Baronial Posturings and a Bird Hat

I'm not a REAL Baroness, but sometimes it's fun to play one on my blog!  To quote Dorothy Parker, "I've never been rich, but think I'd be darling at it!" Haha! Seriously, I am content being my non-baronial self, but I do love smart 1930s manor house fashions a la Gosford Park (and its predecessor, La Regle du Jeu).  

Outfit:

1930s Jacket:  Garb-Oh Vintage

1930s style skirt: custom made by Wearing History

1930 style blouse: custom made by Nudeedudee

1930s/40s brown shoes: etsy

1930s feathered hat: my shop

Backless like Bette

As if I don't have a million things to do, I've decided to try to whip up a little halter or two.  I was gonna try to go for the whole halter and shorts set inspired by Bette Davis's get up in The Working Man (see below), but I am just not advanced enough to make wearable shorts in a day.  Wish me luck that I can get the halter(s) right, especially in time for mes vacances! Right now, as Hazel, the dress form is demonstrating, the pieces have been cut out but not sewn.  Thank goodness the pattern I am using (it's the halter top from Wearing History's late 30s halter and trousers pattern set) is so darn user-friendly!!

Plaid fabric is from the "Happy Campers" series from "American Jane" Patterns. I seriously could never tire of this fabric. I'm planning on making my kitchen curtains in this next!

Play (Suit) Time (well, almost)!

Oh me oh my, as usual, Glamour Daze blog has me swooning, this time over a video clip showing the Ambassador hotel and its Hollywood poolside guests attending a pretty over the top party, circa the 1930s. To make it even more perfect, it's set to Al Bowlly singing "Heart and Soul."  Double swoon!  This clip really externalizes what I have on my mind right now, fashion wise:  30s resort and sportswear separates.   I seriously want everything in this video, especially the sailor-inspired dresses and the various halter and deco playsuits which I screencapped below.

If you love that second image like I do, luckily, Lauren, of Wearing History has got a fantastic pattern for a sailor dress and playsuit. The one she has repro'd is from the 40s, so the dress might be a bit shorter than a 30s one, but the look is similar to the early 30s playsuits shown in the clip.  I know the amazing Casey over at Elegant Musings made the playsuit using Lauren's pattern and her finished product has definitely inspired me to consider tackling it as well!

I think I might go with more of a stripey pattern for my "playsuit," like below:

In addition to the sailor inspired dresses and playsuits, I've got my eye on some 30s halter tops and playsuits.  Once again, Wearing History has just the thing for the seamstresses:

Eva Dress also has a couple of great vintage repro. patterns for 30s halter tops and halter sport suits, which seem to combine elements shown in the above Wearing History patterns.   The first pattern includes a hat pattern!

If I can just keep my sewing momentum going I may just have what I desire by summertime;


Oh, for period perfect footwear, I saw a vintage pattern being sold by Tinpotlil on Etsy that tells you how to make your own 1930s beach slippers/sandals!