Alright, buckle up buttercups, ’cause I’m about to spill the tea on my quest to recreate Dorit Kemsley’s reunion dress – or at least, a version that doesn’t require selling a kidney!
So, it all started when I was watching the Real Housewives reunion (duh!). Dorit waltzed in looking like a freakin’ ice queen, and I was immediately obsessed with that dress. All that sparkle, the silhouette… I needed it in my life, but my bank account was screaming “NOPE!”
First things first, I hit the internet. Started scouring for pics of the dress, trying to figure out the details. It looked like a fitted bodice with some serious embellishments, and a flowy, almost ethereal skirt. The color seemed like a silvery-white, maybe with some hints of blue.
Next up: fabric hunting. This was probably the hardest part. I wanted something with a similar feel, but without the designer price tag. I ended up hitting up a local fabric store and found a gorgeous white sequined fabric for the bodice. It wasn’t exactly the same, but it had the sparkle I was craving. For the skirt, I went with a lightweight chiffon in a similar shade. It was flowy and dreamy, just like Dorit’s.
Then came the fun part: the sewing! I’m no expert, mind you. My sewing machine and I have a love-hate relationship. But I was determined to make this happen. I started with the bodice. I used a pattern I already had, and modified it to fit the sequined fabric. Let me tell you, sewing with sequins is a pain in the butt. They get everywhere! But I persevered.
The skirt was a lot easier. I just gathered the chiffon at the waist and attached it to the bodice. I added a lining underneath to give it some structure and prevent it from being too see-through.
Now, here’s where things got a little dicey. Remember those embellishments on Dorit’s dress? Yeah, I wasn’t about to try to recreate those exactly. Instead, I decided to add some simple pearl beads and rhinestones around the neckline and bodice. It gave it a little extra sparkle without being too over-the-top.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, it was done! I tried it on, and… I gotta say, I was pretty impressed with myself. It wasn’t an exact replica, but it was definitely inspired by Dorit’s dress. I felt like a freakin’ Housewife!
Lessons Learned:
- Sequins are the devil. Seriously.
- Patience is key when sewing. Especially when you’re not a pro.
- Don’t be afraid to improvise! You don’t have to copy everything exactly.
Final Thoughts: This project was a challenge, but it was also a lot of fun. I learned a lot, and I ended up with a dress that I absolutely love. And the best part? It didn’t cost me a fortune! So, if you’re thinking about recreating a designer look, go for it! Just be prepared to put in some work, and don’t be afraid to get creative. You might surprise yourself!
