Carmen Miranda’s Favorite Fruit Salad

This is one of those online fabric purchases that looked nothing like what I expected, so it sat in a drawer for a bit.  Does this look like “brown fruit print challis”? – yeah, that’s what I thought.  Brown is perhaps the only color that is not present.

And then I remembered that I wanted to make the peplum version of this dress.

One fun part of using a pattern I have already worked with is that most of the preliminary work has already been done!  And, of course, I know what to expect.

To break up some of the crazy colors, I added grosgrain ribbon.   

My first thought was to layer a yellow ribbon over the purple, but I decided that was too cheerleader uniform. 

I was also going to add two grosgrain bows to the neckline corners.  The neckline treatment is so unique that I did not want to duplicate it, seeing as I already have a version in blue.  But the two bows looked too cutesy, so I decided to settle for one.  Hopefully the peplum and fabric choice helps to differentiate it from my other dress!

While I was over at mom’s getting pictures taken, her neighbor said I needed a Carmen Miranda hat to top off the outfit – and I absolutely agree.  How did I miss that?!

I know some people will be horrified, but the peplum is detachable!

And here is the dress without the peplum.  I think I will save a length of purple ribbon to tie in a bow for those days when I choose to leave the peplum at home.  

Or perhaps it could be a day to evening transition piece? – Peter must be rolling his eyes at my inability to make a decision and stick with it!  To peplum or not to peplum, that is the question!

Dress:  Made by me, Hollywood 1449 via VPLL

Jacket:  Banana Republic

Shoes:  Alfani

Earrings:  Liz Palacios

1940s Cocktail Dress in Blue

I am quite sure that I will be sick and tired of the cold weather soon enough, but for now, it is an excuse to pull out all of the dresses that have been patiently waiting for the temperature to drop!

I sewed this dress using a reproduction pattern from the Vintage Pattern Lending Library (the original pattern was Hollywood 1449).  I highly recommend the company as a wonderful resource for vintage reproduction patterns.  The patterns are printed on sturdy bond paper, and seam allowances are clearly marked, as are all notches and darts necessary to construct the garment.  So there are no more excuses for anyone that might be overwhelmed by the thought of an unprinted vintage pattern – VPLL has done the work for you.  More information about the actual construction may be found over at Pattern Review.

There are so many lovely little details to be found in this pattern.  I have plans to make the peplum version in a bright colored print one of these days, but the short sleeve version is also calling out to me!  Oh, whatever shall I do?  Perhaps I should stop daydreaming and finish the jacket that is currently in pieces, waiting for a few bound buttonholes.

I have so many visions of fantastic frocks (who needs sugar plum faeries when you have velvet and lace?!), but not enough time to sew them. 

Dress: Made by me, VPLL F1149.

Hair Ornament:  Made by me.

Earrings:  Antique fan earrings from Shadows

Shoes:  Seychelles “Little Owl” in Navy Suede

Fishnets:  Mervyns