Just a quick note to let you know that if you tried to leave a comment earlier, and couldn’t, I’ve fixed the problem! Somehow the comments function got turned off, but it’s back to normal. Sorry about that! If you ever notice that, please do not hesitate to email me and let me know; I really appreciate the readers who did let me know about this one. Thanks everyone!
November 2010
- dress: compliments of Shabby Apple*
- handbag: 1940s vintage
- pearl collar: vintage
- necklace: vintage
- shoes: Bakers
- earrings: Etsy
We attended a wedding recently–ironically one day before our anniversary! It was a very small evening affair at the Ritz-Carlton (which Sailor Husband and I hadn’t been to since we got married–another funny coincidence!), so I wanted to pick something really nice to wear. I toyed with wearing my green dress, since it is not only cocktail-appropriate, but also perfect for the warm weather we’re still having. But this lovely dress from Shabby Apple* arrived the day before–and you know how hard it is not to wear something new and pretty!
This is my first Shabby Apple dress, but I’ve been curious for some time about their line, having coveted their designs for seemingly ages. I love the simple, feminine cut and the luscious silk (seriously: I want to wear this every day so I can bask in it’s soft silkiness!). The style reminds me a lot of simple, mid 40s dresses that are meant to be dressed up with accessories, while the exposed metal zipper is very contemporary. It also has pockets–and you know I love those! I really, really liked the sizing too; it’s a “generous fit” which meant it isn’t too tight–and there is a little wiggle room in there. The only “issue” I had with this dress was not because of it, but rather me. I have a very long shoulder-to-waist measure, so most dresses do not hit at my natural waist. This one was about 1/2″ above my waistline, but not too bothersome (trust me: I’ve worn vintage that is a lot higher and just lived with it! lol). Next time I’ll just pair it with a different belt. I also thought a kick pleat at the back might have been a nice design feature, but that is my seamstress mind going on overdrive.
I paired it with my favorite pearl collar and a vintage necklace and 1940s handbag, as well as my usual vintage hair and makeup. I had some other outfit ideas, all of which involved jackets and scarves, and it was just too warm for that. But I really like the final outfit: it’s a bit vintage, a little classic and still my quirky/artsy look. I am looking forward to pairing it with some other accessories and wearing it for different seasons. Maybe winterize it with some patterned tights and a tweed jacket? It’s such a pretty jewel tone red and the silk is so soft–I just need more excuses to wear it!
And, just to show you all that I am not the most serious person (I’m afraid I tend to come across a bit serious in my writing!), here I am in the middle of the Ritz-Carlton making faces at the camera. This was right before the wedding photographer got a few snapshots of me. So classy.
*Full Disclosure: Shabby Apple sent me this complimentary dress for review, something that I rarely do here. However, I never, ever review a product with any strings attached in regards to the viewpoint of the review. Thus my thoughts and review of this dress are 100% my own and in no way influenced by Shabby Apple.
I hope you’ve visited Grosgrain blog recently? Kathleen has been doing a fantastic series of sweater refashions, taking humble thrift store finds and transforming them into Anthropologie-worthy pieces. She’s been documenting how she remakes each one–which has got me itching to do some sweater refashions! My sketchbook has been bursting with ideas thanks to her tutorials, and I’ve been trying to find some new pieces at the thrift shops to chop up and remake. Kathleen contacted me recently to do a guest blog for the series and asked if I’d like to contribute my fur collar tutorial. I jumped at the chance of course! Be sure to stop by for a little interview with me and check out the rest of Kathleen’s Embellish Month tutorials (and the rest of her inspiring blog). Thank you again, Kathleen for featuring me–I’m so tickled to be included!
I love these simple knit tops and cardigans; especially the one at the right-middle–the ribbing and puffed sleeves are too cute!
A couple weeks ago while I was out shopping, I was stopped by a sweet older lady who wanted to tell me how refreshing it was to see someone younger dressed up. She went on to say how sad it was that the younger generations didn’t even dress nicely for school any more. This little discussion prompted me to come home and page through my vintage books and catalogs, and think a little about how teenagers dressed in the 40s and 50s. It’s really amazing, when you think about it, how well dressed teenagers were back in the day. So many fashion history books I’ve read characterize children’s and teen fashions of the past as “miniature adult clothes”, and it’s so true. The idea of dressing down or distinctly according to your age group is such a new phenomena in fashion. While it’s nice to have the freedom of choice in fashion we have now, I do love how even teens were expected to be put together and nicely dressed in the past. I can’t help but feel that in many ways, the idea of self respect and impressing people outside your generation by how you present yourself, has been lost. What are your thoughts on the matter? Agree or disagree? I’d love to hear them!
I hope you enjoy this little smattering of teen fashion from 1944. I know I gathered a few ideas from looking at these–not that I need more sewing temptation right now! lol. Have a lovely Monday, friends!
Colorful cotton day dresses. I love how with a few tweaks, even these designs would work for a gal out of her teen years. The yellow one is especially pretty.
be sure to click on the image above for the sources of these lovely images!
Hello, friends! I hope you have had a lovely weekend’ and if you’re in the US, a nice Thanksgiving holiday. Things have quieted down a bit here, but I have a lot to catch up on right now–most importantly the winner of the fur collar giveaway! To find out if it’s you, be sure to scroll down below…
- I love this simple idea for decorated chalkboards from Creature Comforts.
- Lauren at Wearing History shared some fantastic tips on how she organizes and stores her vintage patterns.
- These jar cozies how-to’s from Dottie Angel are just too sweet!
- Judy posted some gorgeous images of evening gowns from 1925, 1935 and 1945.
- Whip up a quick-to-make and eye-catching tie scarf!
- Lauren of Dear Golden shared an array of vintage collars that are fantastic inspiration!
- Denise emailed me about a fantastic giveaway she’s hosting on her blog, Blue Gardenia, right now!
Now for the winner of the giveaway. Firstly, I’d like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your lovely comments about the tutorial–I’m so delighted that it struck a cord with you! It has really encouraged me to stop slacking with all the tutorial ideas floating through my head and publish them here. Can’t promise anything too exciting before January, but I do hope to start adding more in the near future (along with more regular giveaways)! The winner of the faux fur collar is…
Congratulations, Corinne! I’ll be emailing you shortly so I can send you the package.
I hope you have a lovely rest-of-the-weekend! I have to admit, after the busy holiday and having guests over for a week, I suspect I shall spend the rest of my weekend curled up on the sofa with my knitting. It is also just chilly enough out this morning for me to feel like it’s fall, so I’m feeling decidedly lazy right now–which may be a good thing to rest up before the Christmas madness begins! hehe!
Did you spot the new feature on the links roundup last week? I would love for you to contribute either a link from your own blog or one you’ve run across in the past week that you think others might find interesting! (As before, the usual rules apply to submitting links within good taste, etc.)
