The Blue Gardenia learns to sow her blossoms

Channeling Catherine: An elegant interpretation of '20s style.

Incredible beauty: God-given.

Majorica pearl earrings, $115 at Neiman Marcus: Elegant.

Piercing and hurt look: Practiced.

Butterick 2591, $75 at The Blue Gardenia: Basis.

 

Channeling Catherine: Timeless face. Timeless coat.

Mesmerizing beauty: Undeniable.

Creamy double-breasted coat: Timeless.

Pour La Victoire Bre Black flat, $190 at Endless.com: Elegant.

Vogue Paris Original 1675 Designed by Yves Saint Laurent, $57 at The Blue Gardenia: Time-saver.

Channeling Catherine: Taking the Peter Pan collar up a notch.

Influential director to protect you from the riffraff: Handy.

Stretch cotton sateen, $7.50 per yard at Michael's Fabrics: Luscious.

Pleated blouse: Staple.

McCall 5553, copyright 1944, $35 at The Blue Gardenia: Helpful.

 

Channeling Catherine: Bare one shoulder but not the other.

 

Looking gorgeous even when peeved: Beneficial.

Simple evening gown with one shoulder revealed: Sexy.

Zoya "Sasha" Nail Polish: Noir.

McCall's 8500, the Mad Men version of the look, available at The Blue Gardenia: Sleek.

Channeling Catherine: Gliding on the red carpet in a sexy GBS.

Glamorous black sheath: Staple.

Red carpet: Optional.

Calvin Klein Oliana heels (on sale!) at Zappos.com: Elegant.

Vogue American Designer 2470, designed by Donna Karan, at The Blue Gardenia: Necessary.

Channeling Catherine: Classically glamorous, unassailably chic.

Fabulous hair: Genetics.

Gold baubles: Au courant.

MAC Costa Chic lipstick: Dazzling.

McCall's 7007, copyright 1963, available at The Blue Gardenia: Quickie.

Channeling Catherine: Supple leather coat + sizzling specs = chic.

Hot coffee or tea on a frosty day: Warming.

Lafont Intrigue sunglasses, $453 at Framesdirect: Mysterious.

Leather wrap coat: Sophisticated.

Vogue Paris Original 1023, designed by Dior, $12 at The Blue Gardenia: Necessity.

Channeling Catherine: Her haute couture version of tuxedo style.

Dashing and legendary designer on your arm and on your label: Desirable.

Cole Haan peep-toe heels at Zappos.com: Staple.

Girls-will-be-boys sexy tuxedo with satin lapels: Necessary.

Vogue Paris Original 2360, designed by Yves Saint Laurent, copyright 1999: Must.

Channeling Catherine: This is the way to rock a simple blouse.

Simple blouse: Classic.

A good book: Necessity.

Antique gray supersoft cotton sateen at Gorgeous Fabrics: Luxurious. 

Butterick 8680, View B, at The Blue Gardenia: Perfecto.

Channeling Catherine: Frost hair. Don shades. Clutch coat.

Shades at night: Mysterious.

Attractive male accessory: Wanted.

Rich brown silk taffeta seersucker, available at Gorgeous Fabrics: Luxurious.

Style 1946, available at The Blue Gardenia, made as an evening coat:  Evocative.