It should be said that I accidentally ordered this get-up while placing an order; that is, I thought I added it to my wish list when I actually added it to my cart. It's not that I didn't want it (or something like it) eventually, it's just that it wasn't at the top of my Needs (vs. Wants) list. Fortunately, after sorting out the confusion (like, "why was this sent to me?"), I opted to don it to welcome my partner home on Friday in hopes that the $50 I'd not intended to spend was met with enthusiasm — and it definitely was.

Because it wasn't available in my size (34, I'd guess), I'd added it to the list in the only available size (38) with the intent to keep my eye on it should my size become available. When I received (again, accidentally) the 38, I wrestled with altering it or sending it back; my internal seamstress convinced me that I could tackle this project and make it work for me as-is (or, I should say: as I am capable of making it), thus turning a mistaken purchase into something grand and titillating. I'm so happy I was able to work it out.

In essence, the two pieces that make up the bulk of this costume, more or less, are fairly simple: A boned corset and a tutu with an elastic waist. I measured out the difference between the two sizes and darted the corset accordingly so it was snug around my torso; I toyed with taking in the tutu at the waist, but discovered a better option after carefully examining all pieces. While the corset and the tutu, as I said, are the bulk of the costume, there are detachable and adjustable shoulder straps and garter elastics that are not only compatible with the corset but, to my delight, also compatible with the tutu. Off to work I went...

...And came up with a fantastic dress that impressed not just me, but my partner as well. After taking in the corset to fit my bodice, I set to attaching the corset to the tutu and was very pleased with the results: A dress with a tucked and tiered stretch mesh corset for a bodice, and a full tutu comprised of three graduated tiers of tulle that make for a super-fun dress ready for the club or the bedroom...as a single parent, the bedroom was my choice and it wasn't in vain, I assure you.

The shoulder straps, again, are removable and/or adjustable, so one can go strapless, one-shouldered, racer-backed or crisscrossed; the tutu has loops (or 'eyes') for the garter straps that can attach to both, so I figured that element into my alterations. Since I'll likely never wear either piece separate from the other, I found this a safer option for myself — it doesn't mean you are obliged to do the same. I put both pieces on and lined them up symmetrically, pinned them, and stitched them together to make the dress. I'm pretty pleased with the results. Also pleasing was the detail I'd missed when I thought I listed it as a 'wish,' which is the inclusion of a pair of black stockings that I'd be a fool to turn down in any event.

These aren't measures I'd have taken had I ordered it in my normal size deliberately, but when I took it out of the box I knew I couldn't part with it. With dress-up and a bit of role play aligned with my normal routine already in place, I knew my partner would be more than thrilled with my mistake and sure enough: I got the equivalent of a standing ovation shortly after his return from work. I'm very happy with my mistake and I'm happy to give sewing tips to anyone who's made a similar 'error' of their own!