Which one is from Anthropologie? Ha, just kidding. As you all know, I have a thing for lace and when I saw the above dress from Anthropologie, I wanted it in the worst way. The lace is gorgeous, but the style is a bit edgy, a must have if you ask me! But the price tag stopped me in my tracks. $728.00. Okay, it might be worth it with all of those gorgeous layers of lace, carefully sewn in place. But, hey, we can do that; am I right? Enter the Pattern Review Bargainista contest, just the motivation I needed to get it done! 
I used Simplicity 1699 as my basic template for this dress.
It’s a simple design, a peplum top or dress with raglan sleeves and a simple rounded neck line. Since, I’d made it before I knew it would fit me, freeing me to focus on the design elements I wanted instead.
First, even though the Anthropologie dress is one piece I saw it more as a skirt and top. So I split the dress at the bodice and added a waistband to make it a skirt.
Then, I started in on the bodice/top. I cut the lining pattern pieces first then cut corresponding pieces from the lace (contrasting pieces of white lace, purchased at Joanns.) and sewed them together. I wanted a v-neck, so I cut that too.
Once I had the basic bodice constructed, I took little bits of lace and layered them over the first layers of lace, focussing on placing eye popping elements on the princess seams and neckline. Then, I finished the seams, added a zipper and hemmed the bodice so that it would be a top that could be tucked in or worn out.
By the time all that detail work was completed, I was ready for simple tasks. I was glad the process for the skirt was much easier. I just cut it from the lace, added a waistband, and lined it – phew!
The process of layering the lace on the bodice/top took some time, but it was so satisfying. Deciding where the bits of lace should go was fun, and hand stitching them into place was a calming process. I often forget just how therapeutic hand stitching is!
The good news? My new dress/ensemble is close enough to the original that my credit card is no longer in danger of being used.
- Here’s how the costs broke down using the Pattern Review contest formula – – Column dress designed by Byron Lars for Anthropologie – – $728.00
- 2.5 Yard Fabric for lining (top and skirt) – Joanns – $12.99 per yard on sale for $9.00 x 2.5= $22.50
- white lace fabric; (3) 1/2 yard pieces for contrast on bodice front and back (1.5 yds total) $6.99 X 1.5 = $10.48
- Black Lace for skirt overlay 1.5 yards x 12.99 yard on sale for 9.00 = 13.5
- 18” zipper for top – $2.99
- Bits of lace for top embellishment purchased at a thrift store – $5.00
- 7” zipper for skirt (invisible) $3.99
- Total: 58.46
- $728.00 – $58.46 = 669.54
- $669.54 / $728.00 = .91969 =91.9 % savings
There’s nothing like a Pattern Review Contest to get the creative juices flowing. Be sure to follow the link to check out all of the entries – there are some amazing creations and some incredible Bargainista’s out there!
Happy sewing and thanks for stopping by!
