REVEAL: GINGHAM PLAYSUIT

I have finally completed my black and white challenge project! 11 days after the deadline... but then I did just move across the world to England. Luckily my sewing machine works here, with the help of a voltage converter! I originally planned on making a much needed long sleeved white blouse with black collar tie for this challenge but as the summer crept up in Brooklyn, and with an upcoming visit to the Riviera, I was in the mood for something summery. I have always loved the fun look of play suits and retro swimwear, so I wanted to create something similar to this two piece worn by Rachel McAdams in "The Notebook" but for lounging in style rather than swimming. I feel like I achieved that with this gingham playsuit. 

The shorts are self drafted using a pair of american apparel denim shorts which I added length to, and replaced the zip with a covered elastic waistband for comfort. The top is the free bandeau pattern from Burdastyle, I just added halter straps. All of the seams are french seams and that just makes me so happy- knowing that it will last and I don't have to hand wash it in fear of it falling apart (ahem, my gingham maternity dress). The best part about this project is that it was free, I used the fabric from our old tablecloth which I made last year that we no longer needed since we donated our kitchen table before the big move. I definitely want to make this outfit again, but with exposed red elastic for the waist and under the bust and in a retro print. I ran out of gingham fabric to make a matching headscarf so I would do that too. Next time I will also give more ease at the waist of the shorts so I can slide them over my hips faster as now it is a bit tight - you want to be able to get them on and off quickly when changing at the beach. I loved this photo shoot, the courtyard here is a perfect backdrop for the black and white theme and I felt super glamorous in this outfit. So glamourous that I just had to strike a pin up pose!