ModCloth and Vintage

That dress that I posted earlier, the ModCloth one. I can't stop thinking about it, I think I may have fallen in love. I've spent this afternoon cutting up patterns and fabrics to make my own version, and it's looking beautiful. There are only a few photographs so far, since I got a little bit carried away once I realised how devastatingly easy it is to put together such a cute dress. I also have a suspicious feeling that there may be 35 more in various colours and combinations over the next few months.

 The pattern that I worked with was a Simplicity one that came free by an absolute coincidence with a magazine, back when I could afford magazines. It's only half a dozen pieces, and they are all labelled really nicely. I enjoy working with  commercial patterns because they are often quick and easy to understand and make, so there isn't a great deal of mucking about between me and a brand new dress!

 There was a moment where I thought I might not have enough of my fabric of choice. The first plan was to make it all in black and white, until I started to hunt through my extensive fabric chest and stumbled upon this thick tartan that I thought would be perfect for Winter. There was just enough, I think there was about a meter and a half of it. I had to shorten the skirt pattern because I'm short, so the 30 inch skirt would have drowned my poor legs. I took it up to about 22 inches, with an inch for hem allowance.

 The bodice was easy to complete and the sleeves are a joy, look how adorable they are, all puffy and gathered. The skirt was also really easy, made of three pieces that you can gather separately or all together. The darts in the bodice give it a lovely shape and make my chest look brilliant. (What?! Isn't that the point, sometimes?!)

I am really getting into this whole vintage look recently, due to a love of strong, classically attractive women, pin-up and an easy life. I love how even though this dress covers the majority of my skin, it gives a great silhouette and allows the viewers mind to wonder! One of my idols once said:

'A dress makes no sense unless it inspires a man to take it off you.'

and this rings very true nowadays, with women who wear shorts no longer than their bum cheeks. Dressing like a lady has always been important to me, and the Vintage vibe is just another avenue to do that. Simple hairstyles have always appealed to me too.

I think once this dress is done, I'll invest in some tweed and some burgundy cotton for accents and really go for it.