Erdem Inspired Red Lace Holiday Dress

Way back when, when Pinterest was brand spanking new, this dress was all over it.  Now, I'm not sure if I was more in love Alexa Chung or the dress...but it seemed more practical to make the dress to me. 

Initially, I had a really hard time finding the lace that I wanted.  I wanted something in that striking red with a scalloped edge.  I looked online but could not find anything within my budget.  Eventually, I found some white and tried dying it.  No go.  The lace was synthetic crap and wouldn't take the dye for anything.   I about gave up and had even cut out fabric for a completely different dress.  When I was at a trip to Joanns purchasing a zipper for the new dress, lo and behold, there was some red lace!  I nearly ran to the rack, shoving over any poor soul in my way. 

I used the same pattern for this dress that I used here on the Bee Dress, New Look 6723.  I made an under dress (what is the proper term for that?) of nude fabric for the bodice and skirt only.  I put the bodice on the dress form and really had to play with the pleats in front to get them to go how I wanted.  I need to alternate the lace pattern to get enough coverage to be enough, but not enough.  I think a strong point of the Erdem dress is the hint of nudity under that strong color.  After that, the dress was a breeze!  I used a side zip so the back could be just the one layer of nude fabric and lace.  Beautiful.  I'm really happy with this one!