The Blue Gardenia

Hard, fast and fashionable: Ida displays her best bedside manner in satin PJs. June 16, 2014 22:56

The glamorous Ms. Lupino shows us how to wear pajamas.
     The glamorous Ms. Lupino shows us how to wear pajamas.
   

Now, these are lounging pajamas. Just the garb for eating Belgium bon bons and  reading trashy French novels. Doncha think? I wouldn't shake a stick at those Turkish influenced mules, either. I have a thing for upturned toes. I do.

You can replicate this look with Butterick 5410. Of course, it's from the 1930s. Take the View C bodice, use the View A sleeves. Voila. You're a silver screen goddess.

And you know where you can find this gorgeous pattern, of course. At The Blue Gardenia. Slink over.

 

Choose the non-Russian view, but keep the Russian sleeves. And you've got it!
Choose the non-Russian view, but keep the Russian sleeves. And you've got it!

Emulate Sutton Foster's impeccable 1950s-style Tony evening gown. June 8, 2014 23:35 2 Comments

I only watched half of the Tony Awards this year, so it seems unfair to do my usual award show best dressed list. So. I am doing something different. Sutton Foster's gown was my favorite, the one I'd most like to wear while accepting an award myself. Absolutely. (Do they dress for the Pulitzers? Do they even have a presentation? Mmmmm . . . something for me to check out. Later. And, yes, I do think big!)

So lovely and so 1950s, Sutton Foster glans up the awards.
So lovely and so 1950s, Sutton Foster glams up the awards.


 

One could get a similar look – and, frankly, in my opinion – an even more beautiful one with Vogue Couturier Design 824. It has a more structured and detailed bodice. And that bolero with its framing collar – wow! I think I'd stick with that luscious fuchsia satin, though. Irrestible.

I am so in love with this pattern!
I am so in love with this pattern!

Screen sirens heed the call of 1950s glamour at the Oscars. March 3, 2014 00:12

US-OSCARS-ARRIVALSI wouldn't trade my fabulous Pantone Bone China cup in Emerald for many of the Oscar gowns this year. They were that dull. Stars, buy a vintage pattern and find a good dressmaker. OK? Really. Get with the style program. I do love  – indeed lust  – for Amy Adams' Gucci. It's a good thing I don't have offspring, because I would so be up for trading. jlaw_oscarsI also have a strong attraction for J-Law's Dior. But then, she is my girl crush and she can do no wrong. She and Meryl are my fantasy BFFs. Unless, of course, they suddenly shoot someone for texting in the theater or playing loud music at the gas station. Then, babes, the romance is over. Kaput. The train leaves the station without you. 86th Annual Academy Awards - ShowWhat did you think of Whoopi's rehash of Julia Robert's Dolce & Gabbana look at the Golden Globes? I think Whoopi really kicked up the style quotient. I know that's the unpopular choice. But. There ya go. I think I may have to put my own spin on this look. viola_escadaI am on the fence about Viola Davis's Escada. The color is my favorite. The bodice is delicious. But there's something about the skirt that seems just plain wrong. Love her hair, though. I would have liked to see a more colorful lip. I really want to read your thoughts on this, but we are having a slight malfunction on the blog comments. Hope to have it fixed ASAP. Bear with us, please, dear readers.  

Golden Globes 2014: Dull & duller. But a few dreamy dresses. January 12, 2014 17:01

Lupita_Nyongo_GG14
Am I the only person who found the 2014 Golden Globes as dull as an Albuquerque coffee table undusted for a month? Even the majority of the gowns let me down. There were a few highlights, a few gowns that inspired closet lust:

Lupita Nyong'o, above, of Twelve Years a Slave, takes home the Blue Gardenia Dennison Blue Foil Star Award. If I hadn't already bought red silk charmeuse for a bias cocktail number, I would definitely copy this Ralph Lauren beauty for my Valentine's Night fashion pleasure. Day length, though.  His Bertness would definitely approve. Maybe my birthday dress? In blue?

Sandra_bullock_GG14
Sandra Bullock
also stunned. Her Prabal Gurung gown took colorblock to new heights. But what is it with older women and long hair that would look more appropriate on a teen? A sophisticated updo would have made this look perfection. Nice lipcolor, though. Is it Chanel Paris again?

Paula_patton_GG14
Paula Patton
should pinkslip her stylist. This Stephane Rolland design — and I use that word loosely — looks like a boring white sheath with a fluffy dishtowel tossed over her shoulder. Perhaps the star was doing kitchen duty afterward?

Robert_GG14
What was Julia Roberts thinking in her Dolce & Gabbana? Was she referencing Sharon Stone's seminal Gap shirt and black evening skirt look? If so, she failed. Miserably. And that sparkly belt? Yikes. I hope I don't have nightmares about it. Roberts' hair was sensational, though. Loved it. Absolutely.

And guess what? The new Blue Gardenia website is up, and we are already getting compliments. Hop on over and let us know what you think. It is so easy to shop! Hope you love it. Passionately.


Star-spangled style: Release your inner Ava Gardner. January 2, 2014 18:31

Ava_gardner_style.com

Ava Gardner would have been beautiful no matter what she was wearing. Dirty, ripped rags. A dowdy, worn-out housedress. But put her in a pretty Vogue_8356 dress with a little makeup, and her only competition in the looks department was Gene Tierney.

I especially love this off-the-shoulder number. If you love it, too, you can replicate it with Vogue 8356.

Although I failed to find a necklace exactly like Ms. Gardner's, this choker at Etsy's Bella Luca Designs has a similar look. It's a bargain at $57. Pearl_choker

Ms. Gardner, who died in 1990, was not only gorgeous, she was smart and fast with a quip. One of my favorites: "Deep down, I'm really superficial."

You may, of course, buy this sexy yet elegant pattern at The Blue Gardenia's terrific sale. And stock up for your sewing plans this year. I've been planning this year's wardrobe? Have you?

 

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.


That touch of fashion: Doris Day is every inch a star in Givenchy. December 29, 2013 18:28

Doris_day_givenchy

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 Simplicity_coat 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 Duchess_satin_silk 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.


Mission possible: Cinnamon's neckline dazzles. Yours can, too. December 26, 2013 18:46

Barbara_bain_jewel_neckline

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 VAD_2606_Ralph_Lauren 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.


Star-spangled style: Show off your shoulders like Liz Taylor. December 23, 2013 14:30

Liz_taylor_style

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 Vogue-S-3313 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.


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

Doris_day_top

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 McCall's-3321 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.)


Star-spangled style: Ms. Lake owns the sexy shirtdress. Totally. September 23, 2012 08:58 1 Comment

Veronica_lake_shirtdress
It's simple. It's sexy. And it's oh-so-comfortable. The shirtdress. It can go to the office. The grocery store. The elegant bistro with starched white tablecloths and ivories that tinkle. What could be better? And who wears this style with more panache than Veronica Lake?

Mccall_5453_lake_1940s
Lipstick_crepeThis is an easy look to emulate — the fashion — of course. You might, however, have to don a wig to get the golden waves that cascade with perfection.

You might choose McCall 5453 to make your frock. (Details, if you please: McCall 5453 Dress Bust 34 Complete except for easily duplicated belt Copyright 1943 $26) This pattern has a few extra style riffs that put this right over the moon. Totally. Completely.

And for your fabric, may I suggest the lipstick wool crepe at Mood Fabrics? A mere $14 per yard, 57" wide and made in Italy. (I love that Mood sources the country of origin.)

Lake_shoeAnd for the well shod foot, my choice is this spike-embellished Lola Cruz platform pump. Worthy of swooning. It is. You can find it at Amazon, on sale half-price. Isn't that a kick?

So. I've done the tough homework for you. The sweating. The crying. The click-click-clicking. My fingertips are bleeding. But. You're so worth it. You are. All you have to do, my pretty, stylish ones,  is follow the links and you'll be one fashionable 1940s babe, referencing none other than noir vixen Veronica Lake. Oh, yeah, and you'll have to do a little sewing. But. Think of the pride you'll have in your finished product. You'll be all aglow with pride. Absolutely.

And, yes indeedy. This pattern can be yours at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We ship abroad as well, happily. And we charge less for shipping than the postal service charges us. Isn't that delightful? We think so.)



Star-spangled style: Veronica Lake simmers in a slithery gown. August 14, 2012 12:53

Veronica-_Lake_gown
Debate whether Veronica Lake could act. Debate whether she was beautiful. But don't debate her style. It was extraordinary. Always. She could sass up a shirt dress; slink up an evening frock. I particularly love this one.

Simplicity_s602_30sIf you want to smolder like this, may I suggest that you start with Simplicity S602? Leave off the lace, choose a beautiful wool crepe, and you'll be one classy vixen. You'll have to supply your own camera.

Here's the skinny: Simplicity S602 Bias-Skirt Gown Bust 36 Complete Circa 1930s $150

If you'd like to add to your knowledge of this screen lovely, do check out Martin Grams Blog. Most entertaining.

And, of course, this beauty can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. But you knew all that, didn't you? Of course you did. (And, yes, we do ship abroad. Absolutely. With enthusiasm. Shipping fees do apply.)