26 Mar 2012

WhatIWore:

When: March 26, 2012

What:

• Shades: MNG for MANGO, JCPenney (c/o 2011)
• Trench: Target
• Dress: Self Made, Simplicity 2444
• Watch: Timex (c/o 2011)
• Shoes: Payless (c/o 2011)
• Digital Clutch: Self Designed, printed through Kodak Gallery

Where: Working at the Studio

Why: In preparation for the new season of Mad Men, I’ve been having marathon viewing sessions of seasons past and have been so inspired that I’m going to do a Retro Week! Style wise, I love the late 50s and early 60s, so many of my vintage, vintage-like and homemade dresses have design features like full skirts, natural waists and either cute collars or boat necks.  I’ll start there and towards the end of the week, move towards shorter shift dresses from the mid to late 1960s.  I’m not doing a head to toe vintage look, opting instead to bring in some modern elements. I hope you dig these ensembles!

Today I’m wearing a new dress that I made over the weekend. I spent a lot of time at the fabric store last week and was disappointed not to find much (or not enough yardage) and on my last spin through the store saw this print. I LOVE IT!! As I mentioned over the weekend, it has such a Florence Broadhurst vibe.  I’ve made Simplicity 2444 twice (here and here), so this time around I didn’t even look at the instructions and it was very quick and easy to stitch up. I’m so pleased with the final result! There’s a photo on my facebook page shown without the jacket, if you’re interested!

To compliment the graphic black and white print, I added my red trench and wedges.  Taking a nod from early 1960s beauty, I also matched my lipstick (NARS Red Afghan) and nail polish (Avon Cherry Jubilee). I even set my hair in pin curls last night, but ended up washing them out because the look was almost too costume-y. 

To top everything off, I’m sporting one of my self designed digital clutches that I created through the Kodak Gallery. If you’d like to make your own, take advantage of free shipping until 4/13!

See Also: A casual way to wear a fun red trench.