I really wanted to share with y'all the dress I created to attend my cousin's wedding last weekend. My coat stayed on for most of the day itself, so I didn't get any clear pics of it, but I have some now:
It's a shame the Sew Retro 'Mad Men' competition is long since over, because I think this dress definately channels the spirit of Joan Holloway!
I was very lucky to win this Simplicity pattern 2602 in a giveaway last year, but I'm totally rubbish and can't remember from which blogger/pattern seller. The pattern isn't dated, but I did notice that the Simplicity Pattern Co. was based on Madison Ave in NY, how ironic! Anyways, the fabric I decided to use has a fair bit of stretch to it, plus my figure proportions didn't correspond particularly well to that of the pattern, so I did quite a bit of re-drafting to factor in these two issues.
The pattern had the instructions missing but it was fairly simple to construct. For once, I really took my time and got my homie Jen to carefully re-pin the darts to create a clean fit. I shortened the hem a fair bit, and also shortened the sleeves, which cause a bit of a problem trying to hem them. I redrafted the neckline somewhat because it was chokingly high at the front initially, and I had a feeling the neckline was so wide that it would show my bra straps. To keep the angle of the back V the same, it ended up shallower than I would have prefered, but I like the way it frames my little star tattoo one the top of my back.
All in all, however, I'm SUPER happy with how it turned out. The stretch in the fabric makes it really comfortable to wear, unlike a vintage dress I own from the same era in the same fitted style that has no stretch that I find a little uncomfortable. I like how it emphasises my shape but somehow doesn't highlight my tum or other body 'imperfections' that perhaps only I am really aware of. It has a box pleat inset thingy at the bottom rather than a slit to allow ease for walking, I can't remember if I've made one of these before, but I really like how it lies flat then kicks out when I move.
I tried the dress with a wide black belt, which looks cool but disguises the nice lines of the darts, so I instead have opted to add a little silver bird broach I found in a charity shop. This look is more or less how I wore it to the wedding, but I as you can see from the pap at the top of this post and the one below, I wore my hair in a victory roll effect that I didn't have time for last night. 
25 comments:
LOVE the dress! It looks so great and what a fantastic fit! The color is really great on you as well!
Wow, I adore your dress. It's just the kind of dress I like to wear, too. I love that you used a simple shape, but did it in a fun color. The color looks great with your red lipstick, too. Absolutely wonderful!
Will you wear this to work? I think you definitely could! (How lovely would it be with a camel-colored cardigan over top? I just love that color combo!) It's too pretty to relegate to special-occasion-only status.
I think the dress looks so lovely on you, beautiful! I love these kind of dresses and this one is really nice. Great job!
Gorgeous dress! It looks to fit you perfectly, great job. Beautiful, fun color!
Your dress is so beautiful! It might be from a vintage pattern but it's a style you can wear forever. And what a flattering colour too!
Oh my, it's perfect! You've achieved a great fit, and it's a great pattern. To me, the neckline & hemline says "I am so hot I don't need to show skin" -- which is indeed what I always get from Joan Holloway.
I'm very much a beginner but hopefully soon I'll be able to make something like this!
Oh, is the fabric orange or red? I can't tell from the photos.
It's fantastic - you did a great job on the fit! And the color is just gorgeous. I checked CoPA for you, they date your pattern 1958. Have you thought of actually making the overskirt?
Your dress is incredible, it makes you dream about how beautiful the world would be if everyone dressed from vintage patterns^^ I agree with the poster who said that you must wear it again, it's such a great garment!
You look like a movie star in the '50s. Gorgeous dress and colour, it really fits you!!!
Es un trabajo exquisito! con esos ajustes que hiciste en las pinzas quedó bastante ajustado y moldea tu figura de una manera preciosa. Por cierto, el detalle del peinado me enamoró.
Wow!! Gorgeous dress! I find that style sooooo flattering and it looks particularly gorgeous on you. Ooo and the little bird brooch! Cute!
Oh I want that dress...orange AND from the 60s = my favorite! You look quite lovely in it. The box pleat at the bottom of the skirt is called a kick pleat, for the very reason you gave ;D
Gorgeous! Joan would be proud.
Wow! You look fabulous!
Love the style, colour, and the way it looks with the coat. I would also be looking for ways to wear this dress on a non-special occasion basis.
Very, very pretty. And not just under the coat ;) !
You have a bit of a style twin happening at Gerties Blog for Better Sewing. She made a lovely pencil skirt in the same tangerine colour. She too has black hair and curves (in a good way)! You look terrific...I do LOVE that coat.
love the dress (especially the back neck and pleat), and your hair!
Beautiful dress. I, too, have a weakness for orange! What a fabulous color.
What a chic dress! I simply adore it!
Well done! Love everything!
Saw this on Sew Retro and had to come peek at your blog! the dress is divine - and you did an awesome fitting job!
Wow, that is one good-looking dress, you are such an inspiration! Great job.
Lucky you having this pattern! I love the color you chose!!
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