I'm inspired. I am. To sew? Mmmm . . . perhaps not. But to think about sewing, to dream about sewing, yes. Definitely.
Did you read Gertie's post about the peasant look? I did. It's a look I'm conflicted about. Truly. I love the look on those 30 and under. But if one is older, I think caution is in order. I do. Not that it cannot be worn. It can. Indeed. It is, after all, a timeless look. Comfortable to wear. And as easy to throw on as an old worn-out Tee.
So, dearest readers, I went to The Blue Gardenia pattern inventory. Rooted around a bit. (I love looking at patterns! I do. I do. I do.) And I pulled out a few peasant looks. (OK. A lot. And there are even more on The Blue Gardenia website.) Even a couple of styles that look like garb for Park Avenue peasants.
Simplicity 1621 duplicates the shorts on the D&G runway. (Or should I say D&G duplicated the Simplicity, since it is from 1945? D&G also showed a peasant bare-midriff blouse as well, and it' s the spitting image of Simplicity 1621. I love the fabrics D&G chose. The giant checks. The bright floral prints. The skirt fabric, which looks as if it's burlap. Yummy. So very. This line offers the best peasant retread so far this year. In, of course, my ever-so-humble opinion. (Are those espadrille boots, by the way? Keen. Absolutely.)
This version, Vogue 8356, copyright 1954, is ready for the runway. So very. So beautiful. So unique.
Another high-style interpretation: Vogue 8470. Also from 1954. Apparently a very rich year to steal style from peasants.
This is my favorite peasant blouse. View B. And worn off the shoulder. Of course. Vogue 5760, copyright 1949.
Another beautiful 1940s design is McCall 1137, Mexican style. You can embroider. You can. That's one of those so-called feminine arts I can do. So. If I can, you can. Trust me.
And I like McCall 1386 even more. Isn't the smocking special? I think so.
How about a peasant playsuit, Butterick 2926? Circa 1940s. This screams summer picnic. Imagine the fried chicken. The potato salad. The strawberries. The brownies. And you'll look as tasty as the food in this little morsel.
Proving the popularity of the peasant style in the 1940s: Simplicity 2034. It's vintage 1947. My favorite today is View 3. But I once had View 2 in an island-style print. Oh, the ruffles.
Just learning to sew? Then Simplicity 8015, copyright 1968, is for you. I had this pattern made in the 1980s. Complete with rickrack. I'm sure I was an absolute overload of cutitude.
This YSL peasant blouse is gorgeous. And, I think, age-appropriate for the mature woman. You can find it here for $350. I love this one. So much. Great color. Fabulous shape.
If you like the YSL Rive Gauche version but balk at the irony of spending $350 for a peasant blouse, then may I suggest Simplicity 5749, copyright 1973? It's a near mirror image, right down to the puff and length of the sleeves and the rich boho look. And you get a nifty skirt pattern as well. How's that for recessionista chic?
Fendi's version, 2011. It's so summery. I love it. I do. You can easily channel this look with Vogue American Designer 2983. It's from Jerry Silverman. And it's very easy. And very Vogue. Of course.
So. There ya go. Peasant style through the ages. Exciting, no?
And you'll find all these patterns — and even more peasant styles — at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And we happily ship abroad as well, for less than the USPS charges us. Is that neat or what?)
If you want to know more about this year's peasant trend, may I suggest checking out The Sche Report? You'll find an informative post. Very. Pics included.
