>A Deco Dress with Button On Collar- From a 30s NRA Pattern

>

My latest sewing project is finished! Well, nearly.  While I was putting up some of my vintage on my Etsy store I noticed a certain need for more dressy 30s frocks. I sew so much sportswear, separates, and casual cotton dresses that I noticed I really need to make more dressy 30s frocks!  The fabric I used for this project I bought years ago at the Vintage Fashion Expo in Santa Monica.  I loved the colors but it was so busy that I couldn’t decide on a project.  When looking through my patterns I found this NRA era one (Simplicity 1692) and thought instantly that the big white color would provide enough of a focal point to detract from the busy print and not make any of the fun style lines get lost!  I only wish I had enough fabric to make a matching bolero.

(Playing with my “50s does 30s hat” and doing by best “snooty deco” pose and trying not to giggle)

The buttons are bakelite, that I removed from an old sweater (they just didn’t match), but I just ordered some vintage large brown buttons shaped like flowers so I think I might replace the ones I have on the dress now with them and save the bakelite ones for another project down the line.  The belt buckle is also vintage, and the collar is ivory silk charmeuse, which was a pain to pleat, and then I realized later I put it on backward from how shown on the illustration.  Oops?  I still like it anyways :)
 I feel very “middle class tries to be upper class”, and when I got all dressed up I purposefully put on more accessories than I needed and told my husband that I was doing my best “Stella Dallas” lol! But I really do love it, and since the fabric is vintage it really does feel just like wearing an original dress.  I’m going to be extra careful when I wear this one, though!

16 Comments on >A Deco Dress with Button On Collar- From a 30s NRA Pattern

  1. edgertor
    August 30, 2010 at 12:56 am (14 years ago)

    >i recently stopped putting stuff on ebay and started an etsy store…i'm doing much better on etsy, but it doesn't have the immediacy of ebay, that's for sure.

  2. BaronessVonVintage
    August 30, 2010 at 1:07 am (14 years ago)

    >Oh, Lauren, this is HEAVENLY!!!!! I am absolutely in love with every little bit of this ensemble!! Fantastic!

  3. Kelley
    August 30, 2010 at 1:31 am (14 years ago)

    >Simply mahvelous, dahling!

  4. Honey Bee
    August 30, 2010 at 2:11 am (14 years ago)

    >It's truly lovely :)

  5. Meg
    August 30, 2010 at 2:13 am (14 years ago)

    >It looks so good *on*! I think it will look even better with the new buttons (they'll match the belt), but hot dawg this is cute. I love those gloves, too!

  6. Out in the Fields
    August 30, 2010 at 2:19 am (14 years ago)

    >I love the dress and think it doesn't look busy at all, the collar does the trick. Maybe a nice little brown bolero would work?

  7. Steph
    August 30, 2010 at 6:23 am (14 years ago)

    >Your dress is smashing, as per the usual. Just love the way you used the white collar to maintain the lines of the dress.By the way, I reviewed your shorts pattern. I love it so much, I'll be reviewing the pants and blouse later. http://3hourspast.blogspot.com/2010/08/finished-object-short-shorts-and.html I can't seem to find your e-mail address anywhere…

  8. superheidi
    August 30, 2010 at 7:50 am (14 years ago)

    >That looks so good on you. And that cutte little purse stole my heart.

  9. Andrea
    August 30, 2010 at 11:33 am (14 years ago)

    >I LOVE this dress! If you decide to repro this, I'd be interested.

  10. Lauren
    August 30, 2010 at 3:47 pm (14 years ago)

    >Love it!!!

  11. Su
    August 30, 2010 at 5:00 pm (14 years ago)

    >I just love this look! It really suits you, too.

  12. Andi B. Goode
    August 31, 2010 at 5:11 am (14 years ago)

    >Oh my. This is absolutely wonderful! I love it. By the way, had no idea what NRA might be…initial thought was 'National Rifle Association'?! Hehe. So, glad you linked to Wiki! -Andi x

  13. casey
    August 31, 2010 at 12:36 pm (14 years ago)

    >Oh my goodness, Lauren–you look like you just stepped out of a 30s movie! :) Love this from head to toe–especially all the fantastic vintage details/accessories you paired with the dress. I'm not sure what I'm more envious of: the dress or the gorgeous fur stole and little handbag! ;) lol. Bravo on another beautiful project–you always inspire me so!♥ Caseyblog | elegantmusings.com

  14. Wearing History
    August 31, 2010 at 7:20 pm (14 years ago)

    >Wow! thanks so much all for your comments on the dress and accessories, too :)It was fun to finally get to use my vintage fabric, and I think this dress is telling me to wear it to the Queen Mary sometime ;)Thanks!

  15. Time Traveling in Costume
    September 6, 2010 at 6:17 pm (14 years ago)

    >Lauren, I love this dress, especially with the white collar. You entice me to come over to this era so often. Val

  16. *Katia*
    September 13, 2010 at 9:05 am (14 years ago)

    >love the dress,and that shoes…amazing!

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close