Dressing Up Round 1: Hostel Ball

Last weekend was our hostel ball. It was so much fun and everyone looked super nice! There were some people there who I had only met once before, but everyone was making a huge effort to be more friendly! (The presence of alcohol probably also had a bit of an influence!) The theme for the ball was 'Once upon a time' and a lot of people came in costume - I obviously didn't get in on that though!

Dress: Forever New, size 6. Shoes: Forever New, Size 5

Classy Skater Dress

Glassons often have very good deals, especially as they have new products coming in all the time. So, they need to get rid of anything that isn't new anymore! They also offer free shipping of any purchase within NZ.

I am a fan of practically all skater dresses. I just feel that they are so flattering and feminine, and can be worn in so many different ways. This one that I found at Glassons was only $15 (still available, check link below) and can be dressed up or down.

Paired with pearls, nude heels and a simple belt, this is an easy but elegant look for a special occasion  The bonus is that the fabric is stretchy, so you don't even have to worry about overeating and feeling uncomfortable in your dress (as long as your belt isn't too tight!)

This is it dressed up for a birthday! (Apologies for the awkward cropping, someone didn't want to be featured in their socks!)

Burnt orange skater dress, size 6, $15; Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps, in 'Sweet Biscotti', size 5.5

And featured here in a formal casual look for colder weather.

Target Children's blazer, sz 10; Skater dress (above); Alphabet Tights by House of Holland (this brand is stocked at Farmers, although these were a gift sent from the UK; Faux Suede wedges from Rubi Shoes (similar here).

Summer Date: DIY dress

Now I saw the idea for a top like this whilst searching for embellishing ideas. (Here) I found some fabric just lying around in my house that I thought would do the job, and would make a nice dress. However, the original design used a knit fabric while the fabric I had was satiny and very slippery. This meant when I was trying to sew it (as a very amateur user of sewing machines/overlockers etc etc) I had a lot of trouble making it. The fabric was also prone to fraying very easily, which meant a lot of extra work neatening the edges/stopping them from fraying. So in the end, it was basically my mum that made it while I helped :) But overall I'm pleased with the results. The only thing was that I decided after I had made it that it would look quite nice with the front part high, but because the sides are the same length, and only connected through the sash part, when I did this the back hung really weirdly and was also then longer than the front. I also didn't allow enough fabric to do this so it also became really short. So it looks better with a lower neckline and belted.... And I know the sash is a little too long, but I haven't got around to redoing the end. I wore a variation of this outfit when I went out for a friends's party, and also on my Valentine's date!

Without the belt it looked a little pyjama-ish, I think due to the pattern. My tips to you are if you want to make this dress/top, and you are a beginner, make sure you know what you want to do with it before you start, and choose a non-fraying, easy-to work-with fabric. 

P.S whenever you are wearing any kind of top/dress that has straps (or no straps) that will not cover those of your bra, make the effort to wear a strapless! It makes your outfit so much cleaner and tidy looking. I also have a pet peeve about being able to see the back of a bra either through or above the backline of a top. I just think that it looks so tacky and trashy. Stay classy!