Cathy models the 40's midriff or "Sweetheart of the Navy!"

Friends, on this Memorial Day, I am thrilled to be featuring Cathy's latest photo shoot, which combines a 1940's midriff ensemble and our men in uniform.

Please join me as Cathy supports the troops the best way she knows how -- and forgive her.

As always, to see these photos full-size, please click on any image and then, in Picasa, choose "View All" in the upper left hand corner, and "Slideshow." 



Can Cathy still pull off a midriff (figuratively speaking)?  I hope so!

Have a great day, everybody!

Cocktail (Dress) Addiction

I can stop any time I want to; I just don't want to. 

Friends, I hope you'll let me know if you think my little cocktail dress problem has gotten out of control.  The source is -- no surprise -- Cathy, but it is also being fed by a life-long obsession with classic Hollywood women's pictures and onscreen clotheshorses like Ginger Rogers, Lana Turner...in fact the entire cast of Weekend at the Waldorf. 

What started out as lending a helping hand to a relative on the skids has turned into a professional partnership.  Cathy's new-found and growing notoriety is requiring my increased focus and, as a result, yours, for which I apologize.  I know many of you are chomping at the bit to stitch up some practical denim duds and we will.  But last Saturday's celebrity hobnob has turned into next Thursday's theater and post-performance party invitation and, as usual, Cathy will need something to wear.  A starlet needs to be seen out and about; she can't sit home nights filing her corns and she can't be photographed wearing the same dress.

If it had to happen for one of us, I'm glad it's her.  I've lived my life; Cathy's still young.  I shouldn't let the cat out of the bag a day early but tomorrow is both our birthdays.  I'll be turning 49 and Cathy will be turning...well, let's just say she's more than a decade younger -- an extremely rare occurrence among identical cousins but not unheard of according to scientific studies; something about recessive genes.

Long story short, I was up half the night perusing Etsy for patterns and haunting sites like Vintageous and Memphis Vintage, where photos of countless beautiful vintage cocktail dresses are on display, like the little lace number up top and the ones below. 

Extensive research has revealed that while nearly all lace overlay cocktail dresses are made with dark lace over a lighter fabric, occasionally one finds the reverse.   How do you feel about cream lace over black?   I don't love it.

Of course, I'm not only looking at lace dresses, not by a long shot.  How about tri-toned taffeta tiers?  That wouldn't be hard to whip up, would it?

Or this 40's asymmetrical number in black taffeta and crepe? 

My local fabric dive has 60" bolts of lace in both solid baby blue and solid cream for $2/yd. -- not the tulle-type lace I used in my redingote, but heavier, more traditional textured lace (My lace knowledge is severely lacking, which is only one of the reasons I have bought myself an overpriced used copy of Susan Khalje's highly regarded, out-of-print classic, Bridal Couture, a birthday present to myself which should arrive next week.).

What do you think of pastels for evening on a sophisticated woman like Cathy who, let's face it, is more Baroness Von Schrader than Fräulein Maria, though thankfully still years away from Reverend Mother?  We want to avoid anything that reads prom, bride, or -- perish the thought! --  mother-of-the-.

I try to approach my work with a zen-like Beginner's Mind, but this means I never remember anything.  I need help.  Those of you with strong opinions and no qualms about expressing them, what do you think?  Do you/would you generally opt for black for evening -- even you summers who should avoid it altogether?  How about midnight blue or brown?  Would you overlay light colored lace on a dark taffeta or satin, or stick to the other way around.

How did I get into this -- again?! 

Have a great day, everybody!

Cathy on the town in her taffeta dress!

Beloved readers and Cathy fans, what can I tell you about last night's revelries you haven't already read on "Page Six"?

What a party, what a dress, what a girl!
Cathy, ever the professional, put a brave face on a challenging situation: there were torrential downpours all day yesterday and Cathy's dress was extremely prone to water stains, as you already know.  Nonetheless, she made it work, as she always does.

Below is her latest photoshoot and I do hope you enjoy it.  Does a major film star -- a living one -- make an appearance?   You'll have to watch and find out.

As always, to see these photos full-size, please click on any image and then, in Picasa, choose "View All" in the upper left hand corner, and "Slideshow."



Cathy can't wait to wear her taffeta cocktail dress again in better weather, and has asked me to solicit party invitations on her behalf.

BTW, she was so touched by your concern about her outfit, she'd like to offer all of you an opportunity to wear it.  The logistics sound complicated but we'll figure something out.

So...how do like the dress?

Enjoy!

Cathy models the Deborah Kerr Dress!

Friends, those of you who have ever had to begin again after a setback know that it's rarely easy.  Now that Cathy has paid her debt to society she's back in New York City and trying to create a life for herself.

What does the future hold for our youngish model?  At the very least a growing wardrobe of cocktail ensembles -- a big plus for a Gotham glamour girl.

Cathy and I had such fun modeling Simplicity 4227 yesterday.  It couldn't have been a lovelier day and Cathy looked as fresh as the morning dew.  A little rusty at first, she quickly loosened up and was back to her old self.

I hope you'll give my cousin Cathy a second chance.  She's so eager to put the past behind her.

As always, to see these photos full-size, please click on any image and then, in Picasa, choose "View All" in the upper left hand corner, and "Slideshow." 



If you have advice for Cathy, please leave it below.

Your kind words of support mean a great deal to her.

Enjoy!

Approval

Friends, believe it or not, my cousin Cathy and I are very different.  Or we used to be.  Even when we were kids, Cathy couldn't have cared less what other people thought about her.  I, on the other hand, was always highly sensitive to what others thought of me -- or what I thought they thought -- and I let this influence choices I made for many, many (many) years.

I'm not a regretful person but I do wish I had been more confident earlier on and done what I wanted from an earlier age.  Of course Cathy's choices  have sometimes gotten her in trouble.  She refused to believe that sticking her hand down a mailbox to retrieve a letter was in violation of the law and hence just served four months for mail fraud.  Why she was retrieving the letter is another story.

I bring this up for a couple of reasons.  My mother came for a visit the other day, which, like so many other visits, was preceded by a general de-dragging of the apartment: put away the dress projects, hide the jewelry, etc.  But this time, after the success of Cathy's Broadway outing I decided that it was time to introduce my mother to Cathy.  You may be wondering how my mother could be in the dark about my own cousin, but suspend disbelief for a moment.



Now I had shown my mother Cathy's first outing in her little black dress a long time ago, and she seemed faintly amused, but since then I hadn't mentioned it again and she hadn't asked (which is SO my family).  This time I told her the whole story about how I got the Priscilla tickets and what an exciting night we had.  She seemed to "get it" and asked a few questions like, where did I get the stole?  Now mind you, my mother is over eighty, and this kind of thing is a little beyond her comfort zone.  Of course, she LOVES Michael -- with whom she shares interests in opera and mysteries and crossword puzzles and houseplants and cooking -- so the fact that he was in the photos made the whole thing more legitimate for her.

But I did feel proud of myself for being upfront about the whole thing; I'm too old -- and way too lazy -- to go about cleaning the house every time she comes to visit.  And what am I protecting her from -- or am I protecting myself from her potential disapproval?  Shaming was a big part of my childhood experience.

My latest article in BurdaStyle is about why men don't sew, and one of the reasons I listed was the fear of being stigmatized for pursuing a "feminine" activity -- which home sewing unarguably is in the United States.  And some of the comments attested to this fact.  It just made me feel more strongly than ever the importance of being yourself and not investing your energy in others' approval.  Life isn't short exactly, but it's not long enough to waste years not doing the things you really love because you fear the judgment of others.  I spent decades doing this -- learn from my example!
 

In closing, friends, are there things you'd like to do where the only thing blocking you is fear of how other people might respond?  I've learned that when you're doing something -- anything -- with full authenticity, it's exciting for everybody.  I can count on one finger the number of times Cathy has received a negative response.

The great thing about doing what you love is that it creates a shift: it starts with one thing, and the vitality and sense of affirmation is so great, that you then take on another thing and another and before you know it you are living a life that's truly consistent with who you are.  It's inspiring.  Have you ever tried to hold one of those huge inflatable beach balls under water?  That's the amount of energy it takes to hold yourself back, to keep a part of you down. When you release that, suddenly life is easier and all that energy you had dedicated to self-repression is now free for self-expression -- and joy!

Can you think of one little thing you've been reluctant and/or scared to do for fear others won't approve?  Take a little time this week and do it.  Better than any vitamin pill, it will energize you and get those creative juices flowing.  You'll like yourself better too.

What would you really like to do -- if you had the guts?

Cathy's Beauty Secrets Revealed!

As we come back to earth after a night of star-studded revelry, I thought I'd share with you some of the details that helped make Cathy a knock-out on Sunday.  First, the outfit:

As I mentioned Sunday morning, Cathy needed some smart, elegant accessories and she needed them fast.  Rather than make a beeline for Bergdorf's, El Cheapo (that's me) ran over to the Chelsea flea market and tried to magnetize whatever was needed.  As if by magic, every item appeared!

The biggest score, imo, were these vintage shoes, which I'd originally bought just because I loved the way they looked; we never expected them to fit.  At two pair for $5, I thought they'd be fun to own if only to display.  What a surprise when later at home we discovered that they fit perfectly!  One of the best parts, aside from their being incredibly well-constructed, is that they're comfortable.  File under, Too Good to be True.





In the same outdoor lot, I found this fur stole, and at first I wasn't sure it would work with black accessories, but it did.  I guess you'd call this faux fox, but honestly, what I know about fur you could squeeze into a thimble.  Maybe it's time to learn.  Not bad for $15.  The best part about it is that it really glows.





Some of you mentioned hair accessories and I did look for some.  I didn't want something I'd have to fuss with (anything with a veil) or that I'd have to take off at the theater.  I found this little velvet geometric number, which I thought was simple and elegant.  It doesn't read in the photos but Cathy wore it to the theater, though not to the party afterward. 





I'd picked up these beaded gloves at Goodwill a few weeks earlier; I'm always on the lookout for good gloves.  They're not vintage but they are Vera Wang.



I think I read about these sweat shields on Already Pretty -- Sally's my go-to source for these kind of things -- and they really kept Cathy feeling confident and comfortable.  Who wants visible sweat stains at an event like this?



While the 1948 McCall's dress I made pre-dates the bouffant style, I wanted the skirt to have a little more fullness, so I quickly gathered some tulle (that I'd bought for that other rose-print dress) and stitched it to an elastic waistband to make a small crinoline.  Worn over a half-slip, it worked perfectly.

Given the importance of the occasion, I treated Cathy to some new cosmetics.  She's a drugstore makeup type of gal, but there's quite a selection in the drugstore these days.

Cathy wore L'Oreal Ravishing Red, a matte lipstick with slightly blue undertones.  A little Maybelline lip pencil (50 Red) helped keep lip edges clean.





I knew Cathy would need a little more coverage than usual for a long night, so I opted for this Maybelline "Instant Age Rewind" concealer/highlighter stick.  I can't vouch for its effectiveness relative to other products, but it kept Cathy glowing well past the bewitching hour.





Of course Cathy swears by Physician's Formula LeVelvet Foundation in Ivory, which she sets with a little loose powder.

Eye makeup is kept to a minimum as it tends to settle into Cathy's deepening laugh lines: just lashes, a bit of liquid eyeliner, and pencil (which she also she uses for her brows; she refuses to pluck).  A little oyster-white eye shadow on her brow bone completes the glamour-girl effect.

And that's it!

Friends, I have Cathy with me today and she is happy to respond to all of your beauty comments and questions, if any.  Like all of us, she's a work in progress and open to improvement.

Have a great day, beautiful ones!

P.S. -- Read Michael's take on the event here.  You can see the Cathy's original rose-print dress photoshoot here.

Cinderella at the Ball

Friends, if you're the type of person who dreams of being told you look beautiful -- by none other than supermodel Heidi Klum*  (I kid you not) -- then this was the event for you!

What can I say about last night you won't read in headlines all over the world?  The show, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, is a smash -- a fabulous, tuneful spectacle that will undoubtedly run on Broadway for years.  We loved it.

Brian Thomson, our host, who had invited us not only to the show, but also to the opening night party (the backstory here), couldn't have been more warm and welcoming.  I know Brian and I are going to be the best of best friends and please don't think I'm saying this just because he's a Tony award-winning scenic designer with his own Wikipedia page.  You know I don't care about outward achievement but only the quality of one's soul. 



Of course, Cathy's the type who would get down on her knees for the opportunity to have another experience like last night's -- and I know Brian won't misunderstand what I mean by that.  

Celebrities, you ask?  How's Bette Midler, Kathleen Turner, Joan Rivers,  Renee Zellweger (and the aforementioned Ms. Klum*) and countless name-above-the-title types from Australia I wouldn't know from Adam.

* CORRECTION: It wasn't Heidi Klum, it was Christie Brinkley -- whoops!

After the show we came home for a disco nap, let the dogs pee, and then cabbed it over to the opening night party at nearby Pier 60 along the Hudson River.  What fun we had!  Cathy was the only woman there dressed like Princess Margaret and she received countless complements from both men and women.  A vision in faux fox.



Finally, nearing midnight, Cinderella had to hightail it home and soak her feet. 

Today we're drinking lots of coffee and hoping for a call from one of the countless people in whose faces we pushed ourselves last night.  You don't get invited to A-list events every day!



A slideshow of highlights is below and I hope you enjoy watching it.

As always, to see these photos full-size, please click on any image and then, in Picasa, choose "View All" in the upper left hand corner, and "Slideshow."



Have a great day, everybody, and best regards from the Great White Way!

Cathy Plays the Palace

Folks, tonight's the night -- the big Broadway premier and Cathy's a VIP guest!  I could not make this up.

I think most of you know the story already but I'll recap: an MPB reader from Australia -- who has yet to identify herself -- phoned into a Sidney radio show, Afternoons with James Valentine, on his Best of the Web segment.  She recommended Male Pattern Boldness (take a look) and specifically my parrot videos.  Listening to the show that afternoon was none other than the Australian scenic designer for Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which is about to open on Broadway.  Lipsynching parrot videos?  Give this boy a screen test!  Frantic emails are exchanged.  And the rest, as they say, is history -- or rather, history happens tonight.

Clearly this did not leave me with a whole lot of lead time yet so much had to happen: Cathy had to be sprung from prison (check), I had to arrange to get the tickets (check), Michael had to press his tuxedo (check), I had to make a new dress for Cathy....

Dear Empathics, on this score I have fallen oh-so short!

You're probably thinking, well, maybe if he didn't spend all that time having lunch with Robin and coffee with Duane, etc. and you'd be right.  The rose-print sateen Comeback Dress is still a work in progress, a gathered skirt hanging forlornly on my ratty dress form.  BUT -- there is another rose-print sateen* dress!

* I now believe both rose-print fabrics are polished cotton.

And this, my friends, is what Cathy will be wearing this evening, with a clutch bag, velvet gloves, better foundation garments, and some something I hope to pick up today at the flea market -- a veiled hat, a fox fur, cubic zirconia briolette earrings-- something -- to dress this up a bit more.  My mantra is WWCD: What would Casey do?  Well, Casey would probably whip something together with pipe cleaners, pigeon feathers, and spit, and come up with a Schiaparelli. 

I lack these skills.  So I am going to do my best and hope that whatever Cathy lacks in the couture department she makes up in charisma.

I know many of you have fashion tips and guidance galore and please feel free to share it, but soon -- I have to make a 6:30 pm curtain.  Believe me when I say that I have combed through Cathy's wardrobe carefully and the big gap is in the event area.  I mean, she has the Eighties jumper, the Twenties flapper, and the Forties working girl frocks.  Even when completed, the Comeback Dress is a little too "Once a Year Day" for a Broadway premier, don't you think?

I will have to address this soon because who knows what other big events Cathy is going to be attending in the future?  Do you think Anne Hathaway has these problems?

In other news...

You know I'm not one of those bloggers who tantalizes his readers with frustrating "I have a surprise for you but you'll just have to wait to find out" posts.  If there's anything I hate it's surprises.  Either tell me or move on.

Well, friends, I'm going to tell you, or rather show you.

I got the saddle shoes (the blue and bone instead of black and white, which I agreed looked too Sis boom bah.)

And I got the sewing machine.

WAIT.  Did I mention the sewing machine?

That, my friends, is a story for another day.

I must away to the theatah and someone badly needs to shave her legs.  Tune in tomorrow for all the gossip!

Happy Sunday, everybody -- and happy Spring!



UPDATE:  The shoes, vintage originals from Bonwit's...two pair for $5.

UPDATE II:  Taking no chances...

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may...

Readers, it seems not a week goes by but we are reminded yet again of the fragility of life.  Our human existence is nothing if not impermanent and unpredictable, as today's frightening headlines from Japan make clear.

At times like this, I recall the immortal words of Doris Martin as played by Doris Day in Season 2 of the The Doris Day Show as she seeks to comfort young April, played by Meredith Baxter, who -- if I recall correctly -- has just broken up with her boyfriend.  (This was a TV pilot never picked up, a spin-off of The Doris Day Show entitled Young Love.)  To paraphrase Doris:  Everything changes, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse, but everything changes; change is a part of life.

Apropos of which, let us remember the words of Seventeenth Century British poet Robert Herrick who wrote:

GATHER ye rosebuds while ye may,
    Old time is still a-flying :
And this same flower that smiles to-day
    To-morrow will be dying.

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
    The higher he's a-getting,
The sooner will his race be run,
    And nearer he's to setting.

Dear loyal MPB readers, yesterday, amid the ever-darkening news from abroad, I gathered, gathered, oh, how I gathered!
 




And really, when life looks darkest, isn't that what we should do: celebrate life and enjoy the time we have, amid a cloud of tulle and rose-print cotton sateen?



Friends, I will admit that there's more than a little Mister Rogers' Neighborhood to Male Pattern Boldness, except Mr. Rogers and Lady Elaine are the same person.   I do strive to create a safe and sunny place for all of you here, a harbor from life's intermittent gloom and despair.  And we have hand puppets.

Of course my ambitions lean more toward The Dinah Shore Show or Lawrence Welk but it's so hard to get suitable musical guests these days, plus Bobby Burgess is in retirement.

But let's get back to sewing, or rather gathering.  I finally got my rotary cutter into my rose-print fabric yesterday and started making Cathy's Comeback Dress.  I have it on the authority of none other than the State of Massachusetts Department of Correctional Services that my little lawbreaker is to be released this coming Friday and handed a one-way bus ticket out of state.

Here's the tentative plan and I can hardly contain my excitement:

Remember the wacky-but-true story about my getting two free tickets to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which will soon be opening on Broadway?  Well my idea is to go to the show with Cathy IN the rose print dress!  (Cathy in the dress, I mean, obviously.)  Doesn't that sound fantastic, in the literal sense of the word?  Now before you get your hopes up too high, please remember that this all depends on my actually finishing the dress by Saturday, along with the double-layered, four-tiered crinoline.   Cross your fingers!

But enough. We're running out of time and I have to get out of this bagel cafe and back to my sewing machines.  As you can see from the photo up top, it finally dawned on me that if the music blaring on the radio here was bothering me  I could supply my own -- and so I am!  Instead of Sugar, Sugar and Love is Blue I'm listening to the song stylings of Hal Kemp and his Orchestra.  So soothing!

In closing, one quick question: the bodice -- should I make it in the black sateen I have in my stash or the same rose-print fabric as the skirt?  Michael says too much rose print starts looking like upholstery.

Thoughts?