Sewing Creation-Mod Cloth Inspired Dress

I recently attended my friends French Café inspired anniversary party. The attire was mademoiselles in red and messieurs in black. I wanted something cute but still appropriate for the occasion. I thought of just buying a dress but it had to be red or least practically red. I found a bunch of cute and adorable dresses but every option I found just wasn’t red. Then I saw Can Hardly Kate Dress on Mod Cloth, I said to myself.....

“This is the dress I want, but I need it in Red!” 

Can Hardly Kate Dress From Mod Cloth



I figured I had to have a basic pattern like this in my pattern cabinet. Well it turns out we didn't own anything this basic. So I did the next best thing combined two patterns; I used Butterick 5209 for the skirt and McCall's 9279 View C for the bodice (drew in the V-neck).

 

After figuring out my pattern dilemma, I went to my favorite fabric store, Michael Levine's, where I knew I would find fabric I would like. With my inspiration dress picture in hand and looking in the novelty section, I found this really cute red 50's reminiscent geometric pattern. I purchased black fabric with raised grain lines that complimented red fabric, when paired together.

I really liked the way it turned out. Since I changed the skirt pattern piece multiple times after I bought the fabric, I realized that the 2 yards of my 45’’ fabric wasn’t wide enough to accommodate my curved circle like skirt look in inspiration dress. So for the future when working with 45'' I would buy enough yardage to fold it in half to ensure my curve wouldn’t be cut off at the ends.

The Result!

Dress: made by me

Belt: Thrifited

Necklace: Thrifted

Shoes: Sofft

Sunglasses: Giant Vintage (Tops)

Happy sewing!

Always, Viv

Vintage Find-"You can be sure if it's a Westinghouse"

Last month we found this cool Westinghouse radio along with some other odds and ends at an estate sale we happened to stop by. This is the first vintage radio we have ever owned (besides some 80's and 90's radios from when we were kids which I don't consider vintage)!



The Westinghouse Company was founded in 1886 by American born George Westinghouse. His company advanced in technology through the years (on things far bigger than radios) they were responsible for the first U.S utility generator, continuous-filament light bulb and an all-electric range kitchen! In 1921 the factory built its first radio receivers for home use and later in 1954 "You can be sure..if its a Westinghouse" became their national slogan.

Ours is from the 50's, it still works too! Even though it's only an AM radio we still love it. Its so cool and looks great as a table piece.

Look at other cool Westinghouse radios here!

Sincerely, Vera

Outfit Post-Looking Like June in Blue

A friend of mine found this beautiful blue dress at a thrift store. It's one of those dresses that every woman should have in their closet. Not only can you dress it up or down, it is flattering on most figures. This dress reminds me of June Cleaver with the classic fitted waist and full skirt. Who can forget Mrs. Cleaver in Leave it to Beaver? She always wore classic outfits when at home, leaving for the store or going out to dinner.

Like Mrs. Cleaver, this dress has buttons down the front with a nice sheen to the fabric that adds texture. It has a box pleat in the back and is complete with pockets.  A simple way to accessorize this dress: add a black belt, some flower earrings, black shoes, and a watch-so you’re never running late.

Dress – Gift (thrifted)

Shoes – Strictly Comfort JCPenney

Earrings – Grandmothers

Sunglasses- GiantVintage.com

Watch – Gift from Spain

Always,
Viv

Tips for Style- How to Steal a Million

How to Steal a Million takes place in Paris, one of the  fashion capitals of the world! The comedy carried through out the film makes it quite enjoyable, as does the wardrobe. The clothes Miss Hepburn wears in this movie are very monochromatic, and created with very little effort. Everything is simple sleek and put together not lacking in style.The monochromatic look really comes to life in How to Steal a Million, showing that wearing all one color, if done right, isn't at all boring!

Style:

Accessories

I really like these accessories from the movie. By combining classic elements with very hip and current styles from the time they create Audrey's streamlined look. The  short gloves, small structured bag, printed/ textured tights, big sunglasses, low heeled shoes, and sometimes a hat, are all stylish and practical, perfect for winter and fall!

Create the Look

For this look I picked three colors to repeat in the outfit, black, orange and white. Everything coordinates, is a solid color and there are no prints. A basic bag, dress and simple accessories such as the hat and watch all match to finish off the look.

Audrey Hepburn- How to Steal a Million by brentwoodlane featuring vintage watches

Make-Up:



I'm not some one who is super girly, but I do love make-up. It is really an art and an excellent way to express yourself. This movie is from the 60's and the make-up clearly reflects that. Mate pink lips and black eyeliner is a common thread in both looks.  

I think we'll definitely do a make-up tutorial on this look in the near future.

The Make-Up Bag

1960's Audrey Hepburn Make-Up by brentwoodlane featuring a grey eyeshadow

To see all her looks, I recommend watching the film.

Have a good weekend!

Sincerely, Vera

HATS MAGAZINE October 1966

Here is the October HATS magazine from 1966.

--Viola

The Results- Ticket to the 20's Challenge

Two weeks ago we went to the Ticket to the Twenties festival. As showed in the 20's sewing challenge we planned to make a dress each for the event. Did we achieve out goal of three dresses by September 14th?!

Yes!

We all banned together to finish (including our mother), and we had them all done in time for September 16th. And without further delay here are the results.



Viv, Viola, Vera

Our goal was to create dresses that had an authentic 20's look, while still keeping them simple enough to wear again without looking costumey.



I think, I'm the least happy with the results. They pretty much turned out how I pictured but I wish we could have dressed  more authentic!



the pink ribbon we originally planned on using didn't look quite right so Viola chose brown



And while we're at it, here are some other pictures of the event. On both days it was 100 degrees!



The couple to the left won the costume contest

 

A nice gentleman let us take a picture in his car!

Hope you enjoyed that!

Sincerely, Vera

Estate Sale Finds from A Friend

Hello everyone, hope you all are having a good week so far.

I don't know about you, but we haven't been to an estate sale in what feels like an eternity! (Well, no good ones at least.) The ones we've stopped into have been complete duds, with no vintage stuff! And if there was, quite frankly, it was too expensive. I mean, $25 bucks for a vintage coin purse?! Anyway, it was nice to know that at least someone found some amazing items!

Our lovely friend Leah found these awesome bags at an estate sale and snatched them for us (thanks Leah)!

This one is really neat. By the look of the label I'd date from the 1970's. It's design is a throw-back look to the 1940's, since I've seen bags almost identical to this. It is made out of straw with a zipper at the top, and its half-circle shape definitely makes me excited to wear it!

This hot pink straw envelope bag is so cool! I really like it and I'm usually not a person drawn to pink. It's sturdy and is a great pop of color. I looked up the tag and didn't find anything about it, but my guess is its from the 60's.

The only words I have for this bag is LOVE IT. This hard shell circle bag (with a flat bottom) is something we've always wanted (especially Viola)!! It has a fun paisley interior too!



Find any cool things at any estate sales or yard sales lately??

Sincerely, Vera

Swiss Dot Summer

My creation:
60s inspired summer dress in floral Swiss Dot fabric

Swiss Dot  is a lightweight cotton fabric mostly used for women's clothes. It is a great choice for breezy summer dresses especially while the weather is still hot! Summer is not officially over until September 22nd!

Quick Facts:

• Also known as Dotted Swiss
• First made in Switzerland in 1750.
• It can be dated by it's dots! (ie. size, arrangement, & application)
• Used also in bedspreads, curtains, wedding apparel, and baby clothes

 Dress: Made by Me
 Handbag: a Gift
Shoes: Payless
Sunglasses: Giant Vintage
Earrings: My grandmother's

--Viola