We see gorgeous women with fabulous figures on the red carpet in dresses that are meant for the red carpet, not your nieces, daughters, sons, best friend's kids wedding. The fashion magazines certainly don't have anything that is perfect for a 60 year old woman who does not possess the body of a 20 year old that doesn't look dowdy to wear to an evening wedding. The other issue is spending money and in my case, time, sewing up said dress that chances are I'll never wear again. I wouldn't wear it to Alex's wedding because, after all my side will have seen said creation. I have gone to weddings over the years, afternoon weddings mind you, in a dressy suit and everyone is dressed in glitzy embellishment. I have never been comfortable in this sort of clothing. Well, I did wear an embellished blouse and full skirt to a wedding we went to in India which I bought at a very cool shop that sold Indoeuro kinds of things. For an Indian wedding it was very understated! It doesn't fit anymore, so that's out regardless.
What the hell is cocktail attire these days anyway? I was looking at an email of Michael Kors spring collection and either the dressy clothing is too exposed for me or it's perfect for entertaining 'at home' if your home is in East Hampton. Sigh. I went through the same nonsense when Josh got married and while I finally decided on something it was the height of boredom. A real snooze. I've been looking at collections on Style.com. I've looked through my collections of Burda a million times. I even bought 2 Vogue's that might work. There is a very nice Donna Karan in the new Vogue's that someone posted a glimpse of on PR from the back of the pattern magazine. But, its a mid length shirt dress with drapes across the front. How dressy can that be, really? Even in silk isn't it still a shirt dress?
Here's choice 2
This one would need a bit of alteration to work. First it would need to be longer, not hard. The waist panel would have to be lower and or narrowed to actually fit under my bust(gravity does have it's issues) It at least has the kind of tailored look I like and feel comfortable in. I don't know when they will be posting the new Vogues, but as I said a couple did look promising.
Sigrid made a very pretty dress from Knipmode last year that would be perfect, but the thought of altering the pieced bodice for my DD cup bust hurts my brain. I also haven't a clue how to do it!
I need some inspiration and suggestions readers! I have some gorgeous silk brocade from our last trip to India and I was actually thinking of a this pencil skirt and top from the latest Burda.
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Well my 2 cents is that I really like the top in Vogue #2 but I would do a simpler skirt. I know what you mean about wedding guest attire,
ReplyDeleteTerry
I LOVE this new McCalls pattern: M6277
ReplyDeletehttp://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6277-products-13580.php?page_id=96
Also Simplcity http://www.simplicity.com/p-5246-misses-plus-size-day-to-evening-dresses.aspx
It all really depends on what fabric you use, don't you think? And how happy and comfortable you feel wearing the outfit. So make something you LOVE
Wow. That's tough and I think I know exactly what you mean! Strange how we react to these things. I've looked multiple times at the second pattern you posted. I love the look but hated the thought of all those pattern pieces!
ReplyDeleteYour last idea was really good! That would be fabulous made up in your brocade. Best of luck with whatever you decide! You will look good in it!
I think the patterns you've chosen would be very interesting in brocade - though not sure about the blouse. Depends on the weight. I've seen the Guy Larouche pattern made up. It is a very exciting dress but the Aussie sewer who made it eventually made a slip dress to go under it. Apparently it gaps when you sit down. I'd like to try it, but can't figure out how to lengthen it.
ReplyDeleteI think that it doesn't matter how simple the pattern is. The fabric and accessories can really make the most simple of designs look very classy. I like the Burda patterns but not sure if the top is really you. Not quite tailored enough? If it was me (but customs may be different in Australia) I would make a simple dress in the brocade and wear killer shoes (not necessarily high) and necklace. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that weddings are always giving us pain in "what to wear", what is appropriate, not overdressed, not too casual etc.
ReplyDeleteI like all your options, though a dress is more special to me (could be because I seldom wear them).
Thank you for the kind words on my dress, I'm sure that if you would see the pattern pieces together, it wouldn't be very hard to alter them. Many vertical lines to adjust to your need.
I like the idea of finally making the brocade into a dress. It's pretty spectacular so a simple dress would work.
ReplyDeleteChoice 2 would be smashing. Narrow the waist panel to accommodate your bust; I really like the asymetry of the jacket front. I agree the Burda combo isn't "enough", as you say. I like Choice 1, too, and, if it's the open back that's bothering you, why not fill it in with lace rather than raise it? You get the open effect without the display. The fabric choice here will make the dress special enough for an evening wedding.
ReplyDeleteMy two bits? I'd go with the brocade, and an uber-simple design, preferably a simple dress (a classic sleeveless with a good hint of cleavage) plus short- or mid-sleeve jacket. Let the fabric do the talking, any kind of froufrou will detract from it. To that end, my gut response to the Burda blouse is - sorry - not positive. Good luck!
ReplyDeletePS. I also have a beautiful silk sari brocade I acquired in India a couple of years ago, and can't wait to turn it into a MOB outfit!
I honestly have no idea. The brocade suggestion sounds cool though. I know you think you looked boring at Josh's wedding but I thought you looked rather nice.
ReplyDeleteI think the blouse and skirt would be lovely if the fabric was glitzy. A glittery or beaded silk for the top and something like the metallic silver in the suit pattern. A good cuff. Lots of color might look fancier but glittery and neutral would probably work too. You could put that vintage Vogue jacket with cuffs at the bottom over it - this one - http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v2934-products-5480.php?page_id=850
ReplyDeletefruitbat
I mean - a good cuff bracelet!
ReplyDeletefruitbat
I would go for a classic tailored sheath dress. They can be very flattering, especially on busty women, if it has princess seams. Find one with a moderately deep V-neck or square neckline. Make it in black, for a LBD, or in your brocade. If black, you can dress it up or down (that's the whole point of a LBD, isn't it?) with great, sexy, fun shoes and a fabulous necklace and earrings. This would be the most versatile, and doesn't need to be boring at all. Or, go with making it in the brocade. It will be less versatile, but means you don't need to mess around with accessories. Or, if you don't like black make it up in a pale color (although black is always chic).
ReplyDeleteFruitbat, that's exactly how I envisioned the blouse and skirt. I also like the fact that it would be more versatile and I'd wear it again I can see the skirt with a cashmere sweater in the winter and the blouse with trousers or even jeans. It seems a more modern way of dressing.
ReplyDeleteI just don't like fluttery sleeves on women my age (I'm 61). It is just too young-looking. However, your second choice would, in my opinion, be great if paired with a pair of matching, or contrasting, pants. That would definitely be something I'd wear! I think your first choice is too young too.
ReplyDeleteGail D.
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteCan you post a photo of the brocade you're thinking of using?
Regarding the top and pencil skirt - I always think a one piece is more "cocktailish". If you don't like the strapless look which isn't good for some of us, how about a straight dress with a narrow strap and a light shawl? Just having gone through 2 of our children getting married this year, I feel your pain.
Ugh! I went through this same dilemma with my brother's wedding last year. I wasn't part of the wedding party, not old enough to be MOB/G, not young enough for 20's styles - I'm almost 40. Then there was the cheap and quick sew or the invest the time sewing. I went with a black vintage suit (we were requested to wear black!), so that I could wear it again. I think the brocade would be lovely - a simple designed, well fitting dress with fabulous accessories can go a long way.
ReplyDeleteI think the brocade would be perfect and the Vogue suit has "Nancy' written all over it IMO. I also like the idea of the skirt and top but the fluttery sleeves - I can't imagine how they would flutter nicely in a brocade. I also think a different sleeve would be more flattering.
ReplyDeleteThis is a challenge. Weddings have a way of making fashion difficult to deal with. I really think a suit in stunning dressy fabric with some over the top accessories would be perfect.
The Burda would be just fine, especially if that's what you'd rather have, and you might wear it again. You're accounting for summer in a warmer state, which rules out wooly suits altogether. But you're totally forgetting to account for different-Coast cultures. I think you can summarize cocktail by short skirts but not too casual, in short for us nice fabrics.
ReplyDeleteBesides, if it's your niece, I don't see why you can't bluntly ask for clarification, especially if you have something specific to submit for approval like the fabric and pattern.
Do plan on a light matching shawl in case the air conditioning is overwhelming indoors though.
Clarification, the top would be in a soft fabric, maybe a metallic of some sort to pick up the brocade. As I said, it's July so I have time
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that it would take time to print and stick together, but what do you think of Lekala 5854? It's the fifth dress on this page. Or 2025 (eighth dress on fourth page) or maybe a shortened version of 5211 (second dress on fourteenth page).
ReplyDeleteWhat I like about a lot of the Lekala patterns is that they're that bit different from the standard fare that gets released by the Big 4. That said, I haven't had the chance to try any myself yet so wouldn't be able to comment on how they fit.
When you said brocade my thoughts went to the only brocade garment I've made, Burda 8326- which btw, I wore to a wedding, in California :)
ReplyDeletehttp://web.mac.com/bjorum/Site/Blog/Entries/2007/5/29_Fitted_suit_jacket_with_ruffled_collar_files/SP_A0107.jpg
I wore it with a top, Christine Johnson 426, and Vogue skirt 803:
http://web.mac.com/bjorum/Site/Blog/Entries/2007/6/17_Finished_ensemble_files/SP_A0208.jpg
I think the jacket would be fabulous on you, the ruffled collar adds a bit of drama, yet it's still very structured. Add some fun custom jewelry, you are after all very hip ;) The blouse and skirt pattern you've selected are great, and you can make the skirt in a different fabric if you so choose, I think that would only add to the 'hipness' factor - don't forget, you'll be in Santa Monica, California :) Have fun, and don't fret, you'll look great whatever you end up wearing, just love your 'new' hair!
OK - you asked for it!!!! Here comes. I did a blog on this cause this is a typical dilemma I deal with every day with my clients. How do they take something formal and make it work for their lives every day? I can put up pictures and other stuff - and well, I'm just a picture sort of person!!!
ReplyDeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of an elegant suit, something along the lines the Claire Kennedy suggested. The silk jacket with the Swarovski zipper would be beautiful and edgy.