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oscar de la renta knock-off

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{knocked off the runway}

I’m in love with dresses. Expensive ones. (Actually I like most expensive things.) So when I saw that Abby at Sew Much Ado was hosting a Copycat Challenge, my fingers went straight for the toolbar and typed in “Oscar de la Renta.” 


I often browse his recent wedding collections even though I don’t need a wedding dress (I’m happily married to a keeper). But there is just so much passion in a wedding dress that can’t be found in any other piece of clothing. A “one time, best day of my life, look-like-a-million-bucks” kind of a dress always has the best details and the most intricacy. Especially if it’s couture. Oscar always fills my imagination with so. much. inspiration.  

I found this dress in his fall 2011 collection with a price tag of $3,290! (Oh yes, gasp!) I love it. I only had about a week to do it- which is perfect, I work best under pressure. So I lined up some babysitters (thanks in-laws!) and went to work (and only pulled one almost-all-nighter!)



Exaggerated ruffles, intricate ruching and luscious taffeta.

I made it in ivory instead of white so I can maybe get away with wearing it an not looking like a bride (even though ivory is totally in for brides). It is a perfect excuse for a special date night. Maybe we’ll go to the theater or a ballet or some other appropriate setting. Or maybe we’ll just go out for a fancy dinner date in May so we’ll blend in with the prom-goers. Or maybe I’ll just put it on when I feel like playing dress-up. 

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Reader Interactions

26 Comments

  2. Stacy

    Since I didn’t get a reply about which day you wanted to switch to, I am just going to post it tomorrow. Thanks for being willing to change. Not only am I sawmped with trying to get things done for my etsy store, but my whole family got really sick yesterday. I am behind so this really helps. Thanks!

  7. Mary

    Gorgeous! You definitely don’t look like a bride – go have a hot date in that dress! :-)

  15. Meredith

    OH. MY. GOSH. i can’t belive you made this! actually i can, cuz you rock at sewing. and you look amazing for just having popped out a huge baby!! love this!

  17. AllieMakes!

    Very cute! What a fabulous job!
    You should come link this up to my weekly Thursday Making It With Allie Link Party! I think it would make a Fabulous addition!
    AllieMakes.Blogspot.com

  18. Sabr

    Oh my goodness! Amazing!! And I totally know what you mean, champagne taste on a beer budget :)

  20. jen @ {decor junkie}

    Oh. My. Gosh. That is AMAZING. Seriously! You are so talented. I am pretty sure I need this dress. Which means I need to learn how to sew better… :)

  21. di

    Oh my goodness!!!!! This is amazing! You did an awesome job copying this! I just don’t know what to say! lol I’d never be able to do anything like that….I’m too much of a pattern girl. Wow, what talent you have!

  26. Michelle @ Loving Every Second

    Awesome!!! I’m here from TGC blog hop and have been looking around your blog. Love it!!! I’m a new follower :) Hopefully I can get inspired {and brave enough} to start becoming a better seamstress!