Monday, September 22, 2008

Vintage Inspired


This doesn't exactly classify as a "recent project," but it's one that I've meant to share for some time! I try not to do too much impulse buying, but this was one time that I decided to give in.

 


Several years ago, I came across a pair of hounds tooth vintage-looking heels on clearance at a local department store. Even on clearance they were $15, and I couldn't justify purchasing them when I had nothing to wear them with! That same day, I found some rayon-ish hounds tooth fabric in the JoAnn's clearance section. That settled it! I purchased enough fabric for a skirt, and commissioned my mother to purchase the shoes next time she was in town.




The pattern I used for the skirt was McCall's 5192 (now out of print). I was very pleased with this pattern, although it is a bit shorter than I typically like. I think it has a bit of 30's influence -- I wish the picture showed the flare at the bottom a bit better!





The fuschia blouse was a project I finished about a year ago, and decided to pair it with the skirt. I used Simplicity 4499 and drafted a "tuxedo" front. The sleeves I designed using instructions in a copy of "Sew Beautiful" magazine -- the sleeve edge is placed on the fold, and is tucked at the bottom instead of gathered.




I love this outfit, even if I'm not used to wearing high heels! These are the only shoes I have that my male friends comment on -- one called them "Broadway dancing shoes," and I think his description is pretty accurate! Let's just say I hope this is the only time I ever base an outfit off a pair of shoes...

22 comments:

  1. That is a great outfit! I love the shoes especially:-)

    Lots of love,
    Sommer

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  2. Wow! I love everything about this outfit. Shannon, your taste and skills are impeccable!

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  3. Those are lovely shoes, and the whole outfit is so stylish!

    Rachel xxx

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  4. Hello! My name is Nika! We are from Russia. My husband and I to work with students. We organize many clubs to construct attitudes friendship and to speak them about the Christ. I have ladys club, we to do hand made cards, scrapbook, quilt and crosstitch. It is good opportunity to testify about our God and His love! I so like your blog! Every Saturday I have craft club for ladyes. We do cards, quilt, crochet, cross stitch too. It very not usual and new to Russian culture. I to study on different blog how to make cards, made quilt and to use different technics. We are missionary to the Far East Russia. We are russian. We live in city Birobidzhan, it is the Jewish region in Russia. A lot of Jews live here. They have synagogues and to celebrate religious holidays. But many of them do not know the Christ. We have 2 daughters. Polina is 8 years and Liliya is 2 years.And if you are interesting about us I shall be glad give answer to you. I will glad if you can write me.Sorry my English.Nika
    You can vizit to my blog http://christforchristglory.blogspot.com
    and our family ministry blog
    http://fareastrussiaforgodsglory.blogspot.com

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  5. Love it! So very 1930s British. :-)

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  6. Love, love, love the skirt and yes, shoes like that are great for "broadway dancing". I've some skirts and shoes that, when put together, make me feel like Ginger Rogers. :)

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  7. ...but what a pair of shoes!

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  8. Oh, I love the shoes! And the skirt matches them perfectly.

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  9. I absolutely love it all!

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  10. What a pretty outfit! The shoes are really cute, and the blouse and skirt are so beautifully made! Great work, Shannon!

    -Rebekah

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  11. Nice skirt! I just love the matching shoes! Perfect. Have you thought about using some of the fabric to make a matching purse? I know matching shoes and purse is supposed to not be required anymore, but I think it is coming back into vogue - and I do think it is very smart.

    T.W.
    (Raindrops from Sense and Sensiblity)

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  12. Love it Shannon! The skirt is very 30's looking, even the length! We could of used you in my school's production of "Anything Goes" this past spring! Love the shoes too!

    ~Nona

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  13. Dearest Shannon,
    You stand on my shoulders...and to think that your beginnings were on a train to Scotland from our home in England at the wee age of 4. I thank our God for the gifts and talents He has given to you and pray that you will always use them for His glory and honour.
    Your one and only MUM

    PS So glad to help you with the shoe purchase...they're marvelous!

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  14. Thank you all so much for your kindness! I'm glad the shoes are universally considered a success! ;-)

    tw, I hadn't thought about a purse, but I do have some fabric left over! Hmm...

    Nika, it sounds like you have a great ministry in Russia! I will certainly be taking a look at your blogs!

    Thanks, Mum! ;-)

    Yours in Christ,
    Shannon

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  15. Hi Shannon,
    I always enjoy your sewing projects, but this has to be my favorite. The shorter lenght skirt looks great on you, and the shoes, to cute!
    God bless,
    Irene

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  16. What a cute outfit! I had a cute houndstooth skirt back in highschool. I wore that thing out I loved it so much!

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  17. I love that outfit. The 30's are my favorite fashion era... and the shoes are simply darling.

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  18. That outfit is so cute, it is something I would definitely wear! I was looking at a pair of those shoes at Bon-Ton the other day! Now I know what kind of outfit to wear with them. :)

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  19. WOW!! Those shoes are SOOO cute!

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  20. So cute!! were did you get the shoes??

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  21. Anonymous,

    I purchased my shoes at Belks a few years ago (it's a department store in the South).

    Yours in Christ,
    Shannon

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I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thank you so much for stopping by!