Introduction
I really appreciate all the kind comments on my daughter's Easter dress! It really was pretty easy to make, and she's very happy with it. BTW, the pattern is from the current children's issue of Patrones, I showed the pictures from the magazine in the first post.
I promised some vintage fun, so here it is: Vogue Special Design #4415, from 1953.
I need a dress to wear for my luncheon lecture at MQX in a couple of weeks, and of course, it will be vintage. I plan to make it up in the fabric shown below, hence the name Fun with Dots. The fabric is a poly charmuese, which of course is not in the recommended fabric list on the pattern. I will be underlining it with white batiste to change the hand of the fabric to make it more suitable for the pattern. We'll talk more about that in another post.
I will be making up the collar and sleeve cuffs in white. For the two buttons on the collar, I've decided to make two covered buttons: one will be red and the other one blue, just for fun.
Once I actually get this cut out - I couldn't today, I had to finish client work - it should go together quickly as the pattern only has one tricky spot.For accessories for such an dress, I've decided on a white wide brimmed hat as is seen on the pattern envelope, which I'll show you when it arrives. I have vintage blue shoes and vintage red shoes, but I found these red, white and blue shoes on Etsy, that I absolutely love, but are a bit later 50s style than the dress. They're also a bit matchy-matchy, but the 50's (and unfortunately the 80's) were that way. I'm also a bit undecided on jewelry. I found this really, really cool red, white and blue necklace on eBay, but am not sure yet.
I think I'd look like a train wreck if I went red, white and blue on everything. I may just stick with the plain shoes, gloves, hat and purse and get the eBay necklace. On the other hand, I could get the Etsy shoes and go plain on the rest of the accessories. What do you think? Remeber, I'm a petite person and with my size especially, I think there's a point where you can get too matchy-matchy - and then you look just tacky-tacky. Do go take a look at the links and let me know what you think.
Parting Shot: Gorgeous Fabrics. I got these fabrics recently from Gorgeous Fabrics, and they really are lovely. If you have any doubts, her fabrics are so much better in real life than on the computer screen. The green rayon jersey knit, as you can see, is already cut out for a quick project (details later) and the yellow is waiting for the right project. I've got a few ideas for it, but I bought it because I have plenty of summer companion fabrics for it.
22 comments:
Fabulous neckline. Can't wait to see it finished.
I'll preface this with a disclaimer: I'm not awesome at coordinating. But, I love the white hat idea and I really loved the shoes. I also liked the necklace, but I think if I had to pick between that and the shoes, I'd go with the shoes. They're more unique in my opinion.
FWIW, I agree with Lauren. Get the hat and shoes and skip the necklace. If you are already going to have the red and blue buttons at the neckline of the dress, I think the eBay necklace would be too much. I love the shoes way more than the necklace. The dress would also look great with solid red or blue shoes.
Ok, you asked......and I love matchy matchy, but I think it would look more clown like. The neckline is gorgeous so I don't think it needs jewellery at all. Too much going on. The hat is perfect but I'm not keen on the shoes. White would be more elegant and less "Uncle Sam". (Did I get that right? Not be American...). Disclaimer (lol) - this is just MHO and seen from a very laid back Australian point of view :))
I'm with Vicki. I love the shoes but think white shoes and white hat with the neckline and cuffs in white would be very "ladylike" in a 50's sort of way. Any chance of some short white cotton gloves? That is a great pattern and the neckline is gorgeous and will really flatter you.
I think the shoes would be fabulous, but I agree with the others. I wouldn't wear the necklace; I would let that fabulous neckline stand on its on. Great fabric and pattern!
I vote for no necklace and solid colour shoes, either red or blue. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.
Well, you're getting a lot of different suggestions one here. So I'm going to basically add my vote to what a couple others have said:
I personally like the necklace a lot more than the shoes, they seem a little.....gimmicky to me. However, I also agree that with the pattern's neckline detail and what you plan to do with it you probably don't need a necklace at all.
So I'm voting for the solid white shoes, hat - and gloves too would be tres fabulous! I'd lend you my vintage kid leather ones if I could.
It seems to me the dress is going to be a strong enough piece on its own. Considering your small size no strong accessories are necessary.
Just my 2 cents (which I guess are worth a little less since I'm Canadian, lol)
Solid shoes (either color you have) and no necklace. I think it would spoil the neckline of the dress.
I vote for solid white shoes and hat, and leaving off the necklace. The neckline detail can stand on its own merits.
Love the neckline! My 2 cents -- the necklace would detract from the neckline, but you're known for your awesome shoes.
I think the necklace off e-bay, white gloves and hat and solid red or blue shoes. I think it will really be cute. Maybe the belt should be red or blue solid? Can't wait to see it in progress.
I must admit I love the shoes. the mimic of the dot in the trim is nice.
I do vote white for all other accessories (hat, hand bag, small beaded choker and definitely gloves).
just my 2 cents. I can't wait to see what you choose.
I agree that the necklace would be too much with the beautiful neckline. I would go all white with the accessories to match the white trim on the dress. Including shoes.
You do beautiful work. I enjoy reading your blog. Thanks :-)
I don't know, for me all those colors in all those items are too much. It would take away from the beautiful dress that I know you'll make. Instead, I'd go solid on shoes and accessories. This way they'd be complimentary pieces to your outfit and would highlight the dress, not distract from it. I'm looking forward to seeing your work. :):):)
Hugs,
Lory
Hello,
Great pattern, The shoes are fabulous but I think that collar doesn't need a necklace
give us a sneak peak
Being a fashion Neanderthal, all I can say is that I sure wish I was going to be there at your lecture!
Could you please have someone take a pic of you at the podium?
I would let the dotted fabric be the star and let it shine with solid shoes, bag and hat.
I love the neckline of the dress, it's beautiful! I'd go for the solid accessories too... Blue, red and/or white! For the necklace/earrings, white pearls would work fine too, IMO. The shoes and the necklace that you've spotted are very cool and I’d buy them even if not to wear with this dress.
I have a real attraction to the fashions of the forties and fifties. Love the silhouette of this dress. The neckline is stunning. I also like the unexpectedness of the fabric choice. I am in the white shoes, white hat, white gloves, no necklace camp. To me that just seems so much more true to the fifties. I like both the necklace and the shoes, though, and I think either would look fabulous with a white summer sundress or a fitted white cotton pique summer suit.
I have to add that I am in awe of your talent as a seamstress and I enjoy your blog. Have fun with the dress!
Love the dots. I'd go more basic for everything else to showcase the fabric more.
The neckline is gorgeous. I love it. And meanwhile read that you stick with white for the accessories, great choice.
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