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

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 

The Diner Girl

I am very excited to announce that my image is now gracing the side of the 5 & Diner food truck!  The photo was taken by Doug Monce of Atomic Age pictures and the pose/design was inspired by WWII nose art; Vee Vin Tage created the fabulous Diner Girl 'uniform.' Marketing just revealed a sneak preview of the finished artwork, and I couldn't wait to share it here!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

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

 

 

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