Star-spangled style: Release your inner Ava Gardner.

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.