Three ways to get an original, vintage look for the holidays
Spring Fashion
Written by cjhammon in Style
Tags
No tags :(
Share it
Have you ever gone to a party or a wedding and spotted someone else wearing the same dress? That’s unlikely to bother a confident woman––unless she is someone who truly cares about originality. If that’s the case, there’s a clear, affordable solution. Skip mass merchandising and make it yourself. If you’re not a seamstress, take a class and have someone coach you through it. Or hire it done. You’ll pay a little more overall, but I’m convinced that Americans need to make peace with paying more for our clothes. It’s the only way we’re ever going to retrieve quality and keep more of our money here in the U.S.
Every since I finished making my two-piece suit, I’ve been eyeing clothes a little differently. On a walk through the mall yesterday, I started looking at how things are put together. I found myself thinking, “I could make that.” And so could you. Not only that––you can do it cheaper and it will fit better. Plus, it will be made right here in the good ‘ole U.S.A. and you’ll be the only woman in the room wearing that dress.
You’ve got just enough time to make a vintage-inspired party dress for the holidays. I found three great dresses from ModCloth and a comparable pattern you can use to make them. (Click on the photos to visit the ModCloth site.) One of the things I’m noticing is how very often the fabric can augment a very plain dress–which means you don’t have to be a master seamstress to have something truly original.
Buy ‘em or make ‘em—either way, I love these dresses.
Dress 1 ModCloth Golden Garden Dress
Make it with this Simplicity pattern.
Dress 2 ModCloth Big Band Singer Dress
Make it with this Simplicity pattern. This one was the most difficult to approximate. That keyhole neckline isn’t easy to find, but you’ll see that the Simplicity pattern shown here has some interesting collar details.
Dress 3 ModCloth Flare and Square Dress
Make it with this Simplicity pattern. Or even this one.
So, which are you more inclined to do? Buy or sew your vintage party dress? Which is your favorite?
Life is short. Wear the good stuff.
5 comments
November 13, 2012 at 8:22 am
great dresses! I love them too!
November 14, 2012 at 11:49 am
I loved the suit you made for yourself! And I love the idea of making clothes that are tailored to me. However, my hands will not let me do these things. Call me the green eyed monster. I can just imagine frustration levels decreasing when you have slacks that fit you perfectly and skirts that skim over your hips and button just right at your waist–no gapping! Oh, the joy. Well, I am going to leave it for you. BTW..I saw Skyfall yesterday…
November 15, 2012 at 8:12 am
I imagine you could whip one of these up in an afternoon, Barbara! Thanks for the comment.
November 15, 2012 at 8:14 am
Thanks, Jill! Oh, yeah, you gotta love that custom fit! Did Skyfall stress you out as much as it did me? I was a wreck!
November 17, 2012 at 10:55 am
Skyfall had me on the edge of my seat almost literally. I will be anxiously waiting on the next one with the new M and I absolutely adore Q what a team.