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Ballroom Showcase: Further Thoughts on Dress Design

 I've had a sleep and some time to think on things and a few more ideas for the dress have crept in. So here's how day 2 is going. 

First, I reviewed my previous day's results a few times. I did make some doodles but was not happy with my color scheme of red and black. It seemed too grim and again, too much like my current competition dress. (Which I finished by the way...here's what that looks like.)

So things that bothered me were colors and cuts. While the styles of the 1920s go against every rule of dressing a pear shaped body, I decided that I wouldn't care...but I could "lessen" the effect with a few tricks. 

For now I decided that the mesh-top with a heart shape would be best, but I'll put in a triangular cut-out to make a plunging V shape in the heart. I plan on using sequins to make lines on the bodice and making it a highly decorated top...which IS good for pears. The back line will be V-shaped as well. 

During the night I peeked at some online fabric stores and one that caught my attention was reversible sequins. Not as something to use because sewing sequin fabric is a nightmare I'd rather not deal with. What drew me to it was the color combination of red and gold. Gold lines is often a part of art deco style and it looks so good with red, a much brighter combo then red and black alone. But still not satisfied. 

Then, literally shower thoughts as I reviewed a few things in my head. I was struck by the name "Polly" and that evoked the idea of parrots...or macaws actually. That got me to thinking of making a scarlet macaw an inspiration for a color scheme! Red, Gold, with bits of black, white, blue and green. A much brighter and happier color palette to better hide dark secrets. 

To me trying to contradict sharp angles and soft curves is the idea. 

I was also reminded of the 2002 film version of Chicago and the two female leads. Both flappers with dark histories. Now, I did have a similar hairstyle to Catherine Zetta-Jone's character and it can look good, but my current length is better suited towards Rene's character. However, that platinum blonde doesn't do me any favors anymore. It was my hair color as a toddler but it darkened as I aged. I'm technically still blonde so I'll either just keep my color or tint it red because I LOVE red hair. I think her hairstyle of wild curls is suitable. I'll have to do wet curling to get it since my hair is fine but I know how to get that hair style...roughly. It's been nearly a decade since I last tried. 😂

Then I made another doodle and colored with crayons to get an idea of where my design is currently after day 2.

I feel like the headband with feathers is a given. But as you see, if I angle the hem, it's LIKE a dropped waist for some of the dress but not all of it. The belt sort of helps with this. I'm liking this idea. I think I still have a bit of gold stretch fabric some where. 

Yes, I'm embracing a bit of the Hollywood style since this is modern day. But I do still intend to do my hair and make-up period appropriate if possible. I'm going to find some beaded false lashes since Beading was a thing that was popular to do. However, easier to do with falsies. 

Now as to how I'm going to construct the dress is creating a body suit and an over-dress. Similar to making a ballroom dance dress. Because that's what it's going to be. Yes...this dress can pull double duty if I ever compete rhythm style. Not likely as I don't enjoy swing anymore. Love rumba and cha-cha and mambo. Anyway...

And that's where we end day 2 of design thoughts. It's starting to come together. Things can still change. Again, I'm going to rest on my ideas. I'm going to Joann's tomorrow...so sad they're closing, but not surprised either. Going to get some interfacing for other projects and may check for a few other items that might be useful. But the new Hobby Lobby opened nearby so I have options. 

Really need to rest. It can be a very important part of the process. But it's hard for me to stop and do it. 

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