I was playing around on photoshop tonight with a picture of my current solo dress and came up with an idea that is possible for me to actually do to it. I think it wouldn't be hard at all (if I can find more of the ribbon!)

I know I keep changing it (and asking you all your opinions ) but I enjoy sewing. I just finished making a new cape for it!

So what do you think? The white dots are more crystals. For those of you that don't know, I dance in and-over novice and I am "way-over" Do you think it would look inappropriate in novice? I am placing most of the time.

The first picture is my new idea. The second picture is my dress currently.

I love the look! The belt drops the waist slightly without being too drastic, and the bling is very tastefully placed, as emphasis to the overall ensemble, not overly gaudy.

I think it looks fine either way, but your new proposed change is definitely more trendy. Let us know what you decide to do!

I think you should make the change- it looks very pretty! I think it will look perfect in the & overs. (I also dance & overs...)

Wow, it really makes your dress looks SO much more modern. Just that little bit. I say go for it!

I am also a WAAAY over :0) Go us!

Go for it! It will look great! Your dress is lovely already, but I really like this change to the waist, and a little bling is a good thing in Irish dance!

oooo pretty!!! i think you should go for it!!!

You've got a great eye for design! I love all the little extras you want to add! Can't wait to see it if/when you add the ribbon/crystals!

Not an Irish dancer, so I don't know how much my opinion counts for, but I love the idea of adding the dropped waist and the stones. It finishes the dress to me. Like clicking the second picture it looks unfinished after having seen the first picture so I vote to do it do it do it!

Love the change! Go for it.

Yes, go for it. I think the change will look wonderful.

I love it!!!!!

I say go for it!

I'm with Sumayah - after seeing the first photo, your current dress looks like there's something missing... and I've never thought that of your dress before! With this new design you've come up with something unique that I can't picture the dress without now that I've seen it!

I like it! the dropped waist idea looks awsome!


And of course I would never say that any bling was"too much" but RUBY crystals would be alomost an exact match for your velvet- and if you wanted sparkle but toned down putting the ruby on the velvet and clear on the rest would be an option

Can't wait to see it!

I'm going to have to agree with everyone else. The first picture makes modern and yet still keeps the dress very classy and timeless. Very pretty.

Also not an Irish dancer, but I agree you should go for it!

Where's the like button when you need it???

Go for it!

Agree! The new version looks great. It would be a nice update. Fingers crossed that you find the ribbon!

yipee! Three years after I made the bodice, Joann's still carries the ribbon! I bought it this morning. If I couldn't find it, I was going to salvage it off my three panel as there were two strips of it on there.

Looks like I am going to be busy!

Love your changes---go for it!!

The new design looks awesome! I say go for it. It's beautiful and wonderful update. Ruby crystals would look really good, but I still like the idea of the clear ones. Maybe alternate then (ruby and clear) to see what it looks like or trying a couple variations before you decide. Just place em before you adhere them down. But to me it seems like the clear only is just plain more popular.

Post photos of your redesigned dress. The changes are perfect. China Doll is a great bling consultant. Go for it!