Ready-to-wear inspiration: Pippa's bridesmaid's dress

I mentioned before that I purchased a bridesmaid's dress for a wedding this fall. I'm actually in two weddings within two weeks of one another. For the second wedding, I get to make my dress! Yay! The bridal party is all wearing different colors, and our dresses will all be different. The bride stipulated our colors and the length, but the rest is up to us.

I browsed the commercial patterns for bridal/special occasion, and wasn't totally impressed. Having just gone shopping for RTW bridesmaid's dresses, I can say that the options there aren't that inspiring, either! Everything is either one-shouldered or strapless. Or plunging. Am I the only one who doesn't think all the goods should be hanging out during a wedding? Apparently.

ANYWAY, I finally found something I liked. Remember when Kate Middleton and Prince William got married, and everyone raved about Kate's sister's dress? I found two patterns (here and here) that copy that look. I think there is something very charming and classic about this dress.

Butterick 5710

I'm not going to pretend that it's a style I can wear anywhere other than this wedding. Maybe another wedding, as a guest. Pattern Review only has two reviews about the dress, but one is super inspiring and absolutely beautiful. Can you imagine it in a deep red wine color (bride's choice for me) and tea length? 

The wedding isn't until October, so I have time to decide (and to get the bride's approval!). Did I also mention that AB is the flower girl?!? And that I get to make her dress, too?!? SO excited about that. I've got my eye on the Oliver+S Fairy Tale dress. I've been drooling over that one since it came out, but haven't had a reason to make it. With two weddings in two weeks, I now have the proper excuse for busting out the special occasion fabrics. And I should probably learn how to sew zippers. Although the fabric buttons in that blog review are FABULOUS, so I may just skip the zippers and go with that idea.