The Walk-Away Dress: Halfway Done!

Here I am- halfway through the project! I am still hoping to get it completed on Friday despite my crazy schedule. So much for a dress I could complete in 2 hours.

Problem: The darts in the front made the gray part of the dress poof oddly when I sat down. I have a full stomach and the darts enhanced this fact rather than diminish it.
Solution: Rip out the darts and just let it naturally gather around my waist deciding on it's own route over my curves and bumps.

Problem: The fabric extends just off the shoulders like teeny tiny epaulets. I have broad shoulders and adding the additional length made my head look too small for my body.
Solution: This was an easy fix. I just rounded the shoulders in slightly so that my shoulders protruded beyond the fabric, not the other way around.

Problem: The peek a boo skirt is great in theory, but only works well when you pose. When standing normally, it is hidden. In the picture, I have just one straight pin at the waist holding the whole thing closed. You can see how, even if I lean a little bit, the skirt just won't open on its own. When sitting, the overskirt falls back adding extra bulk around the hips. When walking, the underskirt just looks, well, odd. Because it fits like an apron it doesn't nestle nicely on the body like a true form-fitting pencil skirt, and has to be constantly adjusted to get just the right look and fit.
Solution: I decided to sacrifice the peek-a-boo element and have the buttons at the waist extend all the way down. The underskirt will stay in place and act as slip, therefore I have reduced the length of by 4" so it will be safely hidden away. I am also toying with the idea of adding a bit of tulle to keep the skirt full.

Problem: The flat front calms and reduces the bust line. I have a small cup size and the last thing I need is something that makes my small chest look even smaller.
Solution: Blouses always have too much fullness across the top and gape open on me. Why I didn't think to reduce this on the pattern before cutting, I'll never know. I opted for a few small pleats right across the seam line to keep it from gaping and to artificially increase the bust.

So, that is where it all stands now. I still need to finish:

• one seam alteration on the back of the bodice
• the hem
• the button and button holes on the black fabric
• re-face the neckline

I lost the peek-a-boo element, but retained the wrap effect on the waistline and the "tight waist into full skirt" that I love. I am so optimistic it will come together in the end, I even bought some new tights to wear with it.