This was my new dress for last year, a gathered fan-front bodice in a changeable purple/copper taffeta. The belt is taupe velvet, with some velvet pansies tucked into the buckle;)
The pattern was based on the simple double-darted Simplicity Work Dress, though I draped and pleated the front panels over them using trial-and-error! The sleeves are simple bishop sleeves with a double puff at the top.
The pleating at the bottom of the skirt was based off of another dress from the KCI Fashion book.
I was pleased with the way it turned out, ultimately. The gathered front was completely my own and I was expecting more trouble with it than I had; it went together very quickly and easily!
The bonnet was by the incomparable Pamela Robles of Mrs. Parker’s Millinery. A beautiful copper silk drawn bonnet, it complimented the dress perfectly! I finally wised up and had an expert make a hat for me;)