Classy Beach Fashion: Swimdress from Rey Swimwear

Summer is certainly coming to a close.  The calendar and the internet are in agreement that it is high time for fall, but the weather here has shifted back into the high 80s low 90s! Looking ahead at the forecast, it seems as though today will be one of the last of the hot season, and though I won't quite be pulling out the sweaters tomorrow, I did want to publish this "summery" post before the autumn weather officially sets in.

I mentioned before we were planning to do a lot of traveling this year, and we certainly have done much of it already! Knowing we would be making plans to visit Florida several times, I decided to take advantage of the Rey Swimwear sale on Black Friday and place my second order with them.  All of their swimsuits are designed to be classy and modest.  I couldn't be more pleased with my suit! 

I chose Marie in Garden Party.  I had been eyeing this one for a long time, and in the end decided it was too good and opportunity to pass up, especially knowing I would get use out of it!  This is a lovely, two-piece swimdress that is perfect for almost any swim scenario.  I've worn it swimming in the pool, the beach, walks on the seashore and even to a little beach restaurant.  The skirt gives it such a feminine touch, while also basically eliminating the need for a cover-up.

The suit is two pieces: the dress and separate high-waisted bottoms.  Both the lining and the outer fabric are excellent quality, but the skirt itself is unlined which makes it lighter. The two front straps can tie together either as a halter, or you can add the removable back straps and tie them to the front to create two separate straps (as I did.)  I had absolutely no problems with them coming untied or unhooked!  They sell individual tops as well, so you can mix and match different patterns and colors (I personally can't wait to get a pink top to pair with these!)

** Thanks to my mom for taking the pictures of me during our vacation to Siesta Key this past February!

Sewing Project: 1700s Colonial Williamsburg printed gown

I have been absent from the blog this summer, mostly due to our numerous travels and road trips. Which have been absolutely amazing can't lie. But I am sorry for my post neglect.  Now that I am home long enough to get a post together, I'm very excited to share one of my biggest sewing projects! Our church's teen history trip in July spent two days in Colonial Williamsurg, and I spent a few weeks leading up to the trip sewing a historical gown for the occasion.  It was 100 degrees outside those two days, but it was completely worth it. ;)

This is my second attempt at an 18th Century dress, but my first where I looked for historical accuracy.  I ordered the fabric in specifically from Williamsburg and set to altering a pattern.  There are also several layers under the dress to give it the proper shape of the times: Shift; Stockings; Stays; Pocket; Bum-roll/hip-roll; Petticoat; Neckerchief; Dress. (Perhaps I should do a post on all of the underpinnings later?)  The stomacher (front panel) of the dress is removable, and the petticoat ties shut.

Now, I did my research, but there are several nuances that I was not sure of, so I bought myself two books while there to hopefully help in the future.  I know there are seamstresses out there who are more well-versed in historical sewing than I am, so if you have any tips I would love to hear them! I feel as though I should have another petticoat, and perhaps a lighter neckerchief (although it actually does match in person.) The sleeves are a bit off, but they were so tricky I wasn't going to try and alter the pattern there any more. My stays could have been laced a bit tighter but...it was hot. Also, I believe I should have a hat, or at least some head covering, but I was low on packing space and my hat did not quite work with my dress. All of that aside, I was very excited with the way it turned out.  Really, nothing beats going to such a historical place and feeling like you a truly a part of it!