I recently came across the fabulous site Shabby Apple. Owners Emily and CK created this online boutique to offer women of all shapes and sizes a variety of classy dresses and separates that are modest enough for work, and stylish enough for play (no plunging necklines and thigh-length hems, and thank goodness for that!) Shabby Apple dresses in particular are glorious and look positively wearable in cotton and wool blends—and Shabby Apple also gives back through sales-funded charitable work with struggling women and children in Asia and Africa. What a beautiful model!
I was poking around their site the other day, and noticed their Dare to Design contest running now through…..well…tomorrow! The contest entails designing an inspired garment for their spring 2012 line. The winning designer will have their dress produced and sold on Shabby Apple in the spring! Of course, I couldn’t resist this particular dare, as I’m always dreaming up designs and thinking in terms of colors and textures.
The Deco Dress by Kacy Karlen | http://heightofstyle.wordpress.com
My design, The Deco Dress, is inspired by a beautiful Art Deco building in the financial district of Boston. I saw this building on one of my walks, and was captivated by the reflections of the sky in the windows; the inlaid brick decorations; and the angularity, geometrics, and magnificence of this structure. I imagined a dress that made its wearer feel statuesque and positively breathtaking. The Deco Dress would be constructed of crisp sateen cotton in slate blue and finished with figure-enhancing ochre brick cotton piping. With a front scalloped-slit at the knee, a high sweetheart neckline, and petal sleeves, the unique cut of this dress would be show-stopping (and yet entirely appropriate for everyday wear). I could imagine it on a variety of shapes—from apple to rectangle to hourglass to pear—and on any height (but particularly nice for tall women like us!)
Please wish me luck! And check out Shabby Apple for dresses—their lengths would be perfect for leggy ladies!
Oh my goodness I LOVE your design!! I hope you win…I will definitely buy the dress!!
Kimberly,
Thank you so much!!!
You are too sweet. 
Sadly, I’m no fashion designer, but at least I have somewhat of a vision…
Thanks Kimberly!
No luck there, but got a design honorable mention…maybe one of these days when I have some time to hunker down with the sewing machine, I can put out a capsule line for kicks…:)
I’m really impressed! Your description and design are wonderful!! I really hope you win.
Aww, Najeema…you are too sweet. I had fun sketching away…no win here, but got an honorable mention (kinda feel like the fat kid getting a pity prize in the field day footrace)…how are you, lovely? How are the cats?? LOVE the DIY glitter booties, btw!
Stunning design! I love your illustration and the inspiration! Good luck in the contest!
Thanks, dear Holly! What’s this about your latest sponsorship? And Gregor’s nomination for a Club Monaco contest? You guys are too fabulous! You look a glorious sprite as always!
I love this dress! I’d buy it!!! In a heartbeat…
I must say…I think it would really good on you, and it looks like the kind of sleek, edgy number I’d catch you in, Ms. BF!
love the dress, but I have to say the best part is the shoes! super adorbs.
Khatu, you totally caught me…I’m a shoe girl! I love bows on shoes, and envisioned the perfect shoe in wine velvet with slate satin bows and ankle straps….*sigh*
Thank you!
Ooh! Good luck with the contest. I’d wear it in a heartbeat. So sorry i didn’t see you at the Madewell event. Did you end up going?
Hi Marisa,
You are too darling! I was sorry to miss you at the Madewell event too…I had to work late, and then I had to prep for a client appointment, so I (lamely) didn’t make it over.
V. depressing scenario. Are there any events you are headed to soonish? If I don’t have to work, I’d love to see you!