That’s me sporting my custom-made shirtwaist dress by Theresa LaQuey. Photo: James Young
Throwback Thursday. Originally posted on June 23, 2011.
Last October I had a brilliant idea while strolling Fabric Row in Philadelphia. Why not buy some fabric to take home and have a couple of dresses made? What a perfect memento of my visit to Philly.
So that’s what I did. I perused the family run shop Maxie’s Daughter on South 4th Street and chose two cotton fabrics – one with a violet color print and the other a brown/orange print. I knew I wanted shirtwaist dresses I could wear with sandals in the spring/summer and with tights in the autumn.
The middle-aged salesladies with frosted updos and South Philly accents seemed more serious about the upcoming baseball playoffs than fabric. “We’re gonna beat you,” they teased. “OK,” I said. “I have no problem with that.” Heck, I was a San Francisco visitor with absolutely no attachment to ballgames, I wasn’t going to argue with Phillies fans.
When I returned home, designer Theresa LaQuey sketched a retro shirtwaist dress with buttons down the front and a knee-length hem (very vintage nurses uniform). A few months later, voila … I had dresses that are well made and fit to a T.
Every time I wear them I think of my visit to Philly and those serious Phillies fans. Now, those are dresses with a story.
OverDressed for Life 
That’s so cool! I have yet to find a dress style that speaks to me once on. In a magazine, on a pattern cover, yes. On, it’s not even unrequited love. The thrill is gone gone gone.
I hear you, Jessica. I think fashion is getting harder and harder – more and more narrow. Clothing is designed and made to fit one figure type and most of us are not that type. That’s why I’ve -gone custom-made, but that has its challenges as well. Thanks for reading and commenting. Cheers – Moya
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