Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Beware of the Leopard


I started a full time job this week and the dress code requires 'corporate' wear. I've been at uni for the last five years where I could wear whatever weird and wonderful things I liked. Somehow I don't think full skirted 50's dresses in novelty and floral prints would be considered appropriately corporate at my new job. This pretty much cuts out my whole wardrobe. I thought I better make some work clothes, still vintage style, of course. 


For my first piece of corporate attire, I used Simplicity 4987 from the early 60s. I made a full skirted version of this pattern pretty recently in a lemon print. I wanted to use a black stretch cotton that's been in my stash for ages but it seemed a bit boring by itself.  


Leopard print makes everything more exciting (in my opinion, at least) so I used it for the neckline trim. The leopard print fabric is the tiny scraps left over from this jacket. There wasn't much there but I'd always planned to make some cuffs or something out of it so I kept it.



I added a couple of patch pockets with leopard print trim to the front of the skirt too. 


I've seen vintage dresses with angled pocket welt pocket flaps and wanted to create a similar effect with the patch pockets by placing them on at an angle. 


I'm pleased with the way it turned out. It's appropriate for work but still fits in with my usual vintage style.



Dress: Simplicity 4987
Belt: Op shopped
Shoes (which you can't see): Mischief Shoes


24 comments:

  1. Oooh my word, I so love this dress!! Leopard print, it's amazing!! Ahhhh...you should open a store, haha! I think it's perfect for work & no doubt you will look the best there :))) Beauty xx

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  2. It's gorgeous and such a smashing fit on you. Ideal for office wear, smart and classy but with a cheeky hint of leopard. Enjoy your job! x

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  3. Ahh the painful hunt for 'not too boring but still appropriate for an office' clothing, I know that quest well! Looks like you have made a great start to your workwear wardrobe - that is one super cute dress :)

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  4. Love it, the leopard print is just perfect!

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  5. That is a great dress. I love the leopard details of it.

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  6. Ooh congrats on starting full-time work! Thank god my office is only "smart casual" and most of my dresses are still office-appropriate. I'm going to be down in Chch from Dec 20th-23rd if you and Helga would have any free time to get together at all?

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    1. Thanks! Yes, we should definitely get together when you're down in Chch. I have to work right up until Christmas but I should be free on the sat and sun (21st and 22nd).

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  7. Oh yes, that's the perfect corporate-does-vintage dress, Brodie! A perfect fit, with more than a bit of va-va-voom! xxxx

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  8. What a lovely dress! I am very happy that my job does not require corporate wear but the idea to build up a new wardrobe from scratch is nevertheless kind of appealing :-) Good luck with your new job!

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  9. Very slick, very classy!
    Congrats on the new job! I'm sure you can slip in the odd novelty print or flirty full skirt...just ease them in gently!
    As to Georgia's comment, I'm always keen, and generally able and happy to make the time.
    XXX

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    1. Thanks! Great, we should definitely do something then.

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  10. That's really perfect. I love it. Dressing for work is always such a challenge for me.

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  11. This is my favorite dress you have made to date. Very pretty and you look great in it.

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  12. Gorgeous! I really need to make myself some work clothes but I much prefer making clothes for play. Congratulations on the new job!

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  13. Love it! Professional but with a touch of personality.

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  14. I love it! It's work-appropriate but still "you". Also, I need that pattern!

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  15. Have a wonderful weekend doll :) Blue is my favourite colour too :) And I agree with you about pink, I think it is pushed on girls too much as the colour they are meant to wear, like boys should always have blue, but I think green for boys among other colours is just as nice. It's silly how these so called 'traditional' things go. Yay for blue ;-) xx

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  16. really nice idea to make it more exciting with the leopard print. looks really good. & congratulations on your new job!

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  17. Hello Camelia,
    It's Camille... I often come to see your new makes and I just found something similar to your "coporate new style" http://wesewretro.com/2013/10/screen-star-pattern-865-with-a-dash-of-plaid/
    Maybe some news ideas for later who knows...

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  18. I'm totally looking for this pattern! Great job!

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  19. I really like reading a post that will make men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
    Top shelf canada

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