Spotted in a Shop Window - Art Deco Drama

This figure-hugging strapless evening gown with its dramatic fan-pleated neckline is so stunning. The light accent of Oriental peonies at the waistline provides a perfect contrast to the neckline and the flaring of the gown below the knees.

Spotted in the window of Luly Yang in downtown Seattle.

Spotted in a Shop Window - Dreamy Evening Gown

Gorgeous? 'Nuff said.

Spotted in the shop window of Luly Yang in downtown Seattle.

Spotted in a Shop Window - Formal Gowns at Luly Wang

I love this strapless gown, with its diagonal pleating on the bodice and flirty asymmetrical peplum. Simple stunning!

And this gown has an elegant pouf of a half bow adding drama to the strapless neckline. Eye-popping dreamy! Note the additional elegance of a sweep train.

In Search of Style: A Dreamy Formal Gown

Prom dresses are in the fashion news right now, so I think this is a great time to post this clipping I found in a pattern that I listed in my shop this week.

Here is what our later 1940s seamstress was looking for, a tremendously dreamy, gorgeous gown. Note the details:

• Full skirt topped with a froth of net
• Snug strapless top with contoured princess seams and front button closing
• A mere shrug over the shoulders with deep cuffs

Here is the pattern that it was tucked into, Butterick 4872 from 1949. It comes amazingly close, don't you think? Check the details and compare:

• Very full skirt is separate from the top. 
• Top is dart-fitted and strapless, with front button closing
• Very cropped bolero that borders on being a shrug, with deep wing cuffs

 

 

Also tucked in the pattern was a special bonus - two receipts! One for 5 yards of net (she definitely wanted that luscious, gauzy froth), and the other for two spools of thread.

 

On the reverse side of the dress clipping is this rather stunning weskit-styled top, with fabulous lacy-crocheted wing collar, matching lacy-crocheted points at the waistline, and 3/4 length sleeves with beautiful wing cuffs. Totally spell-binding style.

 

Patti Page in a 1950s Dreamy Strapless Gown

The wonderful singer Patti Page is early in her singing career in this 1951 image, where she is wearing a stunning strapless gown. That snug bodice is trimmed with a dramatic ruffle at the bust. Wow!

Factoid: Page's signature song, "Tennessee Waltz", recorded in 1950, was one of the biggest-selling singles of the 20th century.

Resort Fashion - 1950s Strapless Suit and "Sandwig"

I love the mauve colors in this picture - so peaceful. :)

That is a terry cloth "Sandwig" on her head, worn to cover wet hair after swimming. Rather jaunty looking  - what do you think? And the fabulous strapless suit is embroidered piqué.

Resort Fashion - Strapless on the Beach

Up for some sun? Cotton flowers that don't wilt in the water trim the strapless top of this fabulous one-piece swimsuit from 1951.

Resort Wear Month - At the Beach

It's 1951 and oh yes, I love to lounge on the beach in my alluring strapless suit, my make-up perfect - but I just pretend to smoke. ;) I do look cool, don't I? Definitely gorgeous.

Before and After Hit Parade - 1960s Evening Strapless Dress

The Seamstress: Melissa Mason
The Pattern: Vogue 5704 Special Design - Misses' Evening Dress, Jacket, and Petticoat

This beautiful evening dress with its bell-shaped skirt and sun back has a matching cropped jacket and a petticoat too. Fabulous and truly Special Design fashion from Vogue and 1963. 

The Result: Melissa chose a vintage-inspired cottage rose print for her version of the strapless dress, view B, without the jacket. Sooo pretty! She substituted a ribbon tie belt for the slim belt with fixed bow accent. Check out those pearls - aren't they just the perfect accent?

Here's what Melissa shared about this dress and pattern:
"It was a great dress to make! And I think I am going to make it again in a duck egg blue silk, something more formal for a wedding, or special event.
Details about the dress:
100% cotton.
Fabric designer: Tanya Whelan Darla collection, Darly picnic rose in blush.
Fully lined with 100% cotton lining
Tea Length
Inspiration: everything 1950s to mid 1960s, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O, Grace Kelly, feminine, elegant...."

Be sure to check out more of Melissa's fine work in her shop on Etsy: The Frock Closet, and on Facebook: The Frock Closet (where you can see more pictures of the details as Melissa sewed the dress!).

Resort Fashions 2013 - Swimsuit Retrospective 1945 Swimsuits - East Coast, West Coast

West Coast 1945

"California" suits for 1945 are styled for active swimming. Strictly functional, they have no shoulder straps, and minimum "diaper-style" pants. These suits are the ultimate development of the skintight knitted suits which first appeared in the early 1920s.

East Coast 1945

 These East Coast suits are a bit more dressy and feminine. Made of draped material, they hint at the beginning of regression to ruffles and frills. Many have long detachable skirts. The suits are paired to show each with and without the skirt.