Birthday Dress (retired)

This was the only thing I was going to buy for myself at the store and it was the only piece of ME's collection that I really loved when I saw the pictures. Now that I have it, I am a tad disappointed and need to make some changes to it. I'm sorry to be a 'negative nelly' but here are some close-ups with issues I'm having with mine --

I really like this dress but I think it looks so sad and hangs so limp without a crinoline! I won't pay $16 for one but know plenty of seamstresses who make them for about half the price and I'll be glad to give them the business.

IMG_6437 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr

The bow looks super cheap when you look at it closely and doesn't sit right IMO --
IMG_6434 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr

The sash isn't attached and I really struggle getting mine to stay at the waist line which I hate. I'm going to try to tack it down without being too obvious --
IMG_6431 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr

Here's a side view of the shoes. They remind me of slippers but at least they slide on easily!
IMG_6428 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr

So just another perspective. Once I get the crinoline and make the changes, I think I will appreciate the dress more. I do love the color and don't think the flower looks as cheap as some people are saying - I think it's actually quite well made!