Dress: Asos
Shoes: Mollini
Belt: DIY
This dress looks cream in pictures, but is actually a totally delicious blush pink in reality, so it was a shoo-in for this weeks Aussie Curves challenge “Pastel”.
I like pastels a lot, but I don’t have a huge amount of it in my wardrobe because my colouring suits deeper colours better. I had my eye on this dress as soon as I saw it on Asos, but it wasn’t until I saw it on Ellemennopee that I decided I had to have it.
I bought it in the regular size 18, and sewed the front placket up so the buttons didn’t gape (it zips up at the side, so the buttons are purely decorative).
It fits perfectly, but doesn’t really give me the best shape: The bodice gives me monoboob, and while the waist fits well it somehow flattens me out. I’ve tried wearing it unbelted, but it looks sort of marshmallowy.
But with this little ribbon bow belt it’s a lovely, classic, girly dream of a dress.
I made the belt to match my new turquoise ballet shoes:
Shoes: Mollini
I couldn’t find a velvet ribbon in exactly the same hue, but the darker turquoise actually goes with more in my wardrobe.
This is a very, very easy project. Quick, and cheap to boot. You don’t even need a sewing machine, just a needle and thread.
You’ll need ribbon in two widths: a short length (I just bought 20cms) in the thicker, and enough of the thinner to go around your waist twice and a bit.
You’ll also need some iron-on Heat ‘n Bond and a snap fastener.
Step 1. Fold the thicker ribbon in half with the join at the back and sew up the seam through all thicknesses
Step 2. Pinch a crease in the centre of the bow and secure with a few stitches
Step 3. Loop a bit of the narrow ribbon around the centre of the bow & when you’re found the right length cut it off.
Step 4. Loop the ribbon into a circle and stitch up the seam
Step 5. Wriggle the loop over the side of the bow and set it in the middle
Step 6. Cut the remaining narrow ribbon in halves, and cut a single matching strip of the Heat N’ Bond. (You don’t HAVE to use a double sides strip of ribbon, I just did to give the ribbon belt a bit more structure)
Step 7. Line up the Heat ‘n Bond on the ribbon and iron it on
Step 8. Peel off the paper, line up the second length of ribbon on top of the first, and iron to seal the two ribbons together
Step 9. Thread the belt through the loop at the centre of the bow
Step 10. Sew a couple of stitches to secure it in place.
Step 11. Finish the ends, then put in the fastenings. I used poppers, but you could use a hook and eye, or you could even go with really long ends and tie it off (though a bow at the front AND the back seems excessive)
(excuse my dodgy use of green thread. I forgot to buy some that matched the ribbon!)
Voila! Ribbon bow belt!
Don’t forget to click through to check out the other Aussie Curve entries this week. Next week is “Strapless” (eep!)
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….. NOW! More important business:
Congratulations Jayne, you’ve won the $100 Virtu voucher! I hope you enjoy your Polkadot pants! Shoot me through an email with your address, and I’ll get your voucher into the mail for you 🙂
Cute outfit, love this dress! Im def going try making that belt now too!
Thanks Ezmae! Please do, and blog it afterwards, I’d love to see 🙂
Ooh cute dress. I missed that one on my regular Asos trawl!
Congrats Jayne 🙂
It is, isn’t it, Jo? I think I may have done better with it in a different colour, but this will be great for hot summer days 🙂
Thanks for the shout-out lady 🙂 Sorry to hear you weren’t thrilled by the fit, I still think it’s a winner though. I have actually sewn my button holes closed too because they gape. Sad news is that I dropped yellow curry on my pink/peach dress. Good news is that I’m thinking of a DIY to cover up the stain because I’m not ready to give up on this frock!
Oh no, you poor thing! A DIY’s always a good bet though 🙂 Where’s the stain?
Yeah, I really loved how the dress looked on you – I think maybe that bell-shaped skirt just sat a bit funny on my hips, but I’m really happy with how it looks with the belt 🙂
The stain is right in the front over the belly, very noticeable!
totally taking a trip to lincraft tomorrow! lol love this dress its so pretty. and you look amazing in it. 🙂
xx
Thanks, Neysha ann!
What colour ribbon do you think you’ll make your belt in? I’d love to see pics if you do make it!
So cute! I’m going to try this for sure!
Thanks Madison – Let me know if you do: I’d love to see what colours/styles everyone else makes!
Still available in lime in the ASOS sale. Am wondering if I can bleach it…
I don’t see why not – It’s fully cotton, so should bleach quite well 🙂 Or you might find you love the lime!
This outfit is perfect! I had my eye on that dress but never managed to buy it. It’s so pretty, and the belt is really cute. Seems so easy to make, too!
Hi Louise,
It’s VERY easy, you should give it a go! I know a few people who have bought the dress, and everyone seems to love it.
Ahhh that’s so pretty!
Thanks, Laura 🙂
Loving the DIY action! Sometimes you just have to customize to make it work right?! You look lovely!! 🙂
Thank you, Siki-Lou 🙂
I love this belt! Using the snap is so clever. I really need more belts in my wardrobe. Thanks for the beautiful tutorial…and beautiful blog! 🙂
Thanks Brittany! I’m a big fan of your blog too, it’s on my google reader, and I’m loving Grace Kelly week!
lovely detailing on your dress <3
Thank you! The embroidery and ruffles are lovely 🙂
You’re really lovely <3
oh my goodness! i have this exact dress (same color and size, even!), and it doesn’t look anywhere near as good on me as it does on you! i’m so jealous! curse my overly long torso 🙁