A Blast to the Past - 1950's Style

Well, this year at the 2012 Costume College the theme was "The Golden Age of Hollywood: 1930-1955".  So, you guessed it, I needed a new dress of the era.  Now 1930 to 1955 is WAY out of my regular milieu, so I needed to do some research.  After a few weeks of checking Pinterest Boards, EBay, and other resources, I decided I like the 1950's best.  It was the last year that "petticoats" where being worn.  I found a vintage 1950 Tea Length Garden Party Dress pattern online for $6 on EBay.  I needed to resize the pattern pieces, which I did very carefully, and then worked from my copies to create the dress. 



1953 Vintage Pattern



Now, every re-enactor knows that wearing just the proper gown is not enough.  It's the small details that add the finishing touches to a convincing vintage look, no matter what era you are wearing.  So, off again for more research on accessories of the 1950s.  I found a fantastic vintage White Lucite Purse, vintage cutout glasses, a great pair of gloves, a pair of clear Lucite heeled pumps, and the perfect 1950's straw hat!  The hat needed a complete rework when it arrived.  Soaked, blocked, and replaced the vintage flowers and trims in the exact same manner.  However, I did paint the roses in shades to match my dress fabric.

White Lucite Purse and Vintage Cutout Sunglasses



Vintage Mother of Pearl Buttons



I also used some vintage mother-of-pearl buttons I had been saving.  I thought these were just perfect for my 1950s looking ensemble.  (see my prior blog post on Buttons for more details)



1950's Tea Length Garden Party Dress

The fabric was a vintage Waverly print cotton sateen that I have had in my stash for a really long time.  I thought that the print and the fabric itself was simply perfect for a 1950's Hollywood Glamour look!  Lastly, the petticoat!  OMGosh - that was a struggle!  I cut down a full-length ballgown tulle petticoat.  I finally got it somewhat under control after removing more than forty-five yards, yes yards, of 8" tulle ruffles.  Add in a smart looking vintage silk scarf plus a "cool" cockade fan, and this was the complete ensemble!