It’s a wonderful thing to have a dressmaker near you that you know and trust. Back in New Zealand, there were a couple of local ladies who I called upon when I was wanted something made and Linda McCarthy was one of them.

For this particular project, I had something very specific in mind. I’d come up with a idea for a dress and bolero and wanted someone to bring it to life.

Months and months ago I had found a vintage dress on Etsy that was green gingham with solid green contrasts. Sadly it was too small for me but I save the image in the hopes that one day I’d get my own made.
Then, while searching on Pintrest, I found a image for a adorable houndstooth dress with a matching bolero and I had a lightbulb moment… bring to two inspirations together!

So I sent both images to Linda and we chatted about fabric options. I knew I wanted to stick with the houndstooth as it’s such a classic choice. I was toying with the idea of ordering some authentic wool tweed but it was going to end up being very expensive. Linda went hunting around the local fabric stores in Auckland and found this one for great price. While it’s just a cotton, it almost has a wool-like texture and feel and the black panels are a wool blend.

I wanted the dress itself to be pretty similar to the vintage reference although we did change the neckline to a slightly lower scoop. The contrasting waistband, middle panel and bottom hem really create a gorgeous point of interest.

The bow is removable so that I can easily reposition it somewhere else like at the top of the bolero, or add a belt if desired.

For the matching bolero, I wanted to make sure that the same contrast panel theme was continued but knew it had to be done ‘right’. Linda took care to make sure that the length would only just overlap where the black started underneath the bust and added a black contrasting collar, turned up sleeves and a trim down the middle. It’s secured with a simple but sweet shiny black button.

The end result is just how I imagined and I’m so happy! It’s still perfectly 1950s but has a slightly smarter, daytime feel to it that is always good to have a few of in your wardrobe.

Full Outfit Details
Dress & Bolero | Custom made by Linda McCarthy Studio
Shoes | Lola Ramona
Petticoat | Malco Modes
Gloves | Vintage
Earrings | Lovisa

Thanks to Linda McCarthy Studio for all her hard work and dedication to this set, she really prides herself on the details and fit and I think that most definitely shows! Be sure to get in touch with her if you’d like your own custom made dream to become reality.
A big thank you also to Katherine from The Undefined Photography for the beautiful photos inside Braemar B&B in the heart of Auckland CBD.