We underestimated. We did. May we atone by extending the sale? January 1, 2014 09:27

Beloved readers and customers, I do so apologize that the new site isn't up today. I am so disappointed. I am. I hope you are looking forward to the new site as much as we are. The good news is that we are very close. The other good news is that until it's up, you get to continue purchasing patterns at a huge discount. Now, that's a nice New Year's treat, right?

When His Bertness first told me he could have the site up by January 1, he anticipated that our website designer had done more work on the site than he had. Alas. He had not completed basic tasks that our previous site designers had. (Yes, I do wish we had gone back to our old designers, but we hired local, because we wanted to support someone we knew. In his defense, our local designer has a demanding day job and designs websites on the side. That's a full platter in itself. To add to that, he is an artist and that is his first love. It is his priority. As a creative type myself, I completely understand that.) Add to that the fact that His Bertness took the first four days of his vacation to to relax and recharge, so he'll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when he goes back to his day job, which is his priority and which he loves. So. We chose the designer. Bert chose to take time off. And we take responsibilty for those choices.

So. Please forgive us. Be understanding. I beg you. Take advantage of our New Year's gift to you: The extension of the sale. Our atonement for so completely miscalculating.

There are so many things I want to talk about today, rather than apologizing. And how. Perhaps I will post again later on another topic. After all, it's a new year, and a new day, and our new and improved site will be here very soon. Enjoy the sale till then.

You might choose the lovely dress or jumper and blouse pattern above, Butterick 3751. I love it. Indeed, so much I want it in my size. I'm a pushover for dramatic collars and sleeves. Which you know.

The sale skinny:

End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) January 7, 2014

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.

A ring on her finger, roses on her toes + a '60s gown = wedding. December 30, 2013 19:54

She's decided to do it. She has. She's never been that woman who wanted to wed. That little girl who daydreamed about walking down the aisle in that perfect ivory dress with that perfect ivory train to say yes to that perfect groom. Not her.

But he's changed her mind. They've lived together three years, and, it's been, well, interesting. He's warm and cuddly and a great chef and a scintillating conversationalist. And in the bedroom . . . well, she'll keep it PG-rated and simply say he's accomplished.

He accepts her as she is, flaws and all, although he brings out her best. She wants to be better because of him. She is better because of him. Not work 24-7. Not anymore.

So. The gown. Nothing frilly. Nothing silly. She's chosen Vogue Bridal Design 2809. It is modern and feminine. SImple yet sophisticated. She's found a gorgeous duchesse silk satin in beigey white at Gorgeous Fabrics.

She's selected ruby satin slippers with rosettes. Yes, ruby. She's getting married, not giving up her personality. No need to get too traditional. And they are so striking with that beigey satin. By Stuart Weitzman. A bargain at 6pm.com.

And, you knew it, didn't you, dear readers? You can get this wonderful pattern at The Blue Gardenia. Not only that, you can save a bundle during our fabdabulous sale. Run, don't walk.

End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) December 31, 2013

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.

That touch of fashion: Doris Day is every inch a star in Givenchy. December 29, 2013 19:28

What a luscious look for the ever-so-lovely Doris Day. I adore this satin coat. It's elegant. It's classy. It is oh-so-chic. Indeed. And the delightful strawberry ice cream color looks dreamy enough to eat with a spoon.

Day's coat is designed by the masterful Givenchy. Givenchy, as you know, was Audrey Hepburn's favorite designer.

You can easily emulate this look with Simplicity 5103. Simply make View 1 and shorten the sleeves.

Mood has a lush silk satin that would be quite beautiful whipped up in this haute couture style. The pink is more muted, but still gorgeous. And some might even say this subtle color is much more sophisticated.

One of my favorite Day quotes: "I find beauty everywhere. I find beauty in my garden." And certainly, either pink looks straight from the petals of a peony or a rose.

You may buy this wonderful coat pattern at The Blue Gardenia's outstanding sale. But don't tarry, because patterns are rushing out of here faster than corsages from the florist at prom time. The skinny:

End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) December 31, 2013

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.

Leave those yoga pants in the studio and wear this at breakfast. December 28, 2013 19:14

Those pesky New Year's resolutions. You make them. You hate them. And you hate them for one reason: You always let them fall by the wayside by January 20. But there's one you are going to keep. Absolutely. No more yoga pants at breakfast! You're coming downstairs looking elegant, but in something that is practical enough to wear while making toast and whipping eggs. Peerless 5502 fits your requirements perfectly. No long sleeves to worry about. And you'll make it in that easy-care crepe you saw at Gorgeous Fabrics in viridian. It's machine wash, tumble dry. Perfection.

You can get this very rare pattern right now, and at a marvelous discount. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia's price-shattering sale. The details:

 End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) December 31, 2013

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.

You want to make a faux fur coat. You do. Here's your pattern. December 27, 2013 19:39

What strange fall and winter it's been. One day it's as sunny as a day in June and in the high 50s. The next three days, the highs are in the low 30s and the skies threaten snow. You want a new coat for those days. Something warm. Something cuddly.

You want a pattern that will look sublime in that gorgeous Anna Sui faux fur you saw on the Mood website. Luscious. Absolutely. And  1950s Woman's Day 5044 is just the one. Made especially for fur. And you know how hard it is to find 1950s patterns for fur coats. You do. You saw it at The Blue Gardenia and you must snap it up. Now. This minute. Before someone outclicks you.

You love the lines: the elegant standup collar dipping to a sexy V in the back, the better to show off your new Audrey pixie cut. And the gray faux fur will really highlight your ash-blond hair with its subtle orchid streaks. You are going to look amazing. Truly. And the very best thing: You can get the coat at a discount. The more you buy, the more you save. Now that is one sparkling way to end 2013!

 End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) December 31, 2013

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.

Mission possible: Cinnamon's neckline dazzles. Yours can, too. December 26, 2013 19:46

She was only on Mission: Impossible for three seasons. But what an impression Barbara Bain's Cinnamon Carter made. She was tough. She was sexy. She was smart. She could outfox the best of them.

And what style. This jeweled neckline is a favorite. I'm a pushover for jeweled necklines. One can have sparkle without searching for that perfect necklace. How fabulous is that?

If you want to emulate this look, I suggest Vogue American Designer 2606, View A. It has an added bonus: Cutaway shoulders. Such a flattering look. Ralph Lauren definitely knows how to make women look even more luscious.

Yes, this is available at The Blue Gardenia, and at a fabulous price. Check out our sale. You've got all that Christmas money to spend, after all. Time is running out. Details, if you please:

 End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) December 31, 2013

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.

May I share some terrific personal news? Pretty please? December 26, 2013 10:21

May I share some very good personal news? Black Heart Magazine accepted one of my short stories! So excited. Fabulous Christmas present, yes indeed.

I hope each of you, dear readers, had a marvelous holiday as well!

Star-spangled style: Show off your shoulders like Liz Taylor. December 23, 2013 15:30

The young Elizabeth Taylor. Sigh. So beautiful. So glowing. So glamorous. As fresh as a newly opened rosebud. If you want to channel this sexy vibe, I suggest Vogue Special Design S-3313.

Ms. Taylor, I have read, was most particular about her lipstick. I suggest Bobbi Brown's Hollywood Red, and for that dewy, perfect skin, Laura Mercier's illuminating tinted moisturizer.

What's your favorite Liz movie? I'm partial to Butterfield 8, Who's Afraid Of Virginia Wolf and A Place in the Sun.

Don't forget to stop by The Blue Gardenia's fabdabulous sale. Here are the details:

 End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) December 31, 2013

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.

You'll be a Christmas angel in this 1940s Vogue negligee. December 20, 2013 19:27

Ahhh, Christmas morn. You have breakfast all planned. You'll serve a breakfast casserole with Spanish chorizo and ciabatta. Fresh fruit salad on the side. Some vegan cinnamon rolls for Kanisha.

But no culinary indulgement until every present has been opened and ooohed and aaahed over. What fun. You're sure you've chosen just the right gift for everyone. After all, you agonized. You sweated. You played Santa's detective.

And you just know all of your Santas will give you everything you want. Well, nearly. And even if not, being surrounded by your closest friends and family, well, that will be treasure aplenty. Absolutely.

You have already made Vogue 5382, in luscious emerald green silk charmeuse to wear for the festivities. You'll look smashing. That is a given. You and your exquisite clothes made from only the most styish vintage patterns. You love them. You do.

And don't forget (because I know you want me to be happy):

End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) December 31, 2013

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.

Learning to sew: I made this knit top, and I even wear it! December 19, 2013 19:12 2 Comments

I've been promising you pictures, dear readers. I have. I wish I had a camera that allowed use of a remote shutter so that I could take my own pictures. But, alas . . . Hubby lacks the patience or interest or both to take more than a few shots, and since I'm not J-Law, well, I need more than three or four to choose from.

Oh, well. Enough whining about His Bertness. He has many virtues. On to the matter at hand . . .

This is the first knit I have sewn. It's a rayon jersey. Although I've gotten many compliments on the top, I don't think I would make it again. Of course, you never know.

Once Leslie, sewing goddess supreme, showed me how to put it together, it was a breeze to make.

I have quite a few more garments to show you, and I'm beginning to have a bit of confidence at the needle. But I am loathe to share such  fuzzy, dark pictures.

I know. Take advantage of our sale so that I can buy a new camera! Isn't that a great idea? Am I shameless? Anyway, here's the scoop:

End of the Year / End of an Era  Sale!

Now through Midnight (PST) December 31, 2013

Spend $100 (before the discount) — get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) — get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) — get 40% off. 

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) — get a whopping 50% off.

Payment is by PayPal only, 

except for established customers, who may arrange for payment  by check.

Yes, you may buy gift certificates for that special someome —

offering sales rates honored through January 2014.

The book closet: Widow's garb in Hank Phillippi Ryan's first book December 18, 2013 20:15

I've just discovered a new writer. New, that is, to me: Hank Phillippi Ryan. She's an Emmy and Murrow award-winning TV reporter in Boston, and she has been writing mysteries with a bit of the steamy stuff included since 2009. 

I read her penultimate book, The Other Woman, which won the MWA/Mary Higgins Clark award, and I was so taken with her writing that I bought Prime Time, her first book, which features Charlotte McNally, a 46-year-old TV reporter who worries she will be axed at any moment because of her age.

McNally is determined to come up with a story that will reap huge numbers during the November sweeps, thus prolonging her career, and her journalistic antennae lead her to interview grieving widow Melanie Foreman:

Audrey Hepburn answers the door. Obviously, not really Audrey Hepburn, but she's a remarkable clone–––elegant bones, flawless complexion, luminous eyes, pixie hair, even a little black sweater and narrow black pants. Mrs. Foreman looks pampered and classily understated. Tiny diamond studs. Delicate gold necklace. I glance at her left hand. Someone's college education sparkles on her ring finger.

Lovely description, yes? I'm quite taken with Ms. Ryan's writing, and I can't wait to read all of her work. Prime Time, by the way, won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel and the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award.

If you like Audrey Hepburn's style and want to emulate Mrs. Foreman's look, I suggest McCall's 3727, copyright 1956,  for the slacks, and McCall's 8725, copyright 1951, for the top. Perhaps a wool doubleknit for the slacks and a wool jersey for the top.

Both of these yummy patterns are available at The Blue Gardenia. At a discount. Because we are having a fabulous End-of-an-Era Sale to celebrate our new website design coming in January. Yippee skippee.

That touch of fashion: Doris Day's top is all about the neckline. December 18, 2013 01:00

Doris Day and I have a few things in common, besides the obvious two: we are female and have freckles. We both like Michael Buble. We love animals. We're less than fond of parties. And we both like this simple yet elegant neckline.

If you like this neckline, too, may I suggest you replicate it with McCall's

3321, copyright 1955? I love the slim silhouette, the wide collar, the pleats in the back of the skirt. Fetching. Absolutely.

And, yes, you knew this was coming, didn't you? You may buy this pattern at The Blue Gardenia sale, going on all of December. Come January, we debut our new look with all those bells and whistles you've requested. And, then, prices go back to normal. So, sewistas, now is the time to stock up on stylish patterns and jewelry. Hurry.

(Photo of Doris Day courtesy of Fanpop.)

Meet the designer: Wilson Folmar and his alluring cocktail dress December 17, 2013 15:36

This cocktail dress, Prominent Designer M406, is one of the most beautiful of the early Sixties, in this blogger's most humble opinion. It's not designed by one of the biggies, but it is devastating in its cool sexiness. Here's a bit of info about the creator, Wilson Folmar, courtesy of the Vintage Fashion Guild:

• He was the head designer of the custom department at exclusive department store Jay – Thorpe from 1936 – 1956

• He designed for Ben Gam and Maurice Rentner in the 1950s.

• He became the designer for Edward Abbott in 1957.

• In 1964, he formed Wilson Folmar, Inc., which he owned. This company, which closed in 1972, made medium-to-high-priced cocktail and evening clothes.

So. There you have it. A little info, not a lot. And the debut of a new feature at The Blue Gardenia. Hope you enjoy it.

Don't miss our fabulous End-of-an-Era Sale. It's a great opportunity to snap up this amazing pattern at a discount. 

Channeling Catherine: Be imprisoned by her sequin stripes. December 16, 2013 00:15 1 Comment

Exquisite face: Genes.

Sleek clutch by Nancy Gonzales at Neiman Marcus: Pricey.

Big C C Skye hoop earrings at Bluefly: Bargain.

Vogue Basic Design 1961 at The Blue Gardenia, on sale: Copy.

Inspiration Drive Chili recipe & an apron to wear while making it. December 15, 2013 13:42

Ever have one of those busy Sundays? You know the kind: ten tasks and online Christmas shopping and a million other things as well? That was my Sunday. So. No time for my usual chili recipe, adapted by the former Houston Chronicle food editor from a James Beard recipe. It takes about four hours. No. I am not kidding.

I wanted something fast, something I could use with ground beef. So I adapted a recipe my mom had adapted from the Food Network. It turned out well. And it met my requirements of quick and easy. It takes about twenty minutes of prep and an hour or so to cook.

Inspiration Drive Chili

1/4 c. canola oil

2 pounds ground beef ( I used 95% lean New Mexico grass fed)

I medium onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

4 large cloves garlic

1 15-ounce can black or red beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-ounce can tomato sauce

1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes

2 cups beef or vegetable broth

Seasoning mix:

1/4 c. chili powder

3 T. flour

2 T. chipotle powder

2 T. ancho chile powder

2 heaping t. cumin

1 t. sweet paprika

2 t. oregano, smushed in your hands, then added to mix

For serving:

Sour cream

Fresh tomatoes, diced

Cilantro, snipped

Jalapenos, diced

Cheddar cheese, grated

1. Heat oil.

2. Brown meat over medium high heat, then add onions, bell pepper and garlic.

3. Cook till veggies are limp.

4. Add seasoning mix. Stir in well.

5. Stir in broth.

6. Add beans, tomatoes and tomato sauce.

7. Cook 45 minutes to an hour.

Garnish with sour cream, cheese, etc. Great served with cornbread. (Yes, those cute little kitty ears are our cornbread!)

So. There ya go. This makes 6-8 servings.

And now, you'll want to protect your clothes, of course, and I know, you style goddesses, you'll want to do so with a marvelous apron. Absolutely. I suggest McCall's 1781, copyright 1953. The flower pockets and front pleat definitely takes kitchen fashion to a higher level. If you are just learning to sew, an apron is a terrific project.

Of course, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia, where we are celebrating the upcoming launch of our new site with an End-of-an-Era Sale. And the discounts will have you smiling. And that is something we love to see!

This dazzling 1940s Vogue blouse has elegant details galore. December 14, 2013 17:56

She paws through her blouses. She wants something different. Unusual. She's going to a Christmas party tomorrow, and the invitation specified "casual but elegant." Definitely open to interpretation. She interprets it to mean a pair of wide-legged jeans with a hint of the Forties look and a fabulous blouse. She pauses at a lilac silk blouse she made last year from Vogue 5658, circa 1940s. She loves the shoulder details: the bands and the gathers. Yes, this is the one.

And she'll wear it with her pink brooch designed by Schreiner of New York. The color of cotton candy and as sparkly as the Northern Star. She is going to look and feel fantastic. Absolutely.

And you may purchase both of these items at The Blue Gardenia's End-of-an-Era Sale. 

The skinny:

Our new site debuts January 1. Till then, we're having a sale that will run until 11:59 pm the last day of December 2013.

Spend $100 (before the discount) and get 20% off.

Spend $200 (before the discount) and get 30% off.

Spend $300 (before the discount) and get 40% off.

Spend $400 or more (before the discount) and get a whopping 50% off.

Isn't that fabulous? Now is the time to stock up on authentic and lovely patterns for the holiday season and for next year's projects.

For this sale, we will be accepting Paypal only, unless you are an established customer, and then we will happily take checks.

So, shop, shop, shop, my darlings!  And, yep, you may buy gift certificates for that special someone and the sales rates will be honored through January 2014. 

TV togs: A Trigere dress to hug The Good Wife's Kalinda's curves December 13, 2013 11:21

Cool Kalinda Sharma is one of my favorite characters on The Good Wife. The ace investigator  rarely shows her emotions, but she always reveals her fabulous figure.
This Pauline Trigere dress, McCall's 3827, copyright 1956, would step up her fashion game, while still remaining true to her style. Of course, it would need to be shortened: Archie Punjab, who plays Kalinda, has marvelous legs, and they are always on display, usually in black boots.

Kalinda's fabrications tend to silks, leathers, and knits, and her clothing colors are usually teals, purples, crimsons and black.

Gorgeous Fabric's rayon double knit in Amparo Blue would be perfect for Kalinda. Very sexy. And if you watch the show, you know Kalinda is all about sex (and brains).

Kate Spade's black, pointy-toe suede boot, available at Neiman Marcus, coolly whispers Kalinda.

And, of course, you may buy this rare and beautiful pattern at The Blue Gardenia, and you may buy it at a discount. How fabulous is that? We are having an End-of-an-Era Sale to say toodle-oooo to our old website. It's only for the month of December, and patterns are flying out of here as fast as bats from caves when the sun goes down. So. Don't tarry. We beg you. We do not want you to lose out on those styles you've been yearning for. We absolutely do not! Come January, we welcome in our new website design with all those bells and whistles you've been requesting. We aim to please. We do.

Elizabeth Sanxay Holding's '34 noir: Mrs. Delancey's dinner gown December 11, 2013 09:19

Elizabeth Sanxay Holding, who wrote noir and crime novels from 1929 through 1953, had a way with plots. None other than my beloved Raymond Chandler called her the "top suspense writer of them all."

You might be most familiar with the movies made from her gripping novel The Blank Wall. It was made into the movie The Reckless Moment in 1949, starring James Mason. It was remade in 2001 starring Tilda Swinton. I prefer this version, titled The Deep End. Most definitely. Swinton rivets, as always. And hunky Goran Visnjic . . . sigh. (I've put his sexy mug at left, just to brighten your day.) If you haven't seen The Deep End, you must. That's an order.

This passage, concerning a dinner party given by Josephine Delancey, a wife who controls her husband with her money, is from The Death Wish, published in 1934:

Mrs. Delancey welcomed them with a shade too much nonchalance. She was wearing a severe black frock that swept the floor, with long sleeves. It was an extremely expensive French model, and Anabel regarded it with sincere admiration. But Mrs. Delancey fancied her guest supercilious, she felt everything was a little wrong, and that Mrs. Luff, actually the most casual of housekeepers, would notice certain little imperfections in her appointments. She detected, moreover, what she believed to be an insolent indifference in Anabel, an almost absent-minded way of answering her.

Indeed, this was an occasion when Mrs. Luff's tact and kindliness had almost deserted her. She was so concerned about Elsie that it was difficult, almost impossible, to attend to anything else.

"Elsie doesn't look well . . ." she said to Mrs. Delancey.

The unhappy Josephine could see a slight even in that.

Josephine erroneously thinks her hubby Shawe is having an affair with Elsie. Excellent book, by the way. Different. Absolutely.

I see Josephine in Butterick 6923, Version D, but with the train of View B. I love this Carolina Herrera black silk satin from Mood: Totally wondrous. 

And don't forget: The Blue Gardenia's End-of-an-Era Sale. What a fantabulous way to stock up on fashions for the New Year. And, of course, in January, regular prices return when we debut our new site design. Hoorah!

And tomorrow: Oonaballoona from Kalkatroona! Don't miss our post about this scintillating sewing blogger.

Celluloid style: The perfect 1940s Lauren Bacall slacks pattern. December 10, 2013 16:49

This Celluloid Style is inspired by an InStyle magazine layout. I prefer a vintage look. Naturally. So I have put together my very own version of lovely Lauren Bacall's ensemble. 

I'd start with Vogue 9358, from the 1940s. This is one of those marvelous twofer patterns: You could also do the overalls. Isn't that neat? Absolutely.

I think these slacks would be luscious in this Italian wool from Michael's Fabrics. Totally luxurious.

And I would choose true vintage style shoes from Remix. They have many great styles that would work. My favorite: The Gran Via. They are on sale right now  on for $49. Gotta love that!

Bacall is also wearing a sweater, and I'll leave that choice to you. Perhaps there is even one in that rich teal in your closet right now.

You may get this slacks pattern ––– and oh-so-many more ––– at The Blue Gardenia's End-of-an-Era sale. Patterns are going fast, and it's first come, first served. So. Let those fingers rush right over. Don't delay. And, clap your hands, come January, our new site with all the bells and whistles you've asked for. And that you deserve. Yippee skippee.

A spicy Creole recipe and a McCall 1930s apron to cool it down. December 10, 2013 09:26

This is a first for this blogger: Sharing a recipe. But it turned out so well, so delicious, that I musn't hoard it. So it is yours, dear readers, yours for the taking.

I adapted it from The Fannie Farmer Cookbook's Halibut Creole recipe. I didn't have all the ingredients on hand, and I wanted to make it a bit healthier as well. So here goes. Let me know if you try it.

Creole Halibut Gonzales

2 six-ounce halibut filets, washed and dried

Creole seasoning (I make my own using Emeril's recipe)

1 1/2 c. sliced pear or cherry tomatoes

2 sliced inner stalks of celery with leaves (about 15" total length)

1 large jalapeno, diced and seeded

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 T. butter

4 T. high-quality EVOO

3 T. lime juice

1/2 to 1 T. Tabasco, depending on how spicy you like your food

Freshly ground sea salt

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Rub filets liberally with Creole seasoning and place in Pyrex or other baking dish, about 11 inches long.

3. Prepare veggies and pour over and around filets.

4. Sprinkle with more Creole seasoning and salt.

5. Melt butter in olive oil. Add Tabasco and lime juice and pour over fish and veggies.

6. Cook uncovered 25-35 minutes, depending on how done you like your fish.

6. Serve over basmati rice or with French bread for sopping (You don't want to miss any of the delicious sauce.)

7. Enjoy!

And you will want to look fetching as you cook, and how better to do that than with McCall 506, from the 1930s. This may be my favorite apron pattern ever. Absolutely.

And you may purchase this rare and so very hard to find apron at The Blue Gardenia. At a discount, mind you. How fabulous is that? Drop by our End-of-an-Era Sale and score some terrific patterns at huge discounts. The more you buy, the more you save. Yes indeedy. And prices go up in January when our new site debuts. You know, the one with all the bells and whistles.

And Thursday, you are in for a real treat: an interview with Oonaballoona! I am smitten with her. Totally. It just doesn't get any better than  that, does it? Well, maybe your own Gulfstream with Stephen Colbert as your pilot, asuming that is, he's a licensed pilot!

Celluloid style: The Lady from Shanghai before she's revealed . . . December 8, 2013 11:25

. . . as a scheming and deceptive murderess. Rita Hayworth, as Elsa, is at first sight a captured and wounded dove, married to a loathsome, wealthy man. Orson Welles, as seaman Michael O'Hara, cannot resist her. Absolutely not. As he says upon their meeting: "From that moment on, I did not use my head very much, except to be thinking of her." His last line in the movie is also about Elsa: "Maybe I'll live so long that I'll forget her. Maybe I'll die trying."

The movie is complex; Rita is at her best. The clothes are sexy, elegant and ladylike, except when Rita lazes about a boat scantily clad in sunsuits and the like.

If you'd like to duplicate one of my favorite looks in the 1948 movie, may I suggest these two patterns:

Vogue 5259, a broad shouldered jumper dress, copyright 1945.

And Simplicity 2977, from 1949, as the blouse.

I think I would choose the emerald drab wool crepe, shown above, for the jumper and the warm beige silk charmeuse at Fabric Mart Fabrics for the blouse. I'd go with the matte side of the charmeuse showing. Both fabrics are luscious, and I admit having a powerful lust for them both. Santa? Are you listening?

Naturally, both of these are available at The Blue Gardenia. But you knew that, didn't you? And you may buy them both at our fabulous End-of-an-Era Sale!

Need a dress for the holiday office fete? Vogue 4464 = perfection. December 7, 2013 17:43

You absolutely adore Vogue Special Design S-4464
. It will be perfect for the office Christmas party, and you just have time to order it from The Blue Gardenia and whip it up. This 1953 design provides everything you want in a frock for the cocktail party: It's smart. It's elegant. But not so va va va voom that it will have the office lecherous types slobbering on you. Ugh. Unpleasant thought, that. Get a few too many martinis in some of your coworkers and they turn into red-nosed, drooling wolves. 

And you have found just the fabric at Fabric.com: the hunter green silk doupioni. Easy to sew. Beautiful. Can a woman ask for more? Well, yeah, but that is a post for another day.

Don't forget to shop, shop, shop The Blue Gardenia's End-of-an-Era Sale! It's a doozy. Take advantage of these great discounts before the new site premieres in January. Do.

The book closet: Delilah's pants and shirt for the African frontier December 5, 2013 23:37

I'm taking this opportunity to tout Deanna Raybourn's A Spear of Summer Grass. The heroine, Delilah, has been banished to Africa by her family after being the star of yet another scandal. Delilah attracts scandal like steak attracts dogs. She shows up with trunks of Paris frocks, but finds slacks and one of her dead husbands' shirts to be more suited to the lifestyle. I think Vogue 7496, 1950s pattern for Frontier Pants, and Excella 4235, a 1920s pajama top, would be most fetching, and most definitely attract the flapper's independent spirit.

To lure you into buying the book, I'll whet your appetite with a bit of Ms. Raybourn's descriptive prose:

But the best hands were knowing hands, Mossy told me with a slow smile. Knowing hands were capable; they could soothe a horse or a woman. They could take things apart– including
your heart - and put them back together better than before. Knowing hands were rare, but if you found them, they were worth holding, at least for a little while. I looked at Ryder's hands. They sat easily on the wheel and gearshift, coaxing instead of forcing, and I wondered how much they knew. 

They had known pain; that much was certain from the scars that laced his left arm. He had been lucky. Whatever had dug itself into his arm hadn't wanted to let go. They were long, raking white scars, like punctuation marks, dotted here and there with a full stop of knotted white scar tissue where whatever it was had hung on hard. Some men might have covered them up, rolled down their shirtsleeves and pretended it never happened. Others would have told the story as soon as you met, flaunting those scars for any Desdemona who might be impressed. But Ryder didn't even seem conscious of his. He wore them as he did his bracelets – souvenirs of somewhere he had been.

Both patterns are available at The Blue Gardenia. And you can buy both at our end-of-an-era sale. The sooner you shop, the better the selection. Prices go back to normal January 1, when we debut our brand spanking new site.

Channeling Catherine: Black and sleeveless and oh-so-chic. December 5, 2013 03:25 2 Comments

Black boatneck: Timeless.

Firm upper arms: Dreamy.

Dior hat at Poppycock Vintage: Delightful.

McCall's 6813, Copyright 1961, at The Blue Gardenia: Exact.