The girls and I went and actually bought dresses, one of them actually in a store, for this spring filled with graduations, concerts, and special events. I calculated we hadn't done that since 2007.
Clara chose a very striped Maggy London frock in a fantastically vintage cut--stripes turned into chevrons, kimono sleeves, and beautiful construction details. We ditched the red belt but did buy some red, heeled Mary Jane shoes.
And Bella chose this dress from Garnet Hill, in a pink and coral colorway. With a pistachio cotton cardigan over her shoulders, she's set.
I won't say there was no sewing involved--both dresses needed some modesty work at the neckline. But still, what a treat!
Love both choices! A new summery dress is always a treat.
ReplyDeleteSeems like just about everything you can buy in the store requires modesty work.
ReplyDeleteWay to go ladies! You are teaching your girls to be wise women in the use of their time and money. The dresses are in very good taste. I love the fact that you will use a modesty cloth to cover cleavage. Good job all around.
ReplyDeleteMaria Ricci
But now we want pictures of the girls in those dresses, not those anonymous catalogue models.:)
ReplyDeleteSusan
Anna, please share a tutorial for making modesty adjustments at the neckline. It seems that every top or dress I find has an immodest neckline. I find myself layering with tanktops - in the heat and humidity where I live this is not comfortable! And even the tanktops are barely modest; I am always tugging them upwards :-(
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, new dresses plus a calendar full of upcoming festivities? Sounds delightful!
ReplyDeleteLovely choices. I'm impressed but not surprised about the modesty options -- it would be great if you would share the girls' opinions and decisions.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see what you do as far as alterations to the neckline!! Most of the dresses I find need help, and I am growing tired of the layered tank top look. Please share!
ReplyDeletebeautiful, especially those clever stripes. My daughter has red Mary Janes right now - they go with a surprising amount! She wore them with a pale yellow smocked dress this morning.
ReplyDeleteDid you pull the neckline together and stitch or did you add a little contrasting flap in the deep vee? I have a little silk square that I pin in one of my dresses - there has to be a name for that. Like a dickey or something.
The girls and 'I' ... where's your dress Anna? Aren't I so very nosy? Lovely fabrics and pretty cuts - though I too would love to know how you made them modest at the neckline, which is always an issue here too! Our daughter got two new t-shirts when shopping with her Grammy and Poppa - her first non-thrifted clothing items (other then undergarments) for a long time and she was thrilled! True bright whites are so hard to find thrifting and she 'needed' some!
ReplyDeleteI will get a tutorial up this week, sunshine permitting, for doing a little infill at the neckline. Didn't know there was such widespread interest!
ReplyDeletebeautiful choices, and so glad your girls are learning to be modest!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're going to do this tutorial. You're always inventive and stylish.
ReplyDeleteLisateresa
Your girls have exquisite taste. I look forward to your tutorial, as well. Sadly, immodesty does seem to be the rule, rather than the exception these days.
ReplyDeleteI need the modesty tutorial too!! I have issues with tops....I have a hard time finding tops that flatter with a scoop or v neckline (I can't wear the jewel neckline) but don't go too low. It is most aggravating! I still haven't figured out a good solution.
ReplyDeleteMy sister had to have major modesty work done on her (gorgeous) wedding dress. Immodesty is the rule even in wedding fashions these days. Sad!
I recognize Clara's dress from Mod Cloth. I love that place! Both dresses are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of modesty standards do you hold for your male children? Have there been any issues with that with one of your sons in art school?
ReplyDeleteI would say that our modesty standards are to dress in a respectful, and respectable way. We keep our underwear covered up, as well as cleavage and midriff. We also don't wear anything that's skin tight. Not sure how art school would play into that-- Giles dresses like a normal person there *and* at home.
ReplyDeleteLove the first dress! Belt and all! Wish I could afford a dress like that...
ReplyDeleteI was mostly thinking that with different costumes and apparel for different shoots could be difficult if your men only wore long sleeves or pants, for instance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for answering!
Oh good! Looking forward to more info on modesty! It is--as so many say--hard to find modest clothing now days. And so often what looks delightfully feminine is ruined by the neckline unable to pass the "mirror" test.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm glad others have asked you about the modesty adjustments....I think our entire society could benefit from your upcoming tutorial, Anna!!
ReplyDeleteI would really enjoy reading any tips you could give in regards to sewing neckline adjustments. I, like another commenter mentioned, layer with color coordinating tanks usually. However, yes...this can get hot! Anyway, glad to see the interest in this too....now for the rest of the female world to catch the notion... =)
Always a blessing when I stop by here! Thanks to you and yours for that!
"Modesty work" - how refreshing to read that! You obviously touched a nerve with that, and we're eager to read your tutorial.
ReplyDeleteI've been blessed with four sons; but I often think that, if I had daughters, it would be such a challenge to help them find attractive and modest clothing...and to help guide their hearts in the process. Modesty is about so much more than simply covering skin.
Thank you for raising daughters who are wonderful examples in this area!