Mad Men Challenge 2...I am SO in!

 I love Mad Men. Everything about that show is perfection. The styling, the storyline, the actors and  the characters they play.

  
 Last year, when Julia Bobbin did her Mad Men dress challenge, I watched enthusiastically from the sidelines. Not only did I not yet have a blog I had NO time to participate. You can imagine how excited I was when she announced she'd be hosting round 2 this year.

        I immediately started considering my options. First, I looked through the gallery of the past participant makes for inspiration. Then I had to think about which character I was most drawn to. Obviously, Joan's wardrobe is hands down the most drool worthy. But I believe it's not just her wardrobe that is so gorgeous, it's the curves that she's pouring into those dresses that make even women drool. Those wiggle dresses are a thing of beauty but they are best represented when they are being filled and the gorgeous Christina Hendricks is the perfect specimen. I don't hate my body, but I have to be realistic...I am so far from a Joan. So, after a little bit of heartache, I decided it was best to take anything she wore and scratch it off my list of possibilities.

   When it comes to vintage styling, I have always loved the sixties and Megan perfectly represents the best of  '60's fashion. And when I started looking at her figure, I figured that even though she's probably about 20 lbs lighter than me, she has as close to my build than anyone else on the show. So, I got onto trusty google, and searched for anything and everything Megan. I found a couple of great pics and sites to refresh my wardrobe memory. After pouring over all the images I could find, I've narrowed it down to these outfits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: tomandlorenzo.com via Jamie on Pinterest

 This outfits intrigues me by how modern it looks. It's obviously a turtleneck and wrap skirt but I wondered if I could make it a faux wrap dress. My

 

 

Source: tomandlorenzo.com via Jamie on Pinterest

 Megan's shopping outfit is to die for. It reminds me of a Lily Ann suit, which I am obsessed with. The only problem I have is from what I can tell, we never saw the shift dress underneath the coat so I don't have many details to go on. Plus, can I finish a whole suit in time for the deadline?

Source: tomandlorenzo.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Okay, I know that this look is incredibly dated, but that's what I LOVE about it. Her makeup, hair, the dropped waist and psychodelic print. It's so 60's. How could you not love it?

Source: tomandlorenzo.com via Jamie on Pinterest

  At the moment, this shift is at the top of my list. The military styling and color blocking is almost modern but combined with the cut of the dress it is the best kind of retro.

 

  I also want to mention that I found all of these images on the blog Tom and Lorenzo. Every season they break down and analyze how the costumes of Mad Men effect and compliment the story line. Their blog posts are so incredibly fascinating and insightful. I never realized how much went into costume design until I read their articles. Apparently, these outfits aren't chosen just because they're purty...who'd a thunk it?

 

  So, those are my thoughts. What are yours? Are you participating and if so, what are you planning??

 

Good Things Come in Threes

 

   Hope you're not sick of this pattern yet!  I'm not sure if anyone has actually ever said that good things come in threes, but when it comes to New Look 6808, it holds true for me. I've made this bad boy up two times already and I really love every version. And when you have a good thing, why give it up? I had avoided this particular view, with the adorable collar, only because I was worried that it would look too precious on me. I'm glad I decided to give it a chance because it definitely gives off a nice vintage vibe that I dig. 

Honestly, I've made this pattern so many times there really isn't anything new to say. I cut a sz 12 again. This time around the fabric I used has a bit of stretch to it so I had to take in the SA on the side to accomade that.

This is my "It's effin COLD" face.

I omitted the zipper again. Sure, I have to squish the girls just a bit when I put it on....but it's not too difficult to get in and out of without it.

 

    I've said it before and I'll say it again, this pattern is really so versatile. It makes up well in a bunch of different fabrics and it goes well with just about anything. I'm thinking I need to make up a bunch in solid colors.

 

 

         I didn't get a good pic of it, but the plaid lines up real well. go me.

 

 The construction of the collar went well. It was fiddly and irritating, as collars can be, but all in all, it was smooth sailing. So there you have it. My third, and most likely not my last New Look 6808.

 There's so much that I need to get to, that I'm hoping I can post about soon. I've got blog awards, #sewingdares and giveaways to share with you and I promise I will attend to this business sooner rather than later.

 Also, if anyone's interested I can give a small recap/review of my short trip to NYC and The Airborne Toxic Event concert. I know this is primarily a sewing blog, but if there's interest in that kind of stuff, I'd love to talk about it. Let me know, guys. :)