It should come as no surprise that I am constantly influenced by vintage fashion. additional fact, I am also a film fanatic. Plain and simple I love fashion on film so when Project Sewn announced the Leading Lady theme I was overtaken by myriad ideas.
I set out on a mission to pay tribute to a retro iconic leading lady. Plot twist: after finally getting around to viewing American Hustle it was decided that I should attempt disco chic for the challenge. The 1970s are not an era I commonly gravitate towards but will devour any period film.
I drew my inspiration from a chiffon top and silk wrap skirt Amy Adams character wore in American Hustle:
McCall's 6790 was the pattern I chose to adapt for my look and had intended to shorten the skirt hem and fabric block the dress to create a close replica of the film dress. Yet while hunting my fabric stash I decided that making the dress in the pattern silhouette and in a vivid Melody loved printed chiffon fabric I would allow the look to speak more to my personality and still translate to the challenge. Additionally I wanted to justify my urge to create a maxi dress.
I am now an official participant in the maxi dress trend as this is the second I have stitched. Previously I was adamant that I would not get on this band wagon I was stubbornly sure that I could NOT pull off the long skirt. I'll have you know I really enjoy wearing them regardless of whether or not my short self can pull them off.
Pattern modifications: Broad and square shoulder adjustment, shorten torso. On the slip I lengthened the hem by 2 inches and it was still too short for my liking.I did not have to shorten the hem it has a mock wrap front that is asymmetrical so no tripping as I walk and the back gets swept up in the breeze.
If I were to make the pattern again I would remove some ease in the bodice it was designed for the chiffon to be pleated and bag out but I would prefer a sleeker fit on my truncated torso.
The vents on the sleeve pattern are oblong shaped, this was a fun detail and unlike any other I had previously constructed.
The pattern did not call for interfacing on the vent facing but adding it made my chiffon sable and easier to construct the faced vents.
This dress is so pretty! I also like the way you styled your hair - it looks great!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenny! I am entering a hair grow out phase... we will see how long it lasts.
DeleteExcellent. I can just see Amy Adams in this! Love that you went for a totally different style for this.
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Love that sleeve detail!
ReplyDeleteFabulous dress! I recently watched American Hustle and was so entranced with the dresses that I have no idea what the movie was about - and I'll watch it again just for Amy Adam's wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures in this post - so glamorous and dramatic, perfect to pair with the strong green color.
You look great in the long skirt. I especially like the action shot of the skirt flowing in the wind...very dramatic.
ReplyDeleteSwoon! This is stunning Melody!
ReplyDeleteThis dress is amazing, you look great in it and I'm loving the colour!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! This is amazing! I love your fabric choice. It could be perfect for a day at the beach or even during spring with black socks. I love the color :)
ReplyDeleteYou. Nailed. It. Absolutely killer Melody! Well done! Number One...You look fabulous! Number Two...mad skillz. Number Three...love the attention to detail with the styling! You Rock!
ReplyDeleteThis look is a knockout!! The color combination, styling, and everything is perfect!
ReplyDeleteTrust me, you can pull off the look. You look fantastic. That shade of green looks very good on you. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic, Melody!!! You did an amazing job. I love everything in it and thank you for showing us how you deal with the vents in the sleeve.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos and you look great :-)
So cool! The colour is fabulous on you, and I love that little sleeve detail.
ReplyDeleteOMG I love this!! You look like a super hero ;)
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love this look, as well as your new hair style! Both are awesome!
ReplyDeleteGreat dress! I can clearly see your inspiration and you executed it perfectly! Chiffon is so tricky and your dress looks pro. Love the print and color as well!
ReplyDeleteWho'd of thought 70's fashion could rock this much- those sleeve vents are to die for! i'm now inspired big time thank you :)
ReplyDeleteChiming in late here. But Oh My Freakning Goodness. This dress is stunning. You are the bidnezz!!! Love, love, love.
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