Part of my issue is that I want to wear sleeves, not being really happy with my upper arms. part of it is that I am heavier than I want to be but I really don't want to wear spanx. The heat and I don't really do all that well together and Spanx is one more layer. The third issue is that I don't want to look dowdy or boring. Really, does anyone? I also don't like lots of 'stuff' or most prints' on dresses. I like clean, minimalist clothing which is very easy to be boring in! I've been scouring sites like Net a Porter, Bergdorf Goodman's and Saks Fifth Avenue and found a few things that I like but can't really find a pattern that will fit the bill though I've ordered several! I found this Stella McCartney dress that I like, though the daisy print is a tad young for 'me. It's also too short, but that is an easy fix, if I can find a pattern that's close enough to alter. I like the neckline and the front zipper.
This Helmut Lang out fit appealed to me though as it is it's not dressy enough. Maybe in all black? I think that it appeals to me because it's separates and I can wear them separately and I'd actually be likely to wear it again. Dressier shoes and a statement necklace would dress it up too.
I found this Oscar de la Renta dress which is similar to the first dress.
I have 10 yards of black silk linen that I bought at a Michael's sale that I'd like to use for this if I don't make the knit. But, boring, no?
Now for the patterns.
Vogue 1397
Vogue 1380
V1348
Vogue 1349 I'd add sleeves to either of the sleeveless dresses.
Then there's this pattern that I bought awhile ago. I saw a review on Pattern Review with it done up in a brocade, so it could work.
Vogue 1254
Maybe I can't make up my mind because nothing really excites me. I like the Helmut Lang outfit the best but I am not sure that it's really going to be dressy enough. Decisions decisions. Opinions and advice are welcome.
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Go for the one you like. It's plenty dressy for an Ojai wedding. But no boring black. Just know that June in California can be cool.
ReplyDeleteCould you add a panel of a black print fabric down the center or sides to break up the black ? A woman in my couture sewing class is doing this z& it's stunning .
ReplyDeleteGood luck !
What about Vogue 8764? It has very similar style lines to the Oscar de la Renta dress. I have the pattern but haven't made it up yet, so can't vouch for that part.
ReplyDeleteThe vogue 1254 is the closest in concept, and could work brilliantly in black linen. You would want to look for a stunning statement necklace to go with it.
ReplyDeleteSeeing the Stella McCartney dress again it reminds me now of another dress. These are difficult decisions.
ReplyDeleteI love 1254 and it would be stunning in black, nice brooch, and your gorgeous hair to compliment it all. that would be my choice. You have such lovely taste that I know you will pick just the right garment for the event.
ReplyDeleteI have been at an extremely hot weather wedding. DO NOT WEAR SPANKS!
My vote would be to go for the Helmut Lang separates. They can definitely be dressed up -- sewn in silk jersey, for example -- and the shapes are classic and feminine. All those dresses have a rigid quality that just doesn't say summer in California to me. I love that long skirt and the beautiful drape of the back -- go for it!
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to have what you like the best seconded. I really do think that I'd be happy in the separates and I won't need to wear Spanx! I found two patterns for the skirt that can be altered to suit and threads had a tutorial on making the back of the top from my tnt knit pattern.
DeleteThat was my vote too. Elegant with potential for individuality in your fabric/accessory choices.
DeleteJust keep in mind how your beautiful head of hair and great taste in lipstick color will dress it up. It is more color, but a great watercolor print with a background color that matches your hair for the separates top would be beautiful. I second the no black!
ReplyDeleteI like Vogue pattern but it doesn't scream California wedding. I'd look at the Australia designer Nicola Waite for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking of Helen Mirren.. when she is on the red carpet, she always wears something that covers her upper arms. She wears shugs, sweaters, or the dress is altered in some way to cover upper arms (I noticed this on the Tom and Lorenzo blog). maybe you could do something similar with a pattern you like.
ReplyDeleteRose in SV
Oscar de la Renta please....
ReplyDeleteNancy, I think the separates are the way to go for a California wedding. The drape of the back is gorgeous, and it has a casual elegance to it. Have fun with your planning.
ReplyDeleteThe separates in fabulous fabric with one of your awesome Indian necklaces and bold lipstick would be fabulous. I think the structured dresses are cool too.
ReplyDeleteDecisions indeed! I don't know much about California or weddings, but I am a total clothes nut -- and I absolutely think the Vogue 1254 is the most striking, while still being subtle, pattern you chose.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, if you like the Helmut Lang separates the best, go for it!! I do wonder if you'd shorten the skirt, since it looks better suited for a tall person? Or maybe you could lengthen the top into a dress? Or perhaps make the top and then make a simple skirt (A-line, pencil, whatever) at a more flattering length for you, that also coordinates with the top?
That skirt is kind of ridiculous! The model is probably 5'10" and it drags on the floor! I'll shorten it to ankle length I think, which I'd wear in thee summer. I'd wear the top with pants probably as well.
DeleteHi Nancy. I've been looking through your blog and I really like your style. I love the Stella Mc Cartney best but agree that the separates would be more versatile.
ReplyDeleteHelmut is best . I think it could look fantastic with really fantastic shoes and a fabulous cuff and perhaps earrings . I come from Melbourne . We love black !!
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