Make The Look

Talbot's Matte Jersey Dropped Shoulder Dress

I had an occasion to be in the Talbot's Petite store in the Burlington, MA mall last week and when browsing and snooping through the clothes came across the dropped shoulder dress.  This dress looked awfully familiar.  Too familiar.  With the exception of a few details, like lack of gathers at the neck, it was exactly like the dot dress refashion that I made recently from Burda 4/11 #115.  Really, and in my mind, not quite as nice, since I had pockets and a bound neck and armhole - the Talbot's version does not have pockets and is narrow hemmed at the neck and armholes.   I also know I did not pay anywhere near Talbot's retail price for this dress.  Yes, you should go look at the price for this jersey dress made from two pieces of jersey and some elastic at the waist and no pockets. 

To make this dress yourself, obviously Burda 4/11 #115 would do.  If you don't have access to Burda, don't worry, I've got a couple of Big 4 options for you.  Either Butterick 5211 or 5644 would work to make a similar dress.  Butterick 5211 is pretty close, already has pockets and if you include a little extra length then you can add a waist casing and elastic.  Of course you could just add a belt and skip all that, too.

Butterick 5644, View B is another alternative, although you'll have to add quite a bit of length because this is a blouse pattern and adjust where that elastic and casing will be according to where your waist is and how much blousing you want.

As far as fabrics, there is a lot of lovely matte jersey out there, but even you if splurge and buy some of the lovely Italian jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics, at $20 per yard, you can still make this dress for less than Talbot's is asking for theirs.  Check out all her jersey here.  Bonus: your size right away and your color choice if black or red don't work for you.

All photos from respective websites with links included.

Parting Shot: Windows.  It was such a nice day, so each cat got their own window!