Mad Men Dress Challenge.

I know I'm among many eagerly awaiting the fifth and final season of AMC's Mad Men. Impeccable plot lines, script and character development aside, I love tuning in to adore the costuming genius of Janie Bryant; it's vintage sewers' eye candy. Among those enamored with the series, self-proclaimed, Mad Men Obsessed, Julia Bobbin has proposed a thematic SAL challenge to choose and re-create your favorite wardrobe piece from the show. This project was just too exciting not to start researching immediately... I've promised myself no actual work will begin until I've finished February. 

Between scouring Netflix, Tom And Lorenzo, and my pattern collection I think I've narrowed my top contenders. Both, are Betty dresses. 

Option A:  Rose print, camisole top dress. It appeared TWICE in season two. First, it was worn dressed down for a picnic during episode 7, then, spruced up with some pearls for dinner with Daddy in episode 10.

This rose print cotton from Fabric.com may as well have been made to recreate this dress, right? It's so perfectly suited to the challenge, I've stopped looking for alternatives. 


I think McCall 5842 view B, dated to 1961 would do quite nicely for imitating the design of the original. Most obviously, the spaghetti straps, scoop front, fitted bodice, and full, gathered skirt resemble the design shown on screen. The contrast band could easily be eliminated, but I don't think it hurts the overall concept. And, I would likely leave it if I choose this option. 

Option B: Floral Cocktail Dress. This dress, from Season 1, episode two, was the inspiration for the Betty Draper Barbie. It's pretty incredible. 

This option still requires some searching for fabric. I've found a few varieties that mostly underwhelm me, but the above swatch from Mood is at the top of my list so far. 

If I choose this dress, I'll be using Advance 9275 as my pattern, though I will probably franken-pattern a sleeveless bodice from another, solely because I imagine far more use from a sleeveless version. And, perhaps, a detachable bow? We'll see.  

Submissions are due Friday, March 30 (fits the bill perfectly for my monthly project!). If you want to participate, jump over HERE to get detailed information. I've got a tough decision on my hands.  Which do you think I should go for?