DIY Lilly Pulitzer-ey bright shift dress

DIY Lilly Pulitzer-ey bright shift dress

• 7.02.2015

I've had a thing for Lilly Pulitzer for a long time now. I haven't owned many pieces, just a few vintage things I found at thrift stores way back, and I don't wear the bright, retro, Palm Springs-ey style much, but I really like it! So when Target came out for their Lilly Pulitzer for Target line this spring (view the official lookbook here and collection here), I was totally into the dresses!

Source/Source

The bold stripe of lace down the front is cute and unique. Chunky lace that wide is not easy to find, either--I went to 4 stores when looking for the trim for this project. (I made a shift dress with a wide lace band down the center front back in 2009, a few months before starting this blog (see it here), and I had a hard time finding wide enough lace then, too!)

I had this very cool bright green and white print vintage fabric that a friend found at a thrift store and bought for me, thinking I might be able to use it for some really fun, bold upholstery. I still have several yards left, so maybe I will someday! But in the meantime, it really reminded me of the fun florals and colors of Lilly Pulizter fabrics.

The simple summer sheath dress is a classic 60's shape, and I used Simplicity 2584 with some modifications yet again (see all my versions here). I cut facings for the neck and armholes, since the fabric is heavy enough to be unlined.

Since I couldn't find wide white lace or trim, the lace look down the front is three strips of pleated lace trim.

I also had a vintage skirt zipper that I used at the neckline!

So fun to wear such brights when it's in the 90's even in the evenings!!

Purse: Target (similar/similar/similar). Shoes: Target (similar). Dress: DIY!

This is the time of year for BRIGHT summer dresses!!