Meet Beth. One of the funniest, craftiest, most awesomest people I know. She’s going to a formal event {Casino Night fundraiser, funnn!} and needed some help finding something to wear. These were her parameters:
- Made in the USA
- Modcloth dresses preferred
- Under $100
- Vintage flair
Here’s what I came up with:
Dresses: Eva Franco Gala Life Dress, Confetti Falls Dress, Rioja Dress
Shoes: Black Shoes, Nude Shoes
Accessories: Cocktail Ring, Earrings, Feather Hair Clip
The commonality between the dresses is the structure at the waist, flattering because it accentuates your most narrow part. The first & third dresses in particular have a retro feel to them, but I think the real key accessory here is the hair clip. {Beth, I bet you could make an awesome one!} I’d suggest a side chignon for the hairstyle since it’s equal parts elegant and graceful.
Accessories and shoes were hard to find made in USA, there are so many imports out there! I threw a nude pump in the mix for the magenta dress specifically, I love the way nude heels make your legs look about a million miles long. And the art deco inspired jewelry just tops it all off.
2 questions for you guys…how would you add vintage flair to a cocktail look? And do you have any suggestions on great Made in USA brands?
Have fun Beth, thanks for letting me play along!

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for including an Eva Franco dress! She’ll be so happy – remember to let me know when you can come down to LA sometime and we’ll tour her showroom and studio.
that would be awesome! I love her stuff.
Thanks, Kate! I love the hair clip and hair advice especially. I am OK at finding dresses I love and terrible at accessorizing. When I pull it all together, I will send you a picture.
Looking forward to hearing advice from your readers.
the dresses you sent me were spot on. i love it when people know what “works” for them! I’ll send you a couple of tutorials on the hair. Glad you liked it!
i have nothing to add…those dress picks are perfection! fabulous! i want them for myself, even though i have no vintage-inspired cocktail party to attend. that’s fine, though, right? right. you have great taste.
-brittney
http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com (my daily outfit blog)
I’m so bad at considering made in the usa brands. That said, I’m really gonna put in an effort to change that.