Style Icon: Jean Seberg

Jean Seberg went from Iowa to becoming the French New Wave's darling.  While she made movies in Hollywood as well, it is her portrayal of the cool girly-tomboy young American in her French movies that have always inspired me.

She acted from the years of 1957-1976. Her first movie was Otto Preminger's Saint Joan, where she played Joan of Arc. She died in 1979 of an overdose at the age of 40. 

She made the pixie cut chic, well before Mia Farrow. 

Her chicness was in her ability to shine without being over done. 

Capris, chunky knit sweaters, and flats. This was her uniform.

She was truly adorable!

If you haven't seen her in the New Wave classic, Breathless (1960), you simply must! 

My Projects: Vintage Sewing Pledge 2015

The Vintage Pledge hosted by A Stitching Odyssey and Kestrel Makes is back! I'm very excited about it this year, as I will be starting at the beginning of the year. Last year, you may remember, I had only discovered the Vintage Pledge 2014 in May. I was amped up about it and made a peasant blouse but then my sewing machine (that I had had for over 20 years) died. It wasn't a happy time. 

A few months later, I got a new machine. A Janome HD-1000, that I love! I made some items for my Etsy shop and worked on my pencil skirt pattern, but never dug back into the vintage sewing I had set my sights on. The next thing I knew, it was the holidays! 

So here we are, 2015, and I'm ready to pledge again. I have pledged to make 5 garments. I have already decided what they are. Here's my plan! 

Simplicity 6341. 

I have bought some white cotton for this. It's basically a Swirl Dress, so what is not to love? I can see this being made in several summer fabrics and being my essential summer go to! 

Butterick B4919. 

I love everything about this. I want to find a cotton stripe fabric and start with the shorter length.

Butterick B5895.

This is a Pattern by Gertie and I'm sure you've seen this on every vintage sewing blog. Now it's my turn. I hardly ever wear pants, so this should be pretty interesting. I am counting this as 2 entries. The top I will make in red & white gingham and the pants in a red stretch cotton satine. Fabrics already purchased. 

Vogue V8812. 

Can you tell I love summer dresses? I want a floral print for this one. If I love it, I will remake in lots of other fabric choices for sure! Undecided on the bolero. 

Will you join in? I hope so! 

Next week, I will be sharing more of my pattern stash, and hopefully I will start a muslin or two! Well, hopefully at least one. 

Retro Looks In The Modern World: The New Mod

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

The Sixties influence is hanging on! This spread from Grazia Germany is channeling swinging London fashion. 

Model: Sophie Vlaming

Photographer: Tina Luther

via fashiongonerogue.com

Shop News: Pink Vintage!

New vintage listings in my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail, are the prettiest shade of pink!

This lovely Beau Femme 1940's slip has two lace bows! One on the bodice and one at the hem. I'm dying! 

 The bride wore, pink! This is a birdcage veil that has wonderful pink velvet bows! 

I can't even believe I'm selling this one. Hurry, before I change my mind! 1930's Betty Lou bias rayon gown. It's gorgeous!

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Factory Girl

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

Warhol's world is always a source of inspiration. This shoot from Vogue Brazil delivers an arty sixties pop! 

Model: Adriana Lima

Photographer: Ellen von Unwerth

via fashiongonerogue.com

Fashionable History: Leopard Print as a Neutral

Leopard print can often be thought of as a racy and tacky print. And there is a place for that! But it definitely has it's high fashion moments. It seems to be worn best when it is thought of as a neutral, or as just an accent. The Mid-Century wore leopard so very well! Here is some leopard print eye candy from the past!

1960's. Jackie. Full on print here and nothing classier.

1940's. Barbara Stanwyck. Sophistication.

1950's Christian Dior. Timeless.

1951. Sunny Harnett. Leopard with tweed. 

1950's. Ladies Home Journal. 

My Projects: Asphalt Infinity Cowl

I recently finished this super snuggly cowl. I call it the Asphalt Infinity Cowl. 

Last weekend I wore it out for a wintry walk through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a place I love to go to get away from the city noise and asphalt! The snow filled garden and covered pond was beautiful. 

Despite the open work, this cowl is warm! 

Pattern: The Openwork Infinity Scarf from Knit 1 LA. Super easy and super quick! One long scarf seemed together to create a loop. This is a free pattern available here.

Needles: Size 19. Big! Wish I had used straight needles to be honest. It was difficult to bring the loops back onto the actual needle. 

Yarn: Knit Picks Biggo in Asphalt Heather. I used two skeins held together. This yarn is super soft and is made up of merino wool and nylon. 

Verdict: I would make more of these in a heart beat and certainly want to test it out with different yarns and colors. It's great to have a quick project on hand when working on a longer more involved one. Also, who doesn't love snuggly scarves when it's 20 degrees outside?  This one is a winner!