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

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   

 

   

Get Noticed in a Novelty Print--Jitterbuggin's Rockaway

When I first saw the Rockaway bathing suit, I was positively delighted with the whimsical lobster print. In fact, I am hard-pressed to think of a more fun novelty print for a swimsuit. So of course, I was beyond thrilled when Kim asked me to model this outfit!

As always, Kim's vintage styling is spot on. The Rockaway is a 1940s-style, two-piece bathing suit, with a gathered top that features straps that criss cross and button (with two buttonhole options, so you can adjust the fit). The bottoms are sailor-style, and Kim selected the perfect red buttons for accent. You can mix and match the sizes for the top and bottoms as well, a very smart feature and a definite sign of quality!

In regards to sizing, I would recommend going up a size if you have fuller hips and a smaller waist. The cotton fabric doesn't have much give, so you will want to select the size that corresponds to your hip measurement (and possibly take in the waist or move the buttons slightly, as needed.) I modeled the size 30 bottoms, which fit my hips/rear well but were loose in the waist. A size smaller fit my waist perfectly, but were a bit too snug through the hips and rear.

As you can see from the "In Style" video, I found Jitterbuggin's Rockaway bathing suit to be a very versatile number! The setting for these photos, taken by Atomic Age Pictures, is Saguaro Lake—its sandy shores being a more "natural" habitat for a bathing suit.

I suspect this little number will be flying of the racks, so I'd snap (lobster pun unintended) one up straight away!

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