Vivien of Holloway

Marilyn’s “Let’s Make Love” Aran Jumper

Posted on by The Girl
Reproduction of Let’s Make Love jumper

It’s still sweater weather and what’s wrong with that! When thinking about about my autumn-winter wardrobe, starting to pull on wooly socks and chunky knits is something I look forward to every year as the nights draw in and there is that fresh morning chill in the air. As we now enjoy signs of Spring, we have a way to go before there’s any chance of hot weather!

There’s a new addition this year. I finally found a pattern very similar to the blue Aran knit sweater worn by Marilyn Monroe as Amanda in the 1960’s film Let’s Make Love. Although not one of my favourite films, I do watch it for the songs and the clothes!

A definite highlight is Marilyn singing My Heart Belongs to Daddy in the blue Aran Jumper and black tights. I think it’s a good nod to casual Sixties dressing although obviously she is dressed for a rehearsal, not going out! The jumper looks lilac-pink during the number as the lights are pink.

Marilyn under the stage lights in the diamond version

Look carefully and you will notice two variations of the jumper are used in the scene. One with blackberry stitch and diamonds, the other with honeycomb stitch, V cables and a wider boat neck. Do you have a preference?

Marilyn wearing the V cable version and widened boat neck

For some interesting history about the origin and story behind the two versions of Marilyn’s jumper in Let’s Make Love, read Edel Macbride’s post and check out her beautiful knits while you’re there.

It would look great belted, with a pencil skirt or with slim black trousers or a pair of jeans. An Aran Jumper is a classic and can be styled into many eras. I particularly think of Goldie Hawn looking gorgeous in The House-sitter wearing an array of boyfriend jumpers with classic fit jeans or leggings.

I love the idea of a coloured Aran knit as I have generally seen them in neutral colours, and although this blue one is from the Sixties, it somehow feels modern and new. Maybe that’s just me.

Vintage Aran pattern available on Etsy from VintageKnitsPDF

Having knitted the vintage pattern from VintageKnitsPDF on Etsy, I now know the alterations I will make for the next one I knit. For example, extending the ribbed edge, shortening the ribbed boat neck and widening the central panel of pattern. However, the pattern is ever so close and it is a beautiful vintage knit.

Authentic vintage pattern – Aranbeg Maggie Aran jumper
With alterations to reproduce Marilyn’s Let’s Make Love diamond Aran jumper

Would anyone be interested if I knitted more, with the vintage pattern or with the alterations? I am also interested to know if the colour of the sweater with the pink lights on it is another colour you’d be interested in?

Commission’s taken. Check @thegirllovesvintage_shop on Instagram for items for sale.

Fifties cropped trousers

Posted on by The Girl

I love the fit of vintage clothes, that high street brands rarely match. Trousers that fit snug on the waist but actually fit over my hips are difficult to find.

Grace Kelly in patterned pedal pushers
Grace Kelly in jeans
Audrey Hepburn in striped cropped trousers
Audrey Hepburn in black cropped trousers

See how nicely Fifties trousers fit, and you’ll be glad to know there are replica vintage brands that fill the need. For example, Collectif, Bernie Dexter, Pinup Girl Clothing, Heyday and Vivien of Holloway.

Marilyn in checked trousers
Marilyn in cigarette pants
Marilyn in striped pedal pushers

However, the price tag isn’t always level with the high street because of the work that goes into shaping. Still, they may not match the difference between your waist and hips as they have to size ready-to-wear with an ‘average’ difference. Vintage clothing generally gives a 10″ difference between hips and waist for an hourglass figure, or 12″ appears on my vintage patterns. Let me know if you’re lucky enough to find high waisted trousers with this difference in a high street brand!

Casual
Vivien of Holloway jeans
Channelling Mrs Peel

I love my replica vintage ladies jeans from Vivien of Holloway. The fit is perfect at the waist and over my hips. This makes them so comfortable, as they just stay put, and don’t require me pulling them up as they stretch. The leg is pretty much a classic straight cut and and the seams don’t twist. The belt loops are fairly big, over an inch, so a belt can be worn. They were sold as rolled up jeans, but i do unroll mine and they come to my ankles. I’m 5’2″, so no supermodel. I guess if you have long legs, they’d be 7/8th length? Still perfect pin up jeans, good with flats or heels, a really flattering fit with a slight stretch to the fabric.

The other trousers I love wearing because they fit well, are a pair I made from a vintage replica sewing pattern.  I bought some black and white gingham for making Miss Winter’s skirt The Assassination Bureau, and had plenty left over for making a pair of cropped trousers inspired by Marilyn Monroe.

My gingham check trousers
Marilyn Monroe wearing her checked trousers
From Marilyn Monroe’s estate
My gingham cropped trousers

A friend asked me to make her a pair, and here she is channelling Audrey Hepburn, modelling them.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Photo credit: Gina Walbridge

Here’s what to wear with vintage style trousers;

  • A lightweight knit with heels like Marilyn
  • Boat neck top and ballet flats like Audrey
  • Shirt and loafers like Grace

Notice the details too;

  • The decorated flats Audrey wears or the laces on Grace’s flats
  • a scarf as a belt
  • The variety of patterns used for the trousers, while keeping the top plain.

How do you wear yours?