Homeschool Cotillion and 1950s Dress

This past weekend 3 of my siblings and I (and Rebecca!) attended a Homeschool Cotillion, a formal dinner and dance.

It was lots of fun! Some of the dances and music were a bit more modern that I prefer, but it was great just being with friends!

The tables were all decorated with international themes...

Isn't Aspen cute? Her dress looked so pretty (I actually bought a dress for once! lol) and her curly hair was bee-u-tee-ful.

After the cotillion, some of our number (no names shall be mentioned....) were determined to get ice cream, so we all caravaned over to Brahms....aaand they were closed, then to Sonic....closed. Then to IHOP..... you guessed it. So, finally we found Whataburger - open! so, there we are at midnight sipping chocolate shakes. It was awesome. ;-)

Now, for you seamstresses who will be interested in the dress details,

it was made from this 1953 pattern:

Top material is pale blue cotton voile, under layer is vintage blue duponi satin. Sash is a pink organza ribbon. Oh, and the necklace is pink freshwater pearls on a silver strand. My very favorite piece of jewelry. :^)

The skirt was really fun - 2 full circles! Great for twirling!

the only back view picture I had...

On Sunday we had an even lovelier time riding/hiking around our friend's ranch, and visiting a bit more before heading back home.

That's one huge rock.

So thankful for the wonderful weekend and for safe traveling! :^)

Our Swing Dance - Video Clip

A short video clip showing some swing dancing from our recent Retro Themed Homeschool Dance.

We are all having an absolutely wonderful time - as you can probably tell by the smiles on our faces! :^)

Enjoy!

Retro Themed Homeschool Dance Part 2

The dance was held in an old school gym with very worn wood floors. It was really perfect for the dance - just the right size!

We did a conglomeration of 1860s ballroom, English Country, and Swing dances.

List of dances...

Virginia Reel

Racing across the floor....

I love swing dancing! We've just learned some recently - but it's soo much fun!

Rebecca, myself, and Ginger

The Carolina Promenade

Broom dance craziness!

Just the girls!

The whole group - about 96 in all!

Such a wondeful time! I hope we can do it again soon!



Retro Themed Homeschool Dance Part 1

Last weekend we had a simply wonderful 40s-50s themed dance!  Part one will be about our retro costumes, and part two will be the actual pictures from the dance.

The dance didn't start until 5:30, but we girls started getting ready at 1pm! We barely got done in time - in fact, I was so rushed that I forgot my earrings. lol. But - our hairstyles turned out nicely thanks to the flax seed lotion and lots of hairspray and bobby pins! :^)

The less-than-glamourous trio with their pin curls up before bedtime. (but it will be worth it!)

Aspen's lovely pin curls

My pin curls...I cut my hair last week so they really  made my hair seem short. yikes!

Aspen wore a vintage 50s dress that I picked up at an estate sale for $5. I thought the color and fit were perfect for her age. It's almost sailor-themed, and it has these cute little rhinestones all about the neckline. I love the swingy, pleated skirt!

Her hair was parted on the side a combed back into a slight poof. All the curls where then gathered up and pinned on top, and decorated with paper roses.

Carolina wore a blouse made from a vintage 40s pattern, and her pink circle skirt I made last year with a black velvet belt, white tights, and black leather slippers.

Her curls were simply gathered back into two clips.

The guys trying to figure out how to tie a tye....

Laredo did a German military outfit and Cim did American AF. Here they are with two other brothers who also did the same. Don't they look handsome?

You can read more about my outfit and hairstyle here.

Mom and Dad. Mom wore a green vintage 50s dress, accented with a rhinestone pin, and yellow leather heels. Dad did a 50s cowboy look.

the whole family!

Stockton did a semi-casual military look with a tea-dyed shirt, khaki pants and a black tye and military insignia.

...up next - the dance!