One Mint Julep

 

Given the sweltering heat and humidity that Doug Monce and I endured at our shoot yesterday, I think a mint julep might have been wonderfully refreshing! Luckily, the sweet n' minty 1940s frock that Carla of Jitterbug Dress made for me is a refreshing delight all on its own!

I choose an early 40s Hollywood Pattern with a gathered skirt and puffed sleeves (I am always a sucker for those early 40s looks, and just can't get enough), and I think it turned out just swell made up in mint green cotton adorned with a fantastic novelty print of "threaded" ribbons and bows (from Gertie's Fine Fabrics.)

Carla is a skilled seamstress with a great eye for details—she made covered buttons for this style, overlocked the seams, and made coordinating shoulder pads, all details that I really love to see in reproduction clothing. The fit was spot on too! As I mentioned in my previous post, Carla recently opened up her online shop, Jitterbug Dress, and she is offering custom recreations from a wide variety of vintage patterns. She has an extensive collection of 1940s-60s styles—everything from dresses to pajamas and even maternity wear—or you can send her a special pattern of your own. Although she is based in Arizona, she is able to sew for customers worldwide—just send her your measurements and the fabric of your choosing. I highly recommend her work (and if you are local, she has top-notch alterations skills too), so if you see something you like on her site or have a certain outfit in mind, please drop her a line and tell her I sent you!

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

 

 

Sneak Peek of The After Dinner Mint Dress

When Gertie listed this mint green bow print fabric in her shop, I wasted no time snapping a few yards up! I immediately started picturing what project would be best suited for it—perhaps a forties blouse and skirt combo or a shirtwaist dress? I eventually settled on a sweet early 1940s Hollywood Pattern design, and Carla of Jitterbug Dress is whipping up this little number for me. I can't wait to see the finished frock!

Carla is a stellar seamstress who has altered and repaired quite a bit of my vintage wardrobe over the years, and sewn some lovely reproduction outfits for me as well. Here is one of the custom creations she made for me, from a late 1930s pattern:

She is about to open up her new online shop, and I wanted to give her a plug. She's specializing in the styles of the 1940s-70s, and has a selection of patterns from each era listed on her site. To order, you select a pattern (or send her your own pattern) and send her the fabric of your choosing, along with your measurements. I think this is a nifty concept, and Carla will be adding many more patterns to her shop as time goes on.

I'll be posting photos of my new dress just as soon as it's ready. Did I mention that I can't wait to wear it?

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

Polka Dots and Sunbeams

When I saw how much time had passed since my last entry, I was quite surprised! Where does the time go, and how does it fly so fast?

Today I have a bit of a sneak preview of my latest collaboration with The Black Pinafore. I thought you might like a glimpse of the fabulous polka dot and floral fabric that is so perfect for cheerful and sun-drenched weather! These photos were taken by Matt Carson; I'll be posting additional photos from Atomic Age Pictures, along with a full description and review, very soon!

Till then!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

 

Goldenrod Summer Style

The second dress from The Black Pinafore is made out of a lovely goldenrod yellow cotton decorated with soft white and brown blooms. Debora used the same Du Barry pattern as the "Victory" dress, and paired this print with a brown button and matching carved belt buckle. I accessorized with 1940s butterscotch bakelite hoop earrings, a 1940s mah jong bracelet, 1940s brown leather and cream mesh shoes, and the white wrap from Arthelia's Attic.

The photos were taken by Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures at McCormick-Stillman Park.

xoxo,

Amanda

Victory Vogue with The Black Pinafore

I recently had the opportunity to work with a new designer whose creations I have admired for ages. The Black Pinafore is an Italian seamstress who makes wonderful custom outfits, and she has a fantastic eye for detail and quality.

I chose a 1940s DuBarry pattern for a streamlined dress; the style features a bloused top that closes with a single button, cap sleeves, and a slim-fitting A-line skirt. Debora made up the dress in two different fabrics; the first is a crisp red chambray, and the second, which I'll be featuring next, is made up in lovely gold and white floral print. I was very impressed with her attention to detail--each dress featured shoulder pads covered in matching fabric and a beautifully turned out belt (featuring a vintage belt buckle that coordinated perfectly with the button); she also overlocked the seams, which makes for a very sturdy garment.

I went with a victory look for this dress—crocheted hair wrap from Arthelia's Attic, white platform heels by Johnson's Originals, a 'V for Victory' brooch, and red earrings and bracelet. The photos, by Atomic Age Pictures, were taken in a 1928 Pullman car that is famous for its use in presidential travel—every president from Hoover to Eisenhower rode in this car. It's now an exhibit at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

Looking Shipshape with NudeeDudee and Arthelia's Attic

Kim of NudeeDudee sent me another of her charming 1940s sundresses to model, and this one is a summery dream! Crisp seersucker printed with kelly green and white stripes and blue, pink, and white anchors and sailboats--it doesn't get any better than that!

As usual, the quality and Kim's attention to detail is impeccable; NudeeDudee creations are simply a delight to wear! This particular print is going fast, but there is a blue and white colorway available, as well as several other prints in her shop.

I also had the chance to model the latest design from Arthelia's Attic, a 1940s crocheted hair wrap. This is a must-have item, ladies--just like her snoods, it is the perfect forties accessory!  Just the thing for days when your hair or the weather won't cooperate--or when you simply want to look WWII fabulous! The design is incredibly smart too; rather than tying the ends into a bow, you feed one end through a loop on the side. This makes for a perfect bow every time--just like a snood, wearing this scarf is a snap. It's such an effortlessly glamourous look--check out the photo of Carole Landis, Martha Tilton, and June Bruner looking stylish in wraps on a USO tour in the sweltering Pacific.

Photo from The Carole Landis Project

These photos are by the amazingly-talented Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures--stay tuned for another post featuring another talented designer!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

The Ticket to Fashion Paradise

I recently had the opportunity to wear another of NudeeDudee's divine ready-to-wear creations, a 1940s-style sundress, for a photo shoot.

Perfect for warm weather, this dress incorporates some very flattering design elements--a bust-enhancing, ruffle-trimmed shirred bust featuring a center halter strap; a fitted waist; and a softly gathered knee-length skirt. It's available in several cotton prints too, from tropical Shaheen, to 40s feedsack florals and stripes--something to suit every fancy. I chose one of the Hawaiian designs, with leafy green and brown flowers winding their way across a buttermilk yellow background. It's the perfect choice for blondes and redheads, I have to say! I paired it with bamboo earrings and bracelets, and a pair of 1940s two-toned shoes in rust leather and cream mesh, to complete the tropical look.

Matt Carson took the photos in a very suitable setting, he always does a wonderful job of picking the perfect location and capturing just the right feel!

xoxo,

Amanda Lee