married over a decade ago and needed two dresses, one for the town hall wedding in France, one for the church wedding back in my home town in the states. I ended up buying a cocktail dress for the civil ceremony and a bridesmaid's dress for the church one, as I couldn't face the froufrou-ness and cost of a "real" wedding dress.) I think a 50s style dress in red sounds lovely; what about something very classic, with a full skirt, bateau neck and 3/4 length sleeves? A skirt like that would be fun for dancing, I would think! Or, what about the retro Butterick B5032 pattern? It is a sleeveless sheath dress and the pattern also comes with a capelet and optional overskirt or bustle. You could have removable "bridal" elements and a dress you could wear again. Anyway, good luck, will be watching your posts on this with interest. :-)

shivani said...

Congratulations! Fab ring!! I shall keep my eyes peeled for wedding dress inspiration. See you on Saturday! x

Sigrid said...

Congratulations! The most important thing you will be wearing is a dazzling smile! All that matters about the dress if that it fits and you can dance and eat and drink and kiss in it. But since you ask, I suggest something with a fit and flare midriff/waist and v-neck bodice.

Margaret said...

Sounds fab! That ring is so unique and I love it.

I, too will be marrying in September (outdoor Vintage Circus thingy-do) and making my own dress. We're in for a ride, sister!

Marina von Koenig said...

Congratulations!!! And i would vote for a simple flapper style silhoette but some amazingly gorgeous fabric ( or at least trims), cream or off-white will suit you, and scallops ad a hem treatment! Add a long necklace tied in the middle and you are all Set. I loved josephine baker dress in woody allen's midnight in paris, as a distant example! Oh, i am happy for you!

.x.Helen.x. said...

Congratulations! My first thought was that you could use the bodice of the Colette Macaron dress, using lace or something sheer for the top yoke section. And then a full tea-length skirt, a bit like this pic: http://skinandmakeupblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Dolly-Couture.jpg

LC said...

Congratulations! What joy! A red dress with your colouring will be glorious. My suggestion: not a narrow skirt, you want to be able to dance like a wild woman and a slim skirt could impede you.

Tanit-Isis said...

Wow, congratulations! I love the idea of a red wedding dress (if my husband didn't hate the colour that would totally be mine!) I like the idea of a sweetheart neckline, cap kimono sleeves, and a skirt that's fitted in the hips but with a gathered, asymmetricalmlower part for dancing. Or a qipao. Mm, red qipao. Actually I think I'm thinking of the dress www.polkadotoverload.com is making for valentines day...

liza jane said...

I think your wedding dress should be leopard print ;) Congratulations! Very exciting news!

Sarah C said...

Congratulations! That is great news to hear! I love the ring! I look forward to reading about all the excitement.

Kate said...

Congratulations!!!

Not quite sure what to suggest in terms of a dress but what about something with a what I think is referred to as a shelf bust. I'm thinking something like this http://www.etsy.com/listing/91357552/1950s-vintage-50s-shelf-bust-dress I can't wait to see your dress whatever style you decide to make!

Irene said...

Congratulations!

Vintage Girl said...

How wonderful! I am happy for you. I know you will come up with the perfect dress. Remember a simple dress or an elaborate one can be equally beautiful. Go with what feels right and the day will be just perfect.

Jen said...

Congratulations! As one who made her own wedding dress (and 5 bridesmaid dresses) for a church wedding, I think you've made a wise choice to go with something shorter! Ditto on the normal bra.

If you're thinking wiggle dress, my suggestion would be silk dupionni. Not as slippery as satin, but the possibilities for color are really huge, especially with some of the iridescent weaves.

The ring is genius, by the way. Love it.

MrsC (Maryanne) said...

Oh SQUEEE!!! How exciting!!! Congratulations, will be awesome. I have a dress in my head for you but I won't find a photo so I'm going to draw it and send you a link or something. But it is in red dupion silk shot with black or deep brown, so it has all that fabulous silk richness. :) Or thai silk.

jessica said...

Super exciting!!! Congratulations!!! That Pat knew how to find himself a keeper!

Regarding the dress, I agree with others who vote for a fuller skirt for dancing ease (or, well, if you like dancing in wiggle dresses then by all means go with it! Whatever makes you happiest dancing) I would also vote for incorporating dress elements that you really like, since it's a dress for a special day it may as well include all the things you like most in a dress! So, I was thinking you'd want a midriff band? (I think I remember you crushing pretty hard on those?)

And maybe something sleeveless - you can get as crazy as you want with the dancing and not worry about overheating, but still throw something over your shoulders. (OK, or am I the only one who overheats when she dances? Haha, that is to say if I was a crazy dancer myself)

It could maybe also be fun to incorporate some leftover scraps from a favorite project or a garment you made Pat? Sounds weird but I was thinking like if you had pockets or a facing or something. Gives it an additional sentimental touch.

KC said...

Congratulations, especially to Pat who is getting a real prize! I have no taste, so I won't dream of giving you advice, but I can't wait to see what you decide!

Cecili said...

What a perfect, lovely ring! More congratulations to you two, I think a red brocade -I'm picturing the ones with shiny and mat big swirly print- sheath with slightly boat neckline at the front and deep, draped back décolleté would look awesome on you, with your black hair up in a classy chignon, like in René Gruau's illustrations: https://www.google.com/search?hl=fr&q=ren%C3%A9%20gruau&psj=1&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=939l3106l0l3378l10l10l0l0l0l0l479l3174l3-8.1l9l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=681&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=cdYoT8q9OMWW8gPh0vnYAw

Carolyn said...

Congratulations!!
I'm certain any dress design you dream up will be utterly amazing; good luck!
Oh, and your ring is completely adorable!

Clare said...

OH MY GOD! Hooray! Congratulations!! And what a great ring. You guys are going to be the best dressed couple in Brighton that day, that's for sure. Re: inspiration, I have always thought that the dress Zooey Deschanel wears in the wedding scene of 500 days of summer would be great as a vintage inspired wedding gown, and in red it would be knockout. The fabric is maybe more drapey than you'd like though. This has put a proper smile on my face, good luck with all the planning!!

Love to Stitch said...

maybe you should make a moodboard? And congrats!

Scruffybadger said...

Congratulations Zoe!! Fab news!! And that has to be the best engagement ring- ever!! I'm going to enjoy being inspired by all your comments abd ultimately with what you make. Red- absolutely!! If you're going casino, I'm thinking diamanté and elbow length gloves ....

Phil said...

Congratulations! I have been following your blog for ages. You will make a lovely bride and red is definitely a great colour for you. How about a boat-ish or scoop-ish neckline with a fabric rose trim (lots or one?). Whatever you decide, have a great day!

Uta said...

Congratulations! Well done, Patty, and what a lovely ring! Couldn't you use some sailor-ish element in your dress? I love that side of your style.

Anna Depew said...

Wow, congratulations! I LOVE that you'll be wearing red! And I have to say, that ring is the single most beautiful thing I've ever seen! Where did he find such a gem?

Jo Campbell said...

Congratulations! My first impluse for my wedding dress was red but (as I wasn't in a position to make it myself) I couldn't find anything I liked and ended up with a lovely ivory dress instead. You will look gorgeous in red. I'll keep a look out for inspiration - and I agree with Leah that doing a pinterest board that your followers & friends can add to would be a great idea.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Your engagement ring reminds me of mine. It's just that I got a butterfly instead of the bird. Good luck with the dress, I will definitely be following the process (I'm hoping you will be documenting it)

Lizzie said...

Congratulations!!!, I hope they'll be some nautical theme in the dress - maybe a anchor print lining

didyoumakethat said...

I am SO pleased for you - this has made my year, albeit we're only two months in! I don't have pattern suggestions, but in terms of fabric I immediately thought of wool crepe. It has such a gorgeous feel to it and wonderful drape and can come in some great solid colours. Maybe combined with lace, as suggested by Roisin? I am very much looking forward to following this journey. You deserve all the happiness in the world. And that has to be one of the best engagement rings ever.

Ally said...

Congratulations Zoe! That's awesome news!

Unknown said...

Oh wow, CONGRATULATIONS!!! That's such great news, I can't wait to see what you come up with. I have zilch inspiration to pass on for you but I'll be keeping an eye out for you now and will pop you a message if I see anything xxx

Vicki Kate said...

Congratulations! That ring is amazing and unique. I'm really happy for you. Dress wise, I cant really help other than to suggest a mash up of the Penoy bodice with a circle skirt and maybe a sash at the waist, possibly in black to tie in with your bridesmaids dress. Or something like Gerties amazing wiggle dress. A bit of lace applique at the neckline and cuffs would be gorgeous too (black, against the red would be very dramatic!)
Have fun day dreaming and designing!

naughty little pony said...

I'm so happy for you both! (that ring is beautiful), much love mx

John david said...

Nice Ring. that ring shape is totally different, i like this so much... wedding ring is precious one, so we are all like it much. congrats who to wear this ring in our weddings.

Laura said...

Congratulations, Zoe!! :)

Leah said...

Congratulations! How very exciting! Looking forward to all the forthcoming wedding posts!

Unknown said...

Woo - congratualtions to the both of you! And what a fantastic engagement ring!

Jane said...

This is the best news ever Zoe, I'm absolutely thrilled for you. Your husband to be is a very lucky man. As you know, red wedding dresses are very close to my heart! You're going to look so beautiful. x

monkeysocks said...

Congratulations honey! That is really nice news.

I love that you want to wear red! I have always loved Rizzo's red polka dot dress for the Dance-Off in Grease - as a child I always figured at one point in my life I would be cool enough to wear something similar! http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Grease_Stockard-Channing_Red-Dress-Dancing.bmp.jpg

Catherine said...

CONGRATULATIONS - and that is the most fantastic ring!

Sky Turtle said...

Oh, congrats, what a wonderful event to sew for! :D
Can't wait to read more about the process of sewing the right dress (now that you have the right man :P)
Cheers from Barcelona,
Ina

Len said...

AAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I was popping on your blog to show my friend one of your DIY undies posts, but this is far better! The ring is gorgeous!!

I'll have a look for wedding stuff and if I see any I'll pass it on! Might I suggest you get on Pinterest? It's really good to collect ideas and also find them!

CONGRATS AGAIN!

francoise_hardy said...

My advice is comfort is the most important thing. It'll be a long day.

It may be a bit chilly in late September. Why not make a coat too?

I got married in a comfy handmade dress with astounding big orange flowers on it and knee-high red boots. Forgot to wear the coat I'd picked out specially though!

Lavender said...

Yay!!! Major congratulations, Zoe & Patty!!! I love non-traditional & handmade weddings, and I love that you'll be wearing red. As for ideas, I'll def email if something pops up in my radar.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, that's wonderful! Seeing as I don't actually know you, I can't help with the design, but I do have a bit of advice. Buy the best materials you can. Break the bank. Yes, you'll only wear the dress once, but you will be looking at the photos for the rest of your life.

Oh, I just thought of another piece of advice. Make sure the design looks interesting from the back. Your back is guaranteed to figure prominently in several photos.

BlueBetty said...

Congratulation! Your ring is adorable. I love how unique it is.

Anna | Mormor hade stil said...

Congratulations! I'm thinking of this stylish ensemble designed by Edith Head for Advance patterns: http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Advance_8048

jessiekays said...

Congratulations! I really love the ring!

Jerilea Hendrick said...

congrats! What wonderful news! Love the ring--unique and untraditional (way cool)!! I made my own wedding dress and it was so awesome to do. You'll love the experience! At the time I was living in Minnesota and we decided to get married on New year's Eve...very cold. I made a velvet coat to wear over my dress when we were outside. My dress pattern was from the late 60's and the coat patter from very early 70's. Perhaps, since your wedding will be in September, maybe a bolero?

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!! Make sure you have fun wedding planning and have what you want, not what other people might think you 'should' have ;) And I second the recommendation for the Rock 'n' Roll Bride site.

Zoë said...

Wooop! Congratulations Zoe!!! That ring is just gorgeous! Well done that man :)

This site has loads of pics for dress inspiration.....
http://www.dressmakingdesign.co.uk/gallerypoo.htm

Good luck with all the making, can't wait to see what you come up with!

Zoe

Elise said...

Aah congrats! Love that you're dressing with a difference, I don't care much for weddings but cant wait to see yours! :)

Tabatha Tweedie said...

Congratulations to both of you! And what a beautiful ring - really unusual. I got married in red so I heartily approve your plans, you will look gorgeous! Can't wait to read more about your designs!

Rehanon Mackenzie said...

Oi oi saveloy! As you know I'm over the freaking moon for you both. It's gonna be one hell of a shindig and you're gonna be the swingingest, sassiest seamstress in town on the big day.

Yesterday while having a wander round sites for my friend Laura who i'm making the bridesmaid dresses for I found this beauty and thought immediately of you. I know you want to go more slinky and rightly so :) But I'd love the tattoo detailing amaze!

http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2012/01/how-about-a-tattooed-wedding-dress/

Anywho you know you just holler up any old time you need a hand.

All the very best,

Re xxx

Debi said...

YAY! YAY! YAY! Congrats! I just adore your ring too! xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! I adore your ring - so pretty and special!

I can see you in a gorgeous red silk dupioni. Definitely a sheath dress, similar to the blue version in this pattern: http://www.etsy.com/listing/90161235/1960s-cocktail-dress-with-overskirt?ref=sr_gallery_2&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=sheath+dress+with+train+pattern&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

Can't wait to see what you design!

geogrrl said...

I'd suggest a luxurious wool or wool/silk for fabric. It doesn't have to be heavy. Wool behaves well and the silk will help it drape well.

I'm thinking the silhouetts of the 1930s and 1940s rather than 1950s and 1960s. Elegant and long. I'd give butterfly sleeves and puff sleeves a miss.

There's something luxurious about bell sleeves, but they need the right dress. Also bishop sleeves with a long cuff.

The following have a lot of the elements of what I'm thinking of:

http://vintagedress.1930s-fashions.co.uk/retrodresses.htm

http://vintagedress.1930s-fashions.co.uk/styleofvintagedress.htm

http://vintagedress.1930s-fashions.co.uk/eveningdressforlady.htm

http://vintagedress.1930s-fashions.co.uk/vintagedressforlady.htm

http://www.1940s-fashions.co.uk/fashion03.htm

Unknown said...

congratulations!!! your ring is beautiful! I have no advice regarding your dress, but I'm looking forward to seeing it as well and I hope you'll be blogginh about the whole process

Sølvi said...

Yay! congratulations, How exciting - the ring is just perfect! :-)Good luck on the dress design, I´ll keep you in mind when I´m browsing old vintage magazines for dresses. :-)

geogrrl said...

One other suggestion:

A combination of black and red is used a lot. How about dresses in red and charcoal grey or red and navy. It will give you the same effect, but be a little different at the same time. Hey, with the red and navy, you can subtly continue your nautical theme!

geogrrl said...

*Sigh*

I keep forgoetting things.

If you go for wool or wool/silk, I'd suggest a crepe. Smooth and drapey and not shiny.

geogrrl said...

If you want to drool over vintage patterns, or just get some ideas, these are good sites:

https://vpll.3dcartstores.com/

http://evadress.com/patterns-00.html

http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.lanetzliving.net/

http://www.oldpatterns.com/

Anonymous said...

What happy news, congratulations! That ring is so lovely, I'd break into a big smile every time I looked at it.
Appealing to my geeky side, I'm excited to see what you come up with for your design, especially since I wouldn't want to go for a traditional white dress myself! Ideas wise, I'd back what other people have said about a skirt you can dance in, dancing is a must.
Another layer might be a good idea as well for Sept, even if it's something as simple as a classic swing jacket. The tattoo dress Rehanon mentioned was so cool, how about incorporating an element of something quirky to an outer layer, like a traditional sailor tattoo, so you don't have to wear it all day or for all your pics, but is something you can throw on or off.
Or a badass anchor garter!

Anonymous said...

Great news ! Making your own wedding dress is going to be a wonderful project. As everyone, I can't wait to read you about it !
karamiel

Fourth Daughter said...

After not visiting for ages I come back here and find that you're ENGAGED!? How exciting! And in red, too. Love that your bridesmaid will be in black, I passed a wedding where the bridesmaids were all looking super chic in their black dresses, which they will no doubt be able to wear again (as opposed to pastel confections!).

Ali said...

Congrats! You can tell him the gals in the blogosphere think he's one lucky dude. Looking forward to seeing how your dress progresses :)

House of Pinheiro said...

Hurray. Congratulations . That's so exciting ....

Madelaine said...

Super exciting! I love that you're sewing your own dress :)

Butterick 2460 has a really neat tie-on overskirt with lots of tiers, and then is a wiggle dress underneath. Convertible! http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Butterick_2460

Bella Industries said...

ZO!!! So exciting. Getting married was the smartest thing I ever did. The Roommate & I just celebrated 30 yrs since we met. I always tell couples, "Keep having fun." And Patty seems perfect--I'm still telling people about him learning to crochet & making scary things.

I'm a sucker for lace cocktail dresses, so here are some suggestions: black, 3rd one down, on this page: http://blog.natashabailie.com/2011/03/1950s-vintage-lace-dresses.html

and this one: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9jw0v-X0l1U/TM9EXa1IfSI/AAAAAAAAAQU/_shhAxartss/s1600/1850s+lace+cocktail-+dress3366-01.jpg

Either would be amazing in red or black. Have fun! I'm sure you'll look amazing...

Amy said...

Congratulations! How exciting for the two of you. I was never the little girl who dreamed of her wedding or being married, but it's been quite wonderful. I feel so lucky to have my husband, and I wish the same for you two. As for helping design your wedding dress - I wouldn't even know where to start. You already have so much creativity, I think you'll do just fine without too much more input. Keep us all in the loop though since it'll be fun to watch your ideas progress.

Veronica said...

Congrats Zo! I wish I made my wedding dress (didn't have the mad sewing skillz then!) so good luck with yours! Mine was vintage, mid 20th century, so I hear you! <3 to you guys!

Joanne said...

I was on holiday so totally missed this but I am so delighted for you! I got married last year and went for a vintage style dress made by the wonderful Dana of Once upon a time dresses - link here:
http://www.dressmakingdesign.co.uk/danna2/home.htm
She does lots of different styles so check out the gallery and facebook for inspiration (I'm on there I think!). I used this site extensively for inspiration too http://offbeatbride.com/
Congrats again! Wonderful news. And am really delighted you're making your own wedding dress too :) xxx

Unknown said...

Hello, I´m new on your blog!!

Congrats to your engagment! That ring is awesome!!!

I´ve send you an email with pictures from my wedding dress, maybe it will help you!

Tennis Shoes said...

Congratulations. I know what you feel right now.

Unknown said...

Thats fantastic news!for sharing.
Vintage lace Dresses

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