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 - Brooks Brothers Separates

I seem to be in "blouse" mode. :) I spotted these fine separates in the shop window of Brooks Brothers in downtown Seattle. I love the neutral colors (very big this fall), and the classic, simple lines of the blouses and skirts. All items can be found on the Brooks Brothers website. Not to mention the patterns for them might also be found in your nearest online vintage pattern shop (ahem!). :)

What's not to love about this simply gray pencil skirt and the soft colors of the lovely silk floral blouse with a unique twisted collar?

This wonderful cotton skirt is pleated around the hips that release into soft, full folds. The simple design of the, dare I say it, foulard blouse tops the skirt perfectly.

Scraps from the Past - Elegant, Modern "Pinafore" in Black

The Pattern: Advance 8055
This lovely pattern from 1956 features a modern "pinafore", consisting of a full or slim skirt with detachable bib and shoulder straps, and a handsome blouse with a wing collar and the ever-flattering 3/4-length sleeves. It simply looks like spring and summer fashion to me, and definitely for the afternoon or evening. :D

The Scrap: This scrap was tucked in the pattern. Although they don't show up very well, rows of shiny dots fleck this black rayon scrap. The only pattern pieces cut were the bib, shoulder straps, and waistband. Most likely the original seamstress used a favorite skirt pattern in combination with the bib to create a very special afternoon or evening ensemble. Can you imagine it? :)

1950s Refashion - Trimming a Circle Skirt Down to a Slim Skirt

Before: A tea-length full circle skirt in black bengaline from the late 1940s. Evidently it was "too wide" and "too long"!

The Changes: The original waistband was removed, the skirt turned so that the side seams became center front and back seams. Front yokes, back yokes and kick pleat insert were cut from the rest of the fabric. The illustration shows how easy it was. A cuff was sewn into the seams where the yokes join the skirt pieces. A back zipper closing was inserted at the center back seam of the skirt yoke, and the waist was finished with belting. Easy-peasy! ;)

After: Rather elegant, I must say!

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!

Scraps from the Past: 1950s Little Black Dress

Yes, she sewed it in black! She bought this textured, crisp cotton in black:

Not sure if it shows, but the fabric has a texture with tiny diamonds, and has a crisp, slightly shiny quality. And then our mystery seamstress took this beautiful dress pattern from 1958, McCall's 4561, to sew up view B to create a beautiful little black dress!

It's such inspiring style!