Another not-quite-black dress. This one is Bulgarian-made for a company called Apanage. (I don't know why the fact that it's Bulgarian-made amuses me so much.) Grey is much closer to black than the blue tunic I bought on the same day, so I guess it has that going for it. And like the blue tunic it's pyjama-day comfy. Besides, it was a very thrifty find. Six dollars at Too Good to be Threw.
It does have a couple of weird features. There's a shiny silver snap right at cleavage level. It won't stay hidden no matter how I drape the fabric at the neckline. I know it's a tiny thing, but my cleavage doesn't need any help attracting attention.
I'm also having issues with the cummerbund/sash/obi thing at the waist. It is firmly attached at both sides. That wouldn't be a problem if it wasn't finished so strangely in the back.
I've tried folding the sash at the back, but that's one substantial seam. It doesn't hide well. That, and it doesn't stay put when I've folded it. I'm constantly adjusting the sash throughout the day. My current solution is to cover it with a cardigan. It works. Sort of. I think it makes me look a bit schoolmarmy, and those days are so over for me.
I suppose I could screw up my courage and remove the sash. And while I was at it I could adjust that very visible snap. I'm just not sure if my sewing skills are up to it. Not a big deal for a six dollar dress, but I made the mistake of googling "Apanage". I was hoping to find the correct way to "style" the sash. Instead I discovered what dresses from this company can go for. They seem to run about £150. Gulp. I wonder how a likely expensive, Bulgarian-made dress from a German company ended up on the rack at the local thrift shop?
Linking up with Patti and the conspicuous crew over at Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday. Hope you'll head over to check out the fun!
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You could put a pretty little brooch or pin over the snap, and cover the existing belt with a wide obi-style one (I would personally cut that sash off, sounds like a pain).
ReplyDeleteLaurie! Howdy!
ReplyDeleteSheila has some great ideas. I'd sew that bosom shut and be done with it. Is there a bit of lining you could steal to make a sort of flat little panel to go over the seamy thing in back?
Great dress, anyway. Elegant shape on you, and I like the way you've styled it.
Try a leather jacket over it? I'm into mine this year. You will soon see me in them a lot! Or a sleeveless blazer?