A Night in the 40s with The Black Pinafore

 

This past Saturday was the annual "A Night in the 40s" dance held at the CAF Museum out at Falcon Field. This USO-styled event is always a grand time, and this year I asked Debora of The Black Pinafore to make my frock for the dance. I always make an appearance as Betty Grable during this event, but like to wear something eye-catching for the rest of the evening. I came across a 1940s French fashion illustration of two stunning dresses, one with a red, white, and blue striped front, and the other with a dramatically low back, and immediately knew that a dress that combined the two designs would be the perfect look. Debora was happy to turn my design dream into reality, and the finished frock certainly did not disappoint!

The dress is made primarily from a vibrant royal blue fabric with the feel of a vintage rayon, and accented with red and white stripes. Each stripe ties and forms a peekaboo cutout; these peekaboo cutouts, along with the delightfully bare back, combine to make a dress perfect for a 1940s starlet!

As usual, Debora's work is simply amazing. I cannot tell you how impressed I am with the quality of her work; she finishes everything beautifully and does an impressive job of fitting the dress to the wearer's measurements from across the world. The dress needed only a few minor tweaks because of the open back; Chris of Vee Vin Tage took care of these finishing touches.

I paired the dress with my beloved white platforms by Johnson's Shoes, a WWII red Lucite heart necklace and matching earrings (the necklace is adorned with a naval insignia), and a carved Lucite bracelet.

Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures captured these images; as we were walking around, one of the museum staff members asked if we like to take some photos of me standing on the wing of a P-51 Mustang. Would I?  Of course! I will say that standing on the wing in tall platform shoes is a bit challenging, though not nearly as challenging as figuring out how to get down in the same heels!

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

The Honey Sisters

I've always loved the image of the three ladies used on the Jergen's boxes and jars, and since my two dearest friends happen to be a brunette and a redhead, we thought it would be fun to recreate that scene.  Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures photographed us, and we were quite pleased with the end result!  

The original image graced the cover of Vogue in 1939, and served as Varga's inspiration for the Jergen's packaging (I wish Jergen's would 'update' their cold cream packaging to this design, wouldn't that be a treat to have on the vanity!)

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

The Carole Landis Dress

Photo borrowed from the Carole Landis Project
When it came to style, actress Carole Landis had plenty of it. A pretty, polished, and patriotic blonde, she even managed to look fresh and fashionable when performing for the troops overseas during WWII. Case in point—this amazing floral print sundress with peek-a-boo cutout. Carole is positively luminous, and that dress—what a stunner! I decided I needed one just like it, and Kim of NudeeDudee was just the lady to make it. After finding the perfect fabric—a similar cheery floral print with added bright polka dots—Kim set to work recreating the sundress.

She did a fabulous job, and I’ve decided this will be my go-to dress this summer!  Kim has three variations of the style listed for sale in her Etsy shop--one made in up in the reverse color scheme of mine, and two tie-front versions in a red tulip print and Mexican novelty print.  Go check 'em out!

Matt Carson photograped me at the Chinese Cultural Center in Phoenix.  I'd never visited the gardens before--the setting was lovely and would be a relaxing place to visit in cooler weather (it was bit warm the day we took these pictures, even early in the morning!)

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

Witchcraft

A couple of weeks ago, the Collings Foundation's collection of WWII-era aircraft made two stops in Arizona, and Doug Monce and I took a trip out to the Scottsdale Airpark to shoot some photos with these amazing warbirds.  We'd been invited out by the Arizona Ground Crew for a photo op, and although the day was unseasonably chilly and windy (so windy I was ready to go back inside after five minutes, thank goodness I wore one of my snoods from Arthelia's Attic or my hair would have been unfit for photos in mere seconds), we had a great time checking out the airplanes and chatting with some of the other attendees.  I even got to sit in the cockpit of the B-24 "Witchcraft"--it was no small feat climbing up there wearing a dress, stockings, and heels, but oh so worth it (and thankfully, free of any stocking casualties!)  

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

We'll Meet Again

Last Saturday I attended the annual "Night in the 40s" dance, held at the CAF museum in Mesa. It's a fun-filled evening, with a big band, costume contest, and dance contest, and for the past few years I've made an appearance as Betty Grable. The guests love it when "Betty" debuts in her signature bathing suit, and the museum and I have been talking about ways to include Betty in more events that benefit the museum, as she is the noseart on their prized B-17, "Sentimental Journey."

This year I collaborated with Kim of NudeeDudee on my outfit, and she created a spectacular, two-piece tropical number that was a real head turner. After much discussion over fabric (Kim is a delightfully patient lady), I selected a baby blue rayon adorned with flame red and white plumeria flowers and leaves. I wanted something midriff baring again, and she created a top with a plunging sweetheart neckline and gathered puffed sleeves, paired with a sarong-style wrap skirt. I was thrilled with the final results and can't wait to wear the outfit again this summer!

Here a few photos from the event!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee



My dear friend Rose, co-owner of Matilda's Closet, came as my guest--she's a wearing a stunning black crepe dress with gold studded "fireworks" detail on the sleeves. A simply amazing piece!

Veronica and Lana joined us this year and asked if they could raid my wardrobe--Veronica is wearing a lime and hunter green linen dress with coordinating red belt and cherry accessories (eBay finds) and Lana is wearing a navy blue rayon dress with white pique collar and silver buttons (a Matilda's Closet find), along with a sweetheart pin that reads "My man is in the Marines!" Oh, and her snood is from Arthelia's Attic.

Doug went as a reporter, complete with a 'press' pass in his hat!