navy ball glamour
[ be sure to click for a larger view and more details! ]
After weeks of work, last minute scrambling, and generally cursing waiting until the last moment to start this dress, I finished it! The Navy Ball was this past Friday evening, and I literally finished the last bits (namely the necklace) the day before. hehe! I swear: next year I’m getting my act together sooner!
[ be sure to click for a larger view and more details! ]
How can I begin to describe our evening? If you’ve ever been to a military ball, you probably know how glamorous all the women look in their evening finest, and how handsome all the guys are in their dress uniforms. Sailor Husband wore his dress whites (basically the same as the blues he wore to our wedding, only white!) with full medals and ribbons. He was quite a sight–especially since I had never seen him in this uniform! lol. We had an absolutely glorious time: mingling with other Navy couples, the dinner was tasty (although the dessert was a bit lacking. But I have a very picky sweet tooth. haha!), the toasts were long, and the dancing was fun! Despite my utter lack of dance floor skills (yes, I do not know how to dance. Although we’re planning on signing up for a swing class this winter!), I think that was the most fun at the end of the night. hehe!
[ be sure to click for a larger view and more details! ]
My dress turned out beyond what I could imagine… Towards the end of this project, I had a hard time with envisioning just how it was going to come together–for a bit I worried that it was looking too much like it was homemade. Once everything was together and on, it really transformed into a beautiful, glamorous evening ensemble. (Be sure to click on any of the photos for more in depth descriptions.) However, I think the real hit of the evening was my hair! I originally thought about doing something a bit more authentic to the period, but talked myself out of that since I didn’t want to look costume-y (hence the slightly more modern makeup too). So I found a fantastic tutorial on YouTube and adapted it to my hair length. It took a bit of time, but I love how soft and romantic, yet still tailored it looks.
[ be sure to click for a larger view and more details! ]
The highlight of the evening had to be when we had our portraits taken. It’s a fairly standard practice at military balls (or so I’m told) to have professional studio photographers take portraits of the couples attending, so we were sure to get ours done. They looked really great from the snippets I saw (they’ll make great gifts for our parents), and to top it off: the photographer was so taken with my head-to-toe look, he asked me to sneak away a bit later to have some solo portraits done! I took the opportunity after dinner (during the long speeches) to dash back over to the photography area, and we took a ton of both retro model style and pin up pictures. Loads of fun! I cannot wait to see how those turned out. hehe!
[ be sure to click for a larger view and more details! ]
So that was my little stint at the glamorous world of a gala event. I can’t wait ’til next year–even though this sewing project pretty much wiped me out the past two weeks! lol.
Posted on October 4th, 2009 to life, sewing.
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when fall comes a-knocking… »103 lovely thoughts to “navy ball glamour”
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Sam says:
you are so cute! your dress is absolutely STUNNING and i really love the way you styled your hair. that sounds like so much fun!
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Jassy says:
So lovely and elegant! You are so lucky to be so talented! I’m so glad the dress was a success and the night too!
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lsaspacey says:
Wow, wow, wow!!! It looks fantastic, the fit of the bodice is perfection, and your makeup looks like it was airbrushed it is so well done. Great job, you look fantastic.
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OdetteO says:
Wow! The dress is beyond wonderful – I can’t get over the fact that you made it. I love your hair & makeup – they look very movie star to me. The jet beads are perfect – & I love that you got your shoes at payless! (Who says you can’t be incredibly chic on a budget.)
How wonderful that you get to go to a ball every year.
BTW, I came across this online pattern for a vintage couture dress today on the Victoria & Albert Museum website & wondered if it was something you’d like (it reminds me of other dresses you’ve sewn):
http://www.vam.ac.uk/vastatic/microsites/1486_couture/create.php -
Stephanie says:
Wow, you look stunning! The dress is amazing and the hair so lovely. You and your hubby should definitely take up swing dancing, it’s a hoot!
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Elizabeth says:
Wow! I am so impressed with your dress. It is absolutely spectacular and you wear it well. You must have been the belle of the ball.
Thanks for sharing the pics.
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vintage_mck says:
Wow – the dress is beautiful and so amazing, and you look goregous as well! Thank you for sharing!
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Hana says:
Whoa! I can’t believe how beautiful your gown turned out! You look abosulutely stunning, like you stepped out of a fairytale or movie =). It sounds like you had a magical evening! Thank you for posting all the pictures!
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Jamie Z says:
I feel like I’m being repetitive, but WOW. I don’t know what else to say. The dress is amazing, you look amazing, and I’m sure your husband thought the same
. I’m so impressed with your work. -
reilly says:
Absolutely stunning, Casey! I’m glad you had a great time!
I asked my husband about Air Force balls and apparently they are nowhere near as elegant as Navy ones.
Boo! haha -
Rosie says:
You look so amazing! It is too perfect!
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Erin says:
Casey,
You and the dress look fabulous!!!
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Ashe Mischief says:
Oh My God! Casey, you look amazing, and did you a spectacular/smashing/phenomenal job on the dress! A modern day Sabrina you are! I can’t get over how well you did on the dress– I doubt anyone would know you made it yourself, and your hair and make up complement it beautifully.
Also, how fun about the photographer! I bet that made you feel like ten million bucks.
/drooling fan girl
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Lauren says:
What a gorgeous dress! And it suits you very well. Your hair was lovely too. Sounds like you had a fabulous time! I wish I had opportunities to get all dolled up like that.
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Drisana says:
Casey, you look wonderful!! What a glamorous dress, and I adore the way you did your hair. Glad you had a great time! =)
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Lauren says:
You are beyond beautiful in that gown! It was worth all the hard work- it looks just like a dream! I really love your hairstyle, too- when mine grows out a bit I’d love to give that a try. I’m so glad you and your sailor husband had a lovely time!
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Rhiannon says:
You look so beautiful!! Congratulations on the dress–it’s just wonderful. I love how you can see the Audrey Hepburn/Givenchy influence you talked about, but then also how you turned it into something unique and completely you!
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Paige says:
FANTASTIC! This is so beautiful, and your sewing skills are great. I’m so impressed, and I can’t wait to see the pictures from the impromptu photo shoot.
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Cedar says:
Holy smokes! You look stunning. I wish I had sewing skills like yours!
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Livy says:
So beautiful! I love the whole look. You did such an amazing job on your hair – I thought for sure you had it done. Utterly glamorous.
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Julia says:
Casey, you look utterly gorgeous!! I wondered how the whole thing would look together when you first described it coz the train and bodice were different fabrics – but it looks just stunning. Your entire look (hair, makeup, jewelry) was just fabulous and so elegant! As always, your taste never falters
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Andi B. Goode says:
Oh, Casey, you did such a wonderful job on that dress! You look absolutely beautiful. And your hair looks fab, too.
-Andi x -
Darlene says:
You look stunning! Perfect makeup. You must have gotten tons of compliments!
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Kaileigh says:
WOW, that dress looks amazing, and even more incredible that you made it yourself!
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Heather says:
Oh Casey! Everything is just gorgeous! You, your hair, the dress, the necklace! : ) The entire post made me smile. I love the first close-up picture… there’s something so princess like in your pose.
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Mel says:
OMG THAT DRESS IS AMAZING!!! I’m so happy it turned out so lovely for you!
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Cindy says:
You look beautiful and the dress is so glamourous! Would you please post a pic sometime of just the sheath dress? Congratulations on a job well done!
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Theresa says:
It’s more than wonderful! Breathtaking! I wish you a wonderful, wonderful ball!
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Kassie says:
Oh gosh!
Your dress came out so wonderful, and your whole look was gorgeous!
Can’t wait to see the couples photos
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Jenny-Rose says:
Casey – you looked stunning! The frock, the hair, the make-up – ahh you looked beyond fabulous! So fun to finally see that fabric made up, after sitting in your parents basement for so long – aren’t you glad you kept it now?!
I can’t wait to see the formal portrait with L – I still love looking at the ones of my parents at similar events. A very hearty well done! -
Sorcière Camomille says:
This is wonderful ! You’re at your best ! Really really beautiful, I’m amazed.
And really glad you had a great night. Félicitations ! -
Fiona says:
Wow, you are amazing! That dress is wonderful and you look fantastic in it! Lovely hair-do too!
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Lise says:
WOW!!! You look gorgeous! Bet Sailor Husband couldn’t take his eyes off you that evening!
As it comes to your dress, it is really wonderful and you wore it so well with the make-up, hair-do and jewelry. You should be very proud of it.
Will there be a possibility for us readers to see the pictures from the photographer?
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Sara says:
I am speechless. Your gown is absolutely beautiful! I love the beaded trim the most. Amazing work!
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Jane says:
I absolutely love your dress! you did great work (-:
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Karin says:
That is a very lovely dress you made. And it looks wonderful on you, especially styled the way you are, with the 40′s hair and look. Beautiful, good job!
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Nadja says:
Everything looks absolutely stunning! You are so beautiful, the dress is gorgeous and your hair is awesome! I hope you had a wonderfull evening!
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Erika says:
That is just wonderful! Gorgeous dress, and I love what you did with your hair! What a compliment to have the photographer ask for a chance to take more pictures of you, that doesn’t sound like it happens to often =) I’m so happy for you that you got the dress ready, and that you felt so good wearing it. Isn’t it wonderful when hard works really pays off and the doubts are laid to rest? You are a great seamstress!
There wasn’t much dancing at the only military ball I’ve been to, but I really liked the historical dancing =) I’m so exicted you’re signing up for a swing dance class, lindy hop is my favorite dance in the world (I’ve only been dancing it for a few years) and I’m sure you’ll have loads of fun with it!
Hope you’ll have a great week, and congrats again on the marvelous hair and dress! -
Stéphanie says:
Just beautiful !
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Erin Le Clerc says:
What a magnificent gown! You look absolutely beautiful and the dress is just… beyond description! I’m glad you had such a lovely evening and you deserve every compliment you get!
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mscleaver says:
It turned out beautifully – all your hard work paid off in a fantastic dress!
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Kitten says:
Absolutely amazing! The whole look is just marvelous and movie-star like. I’m glad that you had a good time too, and that photographer wanting to take more pictures, how flattering is that?!
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Shannon says:
Amazing! I am so impressed with your final product and you look just gorgeous all around. I love how you updated the look a bit. There is nothing more fresh and striking than taking a retro style and updating it. Fabulous!! And the fact that you got a little extra recognition is perfect.
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mjb says:
Such a wonderful project and you looked great!
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Claire says:
Wow. Your look and dress–it’s all amazing. Congratulations on a job well done. I have a gala coming up for the film festival I work for. Unfortunately I do not possess your talent or charm so I’m whipping out an old prom dress and hoping there is no record of the evening. Again. Amazing work. Thanks for sharing!
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Audrey says:
Casey, what an amazing job! Just absolutely gorgeous! Your hair looks wonderful too. Very well done with mixing retro with modern. Great job!
I remember military balls quite well. Yes, they were very heavy in the speeches. What a bore! But it wouldn’t be the military if they didn’t have all the top brass patting each other on the back!
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Steph in Canada says:
The dress is absolutely stunning! Even better than I imagined it would be.
Can’t wait to see the professional photos!
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Emily says:
It’ stunning! You did great job and I love the color and your hair and make up are perfect.
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Gordita says:
Absolutely amazing. You look gorgeous and the dress is breathtaking.
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ashley says:
I am in utter amazement. The details are absolutely beautiful and that hairstyle is so similar to something I was just requested to do on my channel…I favorited the tutorial! Excellent!
Lovely girl…
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Genevieve says:
You look absolutely gorgeous. The design and workmanship of the dress are beautiful, of course, but what really stands out to me is the fit. Incredibly well done. Also, unsuprisingly (for you), it is SO well-styled; the length and weight of the necklace are just right to complement the dress and your decolletage. So impressed!
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Joelle says:
Abosolutely breathtaking! You should be so thrilled with yourself for creating such a beautiful gown, then accessorising it so well with the perfect jewellry, make up and particularly hair. I am seriously going to try that hair style sometime, but I dont think I can hope for it to look as beautiful as that.
Your husband must have been proud to have the most stylish and pretty woman on his arm -
Eunice says:
Wow!!! I love how your dress turned out. And please post the pictures you took at the ball if you can, or at least the ones you took by your self.
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Amanda Nicole says:
Wow… Just – wow! You are so incredibly gorgeous, and the dress couldn’t fit and suit you more perfectly! Love the hair and make-up too
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Sydney says:
You look beautiful Casey! and your dress turned out ravishing!
XOXO,
Syd -
Amanda says:
Oh. My. God.
It’s absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Flabbergasting.
How I wish I was as talented.
Dear me. *Sigh*
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Maegan says:
You looked fantastic!!! And I am so jealous of your mad skillz! Lol…I am also very nervous of the day I have to go to a military ball! At least Navy uniforms are white…in the Army you have to be careful about the color of your dress b/c red & white can make you look very Christmas-y.
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Polly Farthing says:
Wow! I really can’t believe that you made that dress – but of course I know that you did because I am aware that you are an incredible seamstress. You really truly have a rare and wonderful talent.
Polly x
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Josie says:
Wow! Completely Amazing! You did such a fantastic job, congratulations!! You look so beautiful!
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Erin says:
Wow. Wowee wow wow. Casey, you really outdid yourself! The gown is gorgeous, and you are stunning, as per usual. I can’t believe you were able to sew that up so fast! It would take me months to complete such a detailed garment. How many hours do you think you spent on it?
Have you thought about posting more of a blow-by-blow about how this dress came together? Please consider highlighting some of the techniques and directions (Web sites, magazines, books, etc.) you used. As a novice sewer, I would find it helpful.
Can’t wait to see your formal pics! You are an inspiration.
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Leah says:
Oh my gosh Casey! It’s truly outstanding. And looks perfect on you. I’m glad it was a pleasing night – especially considering how much work you put into the dress!
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Renee says:
Oh my gosh! So glamorous! I just love it’s old world charm/class. You’re a delight.
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Jennifer says:
Oh my word, good job Casey – the gown is beautiful! Needless to say, you look stunning as well.
I’m glad you had a good time! -
Gabreial says:
Wow, there is no way anyone’s dress compared. UH-MAZING! The gown was drop dead and your hair, beautiful.
xox Gabreial -
Erica says:
Wowzers that dress is amazing! I cannot believe you sewed that yourself – I am in awe!
Also in awe of your hair and the fact you did it yourself – nice work! -
Melissa says:
Casey, the dress is GORGEOUS! You look really beautiful in it too, and I love the hairdo. Audrey Hepburn and Givenchy would approve, I’m sure.
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Nicole says:
O this dress turned out amazing! I’m a sewer also, so I definitely know how much hard work this took. You hard work definitely paid off!
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Meg says:
It’s so beautiful Casey! You did a really fantastic job. =)
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Emma Wallace says:
Stunning!
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Esz says:
Wooooww! You look amazing! That dress is just perfect and fits you so well. Stunning
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Lizzy says:
Wow, your dress is beyond amazing! It is breathtakingly gorgeous, it does not look homemade at all, and your look came together so amazingly. I adore your hairstyle (thanks for providing the link to the video that inspired it/that you modeled it after), it is so simple and elegant, it added perfectly to your dress without taking away from it, as did you necklace!
I’m glad you and your husband had such a lovely time Can’t wait to see what dress you put together for next year! -
Tanya says:
I’ve been eagerly awaiting photos of the finished dress and wow – it came out beautifully! I can’t believe you made that dress. You looked gorgeous!
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Betty Lou says:
you’re so beautiful! and the dress is like a dream!
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Marie says:
Oh, you look so wonderful! Your gown is amazing and you’re right about the hair. You did such a fabulous job, and it’s no wonder the photographer wanted some extra pics of you! My goodness! Lucky Sailor Husband!
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Emily Anne says:
I can’t get over how beautiful the whole look is! It’s amazing what people can do for themselves in creating exactly what they want.
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Alyssa says:
Congratulations on the success of your dress! It really is quite stunning, and I’m still amazed at all that beadwork you did.
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Jill says:
Beautiful Casey! I love your confidence in your ability and style and I think you help free it in others!!
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Katie C. says:
Your dress turned out lovely!!! You look pretty!!
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Kelly says:
Oh, it’s so so beautiful! I absolutely love it! You’re so crafty, creative and GOOD at what you do!
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catherine_sr says:
This is fantastic! I really love how you combine thriftiness and meticulous detailing and handwork in your all your sewing projects… also the way you put together modern and vintage styles… I definitely see those things as your signature!
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Fleur says:
OH Casey! How wonderful! You look absolutely amazing and I am in awe of your skills. Just smashing
)) -
Anabela says:
I am in awe. You are an inspiration. What a stunning dress — and the picture of you in profile is beautiful.
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Whitney says:
Wow. Utterly amazing! Did you use a vintage pattern as well, or design one?
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Ann says:
I’m impressed! I wish I had half your sewing/design talent.
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Peldyn says:
I really meant to check in sooner but between Twenty Mule Team Days, the grand babies and one entire day of doctor’s visits and blood tests I almost forgot about your Ball! I must say you have outdone yourself with the dress and I am especially impressed with your hair. It looks so lovely. Brava madame, brava.
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Christina says:
WOW – stunning dress, Casey!
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Solanah says:
Wow! You look stunning! You did a really, really, fantastic job and it sounds like the ball was so much fun!
xoxo
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eyeliah says:
This turned out so epic, I am beyond impressed – wow wow!
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jolene says:
wow i’ll have to admit i was a little scared for you with the time constraint but it turned out so wonderful!!! Sounds like you had a wonderful evening as well just like conderella…only your your own fairy godmothere lol
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Gypsygirl says:
I can only dream to be as talented with a sewing machine as you are! This is absolutely stunning!
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Nadia says:
Oh wow! it turned out lovelier than I could have ever imagined. The fabric for the train really is beautiful!
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Alexandra says:
Holy Smokes sister, you look STUNNNNNING!! Wow! That is amazing. I can only imagine how fun this event was, and i’m sure your hubs looked dapper as can be. So beautiful!!
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Andrea says:
It looks amazing! You did such a great job!
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Dusky Ledoux says:
This is more beautiful than i even imagined it to be! (And i imagined it to be STUNNING!) You look so gorgeous!! I can’t believe the functionality of it too. I love how you can detach the train, and also how you can tie it up to dance! It’s exactly the kind of thing anyone would want to buy (but cant… because the shops just don’t make them this good!)… and the beading?! WOW! Gush gush gush gush. I think it’s incredible! Well done lady
you are so talented!
xxx -
alicepleasance says:
It turned out marvellous! I had no doubts indeed
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April says:
Frankly, my dear, that is the most stunning Navy Ball gown I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot of them.
the end.
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Christina says:
Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Lookingglassgirl says:
October 12th, 2009 at 10:53 am
That is a beautiful dress!
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Elissa of Spandexpony says:
Wow, absolutely stunning dress! Your skill is amazing! You musta been the belle of the ball!
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Christina Thompson says:
Such a beautiful dress. I wish I would have thought vintage when I was planning my wedding.
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mary catherine says:
jaw-dropping. i can’t believe you made that dress but you look just stunning IN IT. beautiful work. what a darling girl you are!!
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Denise says:
Wow, that turned out nice. I stumbled upon your blog because I was looking to make this very same dress for my wedding! I did have one question: what width of fabric did you use for the overskirt? I imagine at least 50″ or so. If you have any tips, I’d love to have them!
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Lori says:
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:01 am
Just wandered over…you look AMAZING! Just wondering how the other portraits turned out.
Thank you ever so much for taking time to share your comment! Although I try to answer questions, I am not always able to respond to each comment individually. But please know that I appreciate from the bottom of my heart every comment I receive!