Pioneer/Amish inspired dresses

[Hunter's Moon]

I am into this style of dress.

 

Not full blown apron and all, but inspired.

 

I have tried looking on ebay and amazon and have found nothing. The ones I have found online for in the $60-$100 range :svengo:

 

Any ideas?

 

I will be checking out our local Goodwill store and Savers soon, but I have some money on PayPal we can't transfer to our card so my parents said I could look online.

[Dobela]

If you search for 'Cape Dress' you will likely find several finished dresses and patterns as well.

[helena]

Try shopping vintage instead of new!! Do you have a vintage clothing store near you? Etsy, Ebay...?

 

I think Goodwill and garage sales could work well.

In the 70's the Gunne Sax dress was all the rage, you can find them second hand if you look. Here's what they look like: http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=vintage&search_query=gunne+sax+dress&order=most_relevant&ship_to=&page=1. They can look over the top (too 70's), but I've found some cute ones over the years. You can modernize them with the right shoes, or fitted blazer.

 

You can always find ankle length skirts (A line are nice), and match it with a high neck (modern) top.

http://www.rustyzipper.com/shop.cfm?viewpartnum=129469-M42289&backtorow=23&jumpshow=338&SIZE=&ERA=ALL&TYPE=&SEARCH=&GENDER=ALL'>http://www.rustyzipper.com/shop.cfm?viewpartnum=129469-M42289&backtorow=23&jumpshow=338&SIZE=&ERA=ALL&TYPE=&SEARCH=&GENDER=ALL'>http://www.rustyzipper.com/shop.cfm?viewpartnum=129469-M42289&backtorow=23&jumpshow=338&SIZE=&ERA=ALL&TYPE=&SEARCH=&GENDER=ALL'>http://www.rustyzipper.com/shop.cfm?viewpartnum=129469-M42289&backtorow=23&jumpshow=338&SIZE=&ERA=ALL&TYPE=&SEARCH=&GENDER=ALL

http://thackerays.co.uk/Women/Items/Traffic-People-Halson-Nude-Top-40710.aspx

 

This type of dress would look cute with flat lace up boots:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52021179/reserved-for-clarew-little-house-dress?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=little+house&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46683074/pioneer-spirit-black-floral-dress-elaine?ref=sr_gallery_39&ga_search_query=pioneer&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=3&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53561791/april-cornell-dress?ref=sr_gallery_31&ga_search_query=pioneer&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=5&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title

 

These types of tops are cute with skinny jeans and boots.

http://www.rustyzipper.com/shop.cfm?viewpartnum=129469-M42289&backtorow=23&jumpshow=338&SIZE=&ERA=ALL&TYPE=&SEARCH=&GENDER=ALL

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50692963/vintage-1970s-peach-prairie-blouse?ref=sr_gallery_35&ga_search_query=prairie+blouse&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55438654/vintage-ivory-and-lace-prairie-blouse?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=prairie+blouse&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title

 

Try searching etsy under vintage. Search all the buzz words like prairie, pinafore, etc., some of the photos are cute because you can see how young girls are workin the vintage look.

 

PS I have a secret love of the pinafore, I wear pinafore type aprons in the house because they "keep my clothes clean" ;). I end up wearing them all day.

Edited October 14, 2010 by helena

[NavyWifeandMommy]

I like the same style too but it's difficult to find now days. I had a friend that sewed. Too bad we are no longer neighbors. I am just gonna have to suck it up and pull out the dusty sewing machine. Skirts are more my thing.

[alpidarkomama]

I've ordered many clothes from here...

 

http://www.ringgerclothing.com/

 

Is that a little like what you mean? I'm tall, and I love being able to order a skirt in any length (I like near ankle length - 40 inches!). :)

[helena]

Oops! Ignore my other post if you meant truly straight lace looks. :tongue_smilie:

[FairProspects]

Just an explanation of the prices as someone who sews these types of dresses - this style frequently takes 8 or so yards of fabric and the fabric alone, even on sale, can cost upwards of $50. So in reality, sellers are not trying to rip you off, they are simply trying to re-coup minimal labor costs in sewing.

 

Your best bet would be to look at vintage or thrift stores, or try your hand at learning to sew yourself :D.

[Hunter's Moon]

Thanks everyone!

 

Oops! Ignore my other post if you meant truly straight lace looks. :tongue_smilie:

I liked a lot of your suggestions, too!

 

Just an explanation of the prices as someone who sews these types of dresses - this style frequently takes 8 or so yards of fabric and the fabric alone, even on sale, can cost upwards of $50. So in reality, sellers are not trying to rip you off, they are simply trying to re-coup minimal labor costs in sewing.

 

Your best bet would be to look at vintage or thrift stores, or try your hand at learning to sew yourself :D.

 

I understand it can cost a lot. I just don't have the money for them. I have been looking into learning how to sew them though. Need a sewing machine first...

[LuvingLife]

Thanks everyone!

 

 

I liked a lot of your suggestions, too!

 

 

 

I understand it can cost a lot. I just don't have the money for them. I have been looking into learning how to sew them though. Need a sewing machine first...

 

You will definitely need a sewing machine first! These dresses are hard to make, but fun and simple at the same time. I was just about to start making one for one of my little siblings and the machine broke. This was the third time it broke and my mom threw it out because we spent $150 just to fix it, and it was supposed to be guarenteed for life. That didn't happen. If you live near a fabri store I am sure they will have a lot of ideas as well.