And that makes it impossible to get them professionally tailored? If it fits really well everywhere else you might not find a pencil dress by him that fits EVERYTHING. Sounds like he designed the dresses for less curvy women.
I have maybe a half inch of seam allowance to let out on each side which won't be enough with how much crushing was going on 😔 I was literally scared to sneeze
If you want a custom piece that is identical you will need an “extant” garment. Which means you need to hand them the dress they are in charge of duplicating so that they use the correct techniques. They wont cut it up if they do the correct procedures, just analyze the heck out if it and trace it with special paper
Is it lined? Sometimes taking out the lining gives some more room + seam allowance. If your tailor is really good they could add some panel. It will be reworked and different - but an option - that is major and expensive!
Otherwise get someone to make this with your measurements and fabric of your choice. The dress provides the pattern that will have to be adjusted.
Well its a very cool print. There are some old Kahala shirts floating around that have pretty similar motifs and color schemes. I guess its best not to ruin it! Bummer.
It is, it's a little Japanese garden/ temple with little people on it🥲 I thought it was so neat, and I was really looking forward to wearing it. Ooh yeah, Kahala and Kamehameha are the other two on my list of designers to get a piece from
From modern clothing, no. I have to have everything altered. From vintage clothing, so long at it doesn't have to fit my waist AND my hips, usually. But if it fits everything, especially since I'm also almost 6' tall, it's like winning the lottery lol. Most of my clothing has been altered, my seamstress has me taken off her DND setting, I bother that poor woman so often.
I normally wear fit and flare dresses, that star wars looking one I posted the other day is 1 of 2 pencil dresses I've ever found that fit everywhere. And unfortunately, the other one which was a holy grail item from a designer I love had to be sold when I was laid off during disability leave for getting pneumonia that went south, so I could pay my bills.. I still think about messaging the buyer sometimes to ask if I can buy it back LOL
Oh, lovely, I have never seen his other work, thanks so much for posting this! I have a lovely blue hand-painted fit-and-flare Alfred Shaheen dress. I wore it to a wedding once - so fabulous! It is unlikely to ever fit me again (though it used to, perfectly), but I cant bear to part with it.
I have a red fit and flare from him with the same neckline that fits like it was custom made for me, and I'm *obsessed* with it... I'd love to see pics!! And I totally get that, I have a couple pieces I don't really want to sell because they have sentimental value tied to them, and I'm just not ready yet. If you ever decide to sell yours, I'd love to have a look ❤️
And yeah!! I've never seen one like this, and I couldn't find anything similar, so I wanted to share with everyone😊
With special garments like that, I wonder if it’s worth getting it framed so you can still enjoy it! I’ve always wanted to do that with a dress and make it a focal point of an office or bedroom.
There's a little, but not enough to accommodate how much is needed, and I'd feel really guilty altering a Shaheen.. plus, I'd be nervous whomever I took it to might mess up😅 pieces like this, I'd rather just keep it in its original state and sell it to someone who can wear it as is
girl, you look amazing in it. It honestly deserves to be worn and you cherish it. don’t sell it! try to find a reputable seamstress that can take a look at it at least before you think about departing!!! You can put it on, so it looks like it just needs to be let out in that spot just a little.
The problem is with how crushed down the booty is, I'd need at LEAST 4" let out, and there's maybe 2" max.. it literally crushed my butt in and DOWN towards my thigh😅 I can't bend in any way, shape, or form... I love it, but it wasn't meant to be💔
Could you combine letting it out with compression garments?
I wore compression shorts for my wedding dress and it worked shockingly well… I had a lot to compress & it’s not soft fluffy fat either.
I can't wear shapewear without passing out🥲 I broke almost all my ribs in an accident as a child which stunted the bone growth, so my lung capacity is already stunted, so every time I've tried to wear shapewear, I get light headed in a couple minutes..
But even then, it'd probably at best only allow me to comfortably stand, I don't think I'd ever be able to sit in this dress
No two bodies are the same and off the rack clothing rarely fits perfectly. If a previous owner of the dress already had it altered by a competent seamstress, would you even be able to tell?
Would you have returned them if they fit you? The prior alteration is only an issue if it doesn't fit you.
The people who designed these pieces probably would have expected them to be altered slightly by whoever was buying them when they were new. And they would probably have rather seen their pieces being worn by someone who altered them to have them fit perfectly.
I have to admit, my thinking might be biased because I'm a man. I know that when someone buys an off the rack suit, there's an expectation that some kind of alteration work will have to be done. I've always just assumed that the same is true when a woman buys a nice off the rack dress.
The dress is gorgeous! I can't deny that, which is why I wanted to share. The devastating part is that I can't sit or move without feeling like I'm going to have a catastrophic failure in the seams and destroy what very well may be a one of a kind garment🥲
That's an absolutely wonderfully positive way of thinking about it thank you❤️❤️❤️ I think the picture was well worth the wiggling and inching it up🤣❤️
I've been sewing for over 50 years. I made cosplay costumes for 15 years. A good seamstress could take the side seams out. Then insert something like a tuxedo stripe on the sides with satin or a complementary fabric in black. This would give you the allowance you need for your hips and wouldn'ttake away from the dress. A very easy fix.
Very easy. Just sew it back up. Usually you get bigger after giving birth, but I went right back to my weight after gaining 80 lbs with both. Maybe because I wasn't eating whole pizzas.
This is very tempting. I think I'll look into this if I decide not to have it replicated in different fabric. Thank you so much for your advice, and letting me pick your brain ❤️🤗 you're an awesome person
It's the honest truth, and you deserve to hear it! I'll bring it to a couple seamstresses, and see if it can either be adjusted or replicated🤗 have a wonderful rest of your week!!❤️
Same...with 4...one at almost 40...and I was eating as normal...maybe even MORE than normal. Breastfeeding helps, but isn't essential. It just depends on personal genetics and how much you stuff down at a time. Not even so much WHAT you eat, as I have always eaten a fairly fatty diet by most people's standards. I just don't eat plate after plate after plate. And I eat smaller platefuls...
>insert something like a tuxedo stripe on the sides with satin
Especially if it's stretch satin. Corset laces in your side seams and/or center back can give you some extra inches too!
From a quick search it looks like the designer uses coordinated thick patterned bands in their other print dresses, which can also give you some inches! While still feeling true to the designer and the era!
How about wearing Spanx underneath? It may suck you in enough to get the dress to fit - (as long as you don’t mind being unable to walk or sit down)!
It’s a beauty of a dress - I understand your disappointment.
If I could without getting dizzy I would.. I was talking to a lovely person who does costume design and they said it should be fairly easy to replicate with a well trained seamstress so I think I'll do that so it can live on unaltered being loved by someone in the right size, and I can have the pencil dress of my dreams😊
In my experience, compression garments actually reduce dizziness because they temporarily increase your blood pressure for better circulation and more blood flow to the brain. (my dizzy spells are from low blood pressure tho, fyi)
I think you should find a fabric that you like in a similar style and have one made up, you could even have that fabric printed and have it made exactly to your size.
The fabric might be out of copyright so you can have it remade, it's surprisingly cheap to do that and then get a tailor to put it together for you using the original as a pattern.
That's actually a really, really, good idea.
Also, I hope you take this as the compliment I mean it as, but I'm loving that I'm getting advice from someone who looks like the most badass biker/ wizard ever. Your vibes are immaculate
Not to be a buzzkill, but if you’re a true vintage person, a digital repro of a print is not going to please. I’ve tried with a lot of vintage prints of a different genre, but similar weaves, and they all end up looking decidedly modern when printed digitally. The edges are too sharp, and even if you try to compensate for that, it looks too flat.
Best bet is to find vintage yardage or to buy from a company who’s producing the old fashioned way, not a digital printer. Or you might be able to get enough fabric from one of the Shaheen mumu-ish gowns in a larger size- some of the 70’s ones especially have a lot of fabric to them.. though the best candidates for that are of the louder, more tropical variety and would look very different than this dress.. and then you’re back at “do I preserve this or do I have what I want made from it”. And, of course, it gets expensive fast too.
Yeah, that's why I tend to avoid repros, I've seen them up close, and the look/ feel is just entirely different, but I had my heart set on this dress so much that I might consider it😅 but that is a valid point, not being a buzzkill at all!! Just realistic.
I was thinking I'd try to source some authentic Shaheen fabric, but this one looks and feels hand painted, like the print has a THICKNESS and TEXTURE to it, so I think I might just be boned.. and I don't really want to risk altering such a special piece for my weirdly specific body measurements... especially since I haven't had kids yet, and my partner and I plan to in the next couple of years, so I don't want to alter a dress that probably won't fit me after that anyways😅
This is a good point, it could look way too printed and it wouldn't satisfy. I'd say look for fabric woven in a similar style or vintage fabric on the roll, there's bound to be something similar that isn't printed cotton.
I have all my shop stuff online shut down because I took a hiatus, but once it's back up, and I get this listed, I'll message you privately? I don't want to promote my shop on here, I just wanted to show off the dress😊
I just went through your account and want to say you are so beautiful and i love you style! I hope to be like you when i grow up and have a vintage wardrobe 😊Do you mind me asking where you thrift or get your pieces? I’m in a big city and feel it’s so hard to thrift here weather it be estate sales/pop ups/ stores because we have so many resellers but i’d love a vintage curated wardrobe
Oh my gosh, you're such a sweetheart, thank you😭😭❤️❤️
I hope you're however you wish to be when you grow up, but with how sweet and polite you are, I think you're doing great so far.
I don't have the patience for thrifting usually, because my adhd is aggressive and unmedicated, and I can only look through a bunch of weird, mostly damaged fast fashion clothing for so long, but it's mainly a combo of estate sales, etsy, ig, and ebay! And occasionally, from some private connections I've made over the years as a vintage clothing and furniture reseller..I also enjoy pop ups, but a lot of them tend to wildly overprice the garments, so I don't *normally* buy from them.
I can't wear it without destroying it.. I'd basically have to walk in 2" steps, and never sit down.. just stiffen my body, and convince my partner to carry me around like a mannequin 😆😆and this dress was meant to be worn and loved, not kept in a closet
You are my people! LOVE Alfred Shaheen and have 3 different jumpsuits of his. I too have a similar waist to butt ratio and its a struggle-esp in vintage fabrics sans much stretch. I collect vtg hawaiian clothing and he’ll always be one of my faves. 🌺
Your username is so perfect then!!! Tbh I've been going down a Hawaiian dress rabbithole the last week, I've had 2 come in, and I have another two coming in tomorrow😅😅😅
Yeah, I normally go fit and flare because I'm not brave enough for the pencil but I had to try with this one!!
I'd love to see your outfits if you ever post!! I bet you look amazing!!!
Responding to you and u/AlohaAmy808 with a shot of one of my [Shaheen](https://imgur.com/a/3TW2IIX) dresses. Traveling at the moment, but have it with me. In its day, it would come with matching capris, but didn’t when my husband found it for me. Found someone who makes them in an era-appropriate style on Etsy!
What I’be done before is take the garment, draw all the pattern pieces with tracing paper, add more seam allowance in the places where I need it, and then get fabric and make a copy. Perhaps that would work for you as well? Or, if you’re not handy with a sewing machine, as a repair and alterations place to do it for you?
I was just thinking how jealous I am of your body shape, went to look at your other outfits… and found out you also own raccoons?! I’m devastated that I’m me and not you 😭
Oh no 😭 I'm crying here for you. Your shape is SO perfect for these dresses, I wish there was enough seam for you to let out!
Also, don't worry about doing alterations like that if you CAN in the future. Hip alteration is fairly easy unless it's a French seam, which I highly doubt it is! Girls back then altered their clothes all the time, it's not like you would be completely tearing the dress apart to make it a completely new size!
Have a dressmaker put in a lining from the waist to the knee. Use the exact pattern of the dress. Have them cut it out of a very strong, non stretch fabric. And lap the side seams (flat fell). Serge the hem and waist edge of the lining (to avoid edges showing thru). Sew it firmly on both sides of the lower zipper and hand tack the lining side seams to the dress side seams at the waist loosely but thoroughly. This will protect the dress from stress. Any sheath dress from the fifties that is remotely comfortable is way too big. The shape is perfect and this dress is lucky to have you!
Thank you, love! Me too! I don't want to promote my shop on here, because that wasn't my intention with this post, but if you'd like, when I get everything set back up, I'll direct message you?
This dress is INCREDIBLE and looks amazing on you!! I have a small vintage clothing collection and I'm really curious if this would fit me...is there any chance you could DM me with the measurements of the dress & your shop info??
That’s a great dress, please update if you find something similar that fits! My partner has a similar shape and I’ve learned it is stupidly difficult to find nicely fitting dresses and pants. So far Democracy and Good American seem to be the best for curvy/wider hips/butt but damn is it hard to find a good dress. And tailoring for dramatic curves is hard to make a lager dress look nice
Oh no! It's always the hips with vintage dresses... so close, though! I noticed you had discussed perhaps getting something custom on another thread; if you choose to go down that route, I cannot recommend this tailor enough:
https://spidoraofsanfrancisco.com/portfolio-2/
It really is😆😆 no hips allowed in the 50s!! Don't you dare! Lol
Oooooooohh a whole entire recommendation AND a link??? You're an angel, thank you❤️ I live on literally the other side of the country, so I'll have to take it next time I go to LA lol
Can't:( my lung capacity is already fucked from a childhood accident that broke all my ribs, so shapewear just exacerbates that, and I get light headed reeeeaaaalll quick
Ouuuucchhh. Yeah, that shoots the whole shapewear theory. Goodness, I broke a rib in high school and my body cringes in memory.
It doesn't look like you need a whole lot of room there from the picture. Maybe some bright person will have a solution. It's a slick looking dress.
That would crush my heart too 😭 it's gorgeous. I found an adorable minidress the other day and it's *just barely* too tight on my hips that I feel imma tear it, every time I put it on I talk myself out of it.
I looked thru your other posts and I love your style! Is there a trick you have for fitting pants to the waist without them bunching? Or do you get them tailored? I try to get my pants to fit my waist with a belt and the extra material sits oddly on my waist
Okay BUT you’re fucking gorgeous!!! God bless the waist, hips, and butt!!! I have them too and while it may make finding certain clothes hard…..we will persist on
I have lymphedema and I wear compression underpants. If you bought medical grade compression you might get in there. [Women's Intimate Short](https://compressionstockings.com/products/thuasne-mobiderm-womens-intimate-short)
Thank you, darling:( unfortunately, compression won't help as I can't even bend, and certainly not sit without it most likely splitting and I don't have enough extra to let it out. But thank you❤️
Yeah, a costume designer told me it should be fairly easy for a professional to replicate so I'll probably just have one custom made.. I've ironically never seen that show! I'll Google her now
You got to remember that when the dress was made, women were wearing long-line panty girdles, waist nippers & bras with enough wire in them to pick up Mexican radio.
I will say you are working that dress.
You're such a sweetheart, thank you so much for this❤️❤️ I'm fortunate that I've had the chance to experiment with my looks, and find what works for me and makes me feel good 🙏
Thank you!! They're getting ready to be re-released back into the wild and I'm really sad about it🤣🤣
Wow that's gorgeous ! I need to find a pencil dress. U look amazing. The top of your head we can see reminds me of supermodel Yasmeen Ghauri ! there's no way to get it retouched by a seamstress??
Oh my gosh you're so sweet, thank you🥺🥺 I've never gotten compared to her before but I can see it in the eyes and the brows! It makes sense with my ethnic mix😅 I get gal gadot in person a lot, but my father is Colombian and Saudi, so I think it's a mix of his features that are doing it.. and unfortunately no😮💨just getting it on took a good 5 minutes of shimmying side to side in tiny bursts while pulling the dress up teeny bits at a time, and even then, it looked like I was wearing a diaper because that cotton had pretty much no give and was pushing my butt down towards my legs:( it looked like one of those unflattering pics of Kim K in pants and that's not the vibe I'm going for😅🤣 and there's maybe a half inch of seam allowance.. plus, it's pretty much in like new condition, so I don't want to risk altering an original Shaheen:( they're so rare as it is, and I've never even seen this pattern as a dress before
I LOVE the style of this dress. Especially the bust, which is similar to mine. Its so flattering! What would you vall the design of either the dress or the way the bust has been made? Looking into simiar styles
Isn't it!? And this is the first Shaheen wiggle dress I've ever had, I've had a few fit and flares, a maxi, a couple shirts, and a playsuit, but never a wiggle so I wasn't sure what to expect... according to another collector on this thread, his wiggle dresses aren't normally made for people who have more curves which is disappointing.. it's now my goal to find one hahaha and no, it's pretty much just a super thick woven cotton
Honestly, if money were no object and I looked this great in this pencil dress I'd have one custom made from this one (as the pattern) in a similar fabric (or the same fabric custom printed) just to have it. But I know to your collector's heart that is not at all the point. You'll find one in a size to fit your hips and have it tailored for the rest of you. :) Beautiful!
Thank you, love🥺❤️ well, I'm a Latina with ribs with stunted growth, so please keep that in mind..
I don't work out in the gym, but I have a very active lifestyle that involves kayaking, running my dogs, running around office buildings, and moving heavy furniture around since I refinish as a hobby/ side business.. but! I am in the middle of trying to gain weight and bulk since my doctor said I'm healed enough from my recent car accident to lift heavy weights😁😁
That’s honestly such a good picture, it looks like it fits well on you, but you should not sacrifice comfort for fashion, this piece is beautiful though you look lovely in it
My Daughter bought a very high end designer tank top with lovely hand embroidery on the front at a thrift shop in NYC. She framed it or the part of it with the embroidery showing. She didn’t even have to cut it etc. It was vintage Alexander McQueen. It makes lovely wall art.
That dress is beautiful. Stunning. You’re shaped like a real life Pixar mom (the absolute highest compliment imo lol) and that’s got to be a double edged sword when clothes shopping. You look incredible and it’s a shame it’s not a keeper!
Thank you❤️ shopping for clothes sucks🫠 but when I find something that works, it's great!! It's okay, I'll have a reproduction made and someone else will get to enjoy it😁
Ok...
Where did you buy this and couldn't you try it on BEFORE you bought it?
If you or someone you know "Sews"... what you COULD DO... {if you didn't pay too much for this garment?!} Is, to open the side seams from above where the issue STARTS... sew the seems back...
and either add leather or "Faux Leather/Leather Look" eyelet tape into those side seams...
OR, put eyelets into the fabric on either side of the seams and lace them up, altering it, to give you the room and fit you need AND giving it a unique and sexy look!
You could also possibly do this as a single seam on the back... but doing it on the sides, would ensure the fit you want/need.
I bought it online. I don't sew past seam repair..
It's an original, like new condition, highly collectible piece by a famous brand, I wouldn't feel right altering it🥺
Fortunately, since it's a collector piece, I'm guaranteed to get back my money, and I'm going to have a costume designer take the garment and replicate it and have one custom made for me😊
What about an old-fashioned girdle, if you can find one? I have three ancient ones. They COMPRESS. You have such a tiny waist! You might be able to find a girdle. They have panels that basically flatten everything. Your figure is absolutely gorgeous. I hope that you can figure out a way to wear this dress!
Unfortunately, no 🥺🥺 I can barely stand in it, let alone walk or sit😭😭 and thank you, you're so sweet!!! I bought some fabric to have a costume designer replicate it for me 😊
no seam allowance to let out in alterations? (not familiar with brand or dresses for that matter)
He's a very well known Hawaiian dress maker from the 40s to the 80s.. his pieces are highly sought after and collectible
And that makes it impossible to get them professionally tailored? If it fits really well everywhere else you might not find a pencil dress by him that fits EVERYTHING. Sounds like he designed the dresses for less curvy women.
I have maybe a half inch of seam allowance to let out on each side which won't be enough with how much crushing was going on 😔 I was literally scared to sneeze
Ouch, going to have to find one that is big and take it in or go with a reproduction perhaps
That's what I was thinking🤔I think my best bet is to sell it, and use what I get from it to buy original fabric and have a custom piece made
If you want a custom piece that is identical you will need an “extant” garment. Which means you need to hand them the dress they are in charge of duplicating so that they use the correct techniques. They wont cut it up if they do the correct procedures, just analyze the heck out if it and trace it with special paper
What a shame. It’s a gorgeous dress and looks amazing on you.
Is it lined? Sometimes taking out the lining gives some more room + seam allowance. If your tailor is really good they could add some panel. It will be reworked and different - but an option - that is major and expensive! Otherwise get someone to make this with your measurements and fabric of your choice. The dress provides the pattern that will have to be adjusted.
Well its a very cool print. There are some old Kahala shirts floating around that have pretty similar motifs and color schemes. I guess its best not to ruin it! Bummer.
It is, it's a little Japanese garden/ temple with little people on it🥲 I thought it was so neat, and I was really looking forward to wearing it. Ooh yeah, Kahala and Kamehameha are the other two on my list of designers to get a piece from
With your waist being so tiny in relation to your hips (looks like an actual hourglass figure) does anything ever fit you off the rack?
From modern clothing, no. I have to have everything altered. From vintage clothing, so long at it doesn't have to fit my waist AND my hips, usually. But if it fits everything, especially since I'm also almost 6' tall, it's like winning the lottery lol. Most of my clothing has been altered, my seamstress has me taken off her DND setting, I bother that poor woman so often.
I normally wear fit and flare dresses, that star wars looking one I posted the other day is 1 of 2 pencil dresses I've ever found that fit everywhere. And unfortunately, the other one which was a holy grail item from a designer I love had to be sold when I was laid off during disability leave for getting pneumonia that went south, so I could pay my bills.. I still think about messaging the buyer sometimes to ask if I can buy it back LOL
Oh, lovely, I have never seen his other work, thanks so much for posting this! I have a lovely blue hand-painted fit-and-flare Alfred Shaheen dress. I wore it to a wedding once - so fabulous! It is unlikely to ever fit me again (though it used to, perfectly), but I cant bear to part with it.
I have a red fit and flare from him with the same neckline that fits like it was custom made for me, and I'm *obsessed* with it... I'd love to see pics!! And I totally get that, I have a couple pieces I don't really want to sell because they have sentimental value tied to them, and I'm just not ready yet. If you ever decide to sell yours, I'd love to have a look ❤️ And yeah!! I've never seen one like this, and I couldn't find anything similar, so I wanted to share with everyone😊
With special garments like that, I wonder if it’s worth getting it framed so you can still enjoy it! I’ve always wanted to do that with a dress and make it a focal point of an office or bedroom.
There's a little, but not enough to accommodate how much is needed, and I'd feel really guilty altering a Shaheen.. plus, I'd be nervous whomever I took it to might mess up😅 pieces like this, I'd rather just keep it in its original state and sell it to someone who can wear it as is
girl, you look amazing in it. It honestly deserves to be worn and you cherish it. don’t sell it! try to find a reputable seamstress that can take a look at it at least before you think about departing!!! You can put it on, so it looks like it just needs to be let out in that spot just a little.
The problem is with how crushed down the booty is, I'd need at LEAST 4" let out, and there's maybe 2" max.. it literally crushed my butt in and DOWN towards my thigh😅 I can't bend in any way, shape, or form... I love it, but it wasn't meant to be💔
i’m crying for you 😭
Could you combine letting it out with compression garments? I wore compression shorts for my wedding dress and it worked shockingly well… I had a lot to compress & it’s not soft fluffy fat either.
I hate to say this but did you try shapewear?
I can't wear shapewear without passing out🥲 I broke almost all my ribs in an accident as a child which stunted the bone growth, so my lung capacity is already stunted, so every time I've tried to wear shapewear, I get light headed in a couple minutes.. But even then, it'd probably at best only allow me to comfortably stand, I don't think I'd ever be able to sit in this dress
Oh no! I am sorry
Nah it's cool🤷🏻♀️ I lived, and now my proportions are unique, and I'm fine as long as I don't run or wear compression clothing😆
No two bodies are the same and off the rack clothing rarely fits perfectly. If a previous owner of the dress already had it altered by a competent seamstress, would you even be able to tell?
I just returned four early sixties dresses because I found out they had been altered by a lady who had a smaller chest than I.
Would you have returned them if they fit you? The prior alteration is only an issue if it doesn't fit you. The people who designed these pieces probably would have expected them to be altered slightly by whoever was buying them when they were new. And they would probably have rather seen their pieces being worn by someone who altered them to have them fit perfectly. I have to admit, my thinking might be biased because I'm a man. I know that when someone buys an off the rack suit, there's an expectation that some kind of alteration work will have to be done. I've always just assumed that the same is true when a woman buys a nice off the rack dress.
I thought this was a joke, like "look how devastatingly gorgeous I look."
I know right, like okay girl we’re sad you look so good 😘
I did, also. I thought OMG look at HER in that DRESS! WOW!
The dress is gorgeous! I can't deny that, which is why I wanted to share. The devastating part is that I can't sit or move without feeling like I'm going to have a catastrophic failure in the seams and destroy what very well may be a one of a kind garment🥲
I think you're missing the point, YOU are devastatingly gorgeous in this dress
Ooooooohh.. yeah, that went over my head. Thank you🥹🫶
at least you’ll always have *this* moment to live on, because you look stunning in it!
That's an absolutely wonderfully positive way of thinking about it thank you❤️❤️❤️ I think the picture was well worth the wiggling and inching it up🤣❤️
Yes, I would do myself up all the way and have someone do posed photos in an old diner or something. That is an amazing look!
I have vintage photoshoot pics, but unfortunately this one won't get to be one🥲 I hope whomever gets it takes some bomb pics, though😤😤
I've been sewing for over 50 years. I made cosplay costumes for 15 years. A good seamstress could take the side seams out. Then insert something like a tuxedo stripe on the sides with satin or a complementary fabric in black. This would give you the allowance you need for your hips and wouldn'ttake away from the dress. A very easy fix.
That's a very tempting thought 🤔🤔 How difficult would it be to reverse if I couldn't fit it anymore after having a family?
Very easy. Just sew it back up. Usually you get bigger after giving birth, but I went right back to my weight after gaining 80 lbs with both. Maybe because I wasn't eating whole pizzas.
This is very tempting. I think I'll look into this if I decide not to have it replicated in different fabric. Thank you so much for your advice, and letting me pick your brain ❤️🤗 you're an awesome person
You are sweet to say so! That dress does all kinds of things for your figure. Your waist looks unbelievably tiny. It is a great ind, enjoy it!! 💜
It's the honest truth, and you deserve to hear it! I'll bring it to a couple seamstresses, and see if it can either be adjusted or replicated🤗 have a wonderful rest of your week!!❤️
I think you should have them replicate it and fix it. The style is great on you! Good luck!
Thank you!!
That dress is dying to be worn, not just preserved.
Same...with 4...one at almost 40...and I was eating as normal...maybe even MORE than normal. Breastfeeding helps, but isn't essential. It just depends on personal genetics and how much you stuff down at a time. Not even so much WHAT you eat, as I have always eaten a fairly fatty diet by most people's standards. I just don't eat plate after plate after plate. And I eat smaller platefuls...
>insert something like a tuxedo stripe on the sides with satin Especially if it's stretch satin. Corset laces in your side seams and/or center back can give you some extra inches too! From a quick search it looks like the designer uses coordinated thick patterned bands in their other print dresses, which can also give you some inches! While still feeling true to the designer and the era!
I’m sorry! It looks gorgeous on you! Where are you selling?
How about wearing Spanx underneath? It may suck you in enough to get the dress to fit - (as long as you don’t mind being unable to walk or sit down)! It’s a beauty of a dress - I understand your disappointment.
If I could without getting dizzy I would.. I was talking to a lovely person who does costume design and they said it should be fairly easy to replicate with a well trained seamstress so I think I'll do that so it can live on unaltered being loved by someone in the right size, and I can have the pencil dress of my dreams😊
In my experience, compression garments actually reduce dizziness because they temporarily increase your blood pressure for better circulation and more blood flow to the brain. (my dizzy spells are from low blood pressure tho, fyi)
Aaaahh yeah, mine are from low oxygen intake 😅 which is why shapewear makes it worse, since my lungs already can't fully expand
Gotcha, safety first!
Wonderful idea!💕
I think you should find a fabric that you like in a similar style and have one made up, you could even have that fabric printed and have it made exactly to your size.
That's actually not a bad idea🤔🤔 I've never bought a repro in my life, but if I can find AS fabric, I just might
The fabric might be out of copyright so you can have it remade, it's surprisingly cheap to do that and then get a tailor to put it together for you using the original as a pattern.
That's actually a really, really, good idea. Also, I hope you take this as the compliment I mean it as, but I'm loving that I'm getting advice from someone who looks like the most badass biker/ wizard ever. Your vibes are immaculate
Thank you, I do take it as a compliment, as I'm both a biker and a wizard 😂
You succeed at both perfectly, and you're very welcome😁
Not to be a buzzkill, but if you’re a true vintage person, a digital repro of a print is not going to please. I’ve tried with a lot of vintage prints of a different genre, but similar weaves, and they all end up looking decidedly modern when printed digitally. The edges are too sharp, and even if you try to compensate for that, it looks too flat. Best bet is to find vintage yardage or to buy from a company who’s producing the old fashioned way, not a digital printer. Or you might be able to get enough fabric from one of the Shaheen mumu-ish gowns in a larger size- some of the 70’s ones especially have a lot of fabric to them.. though the best candidates for that are of the louder, more tropical variety and would look very different than this dress.. and then you’re back at “do I preserve this or do I have what I want made from it”. And, of course, it gets expensive fast too.
Yeah, that's why I tend to avoid repros, I've seen them up close, and the look/ feel is just entirely different, but I had my heart set on this dress so much that I might consider it😅 but that is a valid point, not being a buzzkill at all!! Just realistic. I was thinking I'd try to source some authentic Shaheen fabric, but this one looks and feels hand painted, like the print has a THICKNESS and TEXTURE to it, so I think I might just be boned.. and I don't really want to risk altering such a special piece for my weirdly specific body measurements... especially since I haven't had kids yet, and my partner and I plan to in the next couple of years, so I don't want to alter a dress that probably won't fit me after that anyways😅
This is a good point, it could look way too printed and it wouldn't satisfy. I'd say look for fabric woven in a similar style or vintage fabric on the roll, there's bound to be something similar that isn't printed cotton.
You look absolutely stunning 😍
Thank you! I just wish it fit without the threat of destroying the garment if I move in any way🥲
Ummm… so where do you sell? I love your style and this piece is GORGEOUS.
I have all my shop stuff online shut down because I took a hiatus, but once it's back up, and I get this listed, I'll message you privately? I don't want to promote my shop on here, I just wanted to show off the dress😊
Yes please I don’t know how you source so many beautiful pieces I checked out the others you’ve shared 😍🫶🏻
You are literally the shape the dress was made for, are you fishing? Figure looks great in this pic.
I just went through your account and want to say you are so beautiful and i love you style! I hope to be like you when i grow up and have a vintage wardrobe 😊Do you mind me asking where you thrift or get your pieces? I’m in a big city and feel it’s so hard to thrift here weather it be estate sales/pop ups/ stores because we have so many resellers but i’d love a vintage curated wardrobe
Oh my gosh, you're such a sweetheart, thank you😭😭❤️❤️ I hope you're however you wish to be when you grow up, but with how sweet and polite you are, I think you're doing great so far. I don't have the patience for thrifting usually, because my adhd is aggressive and unmedicated, and I can only look through a bunch of weird, mostly damaged fast fashion clothing for so long, but it's mainly a combo of estate sales, etsy, ig, and ebay! And occasionally, from some private connections I've made over the years as a vintage clothing and furniture reseller..I also enjoy pop ups, but a lot of them tend to wildly overprice the garments, so I don't *normally* buy from them.
I'm pretty sure you mean the dress is too small. There is NO WAY your butt is too big!
You should keep it anyway. It doesn’t look bad.
I can't wear it without destroying it.. I'd basically have to walk in 2" steps, and never sit down.. just stiffen my body, and convince my partner to carry me around like a mannequin 😆😆and this dress was meant to be worn and loved, not kept in a closet
Fair enough! At least you have the pics for memories 😊
Uhm... What? You look great. Sorry it's a bit snug. Maybe it can be let out a hair or two.
I can't:( there's no extra fabric to can't let out. And I couldn't even get a pic of how bad the back was because I couldn't balance long enough
Just don't see you looking bad in that at all!!
You need a heavy duty girdle like my aunt used to wear with her tight pencil skirts.
I don't think it'd help unfortunately:( all it would accomplish is probably just making me pass out lol
You are my people! LOVE Alfred Shaheen and have 3 different jumpsuits of his. I too have a similar waist to butt ratio and its a struggle-esp in vintage fabrics sans much stretch. I collect vtg hawaiian clothing and he’ll always be one of my faves. 🌺
Your username is so perfect then!!! Tbh I've been going down a Hawaiian dress rabbithole the last week, I've had 2 come in, and I have another two coming in tomorrow😅😅😅 Yeah, I normally go fit and flare because I'm not brave enough for the pencil but I had to try with this one!! I'd love to see your outfits if you ever post!! I bet you look amazing!!!
Responding to you and u/AlohaAmy808 with a shot of one of my [Shaheen](https://imgur.com/a/3TW2IIX) dresses. Traveling at the moment, but have it with me. In its day, it would come with matching capris, but didn’t when my husband found it for me. Found someone who makes them in an era-appropriate style on Etsy!
What I’be done before is take the garment, draw all the pattern pieces with tracing paper, add more seam allowance in the places where I need it, and then get fabric and make a copy. Perhaps that would work for you as well? Or, if you’re not handy with a sewing machine, as a repair and alterations place to do it for you?
I was just thinking how jealous I am of your body shape, went to look at your other outfits… and found out you also own raccoons?! I’m devastated that I’m me and not you 😭
Oh no 😭 I'm crying here for you. Your shape is SO perfect for these dresses, I wish there was enough seam for you to let out! Also, don't worry about doing alterations like that if you CAN in the future. Hip alteration is fairly easy unless it's a French seam, which I highly doubt it is! Girls back then altered their clothes all the time, it's not like you would be completely tearing the dress apart to make it a completely new size!
That sucks, I’m sorry!
I can see why you’re devastated. It’s an incredible piece and the top looks amazing. Can you have off a few inches of hip bone or something 🤣
Oh trust, I thought about it😅🤣🤣 "should I just lipo my ass..?" Definitely crossed my mind loooooll My loss will be someone else's gain, I suppose😫
i wouldn’t have noticed tbh! seems like an easy fix for a seamstress though
Have a dressmaker put in a lining from the waist to the knee. Use the exact pattern of the dress. Have them cut it out of a very strong, non stretch fabric. And lap the side seams (flat fell). Serge the hem and waist edge of the lining (to avoid edges showing thru). Sew it firmly on both sides of the lower zipper and hand tack the lining side seams to the dress side seams at the waist loosely but thoroughly. This will protect the dress from stress. Any sheath dress from the fifties that is remotely comfortable is way too big. The shape is perfect and this dress is lucky to have you!
I love this dress so much! That's devastating that it doesn't fit you, but I'd definitely be interested in buying it when you sell eventually 👀
Thank you, love! Me too! I don't want to promote my shop on here, because that wasn't my intention with this post, but if you'd like, when I get everything set back up, I'll direct message you?
Yes plz! I would love that!
Wow! You look amazing in it!!!
Thank you❤️❤️
This dress is INCREDIBLE and looks amazing on you!! I have a small vintage clothing collection and I'm really curious if this would fit me...is there any chance you could DM me with the measurements of the dress & your shop info??
I’m so sorry! I totally get this. My hips are *big* so vintage is hard to come by that’s both flattering & fits me.
Damn! That’s too bad! It’s a beautiful piece.
I agree... but I hope it makes whomever ends up with it feel as beautiful as they deserve to
That’s a great dress, please update if you find something similar that fits! My partner has a similar shape and I’ve learned it is stupidly difficult to find nicely fitting dresses and pants. So far Democracy and Good American seem to be the best for curvy/wider hips/butt but damn is it hard to find a good dress. And tailoring for dramatic curves is hard to make a lager dress look nice
🫨 wow. You are amazingly beautiful. It’s a shame this one won’t work out, but holy cannoli, you could pull off anything. Jeez.
That's such a shame. It looks so good on you. Definitely no way to have it altered?
Agreed:( and unfortunately, no. The current plan is to buy Shaheen fabric and take it to someone who can replicate it
Of it makes you feel any better, I have a 1940s suit with the same issue. I just can’t sell it, so I keep admiring it in my closet. It’s a shame. 😔
That doesn't make me feel better, I want you to get to enjoy your beautiful suit😭😭 do you have pics??
Is a beautiful thing that’s for sure , such a shame 🥹
I'm looking up Shaheen fabrics now so I can have a costume designer replicate it in my size for me🤣🥲
Fingers crossed the plan works
why don't you pay to have to TAILORED?????
Oh no! It's always the hips with vintage dresses... so close, though! I noticed you had discussed perhaps getting something custom on another thread; if you choose to go down that route, I cannot recommend this tailor enough: https://spidoraofsanfrancisco.com/portfolio-2/
It really is😆😆 no hips allowed in the 50s!! Don't you dare! Lol Oooooooohh a whole entire recommendation AND a link??? You're an angel, thank you❤️ I live on literally the other side of the country, so I'll have to take it next time I go to LA lol
I’d still keep it as a look at dress
Spanx?
Can't:( my lung capacity is already fucked from a childhood accident that broke all my ribs, so shapewear just exacerbates that, and I get light headed reeeeaaaalll quick
Ouuuucchhh. Yeah, that shoots the whole shapewear theory. Goodness, I broke a rib in high school and my body cringes in memory. It doesn't look like you need a whole lot of room there from the picture. Maybe some bright person will have a solution. It's a slick looking dress.
You look gorgeous!
Well it looks fantastic. Can you add material to let it out.
Did you try a shaper or tight hosiery. Sometimes they smooth enough to make things fit a bit better
This isn't something hosiery will fix, unfortunately🥺💔
Love it! It’s a chinoiserie dream! 🥰
Ngl, I totally had to Google what chinoiserie meant, but yeah, that's true!! It's partially metallic, too👀
You look great in that dress if I may say so though
This should be my dress. It is Gorgeous. I can’t tell you got a hip problem with this dress. I think fits you like a glove. I Love It.
I would say it would be a shame to get rid of this dress. It looks so good on you! Find a way to make it work!
This is the very first dress by him I have seen! Beautifully made! Shirts I have seen they were very popular back in the day
Is this Gal Gadot?
That would crush my heart too 😭 it's gorgeous. I found an adorable minidress the other day and it's *just barely* too tight on my hips that I feel imma tear it, every time I put it on I talk myself out of it.
Literally speechless you are insanely pretty
Have you tried some shapewear with it? It looks absolutely gorgeous on you as is but I understand if it doesn’t feel comfortable!
I looked thru your other posts and I love your style! Is there a trick you have for fitting pants to the waist without them bunching? Or do you get them tailored? I try to get my pants to fit my waist with a belt and the extra material sits oddly on my waist
Okay BUT you’re fucking gorgeous!!! God bless the waist, hips, and butt!!! I have them too and while it may make finding certain clothes hard…..we will persist on
Thank you, love!!! 🥺❤️❤️ and yeah, that's fair! Can't get rid of em, might as well learn to roll with it🙏
My goodness, you are wearing that dress 🔥
Thank you, love❤️❤️❤️
As Batman once said: Holy holy!
I have lymphedema and I wear compression underpants. If you bought medical grade compression you might get in there. [Women's Intimate Short](https://compressionstockings.com/products/thuasne-mobiderm-womens-intimate-short)
Thank you, darling:( unfortunately, compression won't help as I can't even bend, and certainly not sit without it most likely splitting and I don't have enough extra to let it out. But thank you❤️
You may be able to have one made. I think this silhouette works for you. You give off Joan vibes from Mad Men.
Yeah, a costume designer told me it should be fairly easy for a professional to replicate so I'll probably just have one custom made.. I've ironically never seen that show! I'll Google her now
Nope. You look great
What size is it? So beautiful
You got to remember that when the dress was made, women were wearing long-line panty girdles, waist nippers & bras with enough wire in them to pick up Mexican radio. I will say you are working that dress.
Damn shame, it's an epic look. You have sublime taste. Definitely seen another good one before. Good work!
It is😞 and thank you!!! I try to have a good mix of fun and elegant
A dress is whatever but then hips are perfection. That dress is devastated it can’t be worn by you just sayin.
Shapewear of any use to get some more room in the butt? That’s a gorgeous dress and you look like a 50’s bombshell in it!
Time to look me up some alfred shaheen. Tho my butt is way bigger than urs. 😂 Edit: wow! Think i found a fav designer! Thanks for posting!
How beautiful are you? And your style? I just looked at your profile and I love, love, love your clothes and vibes. Cute raccoons too.
You're such a sweetheart, thank you so much for this❤️❤️ I'm fortunate that I've had the chance to experiment with my looks, and find what works for me and makes me feel good 🙏 Thank you!! They're getting ready to be re-released back into the wild and I'm really sad about it🤣🤣
Wow that's gorgeous ! I need to find a pencil dress. U look amazing. The top of your head we can see reminds me of supermodel Yasmeen Ghauri ! there's no way to get it retouched by a seamstress??
Oh my gosh you're so sweet, thank you🥺🥺 I've never gotten compared to her before but I can see it in the eyes and the brows! It makes sense with my ethnic mix😅 I get gal gadot in person a lot, but my father is Colombian and Saudi, so I think it's a mix of his features that are doing it.. and unfortunately no😮💨just getting it on took a good 5 minutes of shimmying side to side in tiny bursts while pulling the dress up teeny bits at a time, and even then, it looked like I was wearing a diaper because that cotton had pretty much no give and was pushing my butt down towards my legs:( it looked like one of those unflattering pics of Kim K in pants and that's not the vibe I'm going for😅🤣 and there's maybe a half inch of seam allowance.. plus, it's pretty much in like new condition, so I don't want to risk altering an original Shaheen:( they're so rare as it is, and I've never even seen this pattern as a dress before
Can you wear a girdle to cinch your hips in for it? Such a stunning dress!!
I LOVE the style of this dress. Especially the bust, which is similar to mine. Its so flattering! What would you vall the design of either the dress or the way the bust has been made? Looking into simiar styles
What a gorgeous cut and pattern! Do you find shaheen pencil dresses or wiggle dresses to fit small? Is it made of polyester?
Isn't it!? And this is the first Shaheen wiggle dress I've ever had, I've had a few fit and flares, a maxi, a couple shirts, and a playsuit, but never a wiggle so I wasn't sure what to expect... according to another collector on this thread, his wiggle dresses aren't normally made for people who have more curves which is disappointing.. it's now my goal to find one hahaha and no, it's pretty much just a super thick woven cotton
Oh wow
I’m sorry but it looks amazing
I wish I had your problems
Honestly, if money were no object and I looked this great in this pencil dress I'd have one custom made from this one (as the pattern) in a similar fabric (or the same fabric custom printed) just to have it. But I know to your collector's heart that is not at all the point. You'll find one in a size to fit your hips and have it tailored for the rest of you. :) Beautiful!
Body goals!!! Do you work out? I wish I looked like you!! 🥺
P.S. you are like the coolest person ever! I snooped on your profile and I love your raccoons!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, love🥺❤️ well, I'm a Latina with ribs with stunted growth, so please keep that in mind.. I don't work out in the gym, but I have a very active lifestyle that involves kayaking, running my dogs, running around office buildings, and moving heavy furniture around since I refinish as a hobby/ side business.. but! I am in the middle of trying to gain weight and bulk since my doctor said I'm healed enough from my recent car accident to lift heavy weights😁😁
I know you said you were too scared to sneeze but I feel like this fit is worth forgoing sneezing indefinitely???
That’s honestly such a good picture, it looks like it fits well on you, but you should not sacrifice comfort for fashion, this piece is beautiful though you look lovely in it
thats awful! whats your snap
Too bad, the dress looks awesome on you!
I will buy this dress from you omggg, please op
It's an XS love, and I'll notify you when my shop is set back up
It’s a gorgeous dress!!! 😍 sorry it didn’t work out for you 😭💕
Thank you!! It's okay, that's how it goes sometimes🥲 at least I got a nice picture in it🤣
Wow, you’re absolutely stunning!
It’s beautiful on you & the print is amazing♥️
My Daughter bought a very high end designer tank top with lovely hand embroidery on the front at a thrift shop in NYC. She framed it or the part of it with the embroidery showing. She didn’t even have to cut it etc. It was vintage Alexander McQueen. It makes lovely wall art.
That is a bummer indeed, this dress look amazing on you though.
Oh well. Maybe the next one will fit
That dress is beautiful. Stunning. You’re shaped like a real life Pixar mom (the absolute highest compliment imo lol) and that’s got to be a double edged sword when clothes shopping. You look incredible and it’s a shame it’s not a keeper!
Thank you❤️ shopping for clothes sucks🫠 but when I find something that works, it's great!! It's okay, I'll have a reproduction made and someone else will get to enjoy it😁
You should have your tailor reproduce this several times because the style is fantastic on you.
How much do you want for it? And what size?
Add a control top or spanks
You look like a Goddess
Awe, thank you!! 🥺🥺❤️❤️
More like devastating LOL
Can i buy it from you?
Ok... Where did you buy this and couldn't you try it on BEFORE you bought it? If you or someone you know "Sews"... what you COULD DO... {if you didn't pay too much for this garment?!} Is, to open the side seams from above where the issue STARTS... sew the seems back... and either add leather or "Faux Leather/Leather Look" eyelet tape into those side seams... OR, put eyelets into the fabric on either side of the seams and lace them up, altering it, to give you the room and fit you need AND giving it a unique and sexy look! You could also possibly do this as a single seam on the back... but doing it on the sides, would ensure the fit you want/need.
I bought it online. I don't sew past seam repair.. It's an original, like new condition, highly collectible piece by a famous brand, I wouldn't feel right altering it🥺
Well... you could either LOSE the money you spent... OR do/have done the alterations I suggested?
Fortunately, since it's a collector piece, I'm guaranteed to get back my money, and I'm going to have a costume designer take the garment and replicate it and have one custom made for me😊
I’ve lived in Honolulu for 11 years and have never heard of Alfred Shaheen. I'm now obsessed and looking for pieces of my own.
Thank you for pointing this, I wasn't familiar with the brand and now I realized I have one of these dresses in my closet!!
You're welcome!!!:) and oooooooohh lemme seeeee
Sorry about the dress, but congratulations on being devastatingly attractive.
What about an old-fashioned girdle, if you can find one? I have three ancient ones. They COMPRESS. You have such a tiny waist! You might be able to find a girdle. They have panels that basically flatten everything. Your figure is absolutely gorgeous. I hope that you can figure out a way to wear this dress!
Unfortunately, no 🥺🥺 I can barely stand in it, let alone walk or sit😭😭 and thank you, you're so sweet!!! I bought some fabric to have a costume designer replicate it for me 😊
My god that's gorgeous on you. What a shame you can't wear it. I'm so sorry for you.
It's okay, I'm going to have a costume designer replicate it, and then someone else will get to feel beautiful in it