The Year of the Dress

It's freezing cold here in the UK with thick snow on the ground. I've got a stinking cold and a sore throat which is making me sound like Patty and Selma from The Simpsons.  In an effort to cheer myself up and inject a bit of femininity into my testosterone-ridden house (they're all currently watching Top Gear after a session of stunt sledging), I thought I'd talk about dresses today. 

To start things off, I'd like to confidently predict that 2012 will be the year of the dress.  Not just for me personally, but for the world at large. Primarily because of the V & A's forthcoming exhibition - Ballgowns: British Glamour since 1950.  

Need I say more?  Everything I love most all condensed into one exhibition.  I'm not exaggerating when I say I'm already dreaming about it…

So why do I love dresses so much?  It could be the fact that an entire outfit is sorted in one fell swoop.  Or that they're indisputably feminine.  Or perhaps because no matter how plain and simple the shape and design, one always feels just that bit more dressed up when wearing a dress.  I nod my head to all these reasons, but above all, I love dresses just because they're so pretty!  Here are a few of my favourites.... 

My all time favourite: Lauren's beautiful polka dot Ceylon dress

Julia Bobbin's gorgeous gingham Peggy dress

Scruffy Badger's flirty vintage pattern gingham dress 

Casey's breathtaking floral print Swing Dress

For me, if a dress features polka dots, gingham, an old fashioned floral print or a vintage vibe, then I'm smiling.  Thus inspired, here are my dress plans for the year.

A Peony Dress

I haven't seen a version of this dress that isn't totally gorgeous, but I think my favourite would have to be Roisin's.  

I love the floral print and the way she's styled it - especially the handbag!  I've also chosen a floral print for my version (hhmm, a rose print, surprise, surprise!)  

I'm about half way through making mine and it's looking good so far….

A Gingham Dress

I simply love blue gingham, preferably with red accents. 

Scruffy Badger and I in matching gingham, courtesy of Tilly and the Buttons

Having seen Scruffy Badger's dress in real life, I can confirm it's a stunner.  I want one…. Not sure what pattern to use though, maybe another Peony? Then I can do red piping….

A Polka Dot Dress

Maybe something simple using this McCall's "quickie" pattern?  With a matching head scarf if you're lucky.

A Classic Shirt Dress

I'd like to give this Vogue pattern a try.  

It's certainly not a quickie, more of a "longy", but isn't it a beaut?  I'm quite tempted to use this Boden dress as inspiration and make mine in linen….  

Boden Weekender dress

I could go on (and on and on and on) but that might have to be it for the moment - I don't like planning too precisely or too far ahead when it comes to sewing.  It will be interesting to see just what my final frock tally turns out to be.  How about you?  What dresses/patterns inspire you?  I'd love to know so I can steal your ideas gain further inspiration! 

I feel much better now, that little interlude definitely seems to have done the trick.  Happy Sunday everybody and keep warm! x