Dress Design for Shabby Apple Dresses 'Dare to Design' - Limoncello Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

October 26, 2009

When I discovered that one of my favorite clothiers Shabby Apple was offering a contest for a spring season dress I knew I had to throw in my proverbial hat. This is my Dress design for Shabby Apple dresses AND your chance to win my entry.

I know that the contest only required that you draw a sketch of your idea but to be honest I'm not that great at drawing freehand and I thought it would look better finished and on an actual human. Since, at the moment I could only model maternity wear, my sister was kind enough to offer her afternoon to photograph her flattering figure.

So let me start off by describing the dress. If you look closely at the pictures below you will see that it is a swiss dot-like material.

The top is pintucked with tiny cap sleeves. Peaking out around the neckline are white fabric covered buttons and white button loops. Also, matching yellow lace lines the v-neck front and is echoed in the underskirt peaking out at the bottom.




The bodice is pulled together by a removable creased sash with white piping lining the outside. It ties together in the back and falls down to the bottom of the skirt line.


I designed the sash to taper off at the sides and be widest in the middle to flatter the figure best.






The underskirt is made of tulle so that the skirt opens up into a generous A-line and as I mentioned earlier has a lace lining peaking out at the bottom.


I was inspired one day while watching the food network. Huh? That's right, specifically Giada's at Home and her limoncello recipe. Everytime I watch her show and see her fabulous springtime recipes and Italian getaways it feels sunny and warm regardless of what season it may be.


Her description of limoncello made me water at the mouth. And what's more spring than gathering outdoors on a warm evening with your friends and enjoying dinner and lemon drinks? Obviously the choice of dress color was born from the inspiration of her lemon drink recipe.


I wanted this dress to be a perfect choice for a fancy lunch with friends or picnic with your husband.



One dilemma was that it had to be a 'spring' dress. Which wouldn't be a problem in the spring but at the moment, everything screams fall. Not that it isn't beautiful, in fact the leaves are Sunday drive worthy. But we had to go to the Hershey Gardens in order to get some good summer flowers. Roses, chrysanthemums, pansies, etc.



My sister was a little uncomfortable with all the extra attention I attract when we do photo shoots. The picnic blanket alone had her more nervous that you'd ever imagine. It was like a giant blue sore thumb in a sea of green grass.


Ideally, I wanted a picnic table with a dish of lemon custard pie and a turquoise blue metal 50s chair with lemons scattered around the table. Perhaps set in front of a wooden blue sided house....or white. Whatever.


Ideally, I also wanted a brunette. Here's a little secret. Chan is totally blonde, has been since I knew her. Here's a more accurate photo. And here's a better one.


I bought a costume wig for her to wear but in the end we decided that Photoshop would work just as well. Personally, I think she looks better as a blonde but I didn't want her hair to blend in with the dress.



It's funny, my sister and I share a father so we are technically 'half' sisters. My mother is Pacific Islander and therefore, we look nothing alike. But seeing how she looks with dark hair makes us appear 'a little' similar. Maybe?


I'd say this dress would fit a size 2-5.




If you'd like to win this dress just link to this post either using the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.


If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.








Create a Link

j.crew, j crew, jcrew, ann taylor, ann taylor loft, modcloth, express, gymboree, the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limited, crewcuts, gap the children's place, gap, baby gap, old navy, the limite

95 {comments}:

Rose and Ivy said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow Kathleen, it is absolutely gorgeous!!!! I love it

Marlya xx

Sarah-Jo said... Best Blogger Tips

WOW! you are a shoe in to win the comp! infact im will be surpirsed if they dont beg you to work for them your designs are always so inventive and beautiful
Your sister makes a gorgeous model and the dress is stunning!

Jane said... Best Blogger Tips

wonderful!!!

Serendipity Handmade + Vintage said... Best Blogger Tips

That dress is INCREDIBLE and I want it!!!

Alice JEans said... Best Blogger Tips

This simply exquisit !! You are utterly amazing - your dress design, creation, photography and your model are the last word in beauty.....breathtaking !

Rach said... Best Blogger Tips

That's amazing... the pictures you do are always so beautiful too.....

I would be very surprised if you don't get snapped up too!!

Rachel x

tooznie said... Best Blogger Tips

What a beautiful dress!

carmel said... Best Blogger Tips

beautiful!! amazing!!
i would love to have a dress like that!

Karin van Dam said... Best Blogger Tips

What a gorgeous dress. It indeed breathes spring, with the sunny yellow. And your sister is a beautiful model!

Kari said... Best Blogger Tips

Honey, it's time for you to enter Project Runway! This dress is the bomb!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

this is so beautiful, I love it. linked

Lynette said... Best Blogger Tips

It's beautiful! I could almost taste the limoncello =)

Deborah said... Best Blogger Tips

I love the detail!!

Cajun Girl Living In The Mountains said... Best Blogger Tips

It's lovely! Even in these chilly months, it could be paired with a white cardigan. =)

Linked!

lpm

lili ash said... Best Blogger Tips

it's BEAUTIFUL!!!
what sweet details, i love it!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

That would never fit over my boobs, but it's gorgeous!! I say you win ;)

Liz Wilcken said... Best Blogger Tips

It is sooo lovely! I would love to have this! :) Hope your pregnancy is going well!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

this is gorgeous...

http://givemeagiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/10/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

Jaime said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm so impressed! It's gorgeous! You are so talented.

www.merrygoroundfamily.blogspot.com

Amy C said... Best Blogger Tips

perfect!!!! I created a link!

Emily said... Best Blogger Tips

So pretty! I posted it on my blog (which is private). I can send you the link if you want (though my blog isn't all that interesting). emmillee@gmail.com

Jessica said... Best Blogger Tips

Is leaving a comment the same as entering the giveaway

Monica said... Best Blogger Tips

I think that is just adorable. Even though I just won the art painting, it wouldn't hurt to try and win this one too. I posted the link on my blog. *sigh* that is so cute.

~Monica

Christina said... Best Blogger Tips

Your work just keeps getting better and better! You are an amazing seamstress/designer!! I hope you win the contest and they make your dress!:)

featherbed said... Best Blogger Tips

wow. what a lovely dress!!! so much detail!

Jilliebeanie said... Best Blogger Tips

Adorable! I posted the giveaway on my blog: http://spoilsofwear.blogspot.com/2009/10/giveaway_26.html

Lola said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh my! This dress is so beautiful! :)

Becks said... Best Blogger Tips

GAH!!! That dress is AMAZING!!!! Unfortunately I'm half Chinese with the world's worst skin tone. I can't wear yellow. Oh how I wish I could get one of these in red or blue or teal or I'd even just take a pattern!!

Grace Wong said... Best Blogger Tips

blogged:
http://sugarrosies.blogspot.com/2009/10/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

shou.milk@gmail.com

Reyna Meinhardt said... Best Blogger Tips

WOW!!! Absolutely beautiful! I would wear this dress so many times as I absolutely love cute dresses!! I blogged here! http://teenfashiondesign.blogspot.com/2009/10/win-adorable-yellow-dress.html

Thanks,
countrystars95@yahoo.com

Savannah O'Gwynn said... Best Blogger Tips

I LOVE LOVE LOVE it--love the color- love the style! GREAT JOB!

Christina Joy said... Best Blogger Tips

So, so pretty. I love the yellow, and I typically hate yellow on me. I might bend the rules for this one. :)

Jennifer Caudle said... Best Blogger Tips

It's so beautiful! I've been reading your blog for a while, but I haven't commented yet. You really inspire me. Thanks for sharing your talents with us!

Ella A. said... Best Blogger Tips

I love everything you make, but that is especially gorgeous. Good luck!!

Bunny B said... Best Blogger Tips

Such a gorgeous dress!

http://bunnymoney9.blogspot.com/2009/10/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

bunnybx at gmail . com

Rebecca Ramsey said... Best Blogger Tips

So pretty and sweet!

Cheilita said... Best Blogger Tips

super gorgeous as usual. fresh feeling for sure and i love the top and bottom trims! clap clap clap!

Mandy, Dustin and Thomas said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow. I love this dress! Have to have it!! Would be perfect for are family spring pictures!!!

Nicole said... Best Blogger Tips

This dress is beautiful! I love the splash of spring, a nice break from this cold wet weather of late.

*nicole

Myshell said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh I love Shabby Apple....good luck and link love coming your way.

Cheers!
Myshell

Stacie said... Best Blogger Tips

If I have ever wanted to win one of your give-aways more than ever, this is the one! i love it!!

Tiffany said... Best Blogger Tips

This is so cute!!!! My SIL would look so nice in this dress I really want to win it for her.

Jeri said... Best Blogger Tips

Good luck to you.

Good luck to me! I'd love to own this dress. =)

QT Kiddo said... Best Blogger Tips

Gotta have it! My fave color! :) Make it size 5 please and send it my way :)

Roxy

Melanie said... Best Blogger Tips

here's my post...you did a gorgeous job at conveying shabby apple's vision

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/10/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

Jeanie Chang said... Best Blogger Tips

I so see this selling at modcloth or anthropologie. lovely.

Linked: http://www.tumblr.com/dashboard

Mochi Needlecraft Home said... Best Blogger Tips

Superb!! Very Pretty dress!! You're soo talented, and pretty, and all that, what a blessing. I put a link in my blog. It's my new blog, i hope it'll grow well.

http://mochi-diary.blogspot.com/2009/10/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

Sonia

Kim said... Best Blogger Tips

Beautiful! I hope you win the contest so I can buy one! :)

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

You are so talented....I love lemon anything, and this dress is gorgeous, I REALLY hope I win this one! I posted/linked on my blog. www.knitsandreads.blogspot.com

noreen said... Best Blogger Tips

I linked
I love thise dress, perfect for my bday

Cindy said... Best Blogger Tips

This dress is truly gorgeous... I am in awe! Thank you so much for giving us the chance to win it. You're the best! :)

I linked, btw.

Nikki said... Best Blogger Tips

This dress is AMAZING! I created a link on my sidebar.
http://naturesheirloom.blogspot.com/

Tracy said... Best Blogger Tips

I am in lurve!
Posted!
http://fotogirlie.blogspot.com/2009/10/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

Victoria said... Best Blogger Tips

So beautiful! And it's made of Swiss dot :D ::swoons::

Anne said... Best Blogger Tips

This is gorgeous, you are amazingly talented. Sadly I'm not a size 2-5, but my daughter is, so I'm creating a link to win it for her. I hope you win the contest.

Kelley said... Best Blogger Tips

OMG seriously, I love it! posting and creating a link is in the works at tisforturtle.blogspot.com

I am soooo in love, can't wait to wear it ( if I win it!!)

C said... Best Blogger Tips

Really beautiful!


Blogged!


http://brochazosdemi.blogspot.com/2009/10/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

Laura said... Best Blogger Tips

LOVE LOVE LOVE! NEEED! lol. Dreamy.

Lynette said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm so in love with this dress!

http://mycreativefling.blogspot.com/2009/11/grosgrain-giveaway.html

QT Kiddo said... Best Blogger Tips

I entered but I forgot to put my link to my blog:

http://roxyrobison.blogspot.com/

Pick me!! Roxy

Widiger Family said... Best Blogger Tips

I hope there's still time to enter this giveaway because I love the dress and color.
http://ourfamilyisaworkofheart.blogspot.com/2009/11/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

Megan said... Best Blogger Tips

Beautiful and bright. I love it!
Here is my link:
http://fabrogers.blogspot.com/2009/11/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

Stephanie said... Best Blogger Tips

Shabby Apple would be CRAZY if they didn't beg you to design for them! www.kookaloo.blogspot.com

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm keeping my fingers crossed! I love it!

linked here:
http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/10/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

MCC said... Best Blogger Tips

Gosh, I love this one too!

Here's my link for this giveaway!

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/10/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

jaquelyn {mama thoughts} said... Best Blogger Tips

Absolutely lovely! It's on the blog:

petuniasaysgiveaways.blogspot.com

thesweetestpetunia AT gmail DOT com

Lauren H said... Best Blogger Tips

LOVE this dress!

laurenhiggsharris.blogspot.com

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Posted here- http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/10/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

LOVE LOVE LOVE the neck details :)

ashley said... Best Blogger Tips

I was referred to your blog from a friend and you are SO talented, I'm sure you're gonna win! I just love your dresses! Absolutely beautiful!

ashley said... Best Blogger Tips

I was referred to your blog from a friend and you are SO talented, I'm sure you're gonna win! I just love your dresses! Absolutely beautiful!

Hannah & Holly said... Best Blogger Tips

"Linked!" I hope I win this lovely dress! :)
~Holly

Lucie said... Best Blogger Tips

it's absolutely gorgeous....LAupperlee@sheppardpratt.org

Den grå pimpernell said... Best Blogger Tips

what a lovely dress!!

Jinii said... Best Blogger Tips

I love this dress. I have linked up but if I do not win could I pay you to make me one? I am not kidding on that.

jinii_boren@yahoo.com

♥Anna Marie♥ said... Best Blogger Tips

Gorgeous dress!

http://annamarienm80.blogspot.com/2009/11/limoncello-dress-giveaway.html

♥Lola said... Best Blogger Tips

This is a gorgeous dress! ♥

http://sweetnightingalesing.blogspot.com/2009/11/limoncello-frock-giveaway.html

The Blond said... Best Blogger Tips

So cute. XOXO
http://crazyblondlife.blogspot.com/2009/11/limoncello-dress-giveaway.html

♥Mrs. Blue Eyes♥ said... Best Blogger Tips

I am in love with this dress!

http://rachaelblueeyes.blogspot.com/2009/11/limoncello-dress-giveaway.html

vikingmom said... Best Blogger Tips

I linked you
http://purplepockets.blogspot.com/

David and Shalynna said... Best Blogger Tips

This dress reminds me of a movie I watched as a child called Summer Magic. It's a random Disney movie that wasn't very popular, but for some reason my family was obsessed with it. One of the characters wears a beautiful little yellow dress similar to this. If I won this I would first cry with tears of joy and then I'd wear it while watching Summer Magic (of course this would have to be after December since I'm pregnant too!).

♥Jennette♥ said... Best Blogger Tips

This is so beautiful, I am amazed!
jennette6963@msn.com
I created a link!
http://thegiveawayplace.blogspot.com/2009/11/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html

Liquidambar Studio said... Best Blogger Tips

I can't believe all the fine detailing - what beautiful work! I added a link on my blog - www.liquidambarstudio.blogspot.com
contact@liquidambarstudio.com

Tsu Lin + + said... Best Blogger Tips

**GOBSMACKED!** For someone like me who has a crippled hand for sewing (Can't sew to save my life), I salute and admire your talent.

I love the intricate detail of the top and you're right, limoncello really is a tempting colour!

>> Greetings from London : Tsu Lin
Linked here

brandilyn said... Best Blogger Tips

I love this one, too! The yellow os SO fun and would look gorgeous with a little sprng tan :) I've linked to you on my blog:

http://stationwagonhaynes.blogspot.com

Decor To Adore said... Best Blogger Tips

I adore this dress! I am saddened that it was not in the running.

I hope you do well with your other entry.

janil said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh, my god!!!!!It's gorgeous!!!!

pistolpackinmama said... Best Blogger Tips

never disappointed. Linked.

Bekki said... Best Blogger Tips

Fantastic as always....linked

HeidiGrace said... Best Blogger Tips

Beautiful dress! I linked to this... :) Hope I win!

Heidi

Tiffany said... Best Blogger Tips

prettyyyyyy.. <3 I blogged about it

http://thisandthatways.blogspot.com/2009/11/shabby-apple-dare-to-design-limoncello.html#comments

spring sprang sprung said... Best Blogger Tips

WOW! so cute!I had and idea in my head like this for ages! but t so much better than I could have ever done

LKP said... Best Blogger Tips

scrumptiously divine!
reminds me of a glorious lemon tart i fell in love with the other night. as in fell in love with it so much i couldn't bare to buy it & eat it. it was much much too perfect in the chilled case. so i sat & stared at it for a while & then ate a raspberry tart while i continued to stare at the lovely lemon tart & it's delightful blackberries just floating atop the lemon custard crust!
i know you this is from a post last fall, but it is PERFECT for right now! =)

Midnight Cowgirl said... Best Blogger Tips

So pretty!

Danni said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh so pretty!

StarryA said... Best Blogger Tips

That is such a beautiful dress! Yellow is my favourite colour and I'd love to win it! Blogged here:

http://www.andhavingwritmoveson.blogspot.com

 
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