The Art Deco Society of California's Gatsby Summer Afternoon, is right around the corner.  Slated for Sunday, September 10th, this annual event will take place on the majestic grounds of the Dunsmuir Hellman Estate in the Oakland Hills.  Hundreds of people enter the grounds dressed to the nines in gorgeous picnic attire (from the Art Deco Era - 1919-1941) and then create elaborate picnic scenes. 

This event is probably my favorite Art Deco event ever and in the last couple of years I've managed to recruit a few family members to take part as well.  We bring a small table and a few chairs and try to keep our set up very low-key.  There are folks who bring their vintage cars and boy those are spectacular.  And, a dance troop called the "Deco-Belles" put together a special routine each year, with each "Belle" outfitted in 1920's swimwear.  After the performance, one Deco Belle is crowned Miss Art Deco. 

As you might guess, however, my favorite part of the day is the costume promenade.  Each year there is a winner and boy it must be hard to choose.  In any case, I would love to be a contender and have to come up with something fabulous to wear.

Last year, I found this beautiful vintage rayon printed with a lavender and pink floral motif, along with this deep plum colored vintage celluloid belt buckle. The fabric is probably from the 1940's but I think it passes fairly well for a 30's print and I do really love it. 

Originally, I planned to use this Colette Oolong dress with this fabric, but as it turns out, the skirt was not that flattering on my figure.  I did a mock-up in a red rayon and it took enormous amounts of fitting to get it to be passably flattering.  I eventually changed the sleeves and bodice all together into something else.  Will try to get photos of that dress, to show you, but needless to say, I'm ready for something new.

Also, I do LOVE these shoes from Remix Vintage and have every intention of ordering them ASAP.  They also come in a plum color that would match the belt buckle but honestly the green with contrast is too perfect.  AND I think I have a vintage green belt buckle anyway.

Here are 3 dress options.  It will definitely be short sleeve as it gets very hot here in September.  I would love your help making a decision.

A 1931 Ladies Dress With Asymetrical Detailing from Vintage Pattern Lending Library.  This one is definitely a favorite, but I'm not sure I have enough fabric, yikes!

This 1930s Ladies Dress from Vintage Pattern Lending Library is quite the smart little dress. It's a higher neck than I'm used to, but those sleeves! They might just look terrific with the fabric I've chosen.  What do you think?

This Mid 1930's Gina Dress Pattern-from Wearing History is very sweet but I'm not sure if it's the best choice for the rayon fabric, which is very drapey.  Maybe it would be better in a cotton like it's shown made up here.  I love that multi-colored stripe that's pictured in the illustration. It could work, though and probably doesn't need as much fabric as the first dress.

This decision is just too hard to make on my own.  What do you think, sewing friends and family?  Let me know in the comments.  I would love for you to weigh in on this.

Until next time, Happy Sewing!