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

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

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

 

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

  

Secret Garden

A few weeks ago I had a photo shoot with Matt Carson at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.  Per our usual luck, there was some sort of special event going on that day, which meant the gardens were fairly crowded.  However, I feel Matt did a wonderful job of creating the feel of a secret garden in these photos!

You'll recognize my peach lace and brown cotton patio dress as the same one I wore for my shoot as a redhead.  I think the warm tones suit blonde hair equally well, don't you?

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

I recently modeled this dress in a recent photo shoot for Vee Vin Tage.  The beguiling yellow and black roses were too much for me to resist, and so now this dress has a home in my closet!

Vee Vin Tage is taking custom orders for this fifties-style dress, which features a fold-over neckline, wide straps, and a floaty skirt.  I cannot sing enough praises for this mother-daughter design team—no detail is overlooked in any of their creations!

These photos were taken by my friend Matt Carson on a lovely Sunday afternoon in the town of Jerome. 

xoxo,Amanda Lee