Project Sister Act

I'm delighted to be taking part in Project Sister Act this month. My blogging friend Sheela of Sheela Writes is the host of this project - see here for the very first feature. In her words "Project Sister Act is very close to my heart.  It advocates how women across all age groups (I’m talking about teens to 60s, 70s, 80s), are united in showcasing that style knows no age boundary. That style is indeed an expression of one’s personality, no matter if one’s a product of the 70s or 90s. And that the one same motif can be stylish on any and every woman, regardless of the year she was born."

The collaboration covers a group of us ranging from teens to 50's and the item we've all been asked to model is a maxi, so let's not waste another moment.  


Our teenage fashionista of the group is Eve from The World According to Eve.


Representing the 20's is Lizzie of Lizzie in Lace



For the 30's we have Vanessa of What Would V Wear.


Our 40's model is Sheela, the creator of Sheela Writes and also Project Sister Act.

So there we have the motif as Sheela calls it: the maxi dress as worn by women across the ages - teens, 20's, 30's and 40's. All such gorgeous young things I have to say, all wearing beautiful versions of the maxi dress. Follow the links to each blog for their own feature and outfit details. The final reveal, the 50's, is my offering. But before you look, I'd like to tell you a little story. 

The dress I'm showcasing was a purchase from eBay last winter, destined to be worn on holiday, but that didn't happen. The vintage piece has no label, is machine and hand sewn, finished to an exceptionally high standard. The colour is a lime green, almost an acid green due to the sheen of the satin. The reason I bought it is, I think, because it reminds me of a ball gown my mother wore when I was only about 12 years old. In those days my parents used to go out once a month on a Saturday to a dinner/dance with friends. On Saturday mornings my mother would go to the hairdressers for a shampoo and set, returning home with hair immaculately held in place by half a can of hairspray. 

By early evening my father would be home from work and the primping and priming would begin: I was enrolled to press my father's dinner suit, iron his shirt and polish his shoes - skills which would later earn me badges at Brownies for my prowess in all things domestic. I can remember as if it were yesterday, the moment when my mother appeared in her lime green silk dress looking like a glamorous movie star. The dress had a scoop neckline which was bejewelled in sparkling diamante stones that twinkled and reflected light onto her face. How radiant my mother was that night, resplendent in her shimmering green gown. Her make-up comprised of blue eyeshadow, black mascara and red lipstick. She rustled past me in a cloud of Coty L'Aimant, this Hollywood version of my mother, heading out to dance the night away.









My green ball gown pays homage to the magic of that evening of over 40 years ago: the night the seed of glamour was sown in a young girl's mind. I love to wear vintage as I'm a true romantic at heart.  For me this vintage dress and shoes bring with them such a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of days gone by. As the 50's representative of the group, I'm happy to portray the matriarch, the old fashioned glamour of the day. My thanks go to Sheela for inviting me to take part in Project Sister Act, thanks also to all of the contributors.

Once again, thank you for joining me here. I love to have you to write for, regardless of whether you feel the need to comment or not - just keeping me company is fine. My aim is to include you in my little world, this island life, the idyllic backdrop that also happens to be home. 

Details are -
Dress: Vintage, handmade
Shoes: Bebbou
Clutch: Leko London
Necklace, bangles and rings: all thrifted.

Linking with
Dawn Lucy of Fashion Should Be Fun

Anna x


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20 comments

  1. Lovely to see all these gorgeous women rockin' the maxi! You looks stunning, dear Anna! That green dress is To Die For! And what a wonderful memory you have of your mum.

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    1. Thanks Sheila for your vote of confidence. It's a lovely collection of dresses isn't it? Wishing you a fab weekend x
      Anna

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  2. What a beautiful dress and it looks stunning on you, Anna. It's very 60s in its design isn't it? I love all your accessories as well.

    How lovely that you have such a beautiful reminder of your mum every time you wear this dress.

    Have a great weekend

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you so much Veronica. This dress is the one I managed to put my heel through when I was gathering dresses for my cruise in Feb. Luckily it was just the lining that got damaged and has been fixed now. Consequently it's the first time I've worn it, but golly it did feel fabulous. Have a lovely weekend too x
      Anna

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  3. Isn't that beautiful and pristine!! You look gorgeous in it. How delightful that it evoked such a strong memory in you.
    This project sounds super!!!x

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    1. Kezzie, how kind of you to say such lovely things. This is a very special dress and I can't wait to have the chance to wear it again.
      Wishing you a fab weekend x
      Anna

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  4. Such a beautiful dress, Anna! You look amazing!

    And I love that the dress reminds you of your mother's dress from so many years ago. I, too, have memories of my parents getting ready to go out and transforming into "different" people...

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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    1. Awww, thank you Andrea. I seemed to have jogged a few memories with this story which is lovely.
      Have a great weekend x
      Anna

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  5. This posting and the story behind your childhood memories of parents taking on the garb and fantasy of a night out was SO evocative of how we first enter the world of fashion and all of the trappings of mystery and fantasy that go with it. I think we ALL share some version of this story. Mine parallel yours very closely! Anna, you're stunning in
    this gorgeous, green, gown. I'm certain that your dear mom sees and is proud and happy.
    Fashion has the power to unite us move us and renew our spirits in so many ways!!

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    1. Dear Judy, I'm bowled over by your response to this. I do think that was an era for us that lives on and was indeed so formative in our childhood. Thank you for your compliments too.
      Wishing you a great weekend x
      Anna

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  6. Whoa, that is a powerful dress and it looks stunning on you. I absolutely love how you wore your drop necklace hanging down the back. And what a stroke of luck finding such a perfect fit and cut on eBay. I'm glad it brings you such warm and magical memories.

    I admire all the unique maxi looks presented by the women in this chapter of Sister Act.

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    1. Hey, thanks Melanie! There was a whole lot of luck involved in this outfit I can tell you. And the necklace was a great find on my last trip away providing the perfect piece for that neckline. It's always good to be involved in new projects with new people - stops me for being too insular. Thanks for dropping by x
      Anna

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  7. Great idea :) . Long dresses - all the models look gorgeous. And your vintage green dress is just amazing. All the details, and the cut - beautiful. Cheers - Margot

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    1. Dear Margot, I agree that it's a great idea to feature long dresses. I don't really get the opportunity to wear a posh maxi like this too often, so it was wonderful for me. Am so pleased to have your feedback and kind comments.
      Have a great weekend x
      Anna

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  8. You look wonderful - and what a great story! I too remember watching my parents get ready for a glam night out...

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    1. It's lovely to have your input, thank you! I think this seems to have been a universal scene for us as children x
      Anna

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  9. This dress is a show stopper! I loved reading about your personal memories of your Mom in a similar dress. It is such a delight to be able to relive cherished moments through clothing.

    Everyone looks wonderful in their maxi dresses, which are a personal favourite of mine.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Dressing up like this is the ultimate in glamour for me, and yes, I suppose it must be down to this initiation all those years ago. I'm sure we've all been influenced by our parents clothes when we were young and eventually this emerges. Thanks Suzanne for your comments x
      Anna

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  10. Great memories Anna! I love the back of this dress the v back and your pic of your necklace showing. You look very glamorous in this style and I love that you added just the right touches with the silver clutch and shoes. Lovely
    thanks for linking up with turnng heads tuesday
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  11. Oh, Anna, your story brought back so many memories. My parents too would go to dinner dances and I remember my Mum getting dressed up and the smell of hairspray always, always takes me back.
    What a stunning green your dress is. I love how you've worn the necklace to emphasise the back - clever.
    Don't all the other ladies look so wonderful in their maxis. What a great post.

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

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