Inspiration: Pocketful of Sunshine

Pocketful of Sunshine can be purchased here.

My daughter has decided she’s too old for sailor dresses. That is such a shame because she’s always had one in her closet, which is why I wanted to design one. Nothing beats a sailor dress for instant vintage style.

I had a few different ideas kicking around in my head. One of my favorites was this one from Janie and Jack that I bought years ago. Those little sleeves and the front pleats! I may have to work those design elements into something else later on.

I love this dress, but I really wanted the traditional square sailor collar and when a friend sent me a link to this vintage pattern, I knew that I had to make it.

It was truly love at first site. The square collar, the in panel pockets, the double breasted buttons… I decided not to do a lantern sleeve for this, because I didn’t want to detract from the collar. Instead, I added a set in short sleeve so that it wouldn’t change the silhouette from the sleeveless version.

Here is my sleeveless version.

And my version with sleeves.

I think it’s sweet without the collar and perfect for older girls that may feel silly with a sailor collar. My testers sewed up so many lovely versions of this dress with collars that don’t look like sailor dresses at all!