The other night I went to an 'At the Movies' themed swing night (held by The Swing Sesh), and the brief was to dress up as your favourite movie star or character - for once, I decided to put some forethought into my costume. I knew I wanted something either from the '30s or '40s or, at least, set in one of the two eras. I also knew I didn't want to have to do elaborate make-up or hair (or wear a wig) and that I'd have to be able to dance in whatever I decided to wear. It didn't take all that long for me to decide, to tell the truth, as dressing up as a Rockford Peach is something I've wanted to do for such a long time.
A League of Their Own has been one of my favourite movies since I was a little girl (and I know this is something I share with quite a lot of people), despite having practically zero interest in spectator sports of any kind (I was the girl who did as little as she could in PE class and made certain I'd get 'out' as soon as possible if that was an option). It is a good film, though, if a little on the schmaltzy side of things, and I think it highlights at important part of the history of women in sports and I suppose how World War II affected that, too. However, I think I might do a separate post on the film one day so, for now, if you want to read more about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League you can go to this site.
Now, on to my costume! Even though I didn't really need to be a specific character, I decided I'd be "All the Way" Mae, which is the character Madonna played, as my hair is a similar length and colour.
I despaired for a little while of being able to find a pattern to make a similar style of dress (if I'd had enough time, I would have ordered this reproduction uniform from Amazon) but it worked out far better than I could have imagined in the end! We (well, I had the idea but mum did it as I find sewing dull and she enjoys it a lot) modified this pattern so that the overlaying panel doesn't end in the middle but extends further to look a little more like the uniform. (I'm not entirely sure how she did it as, as mentioned, she is the seamstress, not I!)
Finding a fabric the exact same colour was impossible but I think this is close enough - the hardest part was finding a plain red cap! In the end, we had to cover the logo on the cap with some red fabric and put the 'R' over that - it doesn't look exactly the same as the caps from the movie (which are also not exactly like the caps worn by the actual team) but I guess it gets the point across.
The shorts were made from the Wearing History Smooth Sailing pattern and the belt is from my Peta Pledger Angelique dress (you can buy the belts separately, too). As you can see I chose my trusty old saddle shoes over baseball shoes (or plain black shoes) for practical reasons (as well as the fact that I didn't fancy buying a new pair of shoes).
We didn't have time to get a proper patch or print one nicely so we just printed it on paper and sewed it on but it did the job for the night. But, really, I can barely express how pleased I was with this costume. It really pays off to put thought into it, I think. After all, I ended up getting nominated for best costume of the night (I lost to Wayne & Garth and Max - Where the Wild Things Are - so I can deal with that!)
Here's a clip of a little bit of swing dancing in the film - it's not really the greatest but I like that you get to see Madonna is wearing a panty girdle!
And I was going to try to learn this on my uke and do a video to go with the post but I got lazy. Ha!
Boy, that was a long post (and a bit wordy, too) - if you made it all the way through I applaud you! If not, I don't blame you and at least there were pictures to look at, too. I've got some more screencaps up on Flickr and I'll be adding more periodically (I ended up doing over 400 but have selected 100 to upload).
Love,
Andi B. Goode
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Your costume is OMGAMAZING! A League of Their Own was one of my favourite films growing up too. It is hard to imagine anyone topping this costume, you're definitely the winner in my eyes - if that counts for anything! Hehe!
ReplyDeletewow, your idea was fantastic
ReplyDeleteYour Outfit looks great you and your Mum did a good Job hope you enjoyed the Party.
ReplyDeleteEek! I ADORE YOUR COSTUME! It's fabulous! And...hush, hush...I love A League Of Their Own too! :')
ReplyDeleteI used to watch "A league of their own" every sunday when I was younger! It was like an obsession and now that you have this lovely outfit I can say your my new obsession!lol!
ReplyDeleteps: I would really like to dance like Madonna one day!
Omg AWESOME! That is such a cool costume :-D It truly does show when you put effort in. :-)
ReplyDeletebest....costume....EVER!!!! Brilliant! You should have won for SURE!
ReplyDeleteThat is amaaazing! You have the attitude down, as well. :) Love these photos.
ReplyDelete*sings* We are members of the All American League, we come from cities near and far! I *love* that movie, and now I'm jealous of your uniform and curse my lack of time/laziness for not having a Racine uniform. You look great - and it looks like you're rocking the Mae 'do!
ReplyDeleteFantastic outfit - so well done! I knew who you were as soon as I saw the first pic.
ReplyDeleteSO cute! I always have an epic list of costumes that I'd like to try "someday" and this is always near the top. You look darling!
ReplyDeleteOh my god, this is brilliant I love this film so much. You look amazing, your mum did a brilliant job. I would totally wear that during the week hah x
ReplyDeleteFantastic outfit!! I was so surprised and happy when I saw you'd made one! I really need to get a hold of one as well :)
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my all time faves movies. I might have to watch it again now I have seen you post! This outfit ROCKS in a Peach styleeee and no mistake!!!
ReplyDeleteAh, I love that movie! What a great idea for a costume! You put so much detail into it ♥
ReplyDeleteSuch a great costume. I loved that movie. I always watched it when I was home sick from school.
ReplyDeleteLove this! So adorable and sassy to boot.
ReplyDeletexx
Such a great costume!! Gah! I wish I had a seamstress willing to make me things! It turned out beautifully. :)
ReplyDeleteThat costume is amazing.you look fantastic it looks like the real thing.Such a great job.I love that movie alot.That scene of madonna dancing is my favorite part.And the one where jimmy hits the little boy.lol.Love it love it.xx
ReplyDeleteYour costume is so much better than the one on amazon, good work to your mum for altering the pattern, you look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love this film and have toyed with the idea of doing a dress like this.....making a couple of the teams uniforms.....still tempted now if only so I can have one too!
Absolutely adorable, what a great costume! I almost never have occasion to dress in costume anymore, but the few Halloweens we've dressed up for we've really spent some time on our costumes and you're right, it pays off. I adore your Rockford Peaches costume! All the elements went together perfectly. You really do look perfect.
ReplyDeleteOf course I loved that movie when I was younger too, I should see it again. :)
oh dear,you're stunning, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletethis is perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Your costume looks way better than the one for sale online! Good job!
ReplyDelete-Leah
I'm so proud of you for putting so much thought and detail into your costume, Andi! You really went "all the way" haha ;P lame I know. But I totally love it, you look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteYour costume is absolutely amazing! The uniform patch and the cut of the dress/skort is beyond perfection!
ReplyDeleteI love "A League of Their Own" as well and if I catch on TV, I will sit and watch it to the end. I adore the fashions! The costume designers were spot-on when it came to capturing the little details that make up wartime style.
You've done an amazing job of recreating Mae's uniform and yes, your hair is perfect!!! I love it when people go all out to make a truly beautiful costume that looks like it's straight out of an era and not "circus-y" xoxo
ReplyDeleteOH MAN I adore your (and your mom's) craftiness! Inspirational-so cute! I love this movie too.
ReplyDeleteWOW, you look amazing!!! I love A leage of their own too...such a great movie, Tom Hanks are so funny in that one...and of course all the nice clothes and hair....really great!
ReplyDelete/ Olivia
OH MY GOD!!!!!!Your costume is SOOOO cool!!!! A league of their own is like one of my all time favourite movies.
ReplyDeleteIt made me want to be a proffesional baseball player, even though my eyesight and hand eye coordination are terrible. I think you should have won. Rockford peaches rock!!!!
'A League of Their Own' is one of my ultime favourite movies! My sister and I called eachother Mule and Nag haha!
ReplyDeleteI love the costume (I'll be hunting one for myself I think) and you make a fab 'All The Way' May
Love your outfit and your hair!
ReplyDeletehaha, the clip of madonna dancing was in russian! - so great to see madonna dancing in flat comfy shoes.
I have always wanted to do this costume! And what a marvelous job you did!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
-Janey