When I learned that Betty Draper was expecting another baby I wondered how they were going to keep her glamour. Whenever I saw maternity clothes from the 50s and early 60s I was less than impressed. Very tent-like. Not many details.When I saw the costume designs on Mad Men I was so very impressed. Yes, she still looked fabulous. Of course, her beautiful face didn't hurt but (speaking as a pregnant woman) her clothing was actually enviable.
So when my friend Cheila announced that she was having a 50s themed New Year's party, the wheels in my head began to turn. Looking back, if I had more time and energy I would have done something with a little more detail. But in the end I was more than pleased with the look.
I found the material for only $2 a yard. It was PERFECT. I noticed that a lot of the dresses from the 50s look more like upholstery fabric now. Very heavy and brocade.
The only thing I would have changed was the color. Originally I was looking for something a little more pink and gold. You might have a hard time telling from the photos but the dress is yellow and gold.
I cinched it just below my bust line with a matching rounded tip band and two antique yellow and gold buttons. The neck line is finished with a slight cowl look. i left the arms sleeveless because it just looked more dressy that way.
I found the earrings at an antique store for only $2 and the surprising part is that the flowers perfectly match the flowers on the dress. What a find!
I also found the gloves at another antique clothing store for only $3. I really lucked out! They are so adorable with a little button at the cuff. They are ALSO included in the giveaway!
I also didn't get a picture of it but a friend of mine lent me an authentic 50s fur wrap. So when I walked in the door I was about as 50s as I could have possible hoped to be.
Brian also really went all out and looked the part! He found the three piece suit and skinny tie at the Salvation Army. He bought horn rimmed glasses for the occasion and I quickly serged the pocket handkerchief before we left.
I always look for a reason to dress up. I only wish I had more reasons. It's hard to get enough people together who A. want to dress up and B. have the time and resources to do it right.
The hosts, Cheila and her husband Nate, did a fabulous job with their theme. We had 50s cocktails (well, not me) cigarettes (candy) and plenty of hors-d'oeuvres.
In true Betty Draper style I smoked about two packs of (candy) cigarettes and had about two (virgin) cocktails.
Cheila asked that the guests bring the ingredients for their favorite drink. Sort of like a cocktail potluck.
We brought the ingredients for a gimlet, basically one part lime juice one part gin. I think Betty ordered one on Mad Men once.
I would say that this dress would fit a medium. However, I am pretty late in my pregnancy so it really depends on your stage. You can sort of judge from the photos.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
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Post Title
→The "Betty Draper" Evening Gala Maternity Gown GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.
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