Dress #357 Brown Stripes

So this is a dress that I love, but I don't know what kind of a dress it is! Too dressy for most work occasions, not really dressy enough for a party, perhaps for a nice dinner out? A silk tie remnant, some silk and organza scraps.

Dress #353 Louvre Fence

There is a fence at the Louvre that I've always loved. This dress is inspired by that fence however tenuous it might seem to the casual onlooker. Silk dupioni. gold bobbin work, and some trim to mimic the fleur de lis on the fence. Here's a link to a photo of the fence so you can see...

Dress #352 Year of the Snake

Strolling on Boulevard St. Germain a couple of weeks ago, a beautiful top caught my eye. The most marvelous drape and a yellow/gray snakeskin print. I was shocked to discover that the top is real (!) python skin, and retails for 3400 Euros! Eeek! This is an interpretation of the snakeskin theme---ricrak top, and silver snakeskin print over a silk stripe like a coral snake. And of course, a snake-eyes pin.

Dress #350 Haute Chocolate

Just a simple chocolate dessert---er, dress. Recycled silk from a J. Peterman coat of many years ago, and a ribbon from a chocolate gift from my neighbors in Baltimore. Sparkles instead of sprinkles to finish.

Dress #332 Silver Bells

Silver Bells is one of my favorite Christmas songs---probably because of the reference to traffic signals. A green silk skirt and white blouse make a perfect outfit for Christmas Eve cocktails at our neighbors. Silk dupioni, ribbon and 1-Euro-a-Meter white jersey. 

Dress #326 Christmas Red

I love red---all year 'round. But a red party dress just says "Christmas!" to me. Red silk, a ruffly trim and the last piece of this silver ribbon.

Dress #322 Dinner with Grandmother

A more conservative dress, but in lovely rich garnet color. Silk dupioni, ribbons, and a bibelot.

Dress #321 Emerald

A holiday dress for when you don't want to be too over-the-top, perhaps??  The color people have decided emerald is the color of the year for 2013. I like it. Of course, I'd be hard pressed to say there's a color I don't like at all. These are fabrics with emerald that I had on hand: silk dupioni, cotton, and some ribbon and beads.

Dress #320 Quilted Silk

One more really cold night here in Paris, and then it will warm up a bit. Quilted anything is warm, so today we have a quilted silk vest over a blouse and skirt. Silk tie fabric, twill ribbon, and other miscellaneous bits and pieces.

Dress #317 Feathers and Dots

More blue and black--- love this combination--and feathers! Even better, black feathers with blue dots. Another gala gown made of silk dupioni and feathers.

Dress #316 Tiger Tiger

I toyed with the idea of calling this dress "Life of Pi." I'm really looking forward to the movie---it opens here on December 19th. I was enthralled with the book, and even though the book is ALWAYS better than the movie, I like seeing the on-screen interpretation. The dress is a scrap from a silk dress I adored in the late 80's, and a black felt jacket.

Dress #309 Silk Chiffon

This lovely silk chiffon print is so interesting. Red, gray and black, and a patchwork appearance. A great dress for work or a special lunch or dinner in town. I'd wear this dress---and that's really good, because I have enough fabric to make something for myself! Silk chiffon and a metallic paper belt.

Dress #306 Crème Brûlée

Walking past a cafe one evening, a couple was enjoying their dessert. In the lights, the burnt sugar looked just like beads, inspiring this dress. Beads, silk, and some glitter. 

Dress #300 Dress-up Thanksgiving Dinner

A dress for going out for dinner today at a fancier restaurant. Silk from one of my favorite blouses of years ago, velvet ribbon, and a cobbled together brooch.

Dress #293 Beaujolais Nouveau

On the third Thursday in November, the Beaujolais Nouveau arrives! I dyed the lace to match the silk dupioni in the Baltimore atelier earlier in the year, not knowing when it would be used. I saw the posters for tonight's celebration, and knew the right fabric for the dress!

Dress #281 Navy and Camel

Another silk print from an old tie. The tie silks are so lovely, and the scale is appropriate for these dresses. This one is a favorite color combination as well.

Dress #278 Pumpkin

Another Halloween-ish party dress. This was inspired by a young lady working at the fabric counter in Joann's years ago! She'd made her pumpkin costume with an orange skirt and a green bustier. She looked adorable. This one is silk, some ribbon, and a touch of paint.

Dress #264 Smocked

Today is an experiment in smocking. I suppose it worked, but not quite what was in my mind. I love the fabric---a silk tie from Goodwill---and a piece of twill ribbon.

Dress #257 Pink Bubbles

I'm experimenting with some skirt shapes here. The results are not quite what I wanted, so I may try again. This dress would work for a bridesmaid dress, don't you think? Silk dupioni and a tiny silk ribbon bow.

Dress #242 Bling around the Collar

There necklaces that look like embellished collars as well as embellished collars all over Paris this season. A newer version of the statement necklace. This is an understated version of the trend---bling around the collar of a little black dress.