Step 1:

I marked the dress 22 inches above the hem.

Step 2:

In addition to removing the top portion of the dress, I removed the buttons and those weird tie thingies in the back. (I actually sewed them together and used them for my waist band).

Step 3:

I gathered the dress, attached the waistband, created a back seam, and added a zipper.

Step 4:

I used some of the leftover fabric to create pockets.

Step 5:

I paired my new skirt with a top I thrifted from the Goodwill for $4.00...

Step 6:

and these pearl and gold earrings.. of course I made them!