Old Hollywood Inspiration Pt.4 Barbara Stanwyck

Barbara Stanwyck is a relatively new actress to me, after purchasing a film noir boxset and watching 'Double Idemnity' I instantly warmed to her. I found myself glued to the screen when she was in a scene, which goes to prove why she is a highly regarded actress.

She was also one of the most beloved by her peers and directors alike due to her compassion and genuine interest in their well being.

She was married  twice, but after her second marriage failed due to infidelity on his part (with Lana Turner) she never remarried, although she did have a 4 year affair with a young Robert Wagner.

After her film career ended, she went on to have a successful career on television appearing in various dramas and soap operas until her death in 1990.

Things I Love Thursday

This week I have been in total relaxation mode. I haven't even looked at my sewing machine since finishing the last Kenwood dress over a week ago, however I have still been thinking of my next few projects. 

I'm trying to be realistic and more proactive with my future projects, rather than sewing on a whim.

With this in mind, i'm putting together a list of patterns & fabrics that I would like to get started on for when I return home from the US. This also means (by sheer coincidence of course) that I can keep an eye out for certain fabrics while i'm away, as I have every intention of visiting as many thrift/fabric shops as I can! 

With autumn now here, and a sure to be cold winter just around the corner, I'd like to turn my attention to warmer clothes. At the moment there are a few staple items I'd like to try my hand at. The first being a pair of high waisted trousers:

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It just so happens that I already have a pattern for something like the above

I'd quite like a black pair, not entirely sure what material though? Suggestions?

After receiving this seasons Asos magazine I'm also wanting to make a dress using some kind of knit, possibly in a shirt dress style?

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Can you tell i'm into plaid at the moment?!

I also think it's about time I widen my sewing skills a little, and start sewing a few more tops.

I'm going to bite the bullet and purchase the well know Colette patterns Sencha & Violet.

As well as the pattern for the top in the Simplicity pattern featured with the trousers. This means that while I'm out in the US I can pick up some cute fabrics ready to sew for autumn/winter and maybe a few suitable for early spring too!

I've also got a new winter coat already picked out, which I'm purchasing this weekend!

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Does anyone else have any staple pieces picked out for this season?

Kenwood at Goodwood Revival 2011

The big weekend finally arrived!!

Although Kenwood were hard at work since Thursday, I didn't arrive at Goodwood myself until Sunday where I finally got to see my dresses being worn by someone other than my dress form!

 Ta Da!

I'm totally blowing my own trumpet here, but how great do they look?!

I couldn't be happier with the way they turned out, and all the girls looked amazing in them.

I felt such a great sense of achievement when I saw them all.

The Kenwood stall itself was a revolving kitchen (half 1940's & half 1960's) which featured cooking demonstrations by the chefs behind Sorted. As well as a little exhibition showing you Kenwood machines through the years, and a stage where you could get your photo taken in a vintage kitchen.

As well as Kenwood's Stall there was also pop up shops from Tesco (who took you back to the 1960's, where you could buy products in their original packaging)

Also a Vivien of Holloway Shop, A Delonghi coffee bar, a marquee dedicated to the family orientated Butlins Entertaiment (featuring a great jive band), Glam Cabs, Bunny Girls, as well as countless stalls selling clothing, artwork, and other merchandise.

I restrained myself and only bought some quirky tea towels and a kitchen pinny from the charming men in the DuPenny stall.

All in all (despite the on/off rain) it was a lovely day.

I highly recommend Goowood Revival to anyone who enjoys dressing up and has an interest in vintage cars, this was my 3rd year going, and every year I've enjoyed it more!

Old Hollywood Inspiration Pt. 3

This time it's the turn of the iconic Ginger Rogers.

One half of the most the well known & most loved dancing duo, I grew up around musicals since my mum was a huge fan, and Fred & Ginger films were some of her favourite. 

Swing Time, Top Hat, Carefree, The Barkleys of Broadway, Shall We Dance, Follow the Fleet are to name a few of her films

Ginger wears the most amazing & elegant gowns in these films. Don't you just wish sometimes that you could click your fingers and your wardrobe would be full of outfits like these?

I LOVE this one!

Who's your favourite old hollywood actress?

all images found here

Things I Love Thursday

Even though I haven't been posting for a while, I haven't stopped following my favourite blogs, nor have I stopped finding new blogs to obsess over!

I thought it might be nice to share with you some of my personal favourites, and hopefully will inspire you to obsess over these too! (if you aren't already)

Bright Young Twins

Two best friends Harriett & Aimee share with you their adventures, whilst wearing the most amazing and inspirational vintage outfits. I'm completely jealous of their wardrobes, and i'm sure you will be two.

Trash Planet

Hosted by the gorgeous Laura, she shares with you the cutest and quirky outfits she makes using various vintage/vintage inspired patterns. I found this blog through the pages of Burdastyle and I love seeing what her next creation is!

The Man Repeller

Where to start?! Leandra's insight to the world of current fashion is brilliant. You will have never read a blog like this, and probably won't again. 

Sweetheart of the Rodeo

Another young blogger who is in love with vintage clothing, Dakota looks stunning in all of her outfit posts. If you are a fan of wearing vintage, this is the blog for you!

What are your favourite blogs? Any suggestions?

I'm Back!!!

I'm not dead... I've just been extremely busy!! 

As previously posted I've been working hard on my recent commission from Kenwood UK. I can now proudly say that all 14 dresses were delivered on Sunday, and I will be going to see them in action this Sunday at this years Goodwood Revival (pics will come!)

I don't think I was quite prepared for how much work (and so little time) I had to do these, but I have to say I've enjoyed every minute. This was such a huge challenge for me as a relatively new/advanced beginner in dressmaking. 

This was the first time I've ever modified a pattern significantly, and made it to fit 14 different people with completely different measurements, plus there was no time for a fitting (received confirmation that they all fit fine!). I can't wait to see them all wearing them on Sunday, and i'm looking forward to sharing the photos with you all!

Apart from the dresses, I've also nearly reached my wedding day!

With just over 2 weeks to go till the big day, I'm 90% done with just the little bits & bobs to do now. 

And then comes the best bit....the honeymoon!

So be warned, I'll once again be missing from the blogosphere from 10th-26th October, but will have a MAJOR update post telling you about it all, along with photos of what things I'll have no doubt have bought while i'm away.

In case your intrigued, we're spending a week in Hawaii, then splitting the remainder between L.A, Vegas, & San Francisco. Can anyone recommend any good thrift shops/bars/restaurants to visit?

I'm also now starting to look once again at my ever growing fabric stash, so hopefully there'll be a few sewing posts lined up for while I'm gone.

Hope everyone's ok, and you've all had a great August/Sept!