MelissaEsplin.com

Sponsored Style: Striped Tunic Shift Dress

September 24, 2015
svens-clogs-logo This post is sponsored by Sven Clogs. Original hand-crafted clogs since 1974. Clogs made-to-order with premium styles and materials for man, woman and child. Connect with Svens Clogs on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram! After I made Penelope's sweet summer romper, I knew I needed to make a matching look. I mean, seriously. Gold clogs and red striped fabric? YES. So much yes. View More: http://piersonphotocompany.pass.us/melissaoutfits

All images by Pierson Photo Company

I've got a few of these dresses in my closet now, I can't stop making them. Can we talk about how awesome shift dresses are?! I can have a giant food baby in there and no one would ever know. And yes. There was a food baby in there. No real baby. View More: http://piersonphotocompany.pass.us/melissaoutfits To switch up the style just a touch, I added a tunic-style hem with a slit on the sides and a high-low hem. The blunt high-low hem changes the look from any other shift dresses out there. I feel like it adds a bit of edginess in there. Maybe a slight '90s vibe? I've been crushing on the '90s hard core lately. View More: http://piersonphotocompany.pass.us/melissaoutfits Creepy skull!! Hahah! I love that. This is one of the few stores I've been to lately that didn't have Christmas Decor up already. Sheesh. It's still September. I'm not sure I want to think about Halloween quite yet! View More: http://piersonphotocompany.pass.us/melissaoutfits This dress is perfect for Summer, but I've been layering it with blazers and jackets to transition to fall. I think the black leather warms it up for the cooler season that's approaching. View More: http://piersonphotocompany.pass.us/melissaoutfits Let's talk a little about the sewing process! Here's what I did:
  • Used Megan Nielsen's Briar Tee as a base
  • Raised the neckline
  • Lengthened the hem to a dress
  • Shortened sleeves
  • created a high-low hem
View More: http://piersonphotocompany.pass.us/melissaoutfits Creating a split hem isn't as hard as one might think. It's a little trickier when serging the side seams, but not impossible at all. Here's how to do it with a serger:
  • Serge the side seams before putting the layers together (if it's woven, if it's a non-fraying knit, no need for this step).
  • Sew the seams about 5" shy of the desired slit spot.
  • Switch to a regular sewing machine, with a straight stitch sew all the way to the slit line (make markings on both sides for consistency).
  • Fold the seam allowance back in on itself and sew a top stitch around the slit. I do up over and down on one slit in one go.
  • Hem front and back as desired.
View More: http://piersonphotocompany.pass.us/melissaoutfits If you've been nervous about split hems like this, don't be! They're super easy! Let me know if you need illustrations for the above instructions. :) Outfit details: Let me just say, I absolutely love these clogs. They fit perfectly. I'm wearing them constantly. They're the perfect momiform shoes: they're easy to chase kids in, they're comfortable all day and they look so cute! I'm a huge, huge fan. Seriously, I can't seem to get enough.