First Worn: Dinner, Autumn 2025
Doris and I were going to a 1920s fundraising dinner for Ainsley House, so used it as an excuse for new outfits!
We went thrifting first and she was able to find this great beaded dress, while I found this really interestingly patterned fabric. I combined it with some leftover greys from both our stashes and bought a vintage pattern off etsy. The proportions were initially really weird on me, but with a little modification it turned out pretty well! I had to lengthen both the top and the bottom, and ended up not liking the gathering the top was originally supposed to have so had to insert a piece in the center back skirt to account for taking that out. I also opened the armholes up quite a lot based on some extant pieces I really liked (though all the ones I could find in this style were velvet and now I want a velvet 20s dress) and cinched the shoulder seam in for a different sleeve treatment. The beads I put on the neckline and armhole were already in my stash, probably impulse purchases because I don’t recall buying them for anything in particular, and the shoes were previous thrift finds.
The beaded bag was I believe from my parents’ neighbor, I had to replace the lining because the original silk was completely shattered, but it coordinated so well with my look!
We also made coordinating cocoon coats which were so fun and comfy.