OK, so yesterday I told you about my Thursday shopping adventures with that copper-headed Kiwi (that's what they call themselves, apparently), Shona.
Now for my purchases. Obviously I didn't buy anything at those vintage clothing stores; I'm strictly a Salvation Army kind of guy. Recall that one of my next projects for cousin Cathy is one of these fabulous McCall's dresses from the late Twenties:
(If you have a strong opinion about one of these patterns over the other, please speak up NOW.)
Little by little I've been putting together accessories. Here's what I have already (click pics to supersize):
Beaded black satin bag with long chain. Don't love it, but it will do.
Black and gold fringed scarf/shawl: maybe, maybe not.
And here's what I got on Thursday with Shona:
If these don't scream Clara Bow, I don't know what does. Black satin. $5.99. Dig the button on the side strap. Shona suggested I decorate the front with some little sparkly doodad.
How about this? Boop-boop-de-doop! (If this is too showgirly, I also have a pretty good array of cloche-like things.)
Then there's this: a black velvet and satin rose pin -- $2 at Angel Street thrift store.
Now as for fabric, I was thinking this cotton velvet laser cut pattern. It would have to be underlined with something...Shona suggested a colored fabric to break the black a bit. It even has a border.
Here it is atop a peachy fabric:
And here it is over something purplish:
What do you think -- Is it too Norma Desmond?
Or worse...?
While I have a camp sensibility, let me assure you, Cathy has none.
So I'm leaving it in your hands: What should I make this Twenties dress out of, and if I buy the velvet fabric, how do I handle the slightly gathered front yoke? The alternative would be some sort of lightweight poly satin that doesn't look too much like lining material.
Any other must-have accessories you can think of?
I'm all ears...beads, and sequins!
Worth a chuckle...
Go for the second pattern hands down! so much more interesting and elegant!
ReplyDeletethe burn out velvet for sure, very suitable for a 1920's pattern. i like it over the peach a lot, a color like teal would also be nice an very art deco.
ReplyDeleteSecond pattern without a doubt. I would suggest the gorgeous lazer cut velvet WITH the peachy lining and then do the yoke and sash with a really nice satin in peach. Gawd..the movie directors may be calling you to do costume design if you pull this off. I love the accessories. Or you could do all the contrast in GOLD!!!!Cathy deserves the best!!!!
ReplyDeletei love the 4907 for sure and I was going to suggest the two tone version, whic i still like but all those lovely accessories will get lost on a black background. should you use the peach and make the black the contrast around the yoke? but if you used the black that wouldbe gorgeous too ... but you'd maybe need to find some more peach accessories ... maybe a peach flower or a peach scarf. either way i can't wait.
ReplyDeleteLove that velvet and peach combo and the second pattern. Great find on the shoes too!
ReplyDeleteI'm going with Susan L - second pattern, but with peach accessories. Black crepe back satin (or any good heavy satin, cut on the bias)drape at the hip. The shoes actually are fine the way they are, but what you might want to find are some glittery/black beaded shoe buckels on clips (not easy to find) or, missing that, some good basic clip-on earrings will work.
ReplyDeleteyou are hilarious. (which is to say, i mean that you are hilarious exactly when you mean to be.)
ReplyDeletenumber 2, number 2! with peachy underneath the awesome cotton velvet laser cut black goodness! and sequin cloche! and shoes with roses!
(also my vote should count like 10 times because i just got out of the ((unexpected)) hospital and it would make me really happy to see cathy in this. mini bratty guilt post over.)
I vote for the second pattern; I think it is quite nice with the look you seem to be pursuing for Cathy. I wouldn't use peach unless peach is a good color for Cathy, though. Not sure about the teal either. I agree with the burnout (really nice!) and the other accessories. Like Susan L, I suspect there might be too much going on with this look, but esp. with a peach. Where will your eye land? I guess I would go for the teal or another less contrasty color, but one that looks good with Cathy's complexion. (I find wearing peach hard. If it looks good on you, it probably matches your skin, and maybe that's not a look I like, and if doesn't look good on you, it is awful. On the other hand if it does match Cathy's skin, perhaps it IS a look you want for this outfit.)
ReplyDeleteI'm going renegade and suggesting the first pattern - it seems to suit Cathy's style. Either way, I can't wait to see what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteI vote for the second one because I love a sash. The velvet is beautiful over the peach and looks very Art Deco.
ReplyDeleteIf the yoke bothers you, can you combine the yoke and bodice somehow so it's all one piece? --Sort of like an oversize tank top (as many 20s dresses are). You could try the sash out of a solid black perhaps.
I can't wait too see it!
The velvet is gorgeous. I would do the dress in the velvet with black satin sash. For the lining, I would eliminate most of the gathers and do more of a nude fabric (more tan than peach)
ReplyDeleteLove the peach.
ReplyDeleteI'm going for the second pattern just because (and I've thought about this probably too much) I think Cathy looks better with the rounded neckline.
I vote 4907 too! And I love the velvet over the peach! Also, I love that purse, too. Actually all the accessories, but the scarf, while it's great, doesn't seem to go with this ensemble.
ReplyDeletedont know much about fashion or style or any of the designer names / brands. but i have to say - love the black and gold scarf !! selling it ?? :-p
ReplyDelete2nd pattern
ReplyDelete2nd pattern for sure! With her narrow hips, the sash around will be gorgeous. The first pattern is a little straight up and down and wouldn't properly show off her figure.
ReplyDeleteThe second pattern all the way.
ReplyDeletePerfect accessories and fabric choice with the burnout and peach lining.
I think this may turn out your best project to date.
Pattern #2, because I like the subtle gathers at the yoke, and a bow at the hip is so lovely. A bow at the butt, as in pattern #1? I think that's a NO. Illustrations always show those skinny ties fluttering jauntily, but in reality they hang there like an anemic little tail.
ReplyDeleteI so hope you make the second one! It is truly gorgeous. The other one's shapes feel more art deco to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm with the others...the second pattern is so glamorous! Love the fabric with the burnout and peach lining...can't wait!
ReplyDeletePin the flower to the sparkly cloche-esque hat and work the 2nd pattern! All Glamour All The Time - that should be Cathy's motto....
ReplyDeleteEither pattern is sweet. You might look for a strand or two of beads. Remember "Thoroughly Modern Millie," the beads should hang just right. I think Cathy can pull it off.
ReplyDeleteGlad everyone is saying pattern #2 - hopefully you listen because it's definitely better! Don't really have an opinion on the fabric... can't wait to see it, though!
ReplyDeleteMcCalls 4907 jumped out at me, I think it would suit Cathy quite well.
ReplyDeleteThe skirt of 2nd pattern has just the right touch of flirty. Save first for the next perfect fabric.
ReplyDelete4907! I like it best because of the belt. I think it would look fabulous on Cathy. She has that much sought after 20's figure and that dress will show it off to perfection!
ReplyDeleteAnd as for the fabric I like the black and peach - I think it will go well with her accessories.
Can't wait to see it!
I've changed my mind about Cathy's neckline. I don't like a straight circular neckline and I don't like a deep vee. But, less vee and more curve is where I'd go.
ReplyDeleteOhh lots liked our black and peach combo eh Peter? I hear what Sulymo says though and thinking about it, peach might not be Cathy's best colour. Perhaps a silver/light grey or a light pink might be better?
ReplyDeleteThe burnout is gorgeous and I can't wait to see it (I vote pattern 2 as well)