October 8, 2013

Wearing my awesome new bespoke 1940s reproduction dress at Guisachan Park




Outfit details

Hair flowers: Arden
White rose stud earrings: Claire's
Green 1930s beaded necklace: Jewelry seller in Okanagan Falls
Grey knit shrug: Fairweather
Handmade 1940s reproduction pinafore dress: Rosy from Sewing Adicta
Pink plastic rose bracelet: Walmart
Yellow plastic rose bracelet: Thrifted (from Value Village
Grey vintage handbag: etsy seller
Running Rabbit Studio
Nude seemed stockings: eBay
White pumps: Payless
Lipstick colour: Clinique Raspberry Glace


Photography by
Antonio Cangiano



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This year, as I chatted about a few months ago in the post The Vintage Outfit That Friendship Built, and have continually been blessed to experience, I've been the recipient of many truly wonderful gifts from friends and fans of my blog around the world. These presents, quite often given "just because", out of love and friendship, and shared interests, have been some of the most positive and uplifting highlights of a year, that at times, has been rather challenging and stressful.

As the summer wound to a close, one of the most incredible - and show stoppingly beautiful - of these gifts arrived all the way from Spain.

Sewing is a skill that I admire greatly. It's not an art I'm proficient in to much of any real degree (I know the basics, but that's about it), nor one that's very easy for me to manage from a physical standpoint (due to some of my medical problems), so I love to live out my sewing dreams vicariously through other peoples' blogs and incredible creations.

One of my favourite sewing blogs in the whole wide world, called Sewing Adicta, just happens to belong to an incredibly talented woman named Rosy, who share my passion for the past, as well as a love of feminine styles and timeless fashions. Rosy and I have been commenting on each other's sites for a while now, forming a friendship in the process, and earlier this year, she contacted me by email to ask if I would like for her to design a garment of my choice to receive a gift.

I was stopped in my tracks by her thoughtfulness and generosity, and of course said yes to this incredible offer. Rosy proposed some ideas of garments that she could make for me, and one of them instantly triggered a memory for me of a dress that I'd fallen madly in love with during the summer of 2012, but which, I kid not, sold mere hours before I was finally in a position to purchase it. This dress was a charming blue and white floral print 1940s summer pinafore dress (something that I really see a must-have vintage wardrobe item) that stole my heart and which, for about three weeks, I envisioned would become mine.

Fate had other plans in mind however, and alas, another shopper beat me to it. I've had this same situation occur many times over the years on both etsy and eBay alike, and after a while, the memory those pieces that got away starts to fade (if not disappear entirely) from your mind, but there are always a few that linger boldly, refusing to be forgotten (at least until you find a similar piece that you're finally able to add to your closest). That forties pinafore dress was just one such piece for me, and as I'd held onto a photograph from the etsy listing all this time, I showed it to Rosy and asked it she might be able to make me a dress that was akin to it.

Much to my immense delight, she said that she could and that she'd soon set to work searching for similar fabrics. What about a pattern, I hear you asking - good question! Rosy is one of the mind-blowingly talented sewers who is so skilled that she can create a garment simply from seeing a photo of it (or dreaming up a pattern in her head). All she needed was the photo I shared with her, my measurements, the right fabric, a bit of time, and before I knew it, she had brought to life the most phonemically pretty vintage reproduction pinafore dress I could ever have imagined.

Zipping across the world all the way from Rosy's sewing room in Spain to my doorstep in Penticton, the dress arrived in pristine condition and could not, hand on my heart, possibly have fit any better. Over the years there have been times when I've likened a garment to fitting as though it was custom made, but it wasn't until I actually wore a dress created around my exact measurements and body shape that I knew what that expression truly meant firsthand.

Rosy's dress is an incredibly pretty work of expertly made, vintage inspired art. Every seam, every line, ever ruffle and detail is perfection, much like the custom fit itself. Rosy cleverly included a built in pettiskirt layer under the skirt portion of the dress to give it a bit of extra volume and feminine flounce, not to mention warmth on chillier summer nights. I love this unexpected addition, much as I wholeheartedly adore the entire dress itself.

Since it's arrival, I've worn this dress multiple times, now alternating between putting a cardigan over it (it's sleeveless) or tucking a classic white or pale yellow blouse (my Brooks Brothers one that you may recall from this outfit) underneath. Though a frock like is naturally well suited to the warmer months, with a bit of layering magic, it can see one through all four seasons, no matter if the mercury is boiling or frozen solid.

A bespoke garment like this is a rare and wonderful gift indeed, and it was one that I felt really called for a special location to highlight its beauty in. There aren't a huge number of public gardens around these parts, but a quick Google search led Tony and I to one in the nearby city of Kelowna called Guisachan Park, which neither of us had ever been to, let alone even so much as heard of, before.

Early one late summer's evening, we pulled up to the garden (called Cameron Gardens) and the gorgeous Edwardian home (turned restaurant) on its grounds and were, save for a couple folks who quickly strolled through the walking path, the only people there for nearly an hour, as we shot off oodles of photographs amongst the classic garden setting with its bounty of lush roses and other timelessly pretty blooms.

Much like Rosy's marvelous dress, this garden is a standout gem. I can scarcely believe I'd lived in the Okanagan for so many years throughout my life and never once heard tell of it. I adore finding new-to-me spots like this and am sure this won't be our only visit to Guisachan Park (I'd imagine it looks breathtaking under a carpet of pristine winter snow, too).

If you would also like to own your own custom made piece created by Rosy, you can contact her anytime via her website or on Facebook. She's always open to taking new on new customers and projects - just tell her what you want, you two will discuss the specs and budget, and she'll be thrilled to help your dream of a personally tailored garment spring to life.

When a garment or other items that I'm yearning for gets away from me, I always try to console myself by saying that it wasn't meant to and that something even better will come along one day (an outlook my mother wisely instilled in me at a young age). For the rest of time, this story - of the etsy dress that didn't happen and of the magnificent handmade dress from Rosy that came to call my closet home instead - will stand as the most shining example possible of that philosophy for me.

In hindsight, I'm happy that the etsy dress went to someone else, because it meant that I got to have a beautiful bespoke 1940s reproduction ruffled pinafore of my very own made by an exceptionally skilled, and endlessly dear, friend instead.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, sweet Rosy, I will cherish this special floral print frock forever.


74 comments:

  1. Jessica,
    You have truly amazing friends - and it's proven by the things they send you.
    The perfect dress will always find it's way to us - that is what I believe, and it's proven. If the match is meant to happen it will happen - I found the amazing emerald green summer cocktail dress and haven't bought it for months.. when I needed a dress I remembered "There was that gorgeous green one" and went to the shop - she was waiting for me.
    But, to sew a dress across the globe - THAT takes genius. Make sure to tell that to Rose next time you chat with her.
    The scenery, too is lovely. It boosts up my general fascination with that beautiful garment, dear.

    Marija

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  2. jessica, you are the prettiest flower in that park!

    and from one sewer to another - rosy did a great job with this dress. it sounds like magic that it fits without any fitting sessions! applause!!!!

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  3. Jessica, you look beautiful as always, and it's so nice to see some sunshine in the pictures before winter takes hold. We have been having a lovely autumn so far here in England I'm looking out at sunshine now, although it is not forecast to last. May be one day you'll wear one of my hats too in your photos I'd love that. warmest regards as always ally honeypotcreation.blogspot.co.uk

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  4. This is indeed a very, very beautiful dress made by a master seamstress and presented in just the right setting – you are fantastic...!

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  5. How lovely that it was made specially for you - it looks super! Love the detailing and what a pretty fabric! :)

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  6. That dress is beautiful. I am so happy to hear that you've formed genuine fabulous friendships with people through your blog. It makes blogging worth the time and the effort :) I am struggling with my blog lately - simply because I'm currently unemployed and trying to use my blog to make money. It's hard to fall asleep at night because I worry about money, but more often I worry about my future. Silly I know! I'm a month away from my 27th birthday and I know I have my family, friends, and the loveliest boyfriend to support me. Your posts have always been a great reminder to be grateful. Your struggle with illness humbles me and your beautiful colorful outfits always bring a smile to my face. Stay amazing Jessica! Stay lovely. I am with all of your readers who appreciate you and love your positive attitude :)

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  7. What an attractive blend of light, pretty colors. Your entire presentation is sweet and beautiful. You know how to take something nice and make it look even better.

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  8. That dress is so lovely! I like the gree trim! And you look great as always!

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  9. Wow, you look beautiful in that dress. How wonderful to have such a special garment. I would love to have some clothing in this style but I can't afford to spend a lot. My sewing skills may be adequate to make something for myself, though. I really should give it a try. I'm just curious about your wardrobe; do you wear modern clothing (jeans, t-shirts, etc.) too, or do you typically wear vintage/vintage-style clothes all the time?

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    1. Thank you so very much, dear Jennifer. I swear, this location wasn't planned for this outfit. We just struck upon it by happenstance, and it couldn't have been better suited had we searched for weeks. I love it when things like that line up so perfectly like that.

      Great question, thank you very for asking it. I don't hate modern clothing at all - in fact, I subscribe to a few modern fashion mags and love sourcing inspiration from them - but I own very little of it that isn't vintage appropriate. When I leave the house or have anyone over, I wear vintage, repro or vintage appropriate pieces at least 95% of the time (the only times I haven't done so this year have been because of certain medical appointments and on the day of my latest surgery, when they tell you specifically to come to the hospital wearing sweats or jammies). I just feel so much more comfortable, happy and like myself in the styles I love from the 40s and 50s, so they are typically what I reach for, and want to wear, just about every day.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Thank you for your reply, Jessica. I think it's really interesting. I would love to be able to do this, maybe I'll start collecting some pieces. I think you always look beautiful!

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    3. You're wonderfully sweet, thank you very much. My pleasure, honey. This is one of the most frequently asked questions (particularly in the offline world) that I get asked (it's a very logical one, IMO) and I'm always happy to answer it. If I can be of any help to you as your build your own vintage wardrobe, please don't hesitate to let me know.

      ♥ Jessica

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  10. What a romantic outfit, you look so gorgeous in that lovely dress with those flowers in your hair against the setting sun.

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  11. Oh, sweet Jessica! I am reading your post again and again ... and admiring these pictures over and over as tears of joy dripping down my face. You are the sweetest Lady of the world and I always repeat that you are an incredibly talented communicator. I am unable to put into words all the emotions that I'm looking at the dress I sewed with so much love in these photos and seeing how wonderful you look in it. Thank you, thank you for your kind words, they came to my heart, dear Jessica. I hope that we share friendship from afar forever.

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    1. Darling Rosy, I had tears in my eyes as I wrote parts of this post and again now as I read your beautiful, heartwarming comment, too. It's clear that we have both impacted each other's worlds for the better and that we're so blessed to have each other as a friend. You have brought your own magnificent spirit of joy to my wardrobe and world, thank you again from the bottom of my soul.

      Your loving friend always,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. Firstly, I adore how you've matched your necklace to the ric rac trim of the dress - so cute!

    Secondly, I know how you feel when you lose out to that special vintage item and although most items you'll forget about, some will stick in your memory! I remember 2 years ago on Etsy there was this beautiful 1950s dress in sorbet shades but it was on the pricier side of my budget. When I eventually decided I had to buy it, I went online, only to find it had been reserved for someone else! I even emailed the seller but it was no good because the person that reserved it did buy it. I've bought many more dresses since but that one always sticks in my mind as 'the one that got away.'

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  13. You look beautiful as always ♥ I love the flowers...

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear, I couldn't agree more. Rosy's work knocked my socks off big time - so detailed, skillful and pretty.

      ♥ Jessica

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  15. What a beautiful frock......and I love the gardens, especially the snapdragons. They're one of my favourite flowers :-)

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  16. My immediate thought was what a perfectly pretty dress this was, and then I read the lovely story to go along with it. What an absolutely wonderful gift! And I love how you styled it, and the beautiful garden as backdrop. There's nothing quite like a quiet, secret garden to explore and enjoy, especially with the prospect of going back to enjoy it in all seasons.

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  17. Beautiful! I follow the immensely talented Miss Rosy also, and am constantly amazed and awed by her creations. I adore this dress on you. And with those flowers in your hair, you look like a piece of that gorgeous garden park!
    What a splendid gift- and how wonderful a friendship!
    ~xoxo, CoriLynn

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  18. Aloha dear Jessica,
    Oh I love the pictures, you look so gergoues1 My favourite picture is the one with the flowers it looks so quiet and beautiful
    love Jen

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  19. And thank you for your sweet comment on my most recent post - I'm glad it could give you another destination in your armchair travel. Your mention of wanderlust and travelling to new places through your computer screen reminded me of Alain de Botton's The Art of Travel. If you've not read it, you absolutely must. It's full of lovely stories and thoughts about travelling, including the joys of armchair travel and travelling around your own home and city. I'm sure you'd love it.

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    1. You're very welcome, sweet dear, thank you in turn for each of your wonderfully nice comments lately, including this great book recommendation. I've not had the pleasure of reading that title yet and am off to add it to my Amazon wish list right now. Thank you again!

      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Lucky you! This dress looks really amazing! And now you're a proud owner of the one-in-the-world piece of clothing :)

    xoxo,
    Monika

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  21. Beautiful outfit as always, I have a soft spot for yellow

    kate the old fashioned way

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  22. Ohhhh I LOVE 40s style pinafore dresses, I have one on my Christmas list this year :P
    These pictures with the snapdragons and roses are so darling, but oh my that GREEN RIC RAC!! *swoon*
    So beautiful :3

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  23. I love, love, love your outfit blogs. I love hearing about cool things happening to people I like. I also love rick rack. This dress is super cute, and it makes my brain start chewing on dress ideas...

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  24. Rosy is an incredible person. So talented and generous really. The dress fits you beautifully and I love how the green trim matches your lovely eyes.

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  25. I spent the entire weekend falling in love with your blog. You have impeccable style. I don't know how I never knew about your blog until now, but I am thrilled to discover it. I have read back to May of this year thus far. You are my new guilty pleasure. My housework will undoubtedly suffer because of it.

    Cheers!
    Rebecca Jean

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  26. What a lovely post...you look absolutely adorable in that dress! What a kind lady to sew you a dress :)

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  27. Oh, so pretty! I love the adorable ric rac detail and you look beautiful, as always. Such a wonderful gift from Rosy.
    xo

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  28. I just love this outfit, the dress is fabulous! Your outfit posts are my favourite, stunning as always!

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    1. Thank you so much, Alexis honey, that's so tremendously lovely of you to say. I adore putting them together, from picking out the ensemble to taking the photos with Tony (then editing them - I do all the editing work on our snaps) and finally writing the post itself. It's an absolute joy to be able to share my vintage wardrobe with my dear online friends.

      ♥ Jessica

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  29. There is nothing like a custom made garment. This one looks just PERFECT on you.

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  30. What a sweet and lovely gift! It is beautiful indeed, and you look radiant in it! I love the location, it seems to suit the dress perfectly :)

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    1. Thank you so much, honey, it truly was the kind of amazing gift that brings tears to your eyes to receive. To know that each stitch was handmade just for me is humbling in its own right.

      ♥ Jessica

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  31. That is a truly lovely dress, and it suits you so well. I can only imagine how tickled you were to receive it! Unsurprisingly, you've accessorized it wonderfully, too!

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  32. Beautiful photos! Lovely outfit! I love the last photo especially!!

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  33. LOVE this dress! You look so lovely in green!

    These photos make me miss summer just a little...look at that green grass! *sigh* Ah well...fall does mean cozy sweaters and an excuse to wear fur, right? ;)

    Lisa.

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    1. Thank you so very much, darling gal! I know, it makes me miss summer already, too. It (summer) vanished at the speed of light this year. Everyone around town keeps talking about how it seems like we went from swimsuits to snowsuits almost overnight. Whether fall or winter (out there at the moment) though, you're spot on, it's the perfect excuse for cozy garments of all types (I'm really looking forward to wearing the great c.1950s black Persian lamb's wool coat I got at a yard sale earlier this year).

      ♥ Jessica

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  34. What a beautiful dress, and your styling is lovely. And this locale is wonderful! Just beautiful.

    xox Sammi
    www.thesoubrettebrunette.blogspot.com

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  35. Dearest Jessica you are a vision to wake up to.
    The dress, the flowers, your smile, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    I cannot get enough.
    Rosy is very close to my heart too.
    have a lovely day.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  36. What a fabulous dress! Rosy did an amazing job. I must now go follow her blog.

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    1. She really did - I can't sing enough praises about Rosy's skilled work. Thank you very much, dear Denise. You'll love her blog - she's so full of vivacious energy and passion for both sewing and life in general.

      ♥ Jessica

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  37. Everything about this post is just pretty! I love your smile, dress, flowers, location!
    Xo
    Keeping it thrifty

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  38. You always look lovely!

    Also, I wanted to mention that I linked to you in a post I just put up on my blog. I was so inspired by your recent Halloween post I had to do one of my own. I hope you don't mind!

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  39. I sewed two 1940s Maternity pinafore dresses while pregnant with our youngest. They are so fun to wear. I really need to add a non-maternity one to my wardrobe, lol.

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  40. Emerald is really a great colour for you! The dress looks amazing, I absolutely love the fabric! The ricrac looks very stylish and awsome! My compliments to Rose and for you for wearing it so beautifully! Love from Holland, GonnieMarie

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    1. That is so wonderfully lovely of you to say, dear GonnieMarie, thank you very much. I've developed such a new found passion for green this year, and love that Rosy's marvelous dress is bursting with this vibrant, earthy hue.

      ♥ Jessica

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  41. rosy really did a great job (like always) ... love the ric rac. so cute.

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  42. Jessica, you look very pretty as usual! the dress is so adorable! When I read the post in Rosy's blog time ago, I inmediatly knew it was going to be for you! Even if many or most of your readers/followers don't know you , we feel like we do, well, at least me! you project to be a really nice and kind person, besides , I like how you write and of course, I LOVE to see the pictures of you wearing all those pretty outfits!

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  43. Oh Dear Jessica, you look so grand:) What a beautiful dress...I was just reading "Fancy Nancy" with my daughter and the word dazzling was used and I certainly would say this adjective also describes you:) How lovely to receive such a thoughtful gift. You really have a way of making everyone feel special, so you indeed, should also be treasured too:) So happy to see all these lovely pictures from your holiday. It's so nice to see them so artistically photographed:)

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  44. You are such a beauty! I love that dress (pockets? Yes!). While I always enjoy reading what you have to say, I absolutely love your pictures!

    Deborah
    Hellcat Vintage

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  45. The dress, the photos, the kindness.. what a wonderful post!! :D Rosy sounds like such a dear and sweet person, and I am so happy for you that you two met. :D You look so beautiful!!

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  46. Oh my gosh, this dress is just darling! I absolutely adore it. And these photos are gorgeous. <3

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  47. It is absolutely gorgeous. I love everything about it, the colours, the style, the material. What a talent Rosy has, and she sounds like a lovely person.

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Tracey. She truly is one of the endlessly sweet, generous, beautiful souls that one feels so blessed to encounter.

      ♥ Jessica

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  48. A truly outstanding dress on you Jessica! It's so awesome how doing something that you love like blogging has brought so many wonderful people into your life that you might never have met. Then to meet such talented people who can make a dream a reality is just an extra bonus to this whole adventure.

    Liz :)

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  49. I think you were very lucky to have this dress made for you, and how talented the maker must be! The post you created is so lovely and sunny, that's one of the things I love about your blog, it cheers me up! I like the picture of you smelling the roses best, because it is romantic and reminds me of summer x

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  50. Okay, I think you had me sold when you mentioned she works around your budget. Some custom clothing is so darn expensive. It's ridiculous! But this lovely frock and her wonderful talent has gotten the wheels turning...now what shall I choose???

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    1. It really can be, yes! Sometimes repro retails for more than most equivalent (genuine) vintage items sell for even (not always of course, but I've certainly seen examples of where such was the case). Rosy is one of the loveliest people I've ever met online and I'm sure she'd be happy to work with you and your budget to create a piece you'd love to no end.

      ♥ Jessica

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  51. You always have the most gorgeous accessories. You have a real flair for choosing the perfect finishing touches to compliment your outfits. Gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you deeply, dear Vanessa, that is a truly beautiful compliment. I adore accessorizing and always try to ensure my "extras" coordinate or compliment my garments, so it means a lot to know that others are able to pick up on my passion for this element of putting an outfit together.

      ♥ Jessica

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  52. This dress is fabulous! It has such a sweet summery feel to it! Happy Monday dear!

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  53. What an exceptional talent! Being able to produce a garment from merely seeing a photo! That is incredible and it came out so beautifully too. I love the rick rack trim and your photos with the roses are gorgeous. Side note: Those snapdragons are some of my very favorites! We call them malibu barbie snaps because of the color. ;-)
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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    1. It truly is an incredible talent (and one I'd give the moon to have myself) and I am still a bit in awe of the fact that I was on the receiving end of it.

      Super cute name for those lovely snapdragons, I'll always think of them as such from now on, too.

      Tons of hugs & thanks,
      ♥ Jessica

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  54. What a super gift! I am so impressed that she can make up her own patterns from a picture. What a wonderful skill to have. Enjoy wearing it, it looks great on. Love the ric rac!

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  55. It's a darling dress and somehow the backdrop you chose for this shoot seems to go perfectly well with the dress.
    Rosy is indeed extremely skilled as the dress does fit to perfection and most important: you now have the dress you wanted. Some things are meant to be.

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  56. Wow, I absolutely love this dress! The fabric and rick rack are charming and period appropriate. What a sweet and generous gift this talented lady bestowed upon you. You look lovely.
    The surroundings are beautiful and the photography stunning, please compliment your Tony for me.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Ronda. I will brighten Tony's day with your beautiful compliment right now. I sincerely appreciate all of your wonderfully lovely comments today. Thank you so much - they've certainly been brightening mine this afternoon, too.

      ♥ Jessica

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  57. And all the way from Spain, amazing. :) I also have dresses or items I try to forget, but some will not vanish from my mind. Perhaps I should take a sewing course and try to make them myself. Son has moved and I get his room as sewing room. :)

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