Seen in a Shop Window: The New Shirtwaist Dresses?

I spotted these shirtdresses in the store window of Anthropologie in downtown Seattle, and was reminded of the classic shirtwaist dresses of the 1940s through the 1980s. These dresses differ by dispensing with the waistline. Both shirtdresses are short and perfect for summer.

This madras shirtdress has a lovely asymmetry in the hemline and a lovely, flowing drape.

This button-pleat shirtdress is formal, demure, and flirty at the same time. The even hemline of this fully-lined cotton dress gives it a tent-like silhouette.

Spotted in a Shop Window: Ethnic Prints for Spring!

I was walking past the Antrhropologie store in downtown Seattle recently and spotted these these items that use inspiring, ethnic prints.

This slim pencil skirt features a colorful print that reminds me of the kanga cloth that Emileigh posted about recently on her blog, Flashback Summer. It definitely has an African "flavor"- the warm tones and bright design simply spell summer fun to me.

This cute full skirt features a tropical print in earthy brown tones - very sporty and full of energy. :)

I love the bold colors of this jumpsuit!

A colorful infinity scarf and wide-leg paisley pants are eye-catching.

Be sure to check the Anthropologie website for more great fashion in vibrant colors, as well as items for the home!

Spotted in a Shop Window - Artful Top with Crochet & Tucks

Spotted in the shop window of Anthropologie in downtown Seattle is this enchanting sheer button-down lacy top, with contoured bodice of tucks and crocheted-picot-lace below. The surprise of this winning style is the swing back!

 

Totally scrumptious fashion!

Spotted in a Shop Window: Peplums for Summer!

Seen in the shop window of Anthropologie in downtown Seattle, this gorgeous tropical print blouse sports a flared peplum that dips low in the back. Simply superb.

In the shop window of Mario's in downtown Seattle, my eye was drawn to this divine little cardigan with the look of crochet, trimmed with a softly pleated peplum. Note the 3/4-length sleeves, and the scalloped edging. I just love all the details - want, want!

Home Sewing Tips of the 1920s - Pleated Flounces are Smart Fashion

Do you want to add smart  accents to your afternoon frock? In this 1920 sewing tip from fashion columnist and sewing expert Ruth Wyeth Spears, you learn how to add tiers of tiny pleats (plaits) to your straight little frock.  Sewing machines in those days had an add-on tool that created these tiny pleats easily. Today there are other tools, such as pleating tape and the Perfect Pleater tool, for example.

 

Enjoy this inspiring tip!

The New Look - Then and Now

You all know the iconic dresses of the 1950s and early 1960s known as the "New Look" - the dresses with a snug bodice and a full skirt or a slim skirt. Here are some lovely examples:

 

 

 

 

The current revival of the New Look is fun to see. Generally the dresses are shorter. I spotted a great example in this pair of formal dresses in the window of Luly Yang, Seattle.The full skirt has soft box pleats, while the slim skirt has soft gathers. Note how the display includes matching shoes and purse. :). Perfect!

And I spotted this pert dress in the shop window of Anthropologie - it has a softly box-pleated short skirt and contoured drop-waist.

 Totally fun fashion!