Claire McCardell, that is. Long-time readers may know that she is one of my favorite mid-century, American designers. Her aesthetic and philosophy on fashion have fascinated me for years. Lately I’ve been revisiting, her ideal for flattering, easy to wear, simple garments. Two garments I’ve recently whipped up were forays into this very “McCardell-esque” aesthetic…

The first was a simple halter top I made using a how-to from a 1950’s sewing booklet I thrifted a few years ago. I used a piece of leftover cotton lawn that I had from a dress (again, thrifted!) that I had taken apart to reuse the material. I had just enough! I really love how this turned out; it’s perfect for wearing with my antique petticoats. After I made it, I started thinking about how it resembled a few of Claire’s designs, and hatched a plan to make a dress version.

I’ve been eying her practical and feminine wrap dresses for a long time… I’d love to make a similar copy… one day (when you know, time slows down and we have 25 instead of 24 hours in a day!). But what has always stood out to me is the ties she used for her wrap dresses… for some reason I really fancy that practical, yet decorative look. It’s girlish without being twee. I had some cotton lawn I ordered from Denver Fabrics earlier this spring languishing in my stash. So it seemed like the perfect solution to my idea and destashing!

It took a little tweaking, but eventually I was able to get all the pieces to mesh together correctly. lol. The result is a simple, but lovely, summer dress that features the halter neckline, dirndle skirt and bow sash! I really love it to pieces; and I only just made it yesterday. hehe.

The nicest thing is that it’s a wrap style, so it really could fit a myriad of body types and sizes. So many modern wrap dresses are made from knits to get that extra-form-fitting fit that everyone likes, but I am never comfortable with dresses that cling (rather than skim… which is more universally flattering, imho). Plus synthetic knits are hardly practical in 90°+ weather! So I really love how this pulled in my favorite designer’s aesthetic and ideas about how clothing should fit and be made to live comfortably in. Which ultimately, makes a lot of sense to me!

Here are a few inspiring links for your weekend!

• ♥ I love Sally’s candid discussions about fashion and image on her blog Already Pretty [ via ]
• ♥ a new website on nothing but 1940’s fashions *drool*
• ♥ Chelsea has been posting some splendid family photos that are just awash with vintage fashion inspiration
• ♥ an inspiring interview with Stepanie Congdon Barnes!
• ♥ Lilac commented on a recent post with a link to this amazing page of cast-off refashions
• ♥ We Make Words is oh-so clever and fun
• ♥ this is a really fantastic jersey dress–with a tutorial [ ]
• ♥ alert! vintage fashion eye candy!!!

I hope you all have a simply splendid weekend… I’ve got a packed schedule (which unfortunately does not allow time for a trip to the indie craft fair this weekend–boo-hoo!), so I’d better get a move on with my day! lol.

email me  del.icio.us  digg  stumbleupon
Posted on 06.27.08 to casey's musings. Tags: fashion, inspiration friday, sewing.

• « :: check-up ::