I draped a dress, got a haircut & I want your opinion.

I saw a dress a while back (like July) in a bridal shop. I absolutely fell in love with it.

I attend atleast 2 formal events each year and I'm always looking for ideas that are kinda out of the box. When I saw this I planned on making something similar for a formal Christmas banquet that we attend every year. Just so happens we had another formal that I found out about in early August. I would need a dress by October.

While I was in NY in August, I saw this necklace and I knew I would plan my entire dress around it:

While Mimi and I were shopping I thought about the dress, showed her a picture and started talking fabric colors. I did NOT want something too colorful. I wanted to go neutral but NOT black. The colors in this necklace gave me a great starting point.

This was my finished look. Now I wanted a BIG flower. I loved the flower on the original dress but I'm dramatic lol. I needed BIGGER.  I've worked on this dress off and on for weeks. Between my Adrienne's Essentials clients and Stitched9 not to mention doing my photography and the events that I do. It took FOREVER.

I didn't use a pattern. I draped the entire thing. It was fun and it showed that I learned a LOT in the draping classes that I took. The only challenge I had was the foundation. Now it wasn't hard, just TIME comsuming so I really shouldn't say challenge. I should have taken pictures of the inside because it's like art. No really lol.

There is boning in all the bodice seams and extra boning in between the side and back. I wanted to make sure I was ALL in there lol and that it was stable. It's also fully lined. 

The wind was SO high and it truly wouldn't let me be great lol. The back has a slight train that Tony stepped on all night lol. I can't begin to tell you how much fun it was to make this.The only regret I have is the narrow hem. When I measured the first time I was going to wear a different shoe, I changed my mind last minute and when I put the other shoes on it was TOO SHORT. I would have normally done a blind hem on it but didn't want my feet to show lol, so the narrow hem won.

My flower is HUGE and exactly what I wanted. I cut each of the "petals" free hand and added just a LITTLE sparkle to each one.

The fabric I used is a crepe back satin. I didn't want the flower and the dress to be shiny so I used the wrong side of the fabric on some of the petals to add some texture/depth to it.

Here are a couple pictures that others took of me that night:

I always have my camera. ALWAYS.

I always like to have a wrap or something just in case it's chilly in the building. IT WAS COLD lol. I ended up in Tony's jacket before the night was over lol

Styling:

I was talking to a friend the other day and she said my hair cut and makeup were edgy but my dress looked like a pageant dress. Essentially the dress, hair and makeup doesn't work together.

Since my hair cut is edgy I need to dress more edgy or it'll look like I'm trying to be a housewife but I'm really a party girl.

Now, I know how "I" feel about that. What do you think? Is my haircut too "edgy"? Do I need to wear more edgy clothes so it works well with my hair cut?  Keep in mind this is just YOUR opinion. My feelings are NOT hurt easily at all and I'm asking for your thoughts.

Alright, let's talk in the comments.

Toodles!!!

Comments

[Ebony]

Girl your look is amazing! I thought the whole look was great. People get so caught up in one look all the way down to your feet, but you do YOU. You looked gorgeous. I thought everything was great! The new haircut is da bomb! The dress --- AMAZING. Yeah your new haircyt is edgy and slimming - very flattering. So when paired with the dress it is just as equally flattering. Remember to do you!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Ebony!

[Miesha M]

I think some folks step outside of who they truly are and end up looking a wreck! I love a sleek bob and rarely change my hairstyle so I think yours is perfect! That dress is beautiful. Period. Don't change who you are (fashion wise) on the account of someone else's opinion!

[Lashawn]

Maybe chick was projecting or something because girl you look great!! I think the hair the makeup the necklace and the dress all compliment each other prefectly!

[DisneyCyndi]

At the ripe old age of 49 I have learned that the only rule for fashion is what works for you, your body. Style is an individual and unique thing. Do Adrienne!!! By the way that is not a pageant dress ( I should know since I have two nieces who do pageants....one which was Miss. Teen Alabama)! And your hair looks marvelous!!

[Givingthoughtgivingsight]

I love the dress and the haircut! Personally, I don't think hair has to match how one decides to dress. Honestly, this is the first time I've heard such a statement. It's all about what you want to do, hair wise and dress wise. All that matters is if you like it, all other opinions can go out the window!

The dress is awesome and fits you well, definitely not a pageant dress to me. I think it's great that you can take a style you see in a store and make it your own.

[Adrienne]

Thanks Miesha!

[Adrienne]

Thank you! The necklace started it all. I fell in love with it lol.

[Adrienne]

I've def learned to dress for my body type. Took a minute but I got it lol. Thanks Cyndi!

[Adrienne]

Thanks! I fell in love with the red dress but knew I didn't want the exact thing.

[Sandra]

I liked the total look. Enough said!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Sandra!

[Lashell]

You did a great job. Love the dress. That flower adds a little something extra to the dress.

[Adrienne]

Thanks Lashell!

[Dee]

Your total look came together in such an awesome fashion that I can only believe your critic is trying to disguise their jealousy as positive criticism! Do you and continue to flourish your talents accordingly! Love love love it!!!!

[Tiffany In Houston]

You already know my opinion. The dress and haircut look great.

However, envy is pretty on no one. Your "friend" (notice the quotes) needs to have all of the seats.

[Sherri]

YOU LOOK GORG. Lemme get that dress.....*LOL* I will say that with the haircut (let me get that, too!) you'd have looked even more fabulous if it had been cocktail length; I honestly do think it would have suited your hair better.

But that is NOT a pageant dress! Ain't a flounce, sweetheart neckline or fish-sequined scale to be had on it!

WERK! *two snaps in a circle*

[Serenity]

Your hair looked just right. I like that look on you. And if you were satisfied, screw what other folks said.

[Gladys]

You look very beautiful and your hair compliments the dress nicely. Just because you have an edgy hair cut doesn't meet you have to match your attire to it. The dress adds a bit of softness to the edginess of the hair. I like it! Hair, dress, and YOU!

[Kelly]

As a fan and wearer of edgy hair I think you look fantastic. I'm also a fan of options and mixing it up and doing the unexpected. What I'm not a fan of being placed in a box of any kind because it's what others expect or are comfortable with. You didn't get where you are today following those kinds of rules, why start now? Now gimme that necklace! LOL

[Adrienne]

Thanks Dee! I showed Tony your text last night and he fell out lol

[Adrienne]

LOL yes maam and thank ya!

[Adrienne]

WAIT I had this great reply until I saw fish-sequined lol LOL I had BAD flashbacks of my early pageant days lol

[Adrienne]

Thanks Gladys!

[Adrienne]

I see now I'mma have to fight about that necklace LOL thanks!

[GodsgirlT]

Honest opinion? YOU NAILED IT! Love the hair! Your draping skills are impressive!

[Robin Michael Rush]

I think you look gorgeous. That dress is really stunning. However, I am old school--and I only thought about it when you asked--I would have done an updo.

[Angie]

You did an awesome job on the dress. It looks very nice on you. I do agree with your friend about the haircut. The haircut is very edgy whereas the dress is very sophisticated. They don't go together but again the dress is very very nice.

[Cheryl L. (NC Peach)]

Dahling, I think you look dazzling!! Love your dress more than the inspiration piece! And your 'do is FLY! (yea, I'm bringing it back, lol)

[Angela]

Adrienne!!! (Rocky theme playing in the background) You look MAHVELUS!!!. I love the dress and your new haircut. I'm assuming you and your friend have a great, respectable relationship. I don't believe true friendships are meant to be warm and fuzzy all the time. Personally, I want my friends help me grow into the best person I am meant to be. And that means being open to their loving suggestions. Sometimes. LOL. But I think you could rock a modified curly bob or finger waves a la Josephine Baker for your next dressy affair. Honestly, I am not sure about the edgy wardrobe as you have always reminded me Mrs. Obama. Elegantly chic.

[Sharenda]

I thought you looked gorgeous. That Dress is beautiful, your hair looks great. You can pull of any look. I have always had the opinion that you always look Michelle Obama/Jackie Kenedy clean and classy . I would love to see you edgy I bet it would be great on you too!!!!

Skip your friend lol

[dana]

Girl please you look. amazing!!!!! I don't know who is giving you advice, but you looked great. elegant and everything flowed well together. I love your hair cut, that's funny because I'm. always telling you not to cut your hair, but I love it. it's you!!!!!

[Carolyn]

I just want to +1 Ebony's comment! She said it perfectly! BTW, love the dress!

[Faye Lewis]

I've ALWAYS been a sharp inverted bob lover - guess it's the hairstylist in me that won't let it go. It's classic to say the least and fitting for every occasion. As for the dress, lets just "Project Runway" worthy. The dress and the hair together = Priceless! Imho.

[Carol]

Luv the total look! Your hair cut is fun!!

[Candice]

You look fantastic Adrienne! The haircut, dress, everything is on point...

[Nik]

I think the haircut and dress go well together. And I don't think the dress is "pageant-y" at all. You look like a stylish, classy woman.

[Caroline]

You look great. The entire look works well together. I am from the south Louisiana to be exact. My mom said " if you don't have anything good to say don't say anything at all". Not saying we should let our friend walk out of the restroom with their skirt tucked in their panties or walk around with broccoli stuck in their teeth. But when your friend looks great don't hate appreciate.

[Miriam]

Oh I think your haircut worked so well with your beautiful gown. Your gorgeous dress doesn't look like a pageant dress at all it looks couture. Just love the flower and sparkles. You look very elegant in the photos. The nice thing about your hair style is it can go from casual to dressy, but best of all it looks so good on you!

[Kim]

When I first saw the photos of this post, I was floored by your hair cut, then the dress, and then the necklace in that order. I didn't see anything but true style and class. It was your moment and YOU OWNED IT!

But I can possibly see what your friend is trying to say. Hopefully this is a very good friend of yours that felt comfortable giving you her opinion. And I hope her message was coming from a place of love (like this message) and not jealousy. I seriously hope that she wasn't trying to take the shine off you, because she felt inadequate. It's just unfortunate that she made you doubt yourself.

With statement hair, a statement necklace and a statement dress, it's a look that screams "LOOK AT ME." And believe me there are times when we want people to look! Just because you're a housewife, doesn't mean that you have to be demure. You can be edgy and sexy one day, sophisticated and sweet the next. We've already seen you do it with fabulous results. Girl, you wear some outfits that make me look two or three times! I love how you style them with the unexpected bling or splash of color.

Don't knock yourself on this one. You were on point!

[Alethia]

Adrienne, you looked beautiful. The dress and the haircut were perfect. You don't need to change your style of dressing if that style does not represent who you are. In my humble opinion the haircut is an accessory . Edgy, I don't so. You got this girl, don't allow another's opinion to dictate your style.

[Naomie]

I am so late. The dress is absolutely gorgeous. Wow.

[Adrienne]

Thanks so much! I wanted a hair cut, you know that change us women go through from time to time lol. I never thought about putting it up. When my hair is longer, that is normally how I wear it.

[Adrienne]

Thanks girl! I loved draping it! I'm working on another draping project!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Angie!

[Adrienne]

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Bring it back then girl, bring it back lol. Thank you!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Angela! They are really bringing those big finger waves back.

[Adrienne]

Thanks Sharenda!

[Adrienne]

ROFLOL, I know girl. I've been back and forth about a hair cut for about a year now lol. Thank you!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Ms. Carolyn!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Faye!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Carol!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Candice!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Nik!

[Adrienne]

LOL@ Restroom lol. Thanks Caroline!

[Adrienne]

I wouldn't use the word couture but I love it lol. Thank you!

[Adrienne]

Thanks so much! I didn't doubt myself at all, I was just wondering about the hair vs dress comment. I don't THINK I'd ever heard that before.

[Adrienne]

Thanks Alethia!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Naomie!

[Kelroc]

Love the haircut. It is perfect for your face and it flatters you. Great job on the draping. I could not tell that it wasn't from a commercial pattern. The entire look is well balanced. Edgy compliments neutrals. Its the yen and yang. Beautiful.

[Melanie]

I totally understand where you friend is coming from in terms of them not matching...I elegant curl and up do would have lended itself to the style of the dress but ME...I simply love the juxtaposition of the two together...they wake me up and make me feel alive!

[Tamara]

No ma'am! I think your friend was throwing shade. You looked beautiful.

[sheila]

You look Absolutely Gorgeous, hair, dress all of it... Fabulous.

[Patricia]

Adrienne, I think that the haircut looks good with the dress! You look so beautiful. I don't agree with your friend, sorry!!! Question, about your haircut, is it cut shorter on one side, or do you have your hair tucked behind your ear? I'm asking because I may copy it!!!!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Serenity!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Kelroc!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Melanie!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Tamara!

[Adrienne]

Thank you Sheila! *sings* Oh Oh SHEILLLLLLLLLLLA oh oh oh lol

[Adrienne]

Thanks Patricia. It's shorter on one side.

[Cashana]

Um, I am not about that fashion life, but I love seeing the creations you make and this dress with your hair and make-up look great. I just love the look of the dress and the necklace added to the overall look!

[Savage Coco]

I think you did an outstanding job on your dress, as you do on all your projects. And your new haircut is adorable. My only suggestion is to refrain from using "lol" when writing as it comes across as amateurish and high school. And YOU are Neither.

Rock on,
Savage Coco

[Dawn]

Hair and dress, together or apart, simply beautiful! God's continued blessings.

[Mj]

I love your haircut. I think visually there is a bit too much going on with the dress and necklace combo. My eyes dont know where to look.

[Myra]

WOW! And that's on the entire look! I agree with Ebony whole-heartedly! You have to do YOU and when you do, you are guaranteed to look great just as these photos show!

[Monique]

*gasp* Adrienne! You look fantastic! That dress is amazing!

[allisonc]

Stunning dress, how fortunate you are to get to go to all these formal do's! I think your hair is a pretty classic style, modern yes but unless you suddenly want to start wearing frilly pink tutus I think the style will work with anything.

[Adrienne]

Thanks Cashana!

[Adrienne]

Thank you!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Dawn!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Mj!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Myra!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Mo!

[Adrienne]

ROFLOL! Thank you!

[Levone]

Can't believe I missed this post. I LOVE this dress, it is gorgeous and I love your haircut. Honestly, I was thinking this all looks great together...your hair, the dress and your accessories. I don't think the dress is a pageant style dress either. I love what you did with that flower. I enjoy reading your reviews and posts, you really seem to love what you do!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Levone!

[tj]

I really like the combination of the colors in your necklace and dress. I agree with Ebony about the rest.

[Adrienne]

Thanks Tj!

[shai]

The dress is stunning, elegant and edgy. To know you created without a pattern is awesome and that makes it edgy. Everytime I see a pic of the dress I love it even more. Beautiful creativity and sewing.

[Rachel]

I think your style is great, classic with a twist. I love the extra details in your clothes and your hairstyle is fab. Isn't that why we make our own clothes, to have one offs we like? Go with your heart and ignore the comments. There will always be someone who is jealous.