My Gown for Lora's Wedding

This is my latest and most expensive project yet! Pre-beaded embroidered fabric is really quite expensive, but definitely worth it since the wow factor comes even before a single stitch is made :-) I chose a pleated cowl neckline for the front and a cowl neckline for the back. Tapered bodice, up to below the knee. Underneath is a separate bustier dress with straps. This gown started totally different, but I'll just save that design for my next big occassion.

headless knockout

I loved the blue bustier evening dress I made (my 3rd paid job) that I decided to make a black version of it for myself. I'm headless in the photo though because I didn't consider myself camera-ready at the time but I just had to take the photo after I was finished on the last stitch :-) But I included my body in the photo. Does that mean I consider my body camera-ready??? Hehe :P

my 3rd paid job

This gown is another order from another friend of a good friend. She needed a fabulous outfit for attending a strictly formal familly event. This also ended up not needing any adjustments, and she loved how backless it was. And how un-store-bought it looked on her. I love the fabric and the color. I priced this very low because I loved the idea of having someone want to pay real money for something I made. The design by the way was a collaboration of mine with my fashion savvy client.

high waisted skirt with removable 'suspenders'

This skirt i made for a paying customer--a friend of a good friend . A very nice law student actually. And she loved it. It looked amazing on her. No adjustments necessary. However, before I ended up with this product, I made a mistake on its pattern, making nearly all the measurements wrong. That first version ended up as an entirely different dress, so no fabric was wasted in the making of this skirt :-)

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!