The ‘Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair’ Outfit
The Facts
Fabric: Black floral fabric, gift from Meg; black stretch twill, $8
Patterns: Butterick 7762 and Butterick 2507
Years: Early 1960′s
Notions: 7″ zipper, ~$3
Time to complete: 5 hours
First worn: January 2012
Wear again? Yes!
Total cost: ~ $11
‘If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear flowers in your hair’ – The Mammas & The Papas
This song kept running through my head while I was sewing this outfit. The inspiration came from my very favourite hair accessory, my rhinestone rose and feather fascinator, and for this challenge, I wanted to create an outfit that was a nod to my favourite stylish ladies, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, and Jean Seberg, with my own twist.
Just before Christmas, the amazing Meg the Grand sent me a surprise package. Inside were yards of gorgeous fabrics and notions, including this scrumptious floral print. It’s a soft cotton blend with a lovely drape and I adore the bright print. I knew it would be a perfect compliment to my fascinator.
I used my beloved Butterick 7762 to make the floral tunic. This is definitely a tried-and-true pattern, as I have made both flannel and knit versions. Constructing the tunic was very straightforward; it comes in four pieces with attached kimono sleeves. Two simple bust dart, two neat sleeve darts, and a self-facing neckline are all it takes to make this up. I trimmed the sleeves with some vintage lace from my stash. I love how the wide, bateau-neck looks, but I do need to make it less revealing for it to be suitable for the office.
Given my recent post about trousers, I am fully prepared to eat my words today. After several frustrating attempts, I swore to give up on trousers and save my sanity. However, those lovely Sewing Godesses with their sweet siren song promising success if I tried just one more pattern egged me on. And for once, it wasn’t a dismal failure! Butterick 2507 and I certainly played nicely together and the fact that my black twill had approximately 2% stretch certainly helped foster a happy ending. The trousers are comfortable, fit well and have stylish elements I love: high waist and slim legs.
I loves them, can you tell? Pass the salt, please!
OH!!! It looks so fabulously fantastic!!!! The print is absolutely amazing on you, and I love that you didn’t give up on trousers completely!!! It’s a timeless ensemble, my friend, and I say “Bravo!” and XOXOXOXO!
Thank you so much, Meg dahlink! I have enough floral fabric left to make a Macaron with a black knit yoke! Yippee!
That is a lovely outfit – very pretty flowers too
Thank you! I have a weakness for big, bold floral prints :)
These vibrant colours are just your thing – I like a pattern that lets the fabric be the star. Those pants look pretty nifty too. Three Cheers for your perseverance.
Thanks so much, Jen! I <3 bright colours and patterns, too!
The print and dress are gorgeous!!!! And I love the flowers, I think they are your trademark :)
Thank you!!
Oh lovely! From top to bottom… and congrats on the pants!
YAY! This outfit is FANTASTIC! I just love the blouse (great colours) and the trousers are so classic! Well done!!!
Thank you, Debi! :D
Yay that the trousers worked out for you! (I’ve been following your trials and tribulations with trousers patterns on your blog. ;-)
Awesomeness! So glad the trousers worked for you- I’m too scared to take them on yet! The blouse is stunning!
Love that fabric and well done on the scary trouser front!
YOU CRAZY CHICA.
You betcha! ;P
Thank you SO MUCH for all of your amazing comments! Ya’ll sure do know how to make a girl feel good about her outfit!
I just love the neckline on the shirt – it’s perfect for showing off the fascinator!
Thank you, Lizz!
YAY!!!!!!!!! Great job Sarah!
Thank you so much, Ms. Darling! ;)
You look so ridiculously great! And it shows in that smile, well done :D Also… Jean Seberg <3
Great outfit!
Really really cute! You’re very Jean Seberg (love her!)!