A Milly to One Shot

Auntie J wrote to me asking for a pattern match to "recreate" this wickedly cute dress:

This adorable dress, which gives a nod to the mod 60s (one of my favourite fashion eras) is by Milly of New York. The simple shift dress has armhole and neckline bands that end in a racerback, embellished with a bow. The best patterns I can come up with are the following:

Neue Mode 23353
Good points:

• armhole bands
• neck bands - although they are the wrong shape, they could be redrafted into a circular shape

Bad Points:

• the dress is not a simple A-line, but rather has a princess bodice which continues into the skirt
• the back of the dress is not right - no racer back shape
  

Vogue 8229
Good points:

• neck bands
  

Bad Points:

• the dress is not a simple sheath dress - it is gathered at the neckline
  
• the back of the dress is not racerback

Simplicity 3799
Good points:

• neck bands of the proper shape in front
  

Bad Points:

• the dress is not a simple sheath dress - it is gathered at the neckline
  
• the back of the dress is not racerback
  

Butterick 4974
Good points:

• sheath dress
• nicely shaped front
• racer back

Bad Points:

• no neck or armhole bands
  

I looked high and low at actual vintage patterns, to no avail. Personally, I would start with B4974 (the last pattern above) and go from there. The neckline and armhole bands could be drafted fairly easily for this dress. If anyone else has any other pattern suggestions, please leave a comment with the info.

Pattern, Pattern, Who's got the Pattern?

Recently I have posted some inspiration pieces found on Nordstrom.com (you'd almost think I had stock in the company). A few people have voiced their desire to find patterns suitable to knock off these garments. Here are a few suggestions:

Eme & MéLisa commented that the BCBGirls "Chloe" Seersucker Jacket could be reproduced using Hot Patterns No Sweat Easy Sew Sugar Babe Jacket.


Pearl & Linda professed interest in the Fabrizio Gianni Sleeveless Tee. The closest patterns I can find to duplicate this look are Jalie 2682 or possibly Simplicity 4074 (view E minus the sleeves).


As I find other matches, I will post them.

I've got shoes, yes I do. I've got shoes, how 'bout you?

Gimme a "S" S
Gimme a "A" A
Gimme a "N" N
Gimme a "D" D
Gimme a "A" A
Gimme a "L" L
Gimme a "S" S

What do you have? SANDALS!!! Woo Hoo!

Before you ask - yes, I was a cheerleader in high school. And ironically, that was when my addiction to shoes began - coincidence - I think not!

These are the latest members of my shoe family:

Pants, Crops, Capris & Shorts

Let me just start by saying that you will never see me in leggings. Nor will I ever assault you with visions of me packed into a pair of skinny jeans. Sometimes, I vow that I will not follow a trend (gauchos come to mind) and then eventually my better judgement wears down and I give in. Not this time - I promise.

First a few tips that I believe all women should heed:

1. Only on threat of bodily harm should you ever wear pants low enough to show rear cleavage (either sitting or standing).
2. Unless your legs could be used to pick my teeth, you should never wear pants made of shiny fabric.
3. On all that is holy, please avoid any pants that are so tight that I can read the label on your panties.
4. Please, before you leave the house for the day, look at your rear view in the mirror. VPLs are not classy - for anyone - ever.
5. If you feel the need to wear shorts, please keep them a respectable length. Unless your name actually is Daisy Duke, don't wear her shorts.
6. If you own Mom jeans, burn them now. If you own acid washed jeans, burn them now.
7. If you are over the age of 5, do not wear overalls in public.
8. Under no circumstances, should you ever wear these.
   

MaxMara 'Pia' Straight Leg Cuffed Pants - $395

no description

wool/silk/nylon

Elie Tahari 'Olympia' Pants - $228

Light, wide-leg pants are styled with a removable fabric tie at the waist.

ramie

Jones New York Sport Roll Cuff Pants - $54

Tie belt cinches the waist of easy twill pants with button details at the belt loops and legs, which can be rolled up and secured.

cotton











MARC JACOBS Short Wide Leg Striped Linen Pants - $725

no description

linen

Kenneth Cole Reaction Cuffed Pants - $79

Menswear-inspired trousers, styled with a flat front and boot-cut legs.

polyester/rayon/spandex

Beth Bowley Dobby Stripe Shorts - $154

Textured stripe subtly patterns knee-length shorts with a tab waist and creased legs.

cotton

Make + Model Roll Cuff Shorts - $44

Button-detailed belt loops add style to essential shorts in pure, soft cotton.

cotton

Free People 'Benjis' Big Pocket Shorts - $68

Comfy, casual shorts have a low-slung waistband with encased drawstring detail. Inverted pleats shape oversized patch pockets, and button tabs secure cuffed hems.

linen/cotton

All the above are from Nordstrom.com.

Skirts - Part 2

Much of what I find on Anthropologie.com is a bit too whacked-out hippie for my taste, but I do love some of their skirts this season:

stepping stone skirt - $218

A path of earth-toned buttons leads the way to a flared tulip hem. A crinkled linen landscape surrounds them in pale pink. By Casch Copenhagen.

rayon/linen

Now, the hunt for crazy sized buttons begins!!

day's end skirt - $148

A pink flowered sunset blends into evening darkness. With a mixed-print drawstring waist.

cotton

wet season skirt - $88

Lime voile is full and flush with teensy lemon buds and a black floral border. By Odille.

cotton

spring song skirt - $118

Bold poppies burst into bloom across Mermaid's airy skirt.

cotton/silk

ballroom skirt - $228

Tulle peeks from beneath the tulip hem of this metallic floral skirt. It's formal enough for the ball, friendly enough for just lunch. By Manoush.

linen/cotton

Skirts

When I was in fifth grade, my parents got a call from my teacher. It seems I was distracting the class by spinning in circles up to the pencil sharpener during the middle of class. To this day, I can't quite comprehend why my defense that "I just wanted my skirt to twirl out around me" was not a valid one. I have always loved a good skirt - obviously, the twirlier, the better. Here are some of my favourites from Nordstrom.com:

Elie Tahari 'Gavrielle' Skirt - $348

Inverted pleats and a bubble hem shape a light cotton-and-silk skirt with an antique-inspired print.

cotton/silk











Susina® Print Voile Skirt - $38

Full, supercute skirt is ruched in back for added comfort.

cotton

AK Anne Klein Eyelet Border Skirt - $99

Inverted pleats lend fullness to a skirt with a pretty scalloped hem.

cotton

Semantiks Embroidered Skirt - $78

Embroidery highlights a pretty floral skirt, gathered for fullness.

cotton

Nine West Voile Embroidered Skirt - $99

Paneled A-line skirt segues to cutout details, accented with a sheer mesh hem.

cotton

Esprit Belted Skirt - $69.50

Allover contrast stitching adds vertical detail to a cotton skirt, topped with a pretty embroidered belt.

cotton











Roberto Cavalli Bijou Print Matte Jersey Skirt - $1495

no description

viscose rayon/elastic












Points to ponder for the pear shaped woman (as I am the pear poster child):

1. An A-line skirt will usually look better than a straight skirt.
2. Flare at the hem helps to balance the hips.
3. Keep the waist and upper hip region smooth to minimize bulkiness.

Tops

As of late, there has been a very disturbing "billowing maternity top for the non-pregnant" trend going on. Why, oh why I ask, would a woman want to create the illusion that she has a bun in the oven, if she doesn't? What woman aspires to looking chunkier than she actually is? I just do not get it. So, in an attempt to convince myself that there are other options available to those of us with a shred of sanity (and vanity) left, I present a few rockin' alternatives (once again from Nordstrom.com):

Fabrizio Gianni Sleeveless Tee - $78

High-collared V-neckline and cutaway shoulders style a fitted stretch knit top.

rayon/lycra








Nanette Lepore "Supreme Shimmy" Cardigan - $195

Short-sleeve knit sweater shimmers with allover floral beading and big heart-shaped sequins.

cotton/rayon








BCBG Max Azria Rope Trim Top - $148

Diamond-shaped stitching details a cotton voile top with rope shoulder straps and a drawstring waist.

cotton







flounce tbd GatheredSilk Knit Top - $58

Feminine style is cut from supersoft silk, with a ruched V-neckline and ruffled, smocked cap sleeves. Curved Empire seam flatters the bodice, and the A-line body ends with a marrow-stitched hem.

silk







Tracy Reese Bow Neck Cap Sleeve Lace Top - $225

no description

polyester - silk lining








Tracy Reese Taffeta Pocket Tunic - $250

no description

cotton/silk - silk lining









Tory Burch "Stefani" Embroidered Tunic - $350

no description

cotton









Burberry London Check Print Voile Blouse - $295

no description

cotton

P.S. Love the skirt, too!







Piazza Sempione Belted Botanical Print Top - $645

no description

cotton/silk/lycra









Juicy Couture Eyelet Chiffon Blouse -$228

Adorable eyelet blouse features a squared front placket with fabric-covered button-and-loop closure. Short, slightly puffed sleeves have scalloped cuffs with button-and-loop closure, and tonal chiffon trims the bottom hem.

cotton







Elie Tahari "Alyssa" Bloue - $248

Crinkled chiffon neckline accents a short-sleeve silk top, shaped with a narrow, removable belt.

silk/elastane








Diane von Furstenburg "Revolution" Top - $185

Shoulder epaulets and rolled, elbow-length sleeves accent a tailored wrap top, secured with a waist tie.

cotton/polyester








A few things I notice:

1. As long as the top is fitted nicely in through the waist, the flowier tops can be worn without onlookers debating on whether you're preggo or not.
2. A good button down shirt is always in style.
3. Eyelet is sweet, subtle sexy, while lace is in-your-face, hot sexy.