Dress Progress and a bargain

This is what I've gotten done so far.
I'm very pleased with the top. The full skirt is too bulky at the waist, so I think I'm going to be forced to make it more of an A-line. Tomorrow I'm going to try and take the skirt off (if I can just find that seam ripper...) and then revamp the skirt shape. I also want to include pockets. Changing the skirt will actually give me more extra fabric to make a little cardigan with.

This is after trimming the seam allowances, which helped a bit...but knowing me, I'll never be happy with that bit of bulk.

I'm very happy with the sleeves.

On another note, I love a good buy. I have a friend's wedding to attend next month, and found out it's going to be a bit more formal than I anticipated. (not that I mind an excuse to dress up, or buy something new)

I was fretting over finding a longer dress that wouldn't break the bank. I still had that JCP coupon for this weekend, so I made that my first stop at the mall today. Lucky for me, the dresses were 40% off. I actually only brought in three dress to the fitting room, and number three was the winner.
I got a $90 dress for $44 after discounts and coupons. I really loved the fit of the dress (and that fact that it wasn't cheesy shiny fabric) but I wasn't crazy about the cheap looking brooch on the front. I splurged and got a brooch for $25 and it made the dress look so much more polished.

I admit, it's a bold brooch, but since it's a halter top I wont have a necklace. I have great earrings that match. I may get a bracelet, since the store I bought the brooch at gave me a coupon for $10 off $10, starting in October...

I have a beautiful silver beaded vintage evening bag from my great grandmother. I just need shoes and I'll be all set.