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

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

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   

 

   

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

 

Goldenrod Summer Style

The second dress from The Black Pinafore is made out of a lovely goldenrod yellow cotton decorated with soft white and brown blooms. Debora used the same Du Barry pattern as the "Victory" dress, and paired this print with a brown button and matching carved belt buckle. I accessorized with 1940s butterscotch bakelite hoop earrings, a 1940s mah jong bracelet, 1940s brown leather and cream mesh shoes, and the white wrap from Arthelia's Attic.

The photos were taken by Doug Monce of Atomic Age Pictures at McCormick-Stillman Park.

xoxo,

Amanda