The Blue Gardenia

Planning your fall wardrobe? May I offer a suggestion or two? September 10, 2012 01:12 1 Comment

Tell me you're in the mood to shop. Do. Because that will make me so very happy. And it make you the best dresssed dame in town. We've just added vintage sewing patterns at The Blue Gardenia — nearly 100! Isn't that exciting?

A few favorites:

Some nights, you want to sleep in jammies. So comfortable. So warm. So loose. Other nights — well — other nights, you don't. You want something sexy. Spicy. And oh so titillating. Is there anything better than a 1930s brassiere and panties? You want have to worry about an electric blanket to keep you warm. You won't. Because he will do it. Yes. He most certainly will. You won't be able to keep him away. You won't. So. Let Simplicity 7117 bring out the manly man lurking inside him.

For those frigid days skating on the icy pond, you're going to make McCall 9878, copyright 1938. It will swirl most delightfully while you're practicing your triple axle, exposing those cute shorts underneath. So irresistible.

For days in town, when you want to look your smartest, don Simplicity 1716, copyright 1946. The balloon sleeve version offers plenty of room for cozy sweaters — without discomfort. Don't you hate it when your coat sleeves are too snug? I do. Ugh.

And this year, you want something really special for the Christmas Ball. Really. Truly. Something with that Charles James flair. Something regal. Elegant. Sophisticated. Something that references Ingrid Bergman in Indiscreet. And Vogue Couturier Design 824 fits that description. Perfectly. Silk shantung for the dress. Velvet for the bolero. Most definitely. Oh. What an entrance you will make.

It's going to be such a gala fall. So many parties. You know you'll need another gown. You will. Absolutely. You've been in the mood for something that exposes one shoulder completely. Something that flows. Something that drapes. Gloria Vanderbilt designed just the right gown with Prominent Designer A957. Revealing, but not too.

You'll find all these patterns — each and every one plus an abundance of fabulous new additions— at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And we happily ship abroad as well, for less than the USPS charges us. Is that neat or what?)

And sew to dress: Sunni of A Fashionable Stitch August 24, 2012 05:33

Thinking. Thinking. Thinking. That is what I have been doing. Wondering which of my many favorite bloggers I most want to see in this sensational Simonetta dress, Vogue Paris Original 1746. It is so stunning. Absolutely. One of my favorite 1960s designs. And that would be ever. I do not exaggerate.

So. After months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, seconds, I have reached a conclusion: Sunni, she of the scrumptious blog A Fashionable Stitch. Pile that luscious, abundant red hair on top of her head, don this sophisticated frock, and she would be as cool, as fetching as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Don't you agree?

And yes, dear ma'ams and sirs, this outstanding 1960s design is available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And we happily ship abroad — Global Priority or Global Express, your choice — for a fee, generally even less than the USPS charges us. Are we wonderful, fabulous, divine? Well, yes. Yes, we are. And we'll say so ourselves. We most certainly will.)

Star-spangled style: Veronica Lake simmers in a slithery gown. August 14, 2012 13:53

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.

If 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.)

Celluloid style: A look Rita Hayworth and Kathleen Turner share. August 11, 2012 08:24 1 Comment

The red pencil skirt. The white blouse. It's a sexy winner in the sartorial sweepstakes for both screen vixens. Rita shimmied in Miss Sadie Thompson. As a woman with a shady past, the feminine bit of lace at the collar hinted she was primed for redemption.

Kathleen, on the other hand, as Mattie Walker, smolders in Body Heat. Her skirt is so tight it wrinkles — the better to entice Ned Racine, played by William Hurt, to shatter the glass door to get to her. And lace? No way. This woman is focused on the money. Her tailored shirt is ready for Wall Street.

I love this look. So much that it is on my sewing plan for fall. I have, after all, proven I can make a skirt and a dress. So. Surely a shirt is not out of my reach. No lace, no frills for me, though. I'll share my pattern choices with you soon. (Must find McCall 7768 in my size. This blouse is perfect.)

An excellent way to wear this look: McCall 7768 from 1949. I adore this blouse. I do. (I need Bust 34 for my own self. You recall my rule: I may only keep patterns that are my size!)

And, of course, you can choose any pencil skirt you like. I suggest a multipurpose pattern like Simplicity 4046. That way, you get the skirt and a fabulous top and maximize your dollars.

Info: Simplicity 4046 Blouses and Skirt Bust 34 Complete $18

Both of these smart vintage patterns can be yours. Truly. There are even more choices to get this look, and you'll find them all at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) So drop by. Do. You'll be delighted you did. I know it

That touch of fashion: Doris Day and proper biking attire. August 7, 2012 05:35 1 Comment

Before Mary Tyler Moore, there was Doris Day. And she filled out a pair of capris like air fills a balloon. With curves. (Not that MTM wasn't as cute as a bug's ear, but, let's face it, how many of us are that tiny?)

If you want to emulate this look, may I suggest Simplicity 2075?

The details: Simplicity 2075 Top, Bra Top, Tunic, Shorts and Capris Bust 36 Complete $33

The tops are very Doris as well. Don't you love 'em? I do. Absolutely.

And yes, this versatile and sexy vintage pattern can be yours. It can. Indeed. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we merrily ship abroad for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact. Usually less.) So drop by. Do. You'll be delighted you did. I promise.

And here are words of wisdom from Ms. Day: You don`t really know a person until you live with him, not just sleep with him. Sex is not enough to sustain marriage. I have the unfortunate reputation of being Miss Goody Two-shoes, America`s Virgin, and all that, so I`m afraid it`s going to shock some people for me to say this, but I staunchly believe no two people should get married until they have lived together. The young people have it right. What a tragedy it is for a couple to get married, have a child, and in the process discover they are not suited for one another! If I had lived with Al Jorden for a few weeks, God knows I would never have married him. Nor would I have married George Weidler. But I was too young and too inexperienced to understand any of this. Now my heart was busted and I had lost my way.

Poufs, collars, swirling skirts and gowns to make from draperies August 6, 2012 01:04

Summer is almost over. Almost. And here at The Blue Gardenia, we long for autumn. We do. The coolness, the colors, the clothes.

And if you want to make some new frocks for fall — and who doesn't? — do scurry over to check out the patterns we just added. We've added ever so many — too many to show in this post. Really. But I'll show you just a few, to titillate you, to entice you into dropping by. Of course, these are some of my favorites. But you knew that, didn't you?

First up, the 1930s. Lots of additions in this decade. Hollywood 875 is my favorite. Terrific sleeves, graceful, drapey collar. And it features Ann Harding, who stars in When Ladies Meet with Myrna Loy. Just watched that yesterday. One I'm Not Really a Waitress Red thumbs up.

If you've got a fall gala, may I suggest Simplicity 3836? Lovely yet sexy, circa 1939 or 1940. Imagine the skirt swirling as you foxtrot. It even has a scarf, in case you're modest or the temperature in the ballroom dips.

You may think a bubble skirt is silly — I do — but the partial pouf of Vogue Special Design S-4362 makes quite a statement. A smart one. Indeed. This is a 1952 design. All eyes on you in envy and all that when you wear this number. Absolutely.

If you want a special dress for that pretty daughter, Hollywood 701, featuring Brenda Marshall, is so very Scarlett. Perfect for Christmas dinner. The long version, naturally. I know you dress for dinner. I do. (Not.) And if you want to make it from your draperies, your secret is safe with me. So very.

And isn't McCall 1469 exactly what you want to wear while making strawberry cupcakes? Adorable and ample enough to protect your beautiful self from the mess when you add the flour to the mixer. This one's from 1949. Love it. I do.

So. Shop, shop, shop. You'll find lots of new additions, all at the beginning of each category. Let those fingers walk to The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, of course, although there is a fee, less than the postal service charges us. You may choose Global Priority or Global Express. We love them both. We do.) And we take American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. Isn't that fabulous? I think so. I do.

Hard, fast and fashionable: Ms. Lupino shows a candied side. August 3, 2012 07:46 1 Comment

Mmmmm . . . I suppose Ida's momma didn't tell her it's not nice to point. Or perhaps she did, and Ida simply ignored that advice. And that's OK. Because none of us does everything our mothers want. Do we? I think not. Much to their chagrin.

Here, Ida shows a very good girl side offscreen: the Victorian inspired-sleeves, the flats that would look right at home on a toddler wearing lace socks. She's even wearing a heart around her neck. I'm glad I took my coffee black this morning. Otherwise, I'd be the victim of a sugar overload.

If you'd like to emulate this look, may I suggest Vogue 7606, View A? Sure, it lacks a bow, but, really, do you need one? How sweet do you want to be?

For your jewelry, I suggest the Stitched Heart necklace from Chelsea Stone, an artist who resides in Prescott, AZ. Very talented woman, Chelsea. And you can get this in large or small, in copper or silver. Choices, doncha love 'em? I do. 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.)

You won't say ho-hum about these patterns. You won't. July 30, 2012 01:18 2 Comments

It's hot outside. Sweltering. This is no time to be outdoors! So. Stay inside and enjoy your comfy refrigerated air while shopping The Blue Gardenia's latest update. A few of my favorites just added:

Want a multi-style pattern that packs a wallop? You do, don't you? Advance 6380 fits that bill. Absolutely. The short-sleeved view is cool for now. I see it in broadcloth. And View 1, with the sensational, wide pointed collar and pleated, ruffled sleeves, will stop all the cars on the avenue. So beautiful and so different. I love it.

I'm also smitten with Vogue 6970. (You've noticed I have a fondness for blouses, I'm sure.) Gently draped kimono sleeves, luscious collar — and it's "Easy-to-Make." How peachy is that?

August is just around the corner, so it's time to think of that fall and winter suit and coat. Two suggestions: Vogue Paris Original 1617 by Balmain. Beautiful seam details.

Vogue Paris Original 1740 is classic, gorgeous, so Audrey Hepburn. The blouse is really special. You'll want to check out the detail images of these two. The drawings show so much more. Yes indeed.

And, yep, these smashing vintage patterns can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we ship abroad with pleasure for a shipping fee — less than what the post office charges us, in fact.) So drop by. Do. You'll be delighted you did. Truly.

She adores these jammies. They are so very Laura Petrie. July 26, 2012 05:19 2 Comments

And there she was, in a total fashion pickle. Not that she follows the trends, but she does like to be true to herself. To her own sense of style.

Last night, she got a sleep test. She didn't read the instructions until a few hours before she was due at the clinic. (She excels at procrastination.) And there was that awful demand: Wear two-piece pajamas. Oh, joy. Joy. Her entire sleep wardrobe consisted of Hanro camisoles and bikinis. Now, she loves her Hanro. Expensive indeed. But it lasts for years. Decades, in fact. But it wouldn't do for a sleep study. She wouldn't want to make the sleep techs blush.

So. She stopped by the local department store. Can you say disappointment? She can. She did. She bought a pair of jammies. But to say they were not special is an understatement of extreme magnitude: Drawstring waist. Puffy behind. Plain old button-front top. Dismal. Dull. However, she had no choice. She had the sleep test.

But. Next time, she'll be prepared. She's making Advance 3033 this weekend. Cute. So Laura Petrie. And suitable for public consumption. She'll use that Amy Butler sateen that she purchased at Hancock's of Paducah. These PJs are going to be fetching. So very.

The details (because you're panting to know, right?):

Advance 3033 Pajamas Bust 36 Still in factory folds Circa 1960s $33

Want to add these jammies to your lingerie drawer? Rush to The Blue Gardenia then. You'll find the pattern in our lingerie section. The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. And we merrily ship abroad for less than the USPS postal fees.

And sew to dress: Anne of Pretty Grievances July 23, 2012 15:27 1 Comment

Welcome to the debut of my new series, And Sew to Dress. ( In which I hope I don't offend my favorite bloggers.) At any rate, here's the gist of it: I dress a blogger in fantasy clothes. Just the way I want to see her or him. Naturally, the patterns are available at The Blue Gardenia. (Yes. I know. I'm shameless in my attempts to keep our pups in spa food. The Blue Gardenia mascots need to be kept happy!)

Today, Anne of Pretty Grievances is on the rack. I'd love to see Anne in Hollywood 905. First, Anne is witty, and isn't this a perfect 1930s screwball comedienne-goes-to-lunch dress? Second, she'd look so chic walking her canine pals in this ensemble. The pooches would be strutting with pride. Yes, indeedy! I think either view would work nicely, though I prefer the green one. (But that's only because I'm not the frilly type.)

And if you haven't, do check out Pretty Grievances. Anne will have you spitting your caramel macchiato all over your computer screen because you can't stop laughing. I am not pulling your leg.

Too late for spring cleaning? No way. And this is what to wear. July 16, 2012 09:44 2 Comments

You're a little late for spring cleaning. You are. Is that a big deal? To your momma, maybe. To Mrs. Kravitz? Certainly. To you? No. You've been busy. Sewing. Working. Having fun. Twiddling your thumbs. But, now, you cannot put it off any longer.

However, you need an apron. Something to protect you from the scum and dust build-up. You'll make an apron. Something pretty. Something protective. Something practical. How about Simplicity 3383? It's cute. Adorable in fact. And. It has a tulip. Your favorite flower. Then, you'll be armed and ready. To clean. And you'll feel fresh and pretty doing it. You will.

And, yep, this oh-so-feminine vintage pattern can be yours. Yes indeedy. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we ship abroad with pleasure for a shipping fee — less than what the post office charges us, in fact.) So drop by. Do. You'll be delighted you did. I know it.

Sewing is on the rise. The media says so. And you made it happen. July 14, 2012 11:14 1 Comment

It makes me one very happy woman when sewing floats into the mainstream. It does. So. May I share four newspaper articles with you about sewing's popularity?

The most recent article to herald the rise of our creative craft was that hallowed institution The New York Times with Dusting Off the Sewing Machine.

The Wall Street Journal eyed the increasing popularity of sewing in 2006 in "It's Hip to Hem." (Nice headline, copydesk!)

And, of course, because I'm ahead of the curve, I wrote articles on sewing way back in the day when I was a journalist: "Today's women can cut it — and sew it" and "Sew-sew seamstress finds few shortcuts." (I believe features copy editor Fred Kraus wrote both of those smart headlines." (I wrote these stories back in 1992. You can see I was right on this trend!)

So. Enjoy. I hope you'll follow the links and read every word of these articles. They are all wonderful — if I do say so myself. And I do.

Wouldn't you love to put your sewing skills to work by making Vogue Special Design S-4707? This 1940s design — worthy of your Joan Crawford moments — is available at The Blue Gardenia. So. Don't delay. Drop by and add it to your closet.

This perfect summer ensemble is perfectly Daisy Buchanan. July 12, 2012 09:31 3 Comments

She's not the country club type. Not one bit. But. Her nouveau riche sister? Now, that is a different story. So. This Sunday, after church, she's going to tag along with her sister and her brother-in-law to brunch among the privileged set. Brunch only, though. No golf. No tennis. No bridge. After she's chewed the last morsel, she's going to make like a cheerleader and split. For the movies.

And she's going to wear Vogue American Designer 2456. By Ralph Lauren. The epitome of country club chic, no? She made it up in the spring: White linen shorts. Tan linen jacket. A lilac tee. And she'll lace up those nifty Seychelles Private Eye oxfords, too. She's going to channel Daisy Buchanan. Perhaps she'll meet her Nick.

And, of course, this classy vintage patterns can be yours. Indeedy. Just click over to The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And we happily ship abroad — Global Priority or Global Express, your choice — for a fee, generally even less than the USPO charges us. Are we special? Well, yes. Yes, we are.)

He is waiting there for you, you in the sleek '40s gown you made. July 9, 2012 01:44 1 Comment

You lean against the stucco balcony rail. The Pacific breeze nips your shoulders. Dancers glide across the floor as Diana Krall coos:

Everything is made from dreams,

Time is made from honey slow and sweet,

Only the fools know what it means.

You saw him across the dance floor earlier. Alone. You have not seen him. In years. Not since you realized the power he held over you. You ran. To another city. In another country. It was the only way to regain your will.

You want to stare at him. To let your fingers stray across his cheek, his lips, his arms. No. You must stop. You cannot go there. He must not see you. He musn't. You will make yourself small. You will make yourself disappear — but not in his gaze, not in his bed.

You will focus on the ocean. On the stars. He will not see you. He won't. You will be safe. Focus. Imagine yourself invisible. Ocean. Stars. Breeze caressing — stop. That is not the word . . .

A hand strokes your arm from your silk velvet shoulder strap down to your wrist. Captures your hand.

Diana purrs:

My will has disappeared.

Now my confusions oh so clear.

Temptation, temptation, temptation

I can't resist.

Your fingers reach to draw his lips close. His arms enclose you, only the velvet of your Vogue Special Design S-4265 lies between his hand, your waist, your skin. You yearn. For him. No one else. You cannot resist.

Doris Day's voice envelops you, cloaks the evening in seduction:

Be mine, be mine tonight

Whisper love words oh so tender

Give your kisses in sweet surrender

Darn. You should have run a million miles. You should have. But. It wouldn't have been far enough.

And, of course, this beautiful and rare pattern can be found at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we do ship abroad, but there is a fee. There is. But just what it costs us. No handling charges. Ever.)

Can you say collar? Make that collars. And what a skirt! July 8, 2012 05:40 2 Comments

Aaahhhh . . . collars. Collars that are unusual. Collars that make a statement. Collars that are ginormous. You love them. And that is why you find Vogue Special Design S-4227 irresistible. What a collar. Are should you say two collars? Yes. You should. One collar that dips in back. One collar that dips in front. And both soar like the wings of birds. You love this dress. You'll make two. At least. One for those quiet evening at tony restaurants, where a pianist plays love songs in the background. And one for work. For those subtle evenings, you'll choose navy shantung with a nude-pink organdy collar. For day, you'll go with emerald . . . perhaps an eyelet cotton — with a handkerchief linen collar in white. Oh, you cannot wait. You're going online to find fabric now. This minute.

And yes, this feminine vintage pattern can be yours. It can. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) So drop by. Do. You'll be delighted you did. Guaranteed.

Gardenia Garments: This Spadea designer coat is runway ready. July 3, 2012 13:57 1 Comment

I've always wondered how Spadea patterns make up. And now I know: Well. Very well indeed. Shirley generously shared her experience about Spadea N-1162, a Monte Sano and Pruzan design from 1962.

Description: This was originally a single-breasted coat with a buttoned belt draping across the back of the garment and three-quarter length sleeves. I fell in love with the beautiful collar.

Sizing: Generous. My pattern was a Medium (36 1/2 bust, 37 1/2 hip) but would fit up to at least a size larger.

Does the finished garment look like the pattern illustration?

No, because of the generous proportions, I made it double breasted and tied the belt across the front instead of buttoned at the back, but the belt could still be taken across the back by overlapping it more and using two buttons.

Did you find the instructions easy to follow?

Comparatively, they are very detailed instructions.

Was there anything you especially loved or hated about the pattern?

Loved the collar.

What fabric did you use?

I used a gabardine-weight fabric from my stash, because this was initially a trial run.

Did you make any alterations or changes?

Yes: Lengthened the sleeves with a false cuff to bracelet length. Shortened above the waist by 1 1/8," and likewise raised the belt by the same because I wanted it nearer the actual waist line.

Lengthened the belt by 2 ½" each side to enable me to tie it across the front of the coat.

Would you make another one or recommend this pattern?

Yes to both, next time in a winter weight wool fabric when I wouldn't feel the need to make it double-breasted, because it would hang differently in a heavier fabric.

Have you worn it yet? If so, is it comfortable? Dazzling? Any compliments?

It is a comfortable coat to wear, and I have worn it on three occasions so far and received three unsolicited compliments: "gorgeous," "love that coat", "where can I buy one?"

Any final words?

Depending on the fabric, I would probably reinforce the underarm seams when making it again.

I love this coat. I do. And if you'd like your very own, I am delighted to say you can buy this pattern at The Blue Gardenia.

Our order form is operating properly now. So shop, shop, shop. July 1, 2012 10:03

Dearest Gardenias, if you were foiled when trying to place an order at The Blue Gardenia — due to a cranky credit card order form — try, try again. Do. It is behaving correctly now. Good order form. Good, good order form. We must encourage it! (Might I suggest the sexy Luis Estevez above? It is a personal favorite. So sophisticated. So beautiful.) Do accept our apologies. And if you find it misbehaves again, please tattle. Pronto.

That touch of fashion: Doris Day, girl singer. June 28, 2012 10:33

Doris Day did not intend to be a singer. That wasn't this pretty Ohio miss's goal. No. She had a dream — to be a professional dancer. She was focused. She worked diligently. She wanted that dream to become reality. She was no slacker teen. Not Doris.

But. There was a car accident. An accident that damaged her legs — and crippled her dream.

However, during recovery, she discovered she had another talent. She found she had a voice. A good one. A voice of which an angel could — and would — be proud. Celebrate the birth of Doris Day, girl singer.

(I suppose this proves that old adage that often slips from the tongues of optimists: When God slams one door, he opens another. Or lays waste to the version spun from the lips of pessimists: When God slams one door, he opens a window for you to jump out of. Or my version: When God slams one door, you're so busy wailing that God quietly shuts the other door he opened for you to walk through.)

Oh well. Whatever, as the ubiquitous they say. Doris Day has never been a whiner. Or so I've read. I have.

Anyway. I say that you might as well be fashionably dressed, whether emptying a box of Puffs, tumbling from a high window, or gliding through a freshly-opened door. And I particularly love this evening ensemble on the sexy sway back of Ms. Day. Absolutely.

Wanna duplicate this look? Then I suggest Butterick 4055, circa 1940s. Select Version B, ditch the bow, add short sleeves, pin on a sparkly, mint condition Schreiner brooch, hire a band, (unless you've already got one) reach for the microphone and set those dulcet tones free. Use your favorite skirt pattern — be it straight, A-line, gathered — to complete your glamorous look. I think I'd whip this up in a three-mummy crepe. Maybe raspberry. In case you care. Tell me you do. Lie, if you must.

And, yes, pattern and brooch may both be yours. Just click to The Blue Gardenia. You knew that was coming, didn't you? Well, I have bills to pay. I do. So. Naturally, I hope you cannot live without this multi-tasking Butterick pattern and this ever-so-girly pink gem. Tell me you can't. OK? Make my day. In fact, make my day a very happy one, and go on a shopping spree at The Blue Gardenia. Por favor, if I may quote the beautiful, independent animal activist Ms. Day.

Project Deborah Kerr with a hint of Liz Taylor in this '57 sheath. June 22, 2012 01:10

An elegant evening out is coming up. Soon. So soon. A cocktail party for her best friend's graduation. She wants something festive. Soigne. Yet classic. Simple. She doesn't want to take the spotlight off Oana. She's worked so hard — she deserves all eyes lasered right on her.

Vogue Special Design S-4811 is perfect. It offers exactly the look she's after. But the deep, square neckline — accented with comely horizontal tucks — adds a special touch. Perhaps that rose silk shantung she's had tucked away on the second shelf of her fabric cabinet for months. Yes. That will be lovely. Ever so.

Love this sheath? Don't despair. This magnificent pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. And we merrily ship abroad for less than the USPS postal fees.

Sleeves to sneek in a Westie or pants to smuggle in an elephant? June 18, 2012 06:37

Dearest readers, dearest shoppers, it's that time again: update! And this is a huge one. So many marvelous styles. A few favorites — you'll let me share, won't you?

I adore the sleeves on this one. Absolutely! I'm a pushover for unusual sleeves, and Simplicity 1884's are no exception.

The details: Simplicity 1884 Dresses and Scarf Bust 36 Still in factory folds; envelope missing $60

And isn't the drapey front and darted bandeau of this playsuit special? How sexy will you look beside the pool in this? Or dipping up some potato salad at the July 4th picnic?

Now this is a wrap dress! It's got asymmetry. It's got scallops. It's got buttons! In one word: Fabuloso! (Maybe I should add another exclamation mark? This graph doesn't seem to have enough. There!)

The details: Butterick 6541 Wrap Dress Bust 34 Still in factory folds $35

Vogue Couturier Design 2731 is so sexy, so sophisticated, so Galitzine. They will be falling at your feet when you wear this one!

The details: Vogue Couturier Design 2731 Lounge Pantdress Designed by Galitzine Bust 32 1/2 Still in factory folds Circa 1970s $100

So. Shop until you drop. That's an order! Do not delay. Not one minute. Not one second. Let those well-manicured hands click to The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, of course, although there is a fee, less than the postal service charges us. You may choose Global Priority or Global Express. We love them both. We do.) And we take American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. Isn't that grand? I think so. I do.

Channeling Catherine: Don an apron for kitchen protection. June 6, 2012 03:22

Rose to brighten the tablescape: Necessity.

Spouse in specs at the breakfast table: Optional.

Jogging suit with racing stripes (Even goddesses make mistakes): Don't!

SImplicity 4868, the cuter vintage version of her cobbler apron, available at The Blue Gardenia: Adorable.

Hard, fast and fashionable: A factoid or two about Ida Lupino. June 4, 2012 01:15

I love Ida Lupino. I admire Ida Lupino. She was smart. She was fearless. She broke the mold. And she looked good doing it. She was not only a talented actress, she was a model of feminist filmmaking. In fact, the Village Voice said "Not only did Lupino take control of production, direction and screenplay, but each of her movies addresses the brutal repercussions of sexuality, independence, and dependence." How's that for impressive?

A factoid or two or three about Ms. Lupino:

1. She directed her first film, Not Wanted, in 1949, when the male director suffered a heart attack. Afterward, she directed many of her own projects, making her the only female film director of that period.

2. She was the first female to direct a film noir movie. The Hitchiker, in case you want to see it.

3. She was featured on some Hollywood patterns in the 1930s, including Hollywood 1240, a Sew-Simple design. (Beginners, take note!)

The details about this pattern (and don't you love those luscious sleeves on the black dress? I do. Most certainly.): Hollywood 1240 Dresses Featuring Ida Lupino Bust 32 Complete Circa 1936 $68

Now. Go rent some Lupino movies. That's an order. Albeit a gentle one.

And, yes. Yes. 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.)

If you want to learn more about Ms. Lupino, check Wikipedia or Ida Lupino: Beyond the Camera by Ida Lupino with Mary Ann Anderson.

Does she sell seashells by the seashore? June 2, 2012 01:25

No. She does not. But she could. In fact, she could be the sales leader for the entire West Coast. Or East Coast. Or both, for that matter. If. If she wore this jaunty 1930s Du Barry romper.

The details: DuBarry 2179B Playsuit and Blouse Bust 38 Complete $45.

And, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia. It is. But you knew that, didn't you, dear readers? So put those beautifully-manicured fingers on your keyboard, click and make this yours. The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, of course, although there is a fee, less than the postal service charges us. You may choose Global Priority or Global Express. We love them both. We do.) And we take American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. Anything to make you happy, my darlings. Anything at all.

That touch of fashion: Doris wins the Trojan War in these PJs. June 1, 2012 01:14

Absolutely. Love them — or, at least, the upper half. Love The Pajama Game. Love the score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. So hummable. (In fact, His Bertness and I rarely take a road trip without the soundtrack. Though, she sniffled pompously, we have the original cast recording of the stage version from 1954, with Janis Paige and John Raitt. Yes, he's the pop of songbird Bonnie.)

In the close of the movie version, released in 1957, with Ms. Day as feisty factory worker-union activist Babe Williams and Raitt as imminently lust-worthy new superintendant Sid Sorokin, she wears the top, and he wears the pants. Mmmmmmm . . . let's not analyze that.

If you want to emulate this look — and I think your mister would be most pleased if you did — may I suggest Simplicity 4108? (I may indeed, because I'm writing this, and I'm my own editor, so there. I have the power, and it's gone to my head. In fact, I'm dizzy with it.) Just add piping, and you've got Doris's PJs. (Sarai has an excellent piping tutorial on the Coletterie, if you need any help.)

The details: Simplicity 4108 Pajamas and Nightshirt Complete; sleeve trimmed but extensions are present Copyright 1952 (All right, all right. It's a few years off, but how much did pajama styles change in five years. Really?) $22

And here's a clip from the movie. Doesn't Mr. Raitt wear those khakis darn well? Certainly this fan thinks so. Ummmm hummmm.)

Where to find this cute pattern? Why, at The Blue Gardenia, of course, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad — either Global Priority or Express — for less than USPS charges us. Isn't that grand? I think so.)

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