Sundresses. They make me think of old Yvette Mimiuex movies. When I was younger, I watched ‘Where the Boys are’ with my Father and it started a love of early 60’s movies, music and big skirted girly dresses worn with cardigans over the shoulders.
My beach summers were early evenings down the shore in a flirty summer dress. I’m not a swimwear gal- my beachtime is on a boardwalk with my pumps dangling from a pinky.
When I saw Heather hosting a summer dress event I immediately burst into song- a Connie Francis song-
Where the boys are, someone waits for me A smilin’ face, a warm embrace, two arms to hold me tenderly Where the boys are, my true love will be He’s walkin’ down some street in town and I know he’s lookin’ there for me
In the crowd of a million people I’ll find my valentine And then I’ll climb to the highest steeple and tell the world he’s mine
Till he holds me I wait impatiently Where the boys are, where the boys are Where the boys are, someone waits for me
Till he holds me I wait impatiently Where the boys are, where the boys are Where the boys are, someone waits for me
Ok, thanks for waiting while I lapsed into my personal reverie! If you haven’t seen the movie- you really must- it has it all. Paula Prentiss and Jim Hutton wooing eachother, Frank Gorshan pre-Riddler in a jazz combo. George Hamilton at his earliest level of bronzing. Oh, it’s a classic!
Oh, do you want a review of this pattern? Mmm, ok. I can do that too. But I insist on interspersing some “where the Boys are’ quotes into it for your edification and my amusement. Its Butterick 5782 and I had every intention of following this pattern and making a lovely fully-lined sundress but that bow.Floppy-ish, right? like it didn’t sit well and got rigged last minute during the shoot. This model is creating some fit issues, isn’t she? Stand up straight, Missy, Dolores Hart would!
But then I decided that I didn’t like that business at the v-neck, and that bow- still not warmed to it! It wasn’t fitting my Connie Francis imagery. So I made my own bow and scrapped that business. Other than that- I was most happy to follow these directions and all went well. I have pockets and a lovely shaped skirt that longs for a crinoline and a kitten heel. It did need a little pop- so my Mothers mouse pin saved the day.
Now, for you who are adjusting your monitors at home- this is not a solid color. I repeat, do not adjust your lighting- it is a green with black and pink specks giving it a very soft woven look. I’m still not able to cross over to solid colors, but this is very close. As close as I need to get!
‘Gentlemen, the city of Fort Lauderdale is once again under fire from the north. We’ve survived it before and I reckon we’re gonna survive it again. To you newly installed officers on the force, I’d to give you a little rundown on what to expect. Expect anything. Anything and everything cause that’s what you’re gonna get. Now, Fort Lauderdale is not the only city to be invaded at this time. In Palm Springs and in Newport, from the beaches of the Mid Atlantic to the snows of Colorado, the students of America are gathering to celebrate the rites of spring. And, if you pardon a pun, you’ve got that right. They’re our future voters, their citizens of our country, and they’re our responsibility. But how the hell to handle them, that’s a different manner. (laughter from officers) Now these kids didn’t come down here to break the law. They’ll break it for sure, but that’s not their main objective. And remember that they are our guests. So, I want every man on the force to try his best, his level best, to try to avoid arresting anyone. I know that this going to take great will power but try. And, above all preserve your scene of humor. Cause you’re gonna need it if you want to survive. And…God bless you all.’
‘Experience! That’s what separates the girls from the Girl Scouts.’
‘Oh, I’ve seen the seamy side of life, my little one. It hasn’t all been beer and roses by a long shot’
‘What can be more interpersonal than Backseat Bingo?’
‘So how about I give you a bang on the pipes and we lift a few cans together?’
photo credits: pattern review, meadhawg, TCM, google images, youtube. all images remain the property of their original owners.
Love the bow…the one on the model looks like it was a spatula cover! The green is really nice with your coloring and don’t we all wish we could walk along a watery wall with our shoes off…stop teasing us!
LikeLike
I may stuff some netting in there and puff up my bow a bit…..
LikeLike
Heeheehee! What a great post and dress!
LikeLike
Thank you- Im loving it!
LikeLike
Aw thank you, Sweets!
LikeLike
Love the dress the way you made it, but I love the pattern as it is designed as well and thanks for the the trip down Memory Lane, Connie Francis was my contemporary. The Age of Innocence and Beach Party movies was about to end with the British Invasion,and Vietnam Nam war, we all floated away on a cloud of incense , hookah in hand.
It was truly the loss of innocence.for Connie, she was raped in her hotel room, and never performed again.
She had a wonderful voice
LikeLike
I read Who’s Sorry Now a while back- poor Connie did not have a charmed life…
LikeLike
The sihouette looks really nice on you! And for sewing with near-solids, you are a braver woman than I!
LikeLike
It was quite brave, right?
LikeLike
Anne – you look so sophisticated in you Southern Belle dress. Very pretty. Love the dress and the fabric is perfect for it Wonderful with your colouring. Love it.
LikeLike
Some lovely grandmas were helping me pose- I had a good time!
LikeLike
Dude, that skirt looks really good on you! You should make this again in one of your crazy prints 😉
LikeLike
Ooh- that could be fun!
LikeLike
That bow is to die for! Love the shape of the dress on you!
LikeLike
Mr B likes it too- I even did sleeveless!
LikeLike
This dress looks fabulous on you!
LikeLike
Thanks Rhonda!
LikeLike
Oh, I like this! and adore the movie. My daughter and I used to watch it all the time, I still do! Just saw it about 2 weeks ago. The fit and flare is a great look for you!
LikeLike
I make everyone watch it!
LikeLike
I love your bow it’s perfect. The one on the model just looks weird and wrong. And it’s a great dress. I might have to get that pattern. (you enabler, you)
I did see Where the Boys Are more years ago that I want to admit to having been alive. I don’t remember many details about it but some of your quotes were immediately familiar.
LikeLike
One of the clips had my favorite- ‘Date me tonight, Short One’…
LikeLike
This looks wonderful on you…even if it is a solid! Thanks for the great movie quotes, too…I recognized one of my favorites from “Palm Springs Weekend”. Connie Stevens and Troy Donahue..those were the days.
LikeLike
I need to see that!
LikeLike
Love your style and this dress!
LikeLike
Thank you! Im getting alot of wear out of it!
LikeLike
I love this green fabric, perfect choice for the dress! Thanks for sharing the throw back 60’s movies, I’ll add it to my “to watch” list
LikeLike
Oh do- its cheesy, heartbreaking- just wonderful!
LikeLike
lovely for spring, great color on you. And another great post – love your writing 🙂
LikeLike
You are too kind!
LikeLike
Why hullo, you great big spunk! This is simply sassy!
LikeLike
When we finished the pics my back and hem were so wet- but we still had to go shop for dog food- I must have looked quite charming in the Target!
LikeLike
This looks great – such lovely lines and the bow takes it straight to “adorable” yet totally chic. You look like you should be tiptoeing along the riverbank in Paris while accordian music wafts in the breeze behind you. I may have to be a big copier!
LikeLike
Oh do! I want to see your acesories!!
LikeLike
I love it!!! The green color, the bow, the fluffy skirt, it’s perfect. Great picture location too. I’m jealous of your bare feet at the fountain. 🙂
LikeLike
All for you, Baby! I got my butt wet for you!
LikeLike
Great post and gorgeous dress! Connie Francis is one of my faves too. I was definitely born in the wrong decade! Thanks for sharing 😀
LikeLike
Such great style and music!
LikeLike
Straight outta West Side Story – you look gorgeous. And the new blog design looking great too!
LikeLike
Thank you! Easier to read on phones, I hope!
LikeLike
Gorgeous dress. You’re not going to want to hear this, but solids look good on you! 🙂 And I’m totally stealing your playing in a water fountain photo idea.
You know, I think that speech by the police officer should be played more often, particularly that part about how they don’t intend to break the law, but they’re going to, so go easy on them. Might avoid some of the issues we’ve been having lately.
LikeLike
It should be on the Myrtle Beach welcome sign!
LikeLike
This might be my favorite dress of yours! Love the shape, love the color(s) [you claim there are more than one color in there, so I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, but…=p], the bow + pin is FABULOUS. Gah, I need this so much. I’m going to be trying to recreate this for myself, now, haha ❤
LikeLike
Im very proud of my fully-lined and almost all by machine dress- get this pattern!!
LikeLike
Love it!
LikeLike
Thank you!!
LikeLike
so pretty! i love the bow!
LikeLike
That’s an excellent dress shape and remarkable workmanship too without drama (?), especially your unique bow! Now, could I possible suggest ‘plainer’ fabrics for future makes? – Just seeing as this one is soooo good
LikeLike
Now Ruth, plain, really? Oh i just dont know….
LikeLike
This is such a great shape and colour on you and yep I too love the bow!
LikeLike
The style and color of this dress are perfect on you! I love all of it including your take on the bow, the head scarf, the shoes (although I did get worried about the shoes being so close to the water).
LikeLike
Im not sure what synthetic loveliness those shoes are- they look like a vinyl masquerading as patent- the only ones I didnt fear in the puddle!
LikeLike
Love this dress! That green is to die for and the whole thing is so, so much prettier than the modeled version. Also… Where The Boys Are is one of my favorites. The sexual mores are so hilariously retro (and enjoyable to rant about afterwards… as I usually do), the clothes are amazing, and George Hamilton is both snarky *and* surprisingly hot/tan. Love it and this post!
LikeLike
Thanks! I remember being quite scandalized at 13 over poor Yvette and how blatant TVs attempts to seduce were. So different from my adult/jaded perspective now….
LikeLike
Great job! We love this pattern on you.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
What a gorgeous dress. I love the style, colour and the bow. It’s so glam!!
LikeLike
Oh, i love this dress on you! Such a flattering shape and lovely colour (s 😊)
LikeLike
Lovely!!! You look so chic. I think the mouse pin sets it off nicely. Now I must go watch that film!
LikeLike
I expect a full review from you!
LikeLike
I have nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award as I love your posts! Have a look on my blog to find out more. Congratulations!
LikeLike
Beautiful dress! It looks great on you!
LikeLike
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
Love this so much. I love this silhouette of dress generally and I love it on you. Just beautiful!
LikeLike
Oh thank you!!!
LikeLike