I've Seen That in Vintage Patterns - 1950s Popular Sheath

Browsing through a September 1955 edition of Mademoiselle magazine, this ad for the synthetic fabric "Arnel" features a dress style that appears from time to time in vintage patterns from the 1950s. Seeing it in "real life" in this photograph, I am surprised at just how flattering this style is, with its peg-top-esque hip pockets. Would you have expected it?

I think, the hip pockets actually work to make the waistline thinner by emphasizing the hips, while the straight line from the hips to hemlines minimizes the hips. Is that a contradiction? At the very least, it is an interesting contrast. :) The dress certainly looks cute on this model!

Here is one version, Butterick 7750, a very close match and a wonderful dress.

Here is a fine half-size version, Simplicity 1458, with button accents and the bonus of a matching coat.

I've Seen That in Vintage Patterns: 1950s Pants & Blouse Ensemble with Cummerbund

Browsing through a September 1955 edition of Mademoiselle magazine, this Ship'n Shore ad caught my eye. It's casual and ever-so-cute. And I'd seen that particular combination before in my vintage patterns!

And sure enough, here it is! Blouse, tapered pants, and the ever popular cummerbund. Simplicity 4464 has a few differences, most notably in the sleeves - set-in vs. French sleeves, and length. Delightful!