A Happy Birthday Dress!

My beautiful birthday dress has gone from “done enough” to wear on my birthday to completely finished! Sweetie was kind enough to take photos for me this weekend, and I am so excited to share them with you!
This is Vogue 1353 made out of some Italian cotton I picked up on my trip to New York’s Garment District. This fabric isn’t what I normally gravitate toward, but I just love it done up in this pattern–it makes me so happy!
I love the way the seam lines of this dress stand out because of the color gradations–there’s no need for a belt to emphasize my waist. And something about this fit-and-flare style makes me feel just fabulous!
Because this dress has an invisible zipper and a full skirt, I decided to add a waist stay to keep everything in place. The dress is fully lined in gray bemberg rayon for silky smoothness.
Some reviewers found the hand-embroidered hem this pattern calls for to be a little ridiculous, but I thought it was kind of cute, so I went for it. I used a green embroidery floss that matches the green in my print.
The scoop back neckline is a little wonky thanks to the top of the zipper, but I think it’ll do. It’s the pleated front neckline that really matters, anyway.
I’ve been making an awfully big deal out of my birthday this year, but 28 isn’t a milestone year for most people. I shared my thoughts on this particular birthday on Facebook, and I thought I would post them here, too.

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes, everyone. 28 is a pretty big deal for me.

As some of you know, I lost my biological dad when I was only 7 months old. He was 27: far too young. I have always measured my life in relation to his, and in the back of my mind I never imagined I would make it longer than he did, which makes this birthday a relief, a triumph, and a day to honor the father I have only known through the stories that his friends and family have been kind enough to share with me over the years. Every day is a gift. Especially this one.

This is also the last day that I’ll sit in a classroom as a student, which is another kind of triumph. Celebrations all around.

This dress has been the perfect way to celebrate. I also got to spend my birthday doing research I’m excited about and dancing with my friends. A week later, Sweetie and my grad school friends surprised me with a party at one of my favorite restaurants in town. I’m so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life and to have found a place for myself here, half a country away from home.