The Blue Gardenia
The new site is up, and we added a couple of beauties today! January 13, 2014 16:31
The new Blue Gardenia website is officially up and working. Today, we added this beauty, Vogue Paris Original 1434, designed by Nina Ricci in 1959. It would have been a welcome addition to the Golden Globe line-up last night, docha think? We've seen our patterns at the Oscars; now, I think it's time to see them at the Golden Globes, especially after that boring fashion show last night.
And another one that is red-carpet ready: Vogue Couturier 460. Just added tonight. Check it out!
And let us know what you think of the new design.
Golden Globes 2014: Dull & duller. But a few dreamy dresses. January 12, 2014 18:01
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 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 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?
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.
The countdown is on: Just 5 or so hours till the sale ends!! January 7, 2014 13:37
Forgive me for not warning you earlier today, but we've been busy working on getting the new site up. I would say frantically. But, of course, we are nothing if not cool. Anyway, the magnificent 1930s Simplicity above is just one of the patterns you might make your own.
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.
It's freezing outside. The best panacea: Sew a summer dress. January 6, 2014 19:43
It's 5 below outside and all you can think about is the summer sun beating down on your shoulders. You're almost done with the wool gabardine slacks you've been making. And when you are, you're making something sleeveless, something linen, something that screams summer. Something like this divine Vogue Paris Original 1951 by Laroche. Unusual lines on the shoulders, lines that are flattering, lines that will highlight one of your very best features. Absolutely.
And you'll order that luscious turquoise linen at Mood. The perfect color to highlight your caramel brown eyes.
Oh, you feel warmer just thinking about it.
The Blue Gardenia sale countdown has begun, dear sewistas. It ends at midnight tonight. So don't delay. This is one sale you absolutely don't want to miss!
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.
Only hours left to save on chic vintage patterns and sparkles! January 6, 2014 11:54
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.
Patterns for the snootiest fashionistas!
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.
Shake, rattle and roll in the kitchen: Oooey goooey nut ring January 5, 2014 16:48
Calories? Carbs? Bring 'em on. In moderation, of course. And this delicious breakfast bread is so good that moderation means two slices. (It's also good at any time of day. Why should only breakfast be pampered with its presence?)
I adapted this recipe from one generously shared by Albuquerque
novelist Belle Sloane, Wonderwoman by day, spinner of erotic tales by night. You might want to scurry over to Amazon and get Sweet Charity. It is on my reading list, and I hear it's quite racy, just the thing to get your juices flowing on a frigid winter night and get you in the mood for canoodling with your significant other.
Oooey Gooey Nut Ring
Your favorite refrigerator bread recipe ( I used Beth Hensperger's from The Bread Bible. You'll have enough dough left over for some dinner rolls.)
2 T. butter, melted
2 T canola oil
1/2 c. Steen's Cane Syrup (You may use maple or your favorite pancake syrup. I'm from Louisiana, and I love Steen's.)
1/3 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/3 c. pecans, toasted
1/3 c. walnuts, toasted
1/4 c. pumpkin seeds, toasted
1. Make your bread dough.
2. When the dough is ready, roll 2/3 of it into a log. (You can make dinner rolls with the remainder. Just shape in balls and cook in an oiled muffin tin for 20 minutes.)
3. Slice into 3/4 inch slices and pat down with your hands until they are about the shape of a biscuit.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
5. Mix nuts, sugar and cinnamon together.
6. In another bowl, mix melted butter, canola oil and syrup.
7. Pour half of syrup mixture in bottom of pan.
8. Sprinkle half of nut mixture over it.
9. Place the "biscuits" in the pan, overlapping each with half of the next one, forming a ring.
10. Top with remaining sugar mixture.
11. Pour rest of syrup mixture over.
12. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until dough is golden brown.
13. Cool for one minute in the pan.
14. Invert on platter.
15. Enjoy!
Don't forget: Time is running out to get The Blue Gardenia's outstanding patterns at a discount. Don't delay. Prices rise on January 8, 2014!
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.
Learning to sew? Love the '40s? Vogue 9372 is calling your name. January 3, 2014 19:08
She's learning to sew. At last. At long last. She's made a pencil skirt. A short-sleeve shirt. Now, she's ready to tackle a jacket. The 1940s are her favorite period. The strong shoulders. To her, they signify strength. Independence. She loves Vogue 9372. And it is easy to make. Vogue promises. In writing.
She's chosen a Zegna wool from Michael's Fabrics. It has that 1940s vibe. Yes indeedy. And, yes, this is one of the many patterns available at The Blue Gardenia at an ever-so-special discount. Do drop by. We'd love to see 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.
Star-spangled style: Release your inner Ava Gardner. January 2, 2014 19:31
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 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.
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.
What did you do on New Year's Eve? January 1, 2014 21:42
How did you celebrate the last day of 2013? His Bertness and I cooked. We made green chile pork and sopapillas. Both from scratch. My favorite green chile pork recipe is in a cookbook still packed. So. I had to wing it. And I must say, it turned out well. Delicious. Yes indeedy.
My favorite sopapilla recipe is in the same cookbook, alas, so I tried one by Emeril Lagasse that I found on the Food Network. The sopapillas were good, but we call them beignepillas, seeing as how they strongly resemble beignets.
And did I don an apron? Of course not. I wore jeans and a twinset. For 2014, I think I shall plan more appropriate attire while working with flour. (Yes, my purple twinset was blotched with clouds of white.)
Something, perhaps, like Butterick 4219. So cute, yet so practical.
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.
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.
Here's to a prosperous 2014 for us all! (And a present for you.) December 31, 2013 18:52
I'll keep this short. Promise. I want to wish you and yours, me and mine, the best year ever. May we not just live, but thrive. Positively. Absolutely. Yes indeedy. And all that.
You'll find a surprise waiting for you at The Blue Gardenia! Enjoy. More news tomorrow . . .
Doesn't Jane Mansfield stun with her allure? I want that dress for next year.
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
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.