Originally we were planning to go to the big Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governor's Island in New York, but I found out about a month ago that Glen Foerd on the Delaware is also doing a lawn party this year. Glen Foerd is so much closer and if I don't need to make a trek then I'm glad I don't have to.
I decided to go 1930s rather than 1920s because the dropped-waist, bust-minimizing styles in the 20s look pretty awful on my figure. I can rock a 50s dress, but anything too straight looks terrible on me because I'm crazy curvy.
Vintage reproduction patterns from the 30s are not popular. I scoured the pattern sites for something that would work for 30s, but really couldn't find much at all. Most of the reproduction patterns are from the 50s, with a few from the 40s or 60s and I can't do a true vintage pattern without scaling it up like crazy because of my size. I settled on Vogue 2859 and after a bit of a debacle found some a really lovely plaid fabric that I thought worked for the period. I'll have a review of the pattern up later in the week.
This is one of the first costumes where I've mostly bought items ready-made. This is kind of life-changing for me. I've never had a costume come together so quickly. I purchased everything but the shirt and as a result was able to pull together the entire costume in about a week (yes, including making the shirt).
The skirt and shoes are from AmeriMark, which may have just become my new favorite store. They cater to a more mature clientele and as a result they're pretty cheap and everything is so comfortable! Seriously, do not underestimate the importance of comfort in an outfit.
The skirt is a trumpet style gored skirt in navy and was about $30. The shoes are a lace-up oxford with a short heel in bone and were about $20. They're not great if you're after some very modern looks, but if you like vintage-style clothing and shoes they've got some options.
Goodwill rarely fails me, but after trawling the Goodwill for a 20s/30s style hat for months I was coming up empty. I picked up this one at H&M, of all places. It's not my normal style, but I think it looks suitable for the period. I think I paid about $12 for it. Goodwill did come through for me on the purse, which was $4.50. WIN!
We had a really fun time picnicking, dancing, and checking out the grounds. I'll definitely go again if we have the opportunity!
