Fallen Leaves

This amazing, silky, jewel toned wonder of a fabric was just $2 a yard. Yep, $2 a yard. What?! The score of the year! Silky wonderful rayon in one of the best prints I have ever seen, in gorgeous colors, for $2 a yard! Sometimes I discover magical things on Etsy, what else can I say :)

This dress came together rather quickly too, once I finally got started. The fabric was actually a dream to work with on top of being a total bargain. I decided on a simple style of dress since the all over colorful pattern was going to be the star of the piece anyway. The skirt is just a basic A-line shape, and I gave the full length sleeves 1/2" shoulder pads at the top for the full 1940's power shoulder. The gathered neckline was created by moving the fullness from the side-bust dart (which is then eliminated) to the neckline and gathering it in a self bias tape finish. I certainly think I'll be using this same arrangement of dress pattern again soon, hopefully in a nice solid color wool of some kind for winter.

For it's first outing I paired the dress with a new black hat I bought earlier this year that had been waiting for wool hat season. I kept the rest of the accessories black to match, with my black Marilyn's from Royal Vintage shoes, a black suede belt, and a new-to-me black wool handbag that I am so pleased with! You never quite know what to expect when ordering vintage online from a seller you aren't familiar with, so it is the greatest relief when something shows up in perfect condition. This handbag was one of two I added to my collection last week that turned up in near mint condition. I'm so glad to have other options for a black handbag instead of always using my black patent bag which just doesn't "go" sometimes. To combat the chill in the air I threw on my big faux fur shawl which is always super cozy. A citrine rhinestone arrow brooch added a bit of sparkle and is quickly becoming a fall time favorite of mine this year.

I hope you all had a nice holiday weekend. I know I'll be walking head on into a raging storm of work this week after the undoubtedly hundreds of orders my workplace will have relieved on black Friday. I did quite a bit of damage myself in the sales, online of course, and now I shall have to be on a strict budget moving forward! I am so dangerous with Etsy, I really must set some resolutions to be thriftier over the next year! (Don't I always say that?) Please tell me some of you were just as dangerous ;)

Dress: Made by me
Shoes: Royal Vintage Shoes
Handbag, Brooch, Earrings, Belt, & Hat: Vintage
Tights: What Katie Did
Fur (faux): Made by me