A Right Royal Wedding.

There is always a big event in a Wedding. Such a happy occassion and everyone is centred on the Bride and her dress. Of course there is an exraordinary Wedding on April 29th, that of William & Kate. I will definately be tuned in (as I did not get an invite) to see the whole affair !

So time it is to show some Wedding Dresses to inspire the romanace of the day....

Advance 5341.


A 1930's - 40's pattern with full length gown, short or long sleeve, princess seamed, and collar.
 Oh so elegant !

Advance 5814

This has Grace Kelly written all over it.

 Full length gown, button front with collar. So very feminine.

Butterick 4743

This is for all you 1980's ladies. Puffed sleeve, bow or train at back, princess seams.
I see Lady Diana in this one, but with the extra, extra long train.

Butterick 8704

1950's style full merangue dress. Sweetheart neckline. Optional lengths can be used for the bridesmaids.

Simplicity 6352.

1960's empire waisted, with optional train - note the train is fixed at rear top shoulder area.
I love the littel bow at waist.

Vogue paris Original Nina Ricci 1077.

Simple but elegant princess seam with slight flare skirt.

Vogue 2979.

This is a modern pattern of a retro style. This is another that screams Grace Kelly.
Beautirful skirt, so crisp and pleated ever so gently. Rear tie/ bow with train. I love this one.

Vogue 5942.

Empire waisted 1960's style dress. Modern, elegant, no fuss or frills. Very stylish.

Vogue S 4696.

This one looks like Royalty with her blue sash and brooch! 1950's style dress. Love the low cut back for that hint on allure! Full skirt which would be worn with tulle underskirt.

McCalls 6605.

1960's bell shape skirt with attached train. Not the pill box hat/headress.



And they all lived happily ever after......

Audrey Hepburn in Charade

It was time to get my DVD copy out and watch this 1963 movie, with Cary Grant & Walter Matthau. Its classical 1960's fashion and filmaking. It covers a variety of genres; comedy, thriller, romance & mystery. However best of all it has Audrey ! What a beautiful, stylish, pettit lady she was. She could wear a potato sack and look clasically elegant.

The coat pictured was a strong orange in colour and possibly wool.

Designed by Givenchy.

The coat has an open, stand up collar & raglan sleeve.



Large fabric cover buttons in contrast black, which went to wonderfully with her black leather gloves, black bag and black shoes. There is the golden rule - bag should match the shoes !

Vogue 2988



Vogue 2988



Coat in this pattern has very similar neck line and buttoning, however shorter than the Audrey, Givenchy original.

Wool Givenchy Dress with bateau neckline





Simplicity 2602



Without the optional overskirt, a similar style dress with bateau neck & short sleeve dress.

All thats needed is your black belt !

Butterick 9097

The bateau neckline is lovely, but how much sweeter does it look with the bow finish.



Givenchy wool button coat.




Simplicity 8455 - Circa 1969.



The classic Trench




Finished off with her little white leather gloves and scarf.



Vogue 7004



Simplicity 7307




McCalls 5525

I know its not a vintage pattern, but is a modern pattern of a vintage design.

And...don't forget your gloves !



Butterick 4260



Womans Day Vintage sewing pattern.

I have not yet made gloves, but do have a pattern. How hard cna they be? I think they may be a bit fiddley, but would be a pleasure to create in your own colours and textures.

At the start of the movie, Audrey in the Alps

Mcalls 8009

This pattern will create the hood scraf Audrey wears in the alps as well as her head scarf in her trech wearing scene.

Audrey with Pill box style head attire.

Vogue 6121

You too can create the 60's Pill Box Hat at home.

Graceful Grace Kelly and Inspired Patterns

I recently watched Rear Window by Alfred Hitchcock and To Catch a Thief featuring the beautiful Grace Kelly. Both movies are not only intrigueing and fabulous cinematography, but the fashion is so iconic of the time. Grace has the ability to wear anything and look amazing. She even makes a swim at the beach look graceful and sophisticated...how is that achievable? She is a rare occurance !



Grace Kelly - Rear Window 1954



 Floor length nightdress and gown. Grace pulls this from her overnight bag and the fabric looks like satin / silk. It's cream in colour, although the film is coloured by Technicolor, so its hard to know its true representation.



Grace Kelly & James Stuart - Rear Window.



The movie is made in 1954, but I found patterns that were in a similar vein to Grace's nightdress are 1940's. 

McCalls 7929.



"So Easy"  pattern Number 159.



Grace enters the room asking JS what he thinks of her nightdress and he hardly notices as he is literally looking out the rear window LOL



So easy pattern # 159



Simplicity 3508.



Butterick 4652.

This 1950's full skirted dress with simple top with a low V back. Tulle skirting with underskirt elegantly completed with white gloves and black clutch purse.



McCalls 4045 - Galanos.



I beleive this pattern is extremely rare. I could only find it as a stock photo.



Suit in green worn in Rear Window.



McCalls 3790



Designer sketch of the suit worn on set by Edith head.





To Catch a Thief is so beautiful to watch both geographically and of course the wardrobe fashion of Grace Kelly.

Grace takes a day at the beach with Cary Grant and is waiting in the hotel lobby wearing her sophisticated swim wear. Overskirt to her swim suit with wide brimmed hat. She looks truly stunning.





Design sketch of the swimsuit and over skirt - Edith Head.



I saw the overskirt on this pattern and it reminded me of the swimsuit and overskirt Grace wore on her way to the beach with Cary Grant. Oh so elegant for a day at the beach.

Simplicity 2602.