Monique Lhuillier Spanish Lace Gown

I haven't posted anything in SO LONG! Ironically I've done the most number of projects on this non-blogging period than I did before. I guess I'm being more efficient in my planning and sewing. This gown I made is my best yet. I wore it to my friend's very grand wedding :) Inspired by a Monique Lhuillier gown in black, I chose a color in the motif of the wedding I was to attend with my husband Robert. Here's a picture of it, worn by arguably my prettiest model.

Attorney Gallardo, in Not-so-Courtroom Colors

This client, (my sister in spirit) Iya, wanted a creation inspired by a Chloe Sevigny dress, with touches of Breakfast at Tiffany's and 80's flair. This is the result, which she was very happy with, for attending a grand June wedding. She's family, so I'm most happy to create for her. You look great, future Attorney at Law Valdeavilla-Gallardo! Stay fabulous!

Lady in Red

Happy birthday to me! just turned 28, and was just so happy to debut my lovely red dress. Who doesn't look good in RED?!?

Fancy Print and Beadwork Detail

This dress is the third product from the Barbie dress (check it out, in one of my past entries) pattern that I just love. It flatters my shape and is really wearable. This time it's in a japanese cotton print with black hearts. To add more detail, I experimented with top stitching, something I don't usually do, and I used beading on the neckline to make it less simple. Perfect for a night out.

Cowl neckline dress with bow sleeves

This is the dress version of the grecian blouse I made before, but I made the bodice a bit body-conscious and more serious. I had the idea of using two big bows on each shoulder instead of real sleeves for a bit of fun. I love this fabric! It's actually a different color of the pink one I used for the grecian blouse. It's likewise a sheer material with a subtle metallic sheen, so I had to wear a tube dress underneath for coverage. I just love how this turned out! A bit too dressy for the mall, but definitely becoming and appropriate for an intimate dinner with a very appreciative hubby :)

Dr. Co's Pantsuit

This is the formal pantsuit gown I made a prototype for (see below)... I used Italian Silky Duchess Satin, and it featured a heavily hand-beaded halter collar and a custom shrug in a cotton stretch print. It turned out quite well I think, and my client and her family seemed very happy with the result. She happens to be one of my close friends so it was a pleasure doing this for her, even at slightly short lead time. We agreed on this shrug for coverup (and color) but she ended up braver than she thought she was, and went bare-shouldered for her school event : ) Congratulations to the new Dr. Co!

First Pantsuit -- Prototype for a Special Client's Order

This is the prototype I had to do for a pantsuit gown order that I got. In order to make sure I was using the right cut for the look, and the most flattering style, I tried it out on myself first. I wore this to the beach on a family outing on my hubby's birthday. It features no cut on the waist like other styles of pantsuit, thereby reducing tummy bulges and unflattering ripples on the fabric. I used boning for the bust line to further improve the shape of, and the hold at the chest. I love this Amy Butler fabric! It's a lot of fun!

my caramel gown for a friend's wedding

This is the second gown I've ever made. The first that I've made for myself... I'm so proud of this and I'll post more pictures with me as the model as soon as I get the chance to upload more recent photos.

out with the girls in one of my creations

I don't know if I feel silly that I tried so hard to finish this dress in 8 hours to wear it to a dinner with my closest friends. Come to think of it I don't, because now I know that a dress is do-able in a day. My timetable used to be 2 and a half days for a full dress. Three hours in the morning for drawing and cutting patterns, an hour for cutting and tracing fabric, and about two hours for pinning and sewing. Of course the addition of handmade touches take a while longer, like in this case. But it was totally worth it! I can't wait to wear this again!

The first dress I ever made

Because of the previous post of mine showing the first GOWN I ever made, I remembered that I haven't posted the first DRESS I ever made!!! This little black dress is literally the first dress I ever made, and I'm proud to say that it fit like a glove, and I received rave reviews at the formal family lunch I wore it to. The detail at the hem and armhole are stringed glass beads, while the belt is a sequined tulle ribbon with glass beads buckle. I didn't think of this at the time, but it was QUITE A DRESS! For a beginner it was QUITE A DRESS INDEED!