The Bestest Party of the Year: Dressing for The Great Gatsby
Yeah- I’m saying it. The Bestest Party of the Year will be this August- the 17th, to be exact.
If you are excited about the release of The Great Gatsby this weekend then you’d better start shopping for your own Gatsby inspired attire for THIS year’s Taste of the Arts to benefit the Macon Arts Alliance.
I still get a ton of hits on my blog posting regarding last year’s party (remember my debate about my Kate Hudson “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” dress)- but this one is going to be even better. How can it not when the theme revolves around The Great Gatsby?
I already have at least one dress, and another on the way. Of course, it helps that I am also planning on a Gatsby-inspired photo shoot (keep your eyes open for that as well) so I needed one anyway. And I’m sure yall remember one of my blog posts about why you NEVER pass up a flapper dress (go here: http://makeitworkmolly.com/the-flapper-dress-why-you-buy-it-when-you-see-it/ ) so this is just yet another example. I mean, how much fun is a glitzy glittery beaded chiffony short swingy dress? Tons of fun, we know that. Throw in a feather boa, draped pearls and a jeweled headband and you’re in business.
So, I advise you start shopping now to stand out for this AMAZING event! Having a little trouble figuring out where to start? Here’s some help:
E-Bay – you would be amazed what you can find on Ebay. However don’t let the vendor fool you, most quality, true vintage items are going to be quite pricey. Expect $200 and more for true vintage items. If you are ok with a Halloween flapper costume expect anywhere from $20-$50 depending on the quality.
Effective search terms: 1920’s dress, vintage 1920’s dress, flapper dress, beaded flapper dress, silk flapper dress *NOTE: Ebay offers the option to search in a vintage category as well.
Posh Girl Vintage- they have some pretty cool vintage items on this site, prices will vary be expect them to be on the low to mid expensive range. Anywhere from $100-$200. However- they do offer layaway.
*NOTE: this site does allow you to search by era and their checkout method is easy.
Etsy– another surprising resource, sometimes you can find people who are handmaking items, can also find a good amount of vintage items but again, good quality is not cheap. Expect to pay over $100.
Effective search terms: see above under the Ebay notes.
Also, you could always take a silk slip and improvise on it. This photo from Tiffany’s inspired me a lot actually:
I hadn’t thought about just doing a silk dress- but the bias cut (cutting fabric at an angle) had really come in to style at this point in time. Dresses that are bias cut have an easier flow to them and tend to hug the body a little closer, which of course we know was the style then.
Here are some other resources you can use for inspiration:
Time Style- Great Gatsby style article, May 6th 2013
A critique of the new The Great Gatsby movie’s fashions- especially if you are concerned about being historically accurate with what you wear: The Atlantic May 2013
And… my own Pinterest board.
Keep in mind some basic rules of economics when shopping: high demand equals less inventory which also means prices go up. With the huge buzz around The Great Gatsby you really should start shopping now. Hope this helps!
Love to all yall….
Molly
where can i buy the dress she is wearing?
As far as I know, you can’t. However you can come close to recreating it with a slip from the lingerie department at stores. Hope this helps!