Previously moth balled project: Designer like dress

I've got three designer dresses that I want to interpret into dresses for Agnes.  Each one is going to take me a Loooooooonnnnnggggg  time.  As I have no pattern (or real sewing skills/experience) -- it's trial and error and learn as you go (which makes it fun and frustrating) all at the same time.   ;)

Everyone was out of the house...  I had time to just sit down and think about what to make and how to make it.  While I get a lot of inspiration via the internet, I also lose a lot of hours here.

So, I look at this dress and I think... How hard can it be?  Now, maybe it's me.  I look at this and I think -- start here.... then do this.... then that.  Only thing is, I start and it just takes so much longer than I anticipate. I thought I'd knock this out in a day (max).  Well, several hours later (measuring, trimming, pleating, sewing) -- see where this is going.  And this is where I am.

I had some set backs (what can I tell you?)  The belt has been the most vexing.  I'm STILL working on it.  I've had to scrap 2 so far.  I think I've figured out how to do it.  If this doesn't work, I'm going to give up for today.  I did work out the belt.  I've spent hours.... I do mean hours on this dress.  I was hoping to get finished so I could shoot it tomorrow (daylight).  I'm exhausted, but think I should be able to finish by tomorrow at the latest and get it shot.