Sunday, January 6, 2013

The '60s are my Jam.

Remember in my 2012 reflections post when I mentioned that one of the things I've learned over the past year is that even though I've loved 1950s fashion my entire life, I've found that 1960s styles are more my thing when it comes to making and wearing 'em? Well, yeah.

Recently, I've been infusing my wardrobe with even more sixties style (and working on my "wear more everyday dresses/skirts" goal). Over my little Christmas break, I snapped up a bright purple, all-season shift on sale on Etsy, and just this weekend I bought two more dresses while on an antiquing extravaganza in Frederick, MD. Check 'em out!





These dresses are easy enough to wear and not so fancy that they can't be worn for everyday, casual occasions. The linen one with white spots fits great, and the black wool one fits in the shoulders, but might need taking in along the sides for a more flattering shape.





In Frederick, I also picked up these two sewing patterns - a 1950s(?) blouse and a 1940s looking skirt. Just because the '60s are my fave doesn't mean I can't wear other decades, too, you know. Both of these patterns are the un-marked kind that don't have any printing or lines on them, only hole-punches in the shape of numbers to let you know which piece is which. Scary. I hope I don't chicken out and can actually make myself use them!







I didn't realize just how good I was being already, until typing this up now. I'm also in the midst of a refashioning project, too. Just chipping away at my "do more refashions" goal! Here's a peek.








I'd thought I would be using this black velvet ribbon to do some kind of embellishment or collar detail, but the stuff is too stiff to really work in this situation. Now I'm thinking I might make (or buy on Etsy?) some sort of embellished, detatchable black peter pan collar necklace thingy. I don't have any particularly rich black fabric in my stash to match with this spotted silk and I really don't want to buy any more FABRIC, since I'm already drowning in it.





Beaded Collar Necklace from SoStyle



I do like this collar found on Etsy. Any thoughts - make one? buy one? do something else entirely? I'm all ears.



14 comments:

  1. Oooh, it's all lovely! You make me want to go research 60's fashion myself!

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  2. Lovely! That collar is the bees knees, I've made a few different collars using this template in acrylic felt and embellished with beads, worked a treat!

    http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-peter-pan-collar/

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  3. I love 60s so seeing your new dresses is a big treat! You've chosen some very practical dresses that are just so stylish too....
    Collar? If you feel you have time I'd make it. Find the Colette patterns collar download and design your own embellishment ...would be v satisfying !!

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  4. I think the collar is great. I've admired the style on others but I have decided I simply don't have enough things it would be good on top of... maybe think about how many things you could wear with it?

    Also, don't be afraid of hole-punched vintage patterns. I recently tried out my first. The instructions have a key for what the different size holes mean. You can do it! (also for making alterations I traced the pattern and just joined up the dots, lol. There, looks just like normal!) :)

    Actually what I'm making right now has kimono sleeves just like your blouse. I'll be interested to see your experience with it!

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  5. OMGOMGOMG - I'm always on the look out for polka dotted silk that doesn't have the dots all in perfectly symmetrical little rows. That silk is gorgeous! Definitely do the black velvet ribbon embellishment. It will be delish. As are all your other acquisitions - so mod, so you!

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    Replies
    1. I managed to get this silk in the form of a fugly, 1980s, long-sleeved blouse at the thirft store. I'm a fan of the asymmetrical polka dots, though Tom told me the look was a bit "Flintstone-y" :)
      I think if I'm determined to use black velvet ribbon, I'll actually need to get a thinner kind, because the 3/4 inch wide stuff I've got is actually pretty stiff and doesn't want to work for me, so, we'll see...

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  6. I was going to mention the collar tutorial on the Collete site but someone beat me to the punch.
    Gorgeous dresses.

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  7. Ooh, these dresses are CUTE! I love the idea of making a detachable collar. How fun!

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  8. I love the 60's also. I find myself drawn to the styles of 1959-1963 in specific. These dresses are gorgeous! I adore thrifting but I tend to do most of mine in the southern portion of NoVa. We should totally get together sometime and go on a vintage shopping adventure. ;)
    As for the collar, I think it's such a great idea. If you think you'd enjoy the process of making one you should buy the supplies. It would only need the tiniest amount of fabric. Then again, I always have to tell myself that just because I *can make it doesn't mean I have to. So, if you're tempted to just buy it ready made, go for it!

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    Replies
    1. YES, please to that vintage shopping adventure!
      Also, I'm torn on whether I actually feel like making the collar thingy, or if I'd be happier just buying one...

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  9. I love 60's fashions too! Love that purple shift, the color is gorgeous! Also as far as the collar is concerned - sometimes it's nice when someone else does the work for you - if the Etsy collar is basically what you had in mind and its a good price, go for it!

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  10. Oooh that purple shift is gorgeous, jealous.. the collar is cuteee, do it!!

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