Straight on the heels of disavowing “cute”, I bought fabric from the children’s section of Goodwill. Containing multitudes and all that. The print reminded me of a vintage dress I’d lusted after years ago. For only $3? Yeah, I had to.
Hoping to temper the finished product’s whimsy, I added decidedly adult details – a fitted waist and plenty of darting – and to my delight, it worked! With heels and brown accessories, the outfit is more matron than ModCloth. Just the way I like it. A brown ’30s hat makes everything more sedate. This particular one, hardboiled substance with just a touch of style, always makes me feel reporterly, like I ought to be grilling dissidents in a mid-Atlantic accent.
This is also my first me-made bolero! The aforementioned vintage star-print dress came with one, and I wanted as close an homage as possible. Lacking a pattern, I adapted one for a shawl-collar bodice. It’s a little shorter than I’d wanted, but I had barely enough fabric as it was. On the whole, I’m pleased with my ability to make do and mend. This set cost me no more than $3 and some ingenuity.
Dress & jacket: made by me
Hat: ’30s vintage, via Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace
Belt & bag: vintage, thrifted
Shoes: gift from Kristina
My Kingdom for a Hat 
Great dress, well done! You look incredible!!!
You’re quite the dress maker. The shape is perfect!
http://www.theclassyjunk.blogspot.com
It’s a total charmer of a set. Very well done on improvising with the bolero.
xoxo ♥ Jessica
Sweet outfit!
You’re seriously kicking butt with these me-made outfits! I love your adorable little bolero!!!