The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

An overflowing cornucopia of style at the Oscars. Doncha think?

As always, my favorite thing about the Oscar ceremony was the fashion. This year did not disappoint. My tip-top selections:

Perhaps not the popular choice — I noticed while trolling for pics that this made some worst-dressed lists — but this is my favorite 2013 Oscar dress. Donna Karan Atelier's design for Kelly Rowland simply stunned. It's sexy. It's unique. 

I am also smitten with Fan Bingbing's Marchesa design. There are those who think it overwhelms the Chinese actress — and I admit it does indeed look better on the runway model. But Ms. Bingbing still looks lovely and smart. It's a perfect update of a 1950s look. Vogue, Butterick, copy this pattern, please. It's just the attire for my lifestyle. Perfect for reclining on the sofa or baking cookies.

Another favorite: Naomi Watt's armored column, courtesy of Armani Prive. Sophisticated. Strong. And she looks most fetching in it.

I also love the Valentino Couture frock of Jennifer Aniston. Gorgeous tomato red. And a style fit for a princess. She never lets me down. 

So. If you could command a pattern company to make up one of the Oscar gowns, which would it be? Do share. One of these gowns? Or something entirely different? I am eager to know. I am.

Hard, fast and fashionable: Bare midriff, PJs, petals in her hair.

This is one of my favorite Ida Lupino images. I came across it years ago at an estate sale in Houston, Texas. Naturally, I was looking for patterns or sparkly rhinestone beauties, but what I found were several images torn from magazines and pleated crepe scarfs in every color imaginable.

I left the scarfs and bought the pictures and a 1970s harvest gold ottoman, which I had reupholstered in a lovely green and black Maharam print. A fabric worthy of gardenias and glam jams. Very Odalisque in clothes, you might say.

The house was beautiful — one of those lovely and large and vaguely Craftsman style homes in Montrose, not far from our home. The woman who owned these things had obviously had quite an eye for fashion and all things beautiful. There were, alas, no pictures of her, nor any sign of a man or companion. She had one sewing pattern — a Butterick from the 1950s. I was so curious about her story. Did she lead a glamorous and love-filled life? Did she party at the legendary Shamrock Hilton and dance the nights away in carefree abandon? I hope so.

If you'd like to emulate this Lupino look, I suggest Simplicity 1230, View 2, in rayon crepe. I've had this pattern made up twice, once in a lime linen, once in teal linen. Very sexy, very comfy. And this crepe from Gorgeous Fabrics has 1940s flair

If you'd like to recline in these pajamas with a flower in your hair, you can find this pattern at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, of course, although there is a fee, less than the postal service charges us. You may choose Global Priority or Global Express. We love them both. We do.) And we take American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. Isn't that fabulous? Ever so.

Star-spangled style: Ms. Lake owns the sexy shirtdress. Totally.

It's simple. It's sexy. And it's oh-so-comfortable. The shirtdress. It can go to the office. The grocery store. The elegant bistro with starched white tablecloths and ivories that tinkle. What could be better? And who wears this style with more panache than Veronica Lake?

This is an easy look to emulate — the fashion — of course. You might, however, have to don a wig to get the golden waves that cascade with perfection.

You might choose McCall 5453 to make your frock. (Details, if you please: McCall 5453 Dress Bust 34 Complete except for easily duplicated belt Copyright 1943 $26) This pattern has a few extra style riffs that put this right over the moon. Totally. Completely.

And for your fabric, may I suggest the lipstick wool crepe at Mood Fabrics? A mere $14 per yard, 57" wide and made in Italy. (I love that Mood sources the country of origin.)

And for the well shod foot, my choice is this spike-embellished Lola Cruz platform pump. Worthy of swooning. It is. You can find it at Amazon, on sale half-price. Isn't that a kick?

So. I've done the tough homework for you. The sweating. The crying. The click-click-clicking. My fingertips are bleeding. But. You're so worth it. You are. All you have to do, my pretty, stylish ones,  is follow the links and you'll be one fashionable 1940s babe, referencing none other than noir vixen Veronica Lake. Oh, yeah, and you'll have to do a little sewing. But. Think of the pride you'll have in your finished product. You'll be all aglow with pride. Absolutely.

And, yes indeedy. This pattern can be yours at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We ship abroad as well, happily. And we charge less for shipping than the postal service charges us. Isn't that delightful? We think so.)

Celluloid style: A look Rita Hayworth and Kathleen Turner share.

The red pencil skirt. The white blouse. It's a sexy winner in the sartorial sweepstakes for both screen vixens. Rita shimmied in Miss Sadie Thompson. As a woman with a shady past, the feminine bit of lace at the collar hinted she was primed for redemption.

Kathleen, on the other hand, as Mattie Walker, smolders in Body Heat. Her skirt is so tight it wrinkles — the better to entice Ned Racine, played by William Hurt, to shatter the glass door to get to her. And lace? No way. This woman is focused on the money. Her tailored shirt is ready for Wall Street.

I love this look. So much that it is on my sewing plan for fall. I have, after all, proven I can make a skirt and a dress. So. Surely a shirt is not out of my reach. No lace, no frills for me, though. I'll share my pattern choices with you soon. (Must find McCall 7768 in my size. This blouse is perfect.)

An excellent way to wear this look: McCall 7768 from 1949. I adore this blouse. I do. (I need Bust 34 for my own self. You recall my rule: I may only keep patterns that are my size!)

The details: McCall 7768 Blouses Bust 40 Complete Copyright 1949 $37

And, of course, you can choose any pencil skirt you like. I suggest a multipurpose pattern like Simplicity 4046. That way, you get the skirt and a fabulous top and maximize your dollars.

Info: Simplicity 4046 Blouses and Skirt Bust 34 Complete $18

Both of these smart vintage patterns can be yours. Truly. There are even more choices to get this look, and you'll find them all at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad for a fee — just what the post office charges, in fact.) So drop by. Do. You'll be delighted you did. I know it