Vogue 1026 - The Secret Secretary dress

I've had this dress planned for over a year, and finally got around to it. I love this pattern - it's fitted shape and interesting construction lines. I made the matching belt, but wasn't in love with how it looked, so opted for a skinny black belt instead.

I ended up going back and sewing the front pleat closed down to the pocket line. The pleat was flipping up a bit more than desired. Now I think the side view is much more flattering.

The back. Those pesky Christmas pounds are making this look a little too snug. They will be gone ASAP.

This pattern is rated as easy, but making sure the front contrasting bands were all the same width and the sharp corners of the bodice was not what I would call simple.

Aren't these flap pockets cute? The fuchsia fabric is polyester shantung and the black a thick satin.

Here you can better see those sharp corners of the bodice and where I sewed the pleat closed.

The black bands along the neckline extend to the back as well. I decided to use a black zipper because I couldn't find the right shade of pink for a perfect match. All you see in the pull tab anyway, and that ends at the black neck bands.

I did find the right shade of pink for the lining though. I love that this pattern included separate pieces for the lining, and the front dress lining piece is straight across and not pleated.

Inside lining:

So, kind of a weird title for my post, right? I never name my clothing, although I know many people do and it always makes me chuckle. However, I made this dress to match these shoes, and they were called "Secret Secretary", which I think is a hysterical name. I know they're pretty flashy, but I love them. I am hoping the reserved design of the dress downplays any naughtiness from the shoes and makes the outfit appropriate for church.