Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is that time again. That time that you have been waiting for with bated breath. We've added so many patterns. And, of course, they are fabulous. You knew that already, didn't you? Because The Blue Gardenia aims to please. We do.
In the 1920s and earlier category, you'll find this outstanding jacket. Pictorial Review 7432 has so many unusual details: the convertible collar, the turned back cuffs, the buttons! I love this one! I see it in linen for summer. Perhaps wool crepe for fall. Bound buttonholes, of course. You must have those. Bust 40, in case you care. And you do. Don't you?
And if you simply cannot bear to think of a jacket, then may I recommend Simplicity 1936? Sassy shorts. Sleek skirt. Blouse
with pleated sleeves. So 1930s. So very. Just the ensemble for a week in the country. You can play tennis. Laze in a chaise on the porch. Wave at passersby. Swat at mosquitoes. Drink fresh strawberry lemonade. Nibble tomato and mayonnaise sandwiches. Summer just doesn't get any better. Does it? Mmmmmm . . . I think not. (Although the mosquitoes could vacation elsewhere. Perhaps a swamp? Definitely.)
And for those days in the city, you cannot go wrong with Butterick 3571. It's casual. It's easy. It's concisely nipped in at the waist. It's becoming. Butterick says so. They do. And they would not lie. Would they? Of course they wouldn't. This two-piece dress from the 1940s can go to a budget meeting. A boardroom. A tea room. A nightclub. You can't go wrong with this choice. You can't. But I said that already. I did.
Ceil Chapman is at her very best with American Designer 1251. This dress is one visual magnet. It's got it all going on. And some. The sexy drape at the bosom. The arresting bustle at the rear. The artful folds on the sleeves. So haute couture. So. There are those who say that Ms. Chapman was Marilyn Monroe's favorite designer. I say it's no wonder. She's most certainly one of this pattern diva's dearly beloved.
And for those moments when you feel like a 1940s film noir movie star, when you absolutely must wave your hair, when the only lipstick to define your mood is red, is there anything to wear except this negligee? Absolutely not. Butterick 3708 channels Gene Tierney. Joan Crawford. Rita Hayworth. It's strong. It's seductive. It does not need the bow. The bow is excessive. The bow is frippery. It softens the glamour quotient. Can it. I insist. Of course, if you buy it, it's your choice. To bow or not to bow?
Are you a Mad Man fan? Yes. I know. Who isn't? How did we live without Don Draper? How did we? His sultry voice. His chiseled jaw. His . . . Oh, enough about Don. Enough. Really. I must think about patterns. I must think about Vogue Special Design 4108. It is the Joan dress. The body-loving black one with the fetching red flowers. The one she wore when she threw the dinner party for that repulsive, reptilian man of hers in Season 3. The one she wore when she entranced the guests with her accordian. Totally irresistible. Totally. (To see the dress of which I speak, check the Mad Men Fashion File.)
So, pour yourself a cup of joe. Saunter over to The Blue Gardenia. Enjoy the fashion show. Whip out your wallet. Shop. You'll find something you like. I'm sure of it. And now for those pesky details, new additions always go at the beginning of each category. And we take Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Amex, as well as Paypal to make it easier for you.
