My Inspiration:
Although I've been inspired by many of the peplum styles that are now appearing, the Zac Posen Red Peony Dress was a real knock-out.
I wanted to make a similar one to wear to my 40th birthday dinner next week. I'm so excited to wear it!
*Update* - My birthday was actually on Christmas, but since I was away for a month and that holiday isn't that conducive to celebrating with friends, we postponed my birthday until now :-D
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I often use RTW as an inspiration and normally I try to go for an exact copy, but there were so many aspects from different peplum dresses that I liked this year, I decided to do more of a 'inspired by' and make some changes so that I like it more.
I definitely wanted to keep these aspects from Zac Posen's version:
- Red and black flower theme
- A structured peplum
- Puffed sleeves
- Design lines in pencil skirt
My style changes included making the it in two pieces so that I can mix and match and wear the skirt to work with a less formal top. I changed the top to a front closure so I wouldn't need helping getting into it. The sweetheart neckline was because it's almost Valentine's Day, and we're going out on the 15th 
Top: Burda 07-2011-140
The top pattern was a Frankenpattern from Dice Hayek's designer dress from Burda, with twist-style sleeves from Vogue 1160. Originally, I thought I wanted a sleeveless version (which you can see in my original review), but when I got it finished, I found that the structured puffy peplum looked unbalanced without the sleeves. So I had to rip out the finished arm scyes and then added the Vogue twist-style sleeves.
Skirt: Burda 03-2002-130
I was trying to decide between several similar styles and went with this one. When I got done, I realized that the style lines went from the waist and curved to the sides, instead of curving from the sides down to the hem, but I still liked the way it turned out. That was a real 'd'oh' moment, because I choose this pattern over another one which did have the same lines as Zac's. :-D'oh!
Since I tried to place the curved side pattern pieces so that the fabric pattern would still match up to the center front, it turned out that the style lines weren't very obvious. I decided to emphasize them with velvet braided trim. As an afterthought, I finished the hem with black velvet trim, because I thought I wanted a little more length.
Fabric Used:
Heavy weight jacquard. Instead of red peonies, I think I got quite close with red roses. As you all know, it's not easy to find an exact match for designer prints anywhere. However, I liked this fabric so much, after I sewed my version I went out and bought some more yardage.
Stats:
Cutting and sewing time: 4 evenings
Cost of materials: ~35 Eur
Conclusion:
I love it! This dress was so fun to sew, and not going for an exact copy like I usually do for was quite freeing. It allowed me to make design changes that appealed more to me. I'm really happy with this and am looking forward to wearing it out for my birthday dinner with my friends next week!
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
Impressive! You *should* be excited to wear it! :)Happy (early) Birthday!
2/9/13 3:36 PM
I think you did an outstanding job! It looks beautiful
2/9/13 3:38 PM
Wow, that looks fantastic!!! My favorite parts are the sleeves and all the buttons!
2/9/13 3:43 PM
Amazing...love it!
2/9/13 3:43 PM
An awesome ensemble! Very impressive.
2/9/13 4:05 PM
Amazing...love it!
2/9/13 4:13 PM
Wonderful...love your button detail and tou have the perfect fabric also..I do like your verssion!!
2/9/13 4:25 PM
This is smashing! Great job! You look wonderful in it...have fun!
2/9/13 4:50 PM
Happy birthday. Live it up in that great dress.
2/9/13 5:04 PM
You look stunning! Love your hair, too. Happy Birthday!
2/9/13 5:12 PM
Well done, this looks amazing.
2/9/13 6:24 PM
This ensemble is stunning. The fabric choice is great with the roses, and the whole thing just so beautifully sewn...
2/9/13 6:32 PM
Stunning rendition of the Posen dress! Happy birthday--I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun with this dress to wear.
2/9/13 6:45 PM
Lovely. I like your version better. I think Posen ruins the print in front - I like you use of braided trim - and the front doesn't look chopped up. Love the button detailing.
2/10/13 3:29 AM
Nice extra birthday fun
2/10/13 3:30 AM
Wow - awesome job and enjoy your birthday celebration!
2/10/13 10:54 AM
Great job!
2/10/13 11:20 AM
WOW!!! this is beautiful!!!!
2/10/13 6:52 PM
Wonderful interpretation. Brilliantly done.
2/10/13 8:05 PM
Nice job!
2/10/13 8:29 PM
Very pretty ensemble! Love all the details!
2/11/13 12:00 PM
Fantastic outfit. It not only looks terrific on you but it is a stylish interpretation of the Posen dress. Congratulations!
2/11/13 1:11 PM
What a great knock off! Looks gorgeous on you!
2/11/13 6:56 PM
Wow!! I love your version better what an amazing dress!! Happy belated birthday and what a great way to spoilt yourself and feel great. You will be tough competition for this PR comp!
2/12/13 3:52 PM
I agree with previous posters, your version is better. The button closing is lovely. Great dress!
2/13/13 2:21 AM
Very nice work! I love the buttons.
2/13/13 4:48 PM
Absolutely fabulous! Amazing find on the jaquard, perfect! Enjoy wearing it on your 'Birthday!" !
2/14/13 12:29 PM
Whoa, hot dress. Love it!!
2/14/13 1:26 PM
Great job!!!!
2/14/13 7:43 PM
Yes, your version is better. Fabulous job.
2/18/13 10:04 AM
You had me at "Inspired by Zac Posen Red Peony Dress" and certainly nailed it!!! Happy Birthday!
2/19/13 2:40 PM
Absolutely gorgeous fabric and gorgeous on you. Sometimes inspired by is better than straight copy, as you said it's more versatile as separates, the jacket would look great with black brocade pants... Seem to remember a recent BS dress pattern?August 2012 with similar style lines to the Posen dress...
2/24/13 6:34 AM
Lovely interpretation. Great idea to do separates for more wearing options.
2/24/13 9:03 AM
Looks great!!
2/25/13 11:01 AM
Nicely done.....I love it!
3/1/13 8:45 AM
All I can say is: WOW! What a stunning outfit. And you look fabulous. Really inspiring.
3/2/13 7:42 AM
I love this dress! I am so glad you entered the RTW contest since that's why I saw it. I wish my things looked half this professional and stylish. Excellent work!
3/17/13 0:18 AM