Designed by Bel: First dress!

Yes am still sewing…This month, am working on a long sleeved dress with a pretty red and white fabric.  Unfortunately, at the time of this post, I still have to attach the sleeves to the top of the dress. However, am running late on posting, so below are pictures of my progress and I shall update with the finished dress once completed!

Yellow Coat anyone

I have been eyeing the Lady Day coat in Warm Chartreuse because of the lovely and happy color. Browsing the web, I found a DIY coat made by Beaute J’adore…I like how she is able to sew her own clothes using quality material! Take a look at her blog. My favorite picture from her blog below.  Copyrights Beaute J’adore.

Introducing: Designed by Bel – Pleated Top and Pencil Skirt

Throughout this year, I have been blogging on a few African Designers every Wednesday or so (have tried my best to keep a consistent schedule) under the Afrique & Fashion tag.  On occasions, I have also posted some African designs that I have worn myself, and few readers have asked me personally to post more of my own African ensembles.

Starting today, I will be posting, on a monthly basis, one of my own designs. I am at the early stage of sewing (not even beginner) but I usually draw or put together various pieces then ask an expert seamstress to sew it all for me. Will keep the weekly ebelandi’s African Designer of the Week posts but on the first Wednesday of every month, we will have a “Designed by Bel” post where I will model an outfit that I have designed on my own (sewed with help of paid seamstress where applicable) with inspiration pictures if applicable as well.

My very first Designed by Bel file below.  Let me know what you think?

 sweater/belt/booties

African Print Dress: Sleveless and Blue Sticks

I like to design my own African outfits whenever I purchase material to sew.  Below is a dress made about two years ago that I have only worn for the first time this past weekend (shame 😦 ).  Ironically, the pretty color (blue) matches the Quinn Cuffs from J.Crew (purchased without the dress in mind, and reviewed HERE).  The fabric for my dress is a 100% cotton Super Wax by Vlisco.  If interested in purchasing the same material, send me an email or leave a comment and I’ll get you connected with local vendor.

Loving the image enhancements from Instagram 😉

For this outfit, I was after a sleeveless figure with large straps and a flowy skirt. Let me know what you think of the dress.