I mean really, folks, how could I not?  I know I have no time, but this was a very energizing project.  Chosen or not, win or not - it was so much fun!

I've talked about Shabby Apple before, as a great place to score fashionable modest dresses, and they are featured in our Shopping Section.  In September they launched Dare to Design, a contest for any and all who wanted to submit a spring dress design.  We the shoppers get to vote and the winning dress will be featured in Shabby Apples Spring 2010 collection!

Presenting my first Dress design for Shabby Apple dresses.

Details:  An easy piece to slip on any time!  A cutaway-style dress with matching removable tie and contrasting lining.  The banded sleeves end about half-way between the shoulder and elbow and have a delicate triangular cutout on the front.  Not the outside of the arm, but at the front.  A unique little detail that I love. Piping holds the cutout in shape.  A lettuce edge along the neckline and hemline provide a soft ruffle.  The sash belt has the dress color on one side and the lining color on the other.  Ideally it would be tied in the one-loop method, not a bow.  Much cooler, in my opinion!

Fabric & Color:  This dress is designed for a gorgeous matte jersey, just heavy enough to drape nicely, pack perfectly and wear forever.  I downloaded the official Pantone Spring 2010 Color Guide and really liked the pairing of Amparo blue and Turquoise.

Design Inspiration:  Two factors played into the design of this dress, my years traveling the country for my job and my wedding dress.  A dress with soft lines that can easily be packed is unmatched in versatility.  You can dress it up or down and be appropriate almost anywhere you go.  I love the styling and convenience of jersey wrap dresses.  They flatter every figure and as Diane von Furstenberg has proven, are timeless additions to any wardrobe.  But I wanted to merge the details I like best of a wrap dress (v-neckline and waist tie) with another style I've always liked - the cut-away.  My wedding dress was a simple white gown under a gorgeous, long, cut-away lace "coat."  I absolutely loved it and incorporated that design element into this dress to reveal the pretty underlayer.  And you don't need to pack a camisole! 

The top 15 designs will be displayed November 10th on Shabby Apples website.  Whether I'm there or not I encourage you to go vote for your favorite and then buy it next year!  And come back tomorrow when I'll post the other two designs I did for the contest.