Actually, I think that sort of dress could make a good first project: the collar isn't notched, so relatively easy. You will want to make it from a commercial pattern on your first attempt: it'll have the paper pieces to cut out, sizes marked, and instructions with diagrams. When you build up experience, you can think about drafting your own patterns.
You can browse and buy patterns online. I recommend Jaycotts for a good range of the big-name pattern houses. If there's a choice, choose a pattern labelled "easy" - the instructions will be good, and the techniques will build rather than destroy your confidence! Butterick B6007 looks like a fair match for this dress, but the neckline is a more straight-forward shirt-style... Keep browsing and you might find a closer match.
When you buy the pattern, check sizes carefully... A ready-to-wear size 12 is NOT the same as a pattern size 12! Measure your hips, bust and waist (find instructions online), match to the pattern-brand's size guide, and buy the biggest size of the three measurements (eg: if you're size 14 waist and bust, but size 16 hips, go for the 16).
Jaycotts also sell giant tissue paper - you can trace the attorney pieces off the printed sheets, allowing you to make size adjustments, or to reuse the pattern for different sizes/sleeve lengths etc. It's more work, of course, but patterns can be expensive!
For a first project, use fabric you like, but not too expensive. If you want to use something really special, try it out, and get the fittings right on cheaper, practice fabric first. Sometimes practice garments are the ones I wear the most anyway!
Practice your button holes on scraps of the dress fabric before you do them for real on your nearly-finished dress.
Good luck, and enjoy the process!