A few weeks ago, I posted the picture below on Instagram and asked which dress you liked better. While most of you said you liked both, the pattern on the right was by far the winner. I am in love with this vintage cocktail dress, and I’m thrilled it turned out exactly the way I hoped it would. It looks like something out of a Slim Aarons photo. It’s very 60s, very classic, and very chic. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era. If I had a reason I would dress like this every day.
I recently read a great article on the history of the cocktail dress on Fashionista.com. According to the article the cocktail dress was created when having cocktails became a part of our social culture. A woman needed the appropriate attire for the occasion. At first women drinking in public was considered taboo, but by the 1920’s it became more acceptable and cocktail culture began to take off. Thank you F. Scott and Fitzgerald and The Great Gatsby! The popularity of the cocktail dress had it ups and downs through the 30’s and 40’s, but the dress really hit its stride in the 50’s and 60’s when at home cocktail parties became all the rage. We got a great glimpse into this lifestyle not too long ago thanks to Mad Men.
I found this pattern on Etsy which is where I find most of my vintage patterns. I opted for the short version because I didn’t know how much use I would get out of the long one; however, I love the dramatic look of the long version. If only I had a blac-tie wedding to go to. This was an easy pattern to sew. I have found that sewing vintage can be tricky, because sewing techniques have changed over the years. Sometimes it can be hard to determine what the directions are telling you to do, but this one came together surprisingly fast.
Okay, let’s talk about the fabric. This fabric is a Kate Spade tablecloth that I bought on Amazon. I have a thing with Kate Spade textiles. Whoever creates their textile designs is a genius in my opinion. I recently made a skirt using a different Kate Spade tablecloth that you can read about here. I absolutely love all the bright colors and patterns. It all speaks directly to my personality. I also bought this tablecloth and have already used it to make a new clutch bag. Stay tuned for the tutorial.
I’m going to try and make the other pattern before the summer is over. I’m already feeling like time is running out. Everywhere I look I see fall clothes and coats. Summer is so short here in the Northeast. I just wish people (ahem, I’m looking at you clothing stores) would slow with the fall fashion and let us enjoy what is left of summer.
In the meantime, I’ll be hanging out on my porch in my Slim Aaron’s inspired vintage cocktail dress with a cold drink.
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Hope you are off to a good week. Thanks for reading!
Photos by – Chloejane Photo + Film