Monday, July 28, 2014

Sewing: Retro Shift Dress for Paris When it Sizzles


Well hello there...

Kelly of Sewing in No Mans Land contacted me about sewing for her "Paris in the Summer When it Sizzles" series right about the time I was feeling a wardrobe crisis and thinking about sewing for myself again. So I was vulnerable. And, of course hugely inspired by her incredible photos of life in Paris. But what to sew...?


A dress of course. But what kind of dress? A little black dress? I could use one of those. I had been thinking about something floral.... So many options.


I decided to turn to the classic Audrey Hepburn movie, Paris When it Sizzles. It's not my favorite of her movies but she is as stylish as usual in classic clothes designed for her by Givenchy. Her wardrobe is demure and tailored and feminine and a bit restrained in solid colors. I found a vintage mid-60s pattern that would be just the thing. Bought some rosy coral fabric I thought would work great, but then I remembered a dress I'd started years ago.


So I pulled this out of the drawer. It was all cut out and ready to go in this funky voile I purchased at Fabric.com years ago. It was begging to be finished. And I thought, honestly, on a sizzling hot Parisian day I would put on something lightweight and feminine like this. And then I would go find a park with big shady trees (perhaps Jardin du Luxembourg). And I would hide out. Or read a book. Or eat ice cream. Wouldn't that be nice?


This dress is sewn from Vogue Pattern 8468, a loose-fitting shift dress with bell three-quarter sleeves and a slightly gathered square yoke, which is out of print. 



After I finished the dress I realized it's very similar to Rae's Ruby Dress pattern. So if you like it, there you go! It's fun to wear in this mod green and white print. Especially with a retro updo (which I need to work on a bit before wearing it out "live").

Thanks, Kelly, for inviting me and motivating me to sew! I needed a new dress! And I think I'll keep at it--maybe that Givenchy-inspired suit is next. 


12 comments:

Bari Jo said...

Loved this! You pulled it off beautifully - including the updo! Bravo!

Crafty Albumine said...

I love your fabric and your dress has such a vintage feel to it! I just love it. Félicitation pour ta robe, elle est chic!

Mereknits said...

You look fantastic!
Hugs,
Meredith

Rebecca said...

What a great dress! and I absolutely LOVE green!!

Patti said...

I have never commented before as I am not a garment sewer but a quilter but love to,see what you are alwYs making. This dress is just the best thing you have ever made in my opinion. It suites you and you look stunning in it!!
Have your hubby take you out as you will turn many heads and he will feel like such a lucky man!!
Love, love, love it!!

Anonymous said...

Te sienta muy bien el color verde y con ese moño estas muy elegante, es otra faceta de una mamá atareada de tres niñas traviesas!! Un besito desde Sevilla. Any.

Nicole (Bellenza Party Suite) said...

Love it! It looks really great :)

Dixie2011 said...

Lovely! I love the green. You look GREAT!

Julie said...

Very classy!

Delia said...

You are so adorable and chic! Love it!

Dotted Whale said...

You look great in green!!! Very chic pictures and I want your sunglasses.

Melissa said...

Gorgeous dress and great pics - love this!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...