Inspiration
January 5, 2010 9:22 amThis weekend I watched Barefoot Contessa which I had, somehow, never seen.
And I rediscovered Ava Gardner.
I know she’s known for being one of the most beautiful, fashionable actresses. But you know when something just hits you at a certain time and you appreciate it more then for whatever reason? That’s how I felt after watching her in Barefoot Contessa. Her style was so feminine and timeless.
These next two photos are the ones I’m obsessing over.
I don’t know what year this photo was taken, but this is one of those photos that was stunning then and could hold up in any fashion magazine in 2010.
And then there’s this one. It’s on my desktop. I can’t stop staring at it. I wante everything about that outfit- the jewelry, that loose off the shoulder sweater, the umbrella! It’s all so lovely to me.
Seeing Barefoot Contessa and thinking about the moveis I grew up on really inspired me. It reminded me to design what I love and to create things that are timeless. It also deepened my desire to celebrate my femininity through what I wear.
I encourage you to take a moment to revisit the things that have inspired you through your life and to take those things in your heart with you while you create.
As a direct inspiration of this, I started my first gown. It’s in it’s very first stages, but I’ll give you a sneak peak. The real work of it you can’t see. I made the underpiece in a nude color that required much tailoring.
It’s made from a YSL fabric I got that I knew someday I would do something with. Pictures do the fabric no justice, trust me. It’s been a fun new project.
I’d love to hear the things that inspire you!
Tags: dress
Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments »
By holly p on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
The draping of the dress is beautiful! I can't wait to see it when it's finished.
By Deanna on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
This will look amazing on you! I also can't wait to see it finished. I have been watching your blog for a couple months, you inspire. I am adding you to my blog roll.
By amber on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
What a beautiful and fun undertaking. I tend to gravitate towards pretty and girlie things, but don't think I make enough of an effort to wear them on a day to day basis. I think I need to work at changing that.
By Trudy Callan on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
Your gown is gorgeous.
By VivatRegina on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
Oh gosh, this is going to be a GORGEOUS gown! You always inspire me to sew and create and for that I thank you! I just wish I had more know-how and time to practice!
I have such lovely ideas but haven't done anything with them yet.
Also, as I am working on celebrating my feminity instead of hiding it or displaying it in a demeaning way, I'm reading Captivating by John and Staci Eldridge right now and am exploring how to be a Godly feminine woman. I encourage anyone to read that.
By Amy on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
Gorgeous gown! Can you please sign up for Project Runway!!! I would love to see your designs on the show : )
By Ashley on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
That's an amazing gown! I can't even imagine making that. I read an autoiography on Mickey Rooney this summer (random, I know!). Who would have known that Ava was his first wife (First of 7). I saw on her imdb page that her 3 husbands had a combined total of 19 wives. That is really sad to me that she never had true love since she seemed like a really neat person.
By Amelia on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for your inspiration! I watched my Grandma sew and smock growing up and she taught me the basics, but your blog inspired me to get a sewing machine and sit down with her and REALLY learn! It's been so fun to look through all (she saves EVERYTHING) of her old patterns and things from the 50s and 60s and adapt them!! I absolutely adore your blog and I look forward to attempting more of your creative projects!
Can't wait to rent Barefoot Contessa!!!!
By Jessica on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
You and your blog inspire me! I'm a friend of one of Francesca's friends, Cecilia. She showed me your blog, and I'm completely inspired now to not only learn how to sew better (I'm a beginner) and to get creative with old clothes and remake them into something new. For instance, I turned a sweater of my husband's that I shrunk into leg warmers- it's cold here in Chicago!! They work like a charm and it was so easy. So thanks for the beautiful blog… keep it up!
By Us Four & No More on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
I love love old movies… The technicolors of the costumes and the opulence of every detail. My fav!
Love the vintage look and draping of your gown, reminds me of a "vava" Marilyn Monroe.
By Susan on Jan 6, 2010 | Reply
What a great post! Your project is going to be smashing. What great inspiration you draw from!
By Jason and Kilika on Jan 6, 2010 | Reply
Sounds like how I was brought up. Oh, I thought carey grant and bing crosby were yummy! I adored rock hudson and wanted to be both judy garland and ava gardner. This is a wonderful post and reminded me how much I love being a girly girl. And would you know it, I've never heard of that movie. I'm searching for it on amazon right now. Your gown in gorgeous! And I think that outfit ava's wearing with the parasol is so your style.
Kilika
By Tinkr on Jan 6, 2010 | Reply
I have an award for you over at my blog
http://livingwithfairies.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunshine-award.html
By Out Of Order Design on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
great post, old movies and glamour are so inspiring. Kudos to the gown project, should look lovely once it's finished and on :]
Happy new year!
By Andrea on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
I don't think I've ever seen this movie. I'll have to look for it. Fashion from back then is so timeless and elegant. I always say that I was born in the wrong era. One of my favorites is Backstreet with Susan Hayward. She plays a fashion designer in that one.
I can't wait to see your finished creation. With it's inspiration, it should be a knock out.
By dana on Jan 10, 2010 | Reply
Oh my gosh, those photos are stunning, especially that one with the umbrella. I like what you're working on. Can't wait to see the finished product!