Friday, May 10, 2013

The Let's Have a BBQ Dress

I saw this fabric over on Bernie Dexter's site as one of her dresses and I feel in love! I spied it again a few weeks later on fabric.com and I just had to snag some!


Tada! Retro 50s BBQ fabulousness!


Fabric: quilting cotton ($5/yd)
Pattern: Vintage Vogue 2960
Year: 1954
Notions: black piping, covered buttons
Hours to complete: 12
First worn: May 2012
Total cost: $30


I did make some modifications to the dress. It has quite a low back line so I raised it so I could wear a bra with this dress. I do recommend making a muslin for this pattern since the seam under the bust makes that area a bit different to fit. I did not make bound button holes like the pattern suggests (mostly because I was feeling lazy) but I did do the waist stay. I also added piping to the seam under the bust.


I had a lot of fun styling this outfit. Pearls were an easy choice but I went a bit bolder with my leopard print rose.



And my favorite polka dot shoes!


The event I wore this to was put on by a local group called Up Dayton who are working to revitalize the downtown area and get people involved in the city. This particular event was held to give exposure to the three candidates for mayor and to encourage everyone to vote.


It was held at a local bar called Brixx Ice Co. and they had some super tasty food.


Several local bands played too and it was really a fun evening. I've never gotten so many compliments on an outfit before! And a lot of guys complimented me too (in a non creepy way).


I can't wait to wear this dress all summer!


Have you ever sewn up a Vintage Vogue dress?

35 comments:

  1. So cute! I love that fabric, I might have to snag some.

    I have a serious stash of vintage vouge's, but have yet to tackle any. They can be a bit intimidating.

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  2. You look adorable! I tried on her dress in that print, so lucky that you found the fabric.

    xo.
    Em

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  3. I like your idea of sewing up repro versions of BD dresses. As much as I love Bernie, I wish her items weren't dry clean only. :-( I'm a klutzy person so I know I'd get all sorts of yuck on the pretty dresses.

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    1. I've been told that the dry clean only is to protect the vibrancy of the fabric since MM's line tends to fade a lot.... :(

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  4. Oh wow, it's amazing!! I want to make one too! You look fab in red, by the way!! x

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  5. What a gorgeous frock, I love this style and it really suits you, you styled it beautifully.

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  6. OMG! I think this is literally my favorite thing I've seen you make (and wear). It's so flattering & fun, perfect for the summertime.

    Is it bad that I'm going on fabric.com to see if I can find it too???? :)

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  7. This is really beautiful and FUN!
    And... as my husband says, the gents love it when the ladies where pretty clothes :)

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  8. What a wonderful dress. I love the fabric. It looks great.
    Have a nice day.

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  9. Sooo cute! And yours is even better than the Bernie Dexter version! I'm with Liz, I want to scoop up some of that fabric too. Mel has a BBQ-themed vintage shirt, it would be quite the pairing. LOL

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  10. That's a really nice dress! Love the print!

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  11. This is absolutely fabulous in every way! And I adore your gorgeous styling!

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  12. This is so so cute! That fabric suits the pattern you choose perfectly. I want this to hop into my closet. :]

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  13. Waow!!!! Gorgeous dress and I love your shoes!
    I love crazy pattern like this!!!

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  14. AMAZING DRESS!! It's so cute and fun and suits you to a T!! Well done!

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  15. Oh wow! Awesome fabric and I love the shelf bust! Awesome styling, too of course. And the shoes! :)

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  16. Adorable! Great fabric and great dress too. Not sure if you are aware that 'snag' is British/Aussie slang for a sausage (or hotdog) so I laughed when you said you'd snagged this fabric - a perfect pun!

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    1. That is so completely awesome! I adore that you found the very same fabric used in one of Bernie's latest dresses. Your version is incredible - and looks gorgeous on you. Seriously one of my favorite things you've ever created and shared with us here!!!

      ♥ Jessica

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  17. That print is very fun. The way you styled this look transformed your dress from cute and casual to glam and fabulous.

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  18. That print is very fun. The way you styled this look transformed your dress from cute and casual to glam and fabulous.

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  19. you're so cute and lovely !!! It's a good idea to match this vintage pattern and this fabric !
    And I understand why you love so much your choose

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  20. I just put this fabric in my wish list the other day. Michael Miller has so many good ones! And yeah I was a bit surprised to see so many from the Bernie Dexter line, made me want to start sewing pronto!

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  21. Such a beautiful dress. The colours are amazing and zingy, perfect for Summer. I love your styling, too.

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  22. This dress is super cute on you and the fabric of course rocks. Totally a grand dress to wear to a BBQ!!!
    +Victoria+

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  23. Oh my! Please let me know if you would make one to sell.....I think I may just DIE if I don't have one!! (I'm in Australia so we would never wear it at the same time!)

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    1. Bernie Dexter sells a dress in this print! http://bernie-dexter.myshopify.com/collections/dresses/products/beatrice-dress-in-bbq-print-pre-order

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  24. I am IN LOVE! I just went to the fabric store today to snag this...and they were out. In search for it, I found your amazing dress. Love. It. So inspired, you are awesome!

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  25. Okay, I finally finished my dress in the same fab fabric...but I gotta admit, I like yours better! I shared a link to your blog on my blog post...here you go if interested...
    http://cassiestephens.blogspot.com/2013/06/diy-bonfire-of-banana-bread-and-giveaway.html

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  26. how cool is this fabric! love love love it :-) You look fab.

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  27. Would you make one of these for me? And sell it to me? If so, how much? I would love one like this. I'm swooning like a teenager in love! :))

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    1. Thanks! I don't do commissions but you can find a dress in this print available from Bernie Dexter: http://berniedexter.com/collections/dresses/products/susie-dress-in-bbq-print

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  28. Thanks stephanie! But i have seen that one and it doesn't hold a candle to yours. Lovely job! Let me know if you ever change your mind.

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