One of my customers purchased this extant Regency gown at auction a few years ago and sent me detailed photographs so I could study the drawstring closure and short sleeve/undersleeve combination. I didn't end up making the drawstring bodice in my Elegant Lady's Closet as gathered as this one, but I absolutely love this look.

This breathtaking, all white Regency gown is in the collection of the wonderful Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, which boasts one of the largest historical costume collections in the South. I photographed this during a visit in 1998 to file away.

I thought I'd show off this wonderful 1950s party dress she sold on eBay. I wish I'd had a chance to snag it before it was sold, because I'd have loved to make a pattern from it! I'm still filing it away in my mental cabinet for future inspiration, you can be sure! This reminds me very much of "Liesl's" party dress in the 1964 film, "Sound of Music."

This is a reproduction Regency gown I made in 2001, savoring every moment of this delectable project! My customer asked me to copy the gown and the chemisette with standing "ruff" collar seen in the Regency portrait at left.

Isn't this the most stunning Edwardian dress? This confection of a dress was sold by Vintage Textile. I'd never seen a dress with a large floral print like this from this time period, but I really like it. From a distance, the effect is one of a soft pink blush. It is only on up-close examination that you see the flowers. Breathtaking! Can't you just picture afternoon tea on the lawn beneath the shady oak? Love it!

Here is an adorable trio of Advance patterns. All are from the early-to-mid 1950s. I think my favorite is the first one with its matching jacket.

This is a classy and tailored eight-gore 1950s skirt pattern that creates skirts exactly like two I have in my collection (handed down by my fashion plate grandmother). These have the fullness without all the gathers around the waist, making for a very flattering fit.

ll of these delightful images were shared by Magic Dog Enterprises. The donor has also been kind enough to provide the text from the pattern backs where she could! Top left: "Jr. Misses' and Misses' One-piece dress with two skirts: Dress has wide shaped collar with notched detail, set-in sleeves, midriff sections and top-stitching detail. Midriff

This 1950s Vogue pattern illustrates how a very simple design can make the transition from day to evening. The long skirt and dramatic back are truly striking. My 1958 Party Dress pattern has a similar style, including the kimono sleeves and V back option. Lovely!

Suddenly we're slim again! This is a 1957 McCall's pattern which shows a return to the slim look of twenty years before, albeit with shorter skirts and bared arms this time around.

The flared skirt look lasted well over a decade--even when the slimmer skirts started coming into vogue. Here is a 1959 dress pattern with options for the both the slim and the full look.

Here is a Simplicity ladies' playsuit pattern from the 1950s. What drama! Note the one-shoulder bodice styling and the "pannier" wrap skirt.

This 1950s Simplicity dress pattern is a lovely example of the early 1950s look with the full, hip-emphasizing skirt and pretty horizontal bodice detailing. It's the dawn of the "New Look" after the fabric rationing of WW2 came to a close.

A 1954 pattern for blouses. Note the interesting angled sleeve/armscye details.The "Atomic" age brought with it a vogue for more defined shapes. You see it in the furniture and home design as well.

A gorgeous 1950s formal gown pattern--probably for bridesmaids' dresses. The one on the left would be for a formal evening wedding, while the one on the right would work for a daytime wedding. Dreamy!

Early 1950s dress pattern, just beginning to show that 1950s "New Look" silhouette. I love the notched collar and the belted waist. This is a tailored, chic look for daytime.

Perhaps more than any other item, the circle skirt instantly brings the '50s to mind! My late grandmother wore these all the way into the late 1960s and looked fabulously glamorous in them. I love this feminine silhouette!

This knock-out 1940s Vogue pattern is very classy with its princess lines and back skirt panel (just right for dancing).The 1940s were famous for wonderful bodice and neckline treatments, and this one is no exception with its double bows below the V neckline. Gorgeous!

This 1940s Hollywood pattern features a fitted midriff belt with back ties, a V-neckline created by the crossover bodice and softly gathered shoulder yokes. It was my chief inspiration for the 1940s Swing Dress Pattern!

Here is a young Lauren Bacall, right at the start of her climb to fame. She has such a lovely personality, and her clothing--even now--is so classy.