Do you covet Michelle Obama's red dress?

::So, are you drooling over that red dress worn by Michelle Obama [by Chicago designer, Maria Pinto] to her meeting at the White House? Can't afford it?

Drool no more -- there are a couple of things you can do to acquire a very close copy of this dress for your very own!

1. Find a pattern and sew the dress yourself. If you are a reasonably good seamstress, this dress is very doable for you. Either draft a pattern or buy one whose lines are the same; a sheath with long, set-in sleeves, a darted bustline, a round neckline, and optionally, a high/empire waistline.
Adding the pleats to the neckline of a basic pattern is not that difficult. If you want to sew it, and need help with the neckline, leave a comment, and I'll describe the process as best I can (I used to design women's clothing). Make the dress in the best quality wool crepe or gabardine that you can find (there are online sources), or try making it from a raw silk or linen if you live in a warm climate. This dress will cost you between $75-200 to make, depending on the quality of the fabric. This is the least expensive way to get exactly what you want, including great fabrics, and I highly recommend it!

2. Can't sew? Then try this. Hire  a local seamstress to make it for you.. If your seamstress can draft the pattern, you are good to go, just make sure you view samples of his/her work prior to hiring them, and provide the fabric yourself so you are sure that you get what you want.
If the seamstress can not draft a pattern, measure yourself, and go out and buy a pattern (see no. 1 above) in your size. The seamstress should be able to adjust it to not only fit you, but to reflect design details such as the pleated neckline. Cost is approximately $150-300 unless you are in a large metropolitan area.  

3. Another alternative is to buy a red pencil skirt, and a body-hugging sweater to create a similar look. This will cost you $100+.

Whichever method you choose, share with us! Pictures, descriptions, compliments from others.......post 'em here so we can see! If it's a pic you wish to post, you will need to email it to me at mgcontributorsATgmailDOTcom, and I'll gladly post any and all of the results.

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Comments

[alicia]

I loved that red dress...the one she wore election...not so much.

alicia
http://todaystyle.today.com

[Heather]

I love the red dress but I didn't care for the black and red dress either!

Cheers

[nicole]

Well, that makes 3 of us. I really did not like the dress that she wore on election night. At all! :)

[Susan]

betsy johnson has sent in a dress for her to consider wearing to one of the inaugural balls...it is a red, white, and blue number reminisescent of the dress worn by glenda the good witch in the wizard of oz, with beading that looks like fire works...please God, nooooooo

[nicole]

Susan, God forbid! I can't see her wearing a Betsy Johnson dress at all, and the one you describe would be truly awful!