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

  

The Hotel Congress Incident

Two weekends ago, I attended Tucson's Dillinger Days with my friends Veronica, Lana, and Doug. The event, known as the "Hotel Congress Incident," is one we like to go to—the Congress is always a treat to see, even if the event festivities drag on a bit. Mostly, we enjoy seeing the turnout of fabulous vintage cars, checking out the other attendees' ensembles, and sneaking in a bit of vintage shopping.

This year, I outfitted my two best pals in retro clothing from my wardrobe. I'd just received a package from the fabulous NudeeDudee, and the two tops she sent were perfect for a 30s look! I wore her navy blue and white striped sailor top, paired with a retro red skirt borrowed from Veronica and blue 40s heels. Veronica wore the gingham wrap blouse with a blue skirt from her closet, and a vintage bluebird pin borrowed from me. Lana wore Jitterbuggin's delightful green and white floral feedsack blouse, with tan 50s wool pencil skirt that I thought had a bit of 30s flair to it and red accessories.

After lunch at HUB Restaurant and Creamery, we headed over to Razzle Dazzle Vintage. I did my best to restrain myself (by visualizing the immense sale pile occupying my guest bedroom) and came home with lovely 1950s jacket accented with beaded "fireworks" designs, a yellow satin late 1930s blouse, and red 1940s-50s box purse trimmed with white saddle stitching. Not too shabby and still within the allowance I gave myself!

After an hour or so at the store, we were all shopped out and headed home. Of course, as Lana and I are big coffee drinkers, we stopped at drive through coffee shop for a caffeinated treat. I went with the cherry cordial frappe, which turned out to be a sweet way to end the afternoon!

xoxo, Amanda Lee

Ink and Iron

A couple of weekends ago my Sweetie and I headed out to the Ink and Iron festival.  His band had been booked to perform at the event, and we were quite exited to visit the Queen Mary!  It was quite a treat to appear at such a fun event on such a beautiful ship.  Our visit was a whirlwind three days, and of course I took hardly any photos (sometimes I wonder why I even bother bringing a camera, I never remember to use it).  But I do have a few to share with you!

On the drive out, we stopped at the wonderfully tacky Cabazon dinosaurs.  I'm wearing an Allure Original Styles dress in navy linen with a coordinating flecked cream bolero jacket.  It was so windy that my turban refused to stay anchored!

We managed to visit the beach before the show on Saturday--I wore my Carole Landis dress by NudeeDudee, paired with a Dixabilly bolero sweater and red jewelry.

Since we performed on the ship, I couldn't resist going full-on nautical. My dress is an original design based on a 1940s Hollywood pattern and was made by Vee Vin Tage--I just love the bright blue linen collar! The patches on the sleeves are from WWII, and would have been worn by the ship's musician. I was quite excited to find these--my grandfather was in the Navy, and although he wasn't a Navy musician, he was a trumpet player who performed in many bands. I think he would have been pleased with my choice!

Before we drove home on Sunday, we stopped in Newport Beach to see the ocean one more time (and I snuck in a little shopping at Swellegant--I love that shop!).  I wore another Vee Vin Tage custom design--this one a red, white, and blue floral rayon dress trimmed in white pique--along with one of my trusty Arthelia's Attic snoods.

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

Reel News

Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures put together a fun newsreel from the "Night in the 40s" dance--hope you enjoy it!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee

A Very NudeeDudee Special

A couple of weeks ago Kim of the fabulous NudeeDudee asked if I would be interested in modeling some of her ready-to-wear pieces and offering my readers a discount code. Of course I jumped at the chance, not just because her designs are simply amazing, but to give my lovely followers a treat!

She sent me her 1930s tie-sleeve blouse in the lily of the valley print, and one of her 1930s sailor striped tops. I have to say that I absolutely adore both; they are very well made, with attention given to every possible detail—but then again I’ve come to expect nothing less from NudeeDudee!

The petal sleeve blouse can be dressed up or down, and is available in a number of very vintage prints. The style is incredibly flattering, with a very unique sleeve design. It perfectly complements her pinafore skirt--I recently picked one up in sage green, and it’s quickly become a favorite of mine. Let me tell you, a blouse and pinafore combo is a real headturner—one that gents seem to especially like—and a definite must-have in every vintage-lovin’ girl's wardrobe!

Her striped tops are made from a super soft recycled cotton knit, and are available in both green and white and blue and white color combos. I loved the boat neckline and the puffed/pleated sleeves; this is the perfect vintage causal top!

Matt Carson photographed these outfits for me—I accessorized the Sailor top with a cream rayon forties skirt, red linen heels from Matilda’s Closet, and a snood from Arthelia’s Attic. And I’m wearing my new plum suede 40s platforms with the lily of the valley and pinafore set—aren’t they a treat?

Make sure you stop by the NudeeDudee shop to check out the wonderful styles! Call of the Jitterbugdoll followers can save 15% off the sale price of these ready to wear looks--just enter the code 15PERCENTOFF at checkout. And don't forget, these are limited editions, so grab 'em while you can!

xoxo,
Amanda Lee