Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all had a lovely and safe New Years! Last night, Patrick and I got all gussied up and went to dinner at Gracie’s, which was delightful.








I’ve had this black velvet and turquoise dress for over a year, but have never worn it. Sad, I know! It’s such a shame that there are so few events that allow for formal gowns these days. It almost makes me miss high school and all those formal dances. The dress is home-made, and I wish I could have known when and why! What occasion merited a woman to make this gorgeous dress?
The coat was my Christmas present to myself this year. L.A. Confidential is one of my all time favorite movies, and for years now I’ve been longing for a coat like the one that Lynn Bracken wears when entering the liquor store at the beginning of the film (hell, I just want her whole wardrobe and house!), and this has been the closest I’ve come across, although it is shorter than her’s, and features a white brocade lining, instead of white satin. Most of the time the black velvet, white satin coats you come across are from the 30s, and feature tight, leg-of-mutton-esque sleeves, and the hoods are lined in either velvet, sometimes with a white fur edge or lined in white fur, and often the hoods are too small to turn up for a contrast edge. I must admit that I think in time I’ll make an exact replica of Lynn’s coat, but for now, this will do.
Outfit
Dress: Don’t recall…
Bracelet, Earrings and Necklace: Gifts
Gloves: Thrifted
Shoes: Buffalo Exchange, Portland, Oregon
Metal Box Purse (which I guess you really can’t see…) Antique Alley, Portland, Oregon
Coat: Etsy, PinUp Revival
amazing look! check out my new years eve look at http://www.lydiamerrettart.wordpress.com
I agree, there are not enough occassions for formal attire. Even weddings are becoming less formal these days, and those used to be the go-to for fanciness. I like your dress. And I love your hair. You look fantastic!
Deborah
Hellcat Vintage
Beautiful! That coat is really stunning! Happy New Year!
Lisa.
Your full length shots are great, how long is the coat? This outfit is incredible, second only to your Disney skirt.
Thank you! The coat hits just below my knees.
Happy New Year! Your dress is very grand indeed. I have one that looks identical that is from New York Creations. Wonderful dress, very glamourous:)
Love L.A. confidential. I remember Basinger in that coat. She looked like a dream in it and so do you.
love the outfit!!
http://www.fashionforlunch.net
I love seeing you in a gown! And that Veronica Lake hair is perfect.
Gorgeous NYE look!
Very elegant. Love L.A Confidential, and the beautiful Kim Basinger.
You look great, and GOSH, what a dress! One of my favorite things about being a musician is that I have an excuse to go all-out with formalwear, but I agree, it really is a shame that there aren’t more opportunities for it.
What a majestically beautiful coat! Just as you wanted (and still yearn for) Lynn’s coat, so too do I know seriously covet one just you’ve found. I’ve never had a vintage coat (or cape) with a hood and have a serious longing for one. Perhaps 2014 will be the year that happens for me.
You look so very gorgeous and as sophisticated as the day – or in this elegant case, the evening – is long, honey.
♥ Jessica
this dress is a dream … wow!
i actually stopped buying formal dresses, because i never wear them. here in germany people love to wear pretty casual clothes. if there is a wedding, girls wear dresses i would wear as an everyday dress – and they feel totally dressed up. … there aren’t any occasions to wear fabulous gowns. … so i save my money for buying some more everday pieces. 😉