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Sunday, November 13, 2011

Modest Dressing: Modern Regency Look

It's that time of year for me---the in-between pregnancies time when I'm so so SO tired of the maternity clothes but the regular clothes aren't quite fitting yet!  (Yes, this really is a yearly thing for me!)  One of my favorite things to do during this time is to experiment with what I have in my closet and see if I can come up with some new outfits!

Here is an idea that readers of all generations might like to try out:
I often find so many cute dresses that I'd love to wear but they're too short!  Here is a gorgeous burgundy, high-waisted dress that I found last year at Motherhood.  It hits just above my knees, which is shorter than I'm comfortable wearing. 
I found this black, flower-print skirt at a yard sale a few years ago and fell in love with it (even though I don't normally wear a lot of black).  The only thing I didn't like about it was that it was semi-sheer and I didn't like how the outline of my legs could be seen when light shined through the fabric.  So, I stuck it in my mending pile and planned to *someday* make a lining for it.  
I sprayed the two pieces inside and out with Scotch Guard to keep them from forming static and layered the dress over the skirt.
Because the top of this dress is a little big on me, especially post-maternity, I layered a lace-topped camisole from Maurices underneath.
My jewelry included this vintage-style necklace that I found at Maurices last year.  I've gotten so many compliments on this necklace---I love it!
I finished the look with a light-weight sweater (also from Maurices).
 I like to call this my "Modern Regency Look".  Whenever I wear this dress over another skirt, it reminds me of this pattern that Mrs. Jennie Chancey created for Simplicity:
 
This dress is a popular style today and is reminiscent of the lovely empire-waists and puffed sleeves of Jane Austen's England.  

Here's an image from Ackerman's Repository of a Regency lady wearing a Spencer jacket.  I suppose my little black sweater could serve as a Spencer jacket for my modern-day walking dress!

Hmmm, now to find me a bonnet...


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This article was published in The Christian Home Magazine, Issue 37.  Check out this great online magazine here!

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8 comments:

  1. So Very pretty...I would of NEVER thought that those pieces were all bought separately... Good Job!!

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  2. That is such a creative idea! You've solved all the modesty issues and made a beautiful outfit all at the same time.

    I was surprised that Jennie's patterns showed up at Simplicity too. Isn't she the owner of the lovely vintage pattern company Sense and Sensibility?

    I'm dropping by from The Christian Home, and am glad to have found your blog. It's a peaceful place to be, and reminds me of Victoria magazine when it first came out. :)

    I'm your latest follower!

    Annie Kate

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  3. I'm lilCowgirl form swap bot. Heck, I though I had commented on this blog entry - but maybe I messed it up because that day, my PC was pretty slow, well, the internet was and maybe it just didn't finish. I am really sorry for that.
    Well, this is a cool way o combine all those clothes and the style is definitely pretty unique. Looks really good - so u did a great job on finding something. Looks like all of it belongs together...

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  4. Well done! That is one of my favorite periods to costume.

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  5. Beautiful! What a great job putting those two together, and a great reminder that often we have the keys to a new wardrobe, in our closets already. Thanks for sharing, and I especially liked your tips like scotchgard to avoid static cling between the pieces.

    - Chelise
    Swapbot

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  6. Very pretty, Sarah. I love the necklace too....Christine

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  7. What a great idea and it looks so lovely on you! It's very elegant. Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving the sweet comment and your link. :)

    ReplyDelete

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Mrs. Sarah Coller

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