pics of the bodice

[madamemodiste]

God, I can't decide on trim for the bodice!! Everything I choose seems 'too much'. I want this to be able to go with other things, so don't want to trim it to go specifically with anything. So ruffles are wrong, lace is wrong...I even tried the bead strings to drape over my shoulders from the straps. The only thing that seemed ok was some black satin ribbon bows at the top of the shoulder strap. That seemed to be a consistent trim chice for ball gown bodices, and a plain satin ribbon is safe.

I can always use brooches and necklaces to jazz it up. I could also use temporary trim like a lace sash going from one shoulder to the opposite waistline and end in a bow or flower.

The pictures really don't do this gown justice. I had the same problem with my silver and black stripe 1870's bustle gown. I tried to lighten the pics to get detail.





I took the mannequin outside and had better luck

Comments

[vienna-la-rouge.livejournal.com]

Very pretty!
And ooh how I love that stripey over-skirt ;-)

xoxo

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

I ended up taking Emily outside for a photo shoot and added those pics. A little better, but still not like real life :)

[weyakin.livejournal.com]

I actually think the bodice looks lovely just as it is! :-) The whole thing is really nice.

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Yeah, I think the wow factor is in the overskirt :)

I added some more pics. I took Emily outside :)

[tayloropolis.livejournal.com]

This is beautiful! I love the stately black paired with the flamboyant stripes! Stunning.

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Yes, the showpiece of this outfit is the over skirt:) There will eventually be a day bodice with 3/4 sleeves that has the stripes incorporated into collar and sleeves, but it's too hot for that at the moment!

[johannajanette.livejournal.com]

I just want to apologize for not commenting very much on your sewing filter/journal. I am such a beginner that I feel like all I can do is admire (drool over) your work. But maybe I'll pick up a thing or two, too, if I ever get back to sewing!

Anyhow, sorry about the lack of feedback, but I find all of your ensembles to be awe-inspiring!

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

You don't have to know how to sew to comment, I swear. I appreciate comments like "pretty" or "great job" or "wow, that sounds annoying, but I'm glad you figured it out". My personal favorite is, "I'll send you $5,000 for that gown!". See? No sewing experience necessary! ;)

[valleyviolet.livejournal.com]

I can see your dilemma. It's lovely but it definitely doesn't need much in the way of trimmings!

I could see a single row of midi braid or perhaps a very discreet ruffle of red or black lace around the neckline, but I don't think it could take much more than that.

I love how the striped wash overskirt came out! :D

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

I like the idea of the midi braid...I sadly don't have any. Ah, well. I didn't want to add any color to the bodice so it can be used with other skirts, so that's why I kept any red out.

Glad you like it as is...thank you!

[valleyviolet.livejournal.com]

You could make yourself a corsage of silk flowers to pin on. Then you could bring in the red, but still remove it to make the bodice more versatile. :)

[madamekat.livejournal.com]

Ooooh, excellent idea!!! Thank you!!

[anny-vonuebel.livejournal.com]

I would suggest to leave it at that, plain. The shape is fantastic, and you can add matching accessories to complete the outfit, e.g. a superb (black-red?) collar, gloves with red accents, one of your beautiful hats and so on.
Or you try to handcraft an appliqué (beaded lace?) that can be adjusted to the neckline, which can be done matching every color you want to combine the bodice with.
Just some ideas...

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

All good ideas! Thank you!

[spangle-kitten.livejournal.com]

If it was me I'd do a gigantic chiffon collar and more lace billowing from the back. But then I am allergic to subtlety ;p

It is very very lovely though.

Just to add a bit of something, you could French/bias bind the bottom and neckline with a dark purple or red binding just to give a bit of colour, or stick to black binding to give a subtle change of tone/texture...

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Miss!

I wanted to keep color out so I can use this same bodice with just about any skirt I have. I can always pin ribbons or sashes in color to bring it out if need be.

I think I would like to put some subtle braiding on, so next time I'm getting trim, I'll pick some up.

I loved the lace I held up to the neckline, but some of my skirts are less frou frou and more tailored looking, so I didn't want to limit the bodice's potential. Though I'm not into matchy-matchy, I can't help but feel if the bodice has lace, the skirt should have it somewhere, too.

[evinumen.livejournal.com]

good gods this is soo beautiful! Are you wearing it at Dracula's ? I like the bodice as is but maybe matching the trim of the overskirt for it would be a good idea.
I 'll have to hire you as a stylist for a photoshoot in the near future...

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Yes, this is my DB gown for tomorrow night. I was originally inspired by the gown Mina Harker wears towards the end of the movie when she goes to the insane asylum. She wears a black and white bustle gown...black and white striped overskirt, black underskirt. I have plans to make the matching day bodice incorporating the blk & red striped fabric, but when I found out the heat wave was coming back, I decided to make a sleeveless bodice instead.

[ainos2.livejournal.com]

I say that this is great as is. If you would like to add a bit more balance, wear a red pendant/brooch or something red in your hair, or on a hat if you will be wearing one.

[madamemodiste.livejournal.com]

Ooooh, I love the idea of the red brooch! Where can I find a red sparkly rhinestone brooch by tomorrow night??? Perhaps something red on the hat will be easier to do. Maybe I'll grab some red netting and make a faux hat veil.

Thanks!!

[ainos2.livejournal.com]

Isn't there a sparkly accessory store on South Street? It's the one with the long table down the middle.

[madamekat.livejournal.com]

Times like this I wish I lived in Philadelphia! Unfortunately, I'm a half hour away (well, once you deal with 76, it's more like 50 minutes!).

BUT I remembered I have a gorgeous antique garnet necklace with lots of dangly teardrops! Perfect!

Thank you for the inspiration :D