The Vintage Dressmaker

Here comes a mid-1930s inspired crochet knit fabric blouse

July 7, 2020 Irma RomeroLeave a comment

I rarely work with knit fabrics but just wanted to give it a try and this sweet mid- 1930s style cinnamon coloured cotton crochet knit fabric blouse was the result.

With its unusual eye catching large geometric collar embellished by contrasting 1930s bakelite buttons, puff sleeves and waist band sitting just on the upper hips, also with vintage buttons is the ultimate and perfect separate to complete your 1930s look. It has hook and eye closure at the back of neck.

Mid-1930s inspired crochet knit fabric blouse

Say hi to ‘Yvette’, my early 1930s style day dress in repro print cotton

July 2, 2020 Irma RomeroLeave a comment

This sweet early 1930s style day dress in Kaye England repro print cotton is the perfect example of the feed sack style dresses of the era. It features very art deco style construction with the large pointed collar, ‘double tie’ and the triangle shaped cream cotton lawn inserts on the pockets and sleeves. Two small bakelite buttons bring focus to the tie. The dress pulls over the head.

Yvette- early 1930s style day dress

Early 1930s style wool skirt

June 18, 2020 Irma RomeroLeave a comment

Here I present a lovely early 1930s style skirt in charcoal grey lightweight wool. Very Art Deco style in its construction, thanks to the geometric panelling. It also features tswo kick pleats at the front and one at the back. Two vintage buttons and snap fasteners at the side.

Early 1930s style wool skirt

Early 1930s style cotton jersey jumper with matching beret

June 6, 2020 Irma RomeroLeave a comment

Here’s my shot at early 1930s style knitwear in form of this olive/navy/beige striped ribbed cotton jersey jumper and matching beret. What makes this little number a homage to the Art Deco style are the contrasting panels cut on bias forming striking geometric formations. Stripes and plaids cut diagonally this way were very popular at the time. It also features long narrow kimono sleeves and belt with original vintage buckle.

Early 1930s style cotton jersey jumper

Separate time: Mid-1930s style rayon blouse

June 3, 2020 Irma RomeroLeave a comment

Stripes, stripes, stripes. The contrasting geometric Art Deco style yokes and pocket in this lovely mid-1930s style blouse in sheer navy and cream striped rayon, lowered bell sleeves and the front row of original black vintage glass buttons create the perfect match to wear with your 1930s half calf length skirt.

6C95CCB2-A89C-4C2D-8EA8-F55B2B3F2D1C

Made myself an early 1930s style summer dress

May 29, 2020 Irma RomeroLeave a comment

Sometimes a new little treat is a welcome addition to your summer wardrobe, here in form of a sweet plaid early 1930s style cotton dress, cut on bias very much a trend of the era. It has a cross cut bodice fastening diagonally by large original vintage mother of pearl buttons and the contrasting coloured belt also features an original vintage mother of pearl buckle. The short sleeves’ contrasting navy bell shaped cuffs are a great little detail. Panelling at front of skirt with side pockets and low cut panel at the back. Fastens with snap fasteners at the side.

Early 1930s style plaid dress

Late 1960s style shift dress in vintage printed cotton

May 16, 2020 Irma RomeroLeave a comment

This pretty 1960s style A-line shift dress in vintage cotton with paisley print with its empire line, scalloped edges and slightly gathered 3/4 length sleeves evokes perfectly the typical silhouette of the era. Fastens with a zip at the back.

Late 1960s shift dress

My homage to Claudette Colbert’s iconic outfit in “It Happened One Night” (1934)

April 28, 2020 Irma RomeroLeave a comment

I’ve wanted to recreate this iconic outfit from one of my favourite films, ” It Happened One Night” for quite some time now and here is my homage to that simple, yet striking “travelling suit”, Claudette Colbert donned in her role as the spoiled heiress Ellie Andrews.

The original one would have had a cardigan in knitted fabric and probably a rayon or woolen skirt. My version is in viscose rayon for both cardigan and skirt.

The very popular way of cutting fabric on bias in the era and here in a striped fabric creates the typical geometric deep v pattern both at the front and back, by having a central seam. The cardigan also features a Peter Pan collar and cuffs in white cotton contrasting with the main fabric. It has original vintage 1930s Art Deco buttons both for fastening and for the belt.

The calf length skirt has two kick pleats at the back and one at the front. Fastens with snap fasteners and a vintage button at the side.

29411269-3C79-4B73-8610-707204C42D45

1940s style nightgown for upcoming “Night Rain” promo shoot

April 19, 2020 Irma RomeroLeave a comment

Here is a beautiful 1940s style nightgown in mint green silk for her upcoming film “Night Rain”, modelled here by the lovely Jeanne Marie, producer, director, writer and actor of #nightrainmovie #seasonsandamuse

Cut on bias with deep V necklines both front and back, with gatherings under the bust and pointed inserts at the waist give the wearer a flattering silhouette. With snap fasteners and hooks and eyes at the side.

1940s style nightgown for “Night Rain”

1940s style “Mildred” revamped

April 11, 2020 Irma RomeroLeave a comment

“Midred” revamped

This beautiful early 1940s style tea dress in original printed floral vintage silk is the new ” little sister” to “Mildred”, from my 1940s dress collection from 2017. With a slightly raised funnel neck on the front yoke and gathering around the bust ending in a rounded and very flattering high waist bias cut skirt this creates the lovely familiar silhouette of the era. The back closure has fabric covered buttons and the short padded sleeves are gathered to an interesting effect.