Senorita Sundress

Sometime last year I stumbled upon a set of fantastic red wooden sombrero buttons on their original 1940s cards. I snapped them up and immediately began envisioning the perfect dress to show them off in all their novelty glory. I snagged a copy of Hollywood Pattern 1371, a delightful sundress featuring a sweetheart neckline, tie belt, and a bolero jacket, and knew it was just the ticket for the dress I was imagining. As the buttons were trimmed with lemon yellow and lime green yarn hat bands, I settled upon a bright lime linen look fabric. Wanting to add an additional pop of color to the ensemble, I chose a bright tomato red and white polka dot fabric for the jacket. The overall style and color scheme conjured up an image of a costume a Hollywood starlet might have worn when she traveled to South America in her latest film (I could totally see Paulette Goddard in this outfit, for sure.)

I asked Debora from The Black Pinafore if she would be willing to sew up this set for me, and she happily obliged. The finished outfit was even more amazing than I pictured it to be; as always, Debora has an impeccable eye for details and fit. I'm very impressed with her tailoring skills; the garments she has sewn for me have all fit so well, right off the hanger! The set been a dream to wear and I'm delighted to finally reveal it to my readers!

These photos were taken by the talented Matt Carson; he and I took a trip to the old mining towns of Miami and Globe, where we found two doorways that begged to become picture backdrops. 

I accessorized with a 1940s painted wooden sombrero necklace and earring set, a Mexican-style carved 'fab-a-lite' bangle by ThePinkBungaloo, and Miss L Fire's Sonny spectator heels. 

xoxo,

Amanda Lee

Tempting Topper

I recently collaborated with Naomi of Arthelia's Attic on a sweet crocheted purse and turban set that will be listed shortly in her Etsy shop. Naomi makes top-notch snoods (the very best, in my opinion), but she also does an amazing job with her other creations too!  I had been wanting a red, white, and blue purse for awhile, and when I came across this 1940s pattern, I knew it would be perfect. And although I don't wear hats often, I couldn't resist having the matching turban made!

Naomi did a wonderful job, choosing just the right shades of yarn and adding a fun coordinating lining (a splashy patriotic star print.) I found a lot of carved Lucite zipper pulls on eBay, and had her add one to this purse.

This shoot was inspired by Hedy Lamarr--the photos were taken by the amazing Doug Monce, who always does an incredible job of capturing that old Hollywood look.

xoxo,
Amanda Lee 

Pinks and Greens

I have been slowly building a collection of cheesecake military uniforms, and for this year's Rockabilly Rules event, I decided it was high time I joined the Army Air Corps. Vee Vin Tage made my 'pinks and greens' uniform, using chocolate and tan gabardine along with buttons from a WWII uniform and an 8th Air Force patch. After pairing my uniform with a vintage garrison cap and a pair of brown heels, I was ready for duty!

These photos were taken by Matt Carson at his studio--I hope you like them!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

The Primrose Peasant Dress and Purse

Finally, I have full-length photos of my latest collaboration with the amazing Debora of TheBlackPinafore!

This creation is a classic peasant dress, made from a delightful rayon with the most luxurious drape. The cheerful print consists of large white dots accented with sprays of pink and green flowers on a brilliant royal blue background--it's such a happy print!

As always, Debora's workmanship is impeccable, and the dress is finished with great care. Made from a 1940s Advance pattern, the style is a simple one that features flutter sleeves and a drawstring neckline and waist. Debora selected a deep wine-red ribbon to complement the colors of the print, and surprised me by having a coordinating purse made by MyRetroCrochet! The cream crocheted bag is lined with leftover fabric and trimmed with blue raffia. It is a beautifully made purse, and although it was designed to match this dress, the neutral outer color means it coordinates with other outfits in my closet. I've gotten quite a bit of use out of it already, and have to say that I really love the idea of having a matching purse. So be sure to ask Debora about having a purse made to match your own custom frocks!

These photos were taken by Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures at the CAF museum in Mesa.

xoxo,
Amanda Lee   

 

   

Just Right for Every Occasion--The Rockaway Bathing Suit by Jitterbuggin

Jitterbuggin's Rockaway bathing suit is definitely a must-have for summer--the wonderfully kitschy lobster print, so reminiscent of a 1940s Catalina bathing suit, is a design that can go anywhere!  Here Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures and I show you just how perfect for any occasion this bathing suit is!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

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