I made this dress to wear at my sister’s wedding last month but ridiculously didn’t manage to get any full-length, blog-worthy pics. So yesterday, we took a lovely evening stroll down to Fulham Reach for these shots.
It took a bit of effort to ditch bags, change outfit, reapply slap and head straight back out after a long hot day at the office but I’m glad we did. The light was lovely – no jacket required, and it took no time at all to chill out on the banks of the Old Father Thames!
A swift G&T softened the self-concsious blow of twirling around like a loon in full view of passers-by. And it wasn’t till after we’d finished that I clocked a security guard behind a smoked glass door applauding from his ringside seat!
The pattern is Butterick B4512, a retro 1957 reprint. It’s a halter-neck bodice with optional collar/pussy bow. I cut my own circle skirt though I believe simplicity’s one is a circle too. I just didn’t want to split the front skirt section. It would have messed with my dots!
I knew I might have issues with the fitting of the bodice but I was time short as always and used a lovely cherry print fabric for my first attempt. Alas it was too long overbust if that’s a thing. So I had to take an inch out horizontally. I could have gotten away with it, pesky kids or not, but my inner perfectionist nagged to get it right. So I adjusted the pattern pieces and re-cut in some stash polka dot. This fabric has subtle stretch which I knew would work with me!
Once I’d sorted the issues it really took no time at all. Only the bodice is lined. I think the most surprising thing was not even having to level the hem after letting it hang overnight. It didn’t distort at all!
We treated ourselves to a long overdue child-free dinner date at the Blue Boat afterwards. The same place where we shot my not so boring pencil skirt! I got lots of compliments at the bar. I didn’t feel like I had to justify why I was wearing it. After all, why save a party dress for best? On whose say so? Not mine!
I’d love to try this pattern in other fabrics, even a plain one. It’s kinda formal fancy Hepburn from the front but the backless feature and the swishy skirt make for party factor. The petticoat was a happy find in an Oxfam charity shop on the way home from work one day. I’ve been meaning to make myself one for ages, determined to make everything I wear, but couldn’t ignore this beauty for a fiver!
It’s very strange with youngest daughter being away this week (She’ll be tucked up in her sheep shorts now, no doubt) but at the same time so lovely to be spending some fun times with the Mister and his clever camera skills. Long may this sunshine and warm weather hang around. These evening strolls totally make me feel like I’m on holiday!
I am sitting here in the morning, shivering in my polar fleece dressing gown, as it is freeezing. So how lovely to open the blog post and see you twirling happily in warm evening sunshine!
Thank you lovely. Well it certainly makes a change. I’m usually shivering even in mid summer! x
It’s gorgeous! Love the red petticoat!!
Thank you, Linda 🙂
Mike, I’m glad you agree on Bianchi, and sorry for the age pun, it was unfair. Its one I use on my old man all the time and its bad form.Mike, Russian schi made with saurkraut is a crime against food(and humanity). I cant change my view on that)
Gorgeous dress, style, fabric, love the peticoat and my god those shoes just totally finish it off ! Dan you’re the man once again ! and i must try the G & T tip too. xx
Thank you so much, Lena. I don’t think you need the help. You always look so relaxed and gorgeous. x
What a lovely dress! The photos are fantastic. 🙂
Thank you, Caroline 🙂
SUCH gorgeous photos. You look truly beautiful and that dress suits you to a T. I’ve never had kids, but I can imagine the joy and ache of child-free days.
Thank you lovely lady. It was a treat for sure. Though you must have similar joys and aches now that your puppy dog rules the roost! xxx
Such a glamourpuss!!! Love the polka dots and bright petticoat with those shoes! Really enjoy the little peek into your life over there (despite making me miss it even more) and can really relate to those rare child-free nights! Love to you both. x
Haha… thank you gorgeous. Your trip over here has lulled me into a false sense of security and makes me think you are just up the road! Loved seeing you all. Much love back xxx
Perfection! The dress! The photos! The dialogue! I’m right there with the security guard clapping gleefully! You gotta twirl wearing a polka dot vintage-y feeling dress! And what a great find…your tulle petticoat…and the colour!!! And the Lola shoes again…so fun! Perhaps I should try a G & T next time out for blog photos? I looked at your mister’s website, and I’m in awe of his photography!
Thank you so much, Sue. Mr O is lapping up all the compliments too! 🙂
I adore this! Such a great dress and I love your modeling 🙂
Thank you Laurel. You are too kind 🙂
You look great in this, the shoes are a perfect match and you got some fabulous photos (might have to have a GnT next time I’m tempted to take photos in public ;o) Love your style – I want a petticoat for a fiver at the thrift store!
Thank you, Colette. I rarely need an excuse for a G&T! 🙂
Ooo it’s lovely! You look great 🙂
i recently made a dark grey polka dot dress, and it was well, just disappointing. But yours made me figure out what (one of) the issue(s) might be. It needs a contrasting collar! So thanks for that 😀
Thank you. A little contrast goes a long way. I can’t imagine that your dress was disappointing in any way. Have you blogged it yet? I saw the pattern and it’s gorgeous. Perhaps some pink buttons would make it sing? 🙂
What a triumph! Gorgeous dress and great photos.
Thank you Joanne. 🙂
Oh my gosh!!! This is fabulous!! I love it!! Right down to the shoes!! The outfit is perfect in every way. It is now a must have for me!! I cannot wait to get my hands on this pattern. Wow!
Thank you, Shirley. I believe it’s still in circulation. It really is an easy one to put together 🙂
Hoorah for west London, it looks so lovely in those pics! Janene, you look beautiful in that dress and I love the whole ensemble, absolutely perfect choice for a glamorous sister at a wedding! Oh to go on a dinner date by the river without kids! Very envious, but I bet you still miss her. xx
Thank you so much honey pie. Yes it doesn’t happen that often but if it did it probably wouldn’t be so much fun. That’s what I keep telling myself anyhows!! x
Gorgeous dress. I love the sensible from the front party at the back and the red petticoat (obvs!). Great pictures as always. We’ll done Daniel!
Thank you, Jo. He’s loving all the compliments btw! x
Wow, I love the petticoat; so gorgeous. The dress is fabulous too, and yay for lovely West London and the river.
Thank you, Julia. I just knew it would come in handy 😉
Diggin’ those dots, that’s a girly yet very stylish number. I think every woman needs dots in her wardrobe and the collar is a fab addition in fact I think it makes the dress. I love to see anyone twirling atop a bridge but when they are wearing a garment with a skirt that big, it makes a statement!
Thanks so much. The idea of a contrasting collar definitely sold it to me.
Lovely! The pattern looks really great, I can totally understand that you saved this for a special occasion 🙂
Thank you 🙂 I’m well up for wearing this one on any sunny day now!
I’m missing a big band on the background, dance floor, sound of drums and a swing… Exciting outfit, everything is a perfect match. And what a difference petticoat makes. Gorgeous!
Thank you so much. Yes that totally would have been a great photo! I need you as my art director!! 🙂
Totally gorgeous! very sexy and feminine! Fantabulous!
Thank you, Rachel 🙂
Tot ce se poate, eu ţin greu şirul zilelor săptămînii. Am fost, am venit, mă duc iar, se pare că o să cam rămîn acolo la un moment dat. Dă-mi un semn cînd mai mergi, poate bem o cafea în B.!
This is a very lovely dress, I always liked this kind of pattern. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Cecelia. I love this style too.
Hi! This dress is really beautiful! I like the combination of the contrast petticoat underneath. It really looks like a fabric that would have been used in the 1950’s. Polka dots were very popular as you probably already know. Thanks for posting!
Thank you, Kathy. I’d considered using the fabric for something else but when I saw this pattern I soon changed my mind!
This is gorgeous!! I love the polka dots and the collar (and also your shoes!). And what a great find with the petticoat.
Thanks, Lynne 🙂
Great dress, Janene! Polka dots are perfection, aren’t they?
Thank you, Karen. They are indeed! 🙂
wiooooooow, you made that dress *O* You are truly talented! And it was indeed worth changing, the dress and the location are so beautiful 🙂 I adore these pictures so much!
Thank you so much. Love your blog too 🙂
Oooh love that daring low back. And excellent choice with the polka dots and coordinating shoes!! What is it with centre front seams?! I hate them. They ruin any chances of using a cute print. Pish. Anyway, rant over. I think this looks darling. And you have excellent photo swishing skills.
Thank you, lovely. It is a bit daring. Especially when you’ve got dodgy tan lines! x
This dress is immaculate; it’s just totally lovely. I like the collar & the volume of it. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Thank you, Carmen. I’m dead pleased with it 🙂
This is perfect. Yey for twirling in the evening sun. You look great in this, the fit is beautiful. Excellent pics again. Another knockout.
Thank you 🙂 And long may that evening sun hang around! It’s not easy measuring off the paper pattern to get a close fit because it’s backless. So a test make was defo needed for this one.
Omg cuteness! I LOVE THIS!!!!!!
You gorgeous, gorgeous lady! That dress is a stunner. Look at that boldly cut out back! I admire your skills and style.
I am sure you must be thrilled to bits with this one. The style, fit and colours are just spot on and so you. The petticoat is surprising and great fun. And your husband’s photographs of our wonderful river just make me want to walk that way too.