From frumpy to fantastic!

So I've been seeing these lovely silk(more likely polyester, but they look like silk online) dresses around (i.e. Pinterest) and I wanted to try my hand at converting a too-big frock into a figure flattering, but not curve-hugging number. Well, my local thrift store offered up this navy silk dress! And, oh, how I love silk ;)

frumptastic! even if it fit it wouldn't work as is...

I started by chopping off the sleeves and about 6 inches from the bottom hem. I rehemmed the bottom by folding it over twice and pinning before running it through my machine. I then cut off the top part of the collar. This left me with a huge neckline which I remedied by creating two double pleats at the back of the neck, and three pleats to form each shoulder. Here's a close-up of the new neckline/shoulder.

This is the true color of the dress. 

These pleats brought up the neckline so that it was small enough and I didn't have too much blousing taking place. I took in each side under the armpit just a smidge to close up the armholes, then finished off the edges of the sleeves and the new collar by folding over and running them through my machine. And, here's the final product!

 Sorry for the poor quality photos. I still do not own a good camera, and cannot afford one ;) So, bear with me while I save up some pennies!

What do you think? Did I succeed at taking frumpy to fantastic?! Let me know, I don't mind if you think I missed the mark, just tell me what you would have done ;)

Peace,
Andrea
LittleDidYouKnow