Category: Non-Opera

BOGO Queen: Recycle the Runway 2026

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Recently, I had the immense pleasure of participating in something that I had never done before: a charity fashion show. Although it was not my first fashion show (that honor belongs to the P.E.O. Founders’ Day celebration of 2022), I was both excited and nervous to walk the runway under the bright lights of the historic Ritz Theatre stage.

Benefiting Your Polk County HUB, a cancer and chemo support non-profit, the aim of Recycle the Runway was to design an outfit made primarily out of recycled materials. I was up for the challenge and for good reason; I had previously made a newspaper dress in 2013 when I went as “Old News” for Halloween.

The inspiration behind my recycled look came readily. As a retail associate at Publix Super Markets, I regularly delight in my customers saving through the “BOGOs” (Buy One, Get One) and the featured sale items in the weekly ad circulars. Comically, I often celebrate my savviest shoppers by pronouncing them as BOGO “queens” and “kings”, sending them off with a flaunted fold of receipt paper.

My crazy Publix life !

Unlike my “Old News” dress, I chose to use a structured base for the garment, which included a hoopskirt and a fabric bodice, supported with Rigilene boning and closed with a zipper.

As I was forming the skirt, I didn’t know how it would be designed, so I experimented by making long strips out of the ads, which were taped together. Pleasantly surprised, I was encouraged by the overall shape of the ads when laid out on the floor in a fan of food and products. A circle skirt was being created right before my eyes.

Pleated along the waistline of the mannequin, the skirt was attached to a corresponding paper waistband with staples and tape. That was easy !

Onto the bodice… When I made “Old News” in 2013, I pleated sheets of newspaper in order for the top to expand when I wore it. This worked well. Applying the same principle, I molded the folded pages around the base bodice and pinned them into place.

Then, I trimmed and stapled the upper edge to the fabric bodice.

And, voilà ! I was amazed at how quickly the outfit was coming together.

But it still needed more… Although I briefly experimented with making sleeves, I didn’t like the appearance of them and realized that they would be unpractical for modeling on the runway. I needed to cover my shoulders to give the outfit a more regal impression and decided on some wide straps─ made out of paper, of course. It was a challenge to position the straps in just the right place since I was creating this project alone, but I managed with some contortionist maneuvering in the bathroom.

The grocery manager at my store supplied me with a large sheet of unbent cardboard from our water pallet deliveries so that I could make a grand Elizabethan ruff. More ads, crimped into a circular accordion pleat, adorned the outer face. Lastly (and on a whim !), I fashioned a cape that attached to the shoulder straps with Velcro. I couldn’t believe that I was finished !

But what’s a queen without a crown ?! I added some themed cardboard letters to a glitzy Amazon tiara, all in Publix green.

The event was a raving success with fun, designer themed hors d’oeurves and desserts.

Crowded backstage, all thirteen of the models strutted their stuff on the runway, one by one, including me. Each designer’s creation was spectacular. What stunned me the most about my recycled paper dress was how fluidly it moved on stage. After all, it was my first time wearing the outfit in an open space where I could walk and turn freely !

I think it’s safe to say that I had too much fun on the runway…

Thank you to my friend, Kim, for capturing the walk on video.

Although I didn’t win any prizes, I was grateful to even be included in such a talented group of artists. Everyone exceeded expectations, all for a worthy cause.

To all my BOGO Queens and Kings at the store, this outfit was dedicated to YOU ! Without your support, I wouldn’t have had the inspiration to create my design. Serving you is my greatest pleasure.

Toi, Toi, Toi,

Mary Martha

A Betty Dress For Every Occasion

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Vintage dresses, with their timeless design and classic charm, are always on my radar for potential projects. In recent years, there have been numerous independent sewing pattern companies that have sprouted forth with vintage-inspired designs. One of the earliest pioneers of this specialized category is Sew Over It Patterns, based in the UK.
While I have been an admirer of the pattern company for years, I had never bought one of their patterns. However, this changed when I took the plunge and purchased their iconic Betty dress (and additional Add-On Pack) while it was on sale.

Sew Over It Betty Dress

Inspired by the early 1960’s and the TV series, “Mad Men”, the Betty dress was right up my alley: the stately bateau neckline, fitted bodice, and a full circle skirt made for twirling on the dance floor. I was ready to sew !
Coinciding with my new project was a series of videos produced by the team at Sew Over It, showcasing the fitting steps and how versatile the simple dress could be.

Watching the videos, along with reading several blog posts and sewing a plethora of mock-ups, helped me achieve a near perfect fit on a bodice block that was far from my measurements and bone structure. My first dress was made out of a stretch cotton sateen bottomweight in a vibrant floral print. Its first public appearance was at the Florida State P.E.O. Convention during the Friday night social and helped me to feel like a butterfly, flitting around the dance floor in that voluminous skirt.

Cheers !

With the success of my first Betty dress, I wanted to make another one, but this time, modify the neckline using the Add-On Pack. I opted for the V-neck version.

A wild foliage print on a cotton/polyester stretch shirting made for a delightful summer dress, especially when paired with a linen button down shirt as a cool topper.

Sew Over It Betty Dress (V-neck, sleeveless) styled with Pattern Emporium’s All In Shirt

There were now two Betty dresses in my closet, but I still craved more. It was time for a solid frock (and a fancy one, too), I thought. A fall wedding on my calendar was just the excuse I needed to make my desired design.

With the wedding being a semi-formal affair, I extended the skirt to a midi length and used the scoop neck template from the Add-On Pack. Can you guess where I spent most of the evening ?!

As you can tell, the Betty dress easily transitions from a casual daytime look to chic evening attire. And, if you sew like I do, it could become a versatile closet staple and your next sewing addiction.

Toi, Toi, Toi,

Mary Martha

The King and I: Night to Shine 2025

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The evening of February 9, 2024 was one I couldn’t forget. My first experience at Night to Shine made an impact so great that I almost liken the feeling to that of my first opera outing. Before the DJ’s equipment could be packed away and the thousands of twinkling lights unstrung, my attentions turned to the following year and that all-important question: What was I going to wear ?

The end of a magical evening ─ Night to Shine 2024

The story of how Jacob and I met is well documented in all its grocery glory. As I considered a myriad of styles for my prom dress, I weighed each option by the measure of Jacob’s outspoken preferences in fashion. He favors the color blue and voices a vehement abhorrence for sequins. Moreover, I didn’t want to overshadow Jacob’s “puteet” stature with a gown of staggering dimensions. Curiously, I was most attracted to the sleek and classic lines of 1930’s style gowns. But it wasn’t until I chanced upon one of Gertie’s monthly Patreon patterns that I was completely sold on the idea.

Gertie modeling the Starlet Gown (Patreon, December 2023)

The Starlet Gown, made out of stretch velvet with no fiddly closures, seemed right up my alley for a fuss-free evening. After mulling it over, I signed up for a monthly subscription to Patreon and downloaded the pattern. The sew-along video that was included with the membership fee offered helpful techniques on how to sew with stretch velvet and finish the lined bodice. Weighting the cowl neckline was essential, and therefore, a quarter was listed in the required notions. As a tribute to Jacob, I sewed in a coin that was minted in 2000, the year my Ilja was born.

I opted for the back modesty panel, not necessarily for the look, but for the functionality. Ultimately, I’m glad I made that choice.

With glam accessories, like rhinestone earrings and long white gloves, I felt like a regal queen. But it was the carnation corsage, slipped over my wrist, that made me feel complete.

The King and I… ready to party !

The crowning of each and every King and Queen kicks off the celebration…

…while walking the red carpet is the highlight for all. The cheers and applause from the “paparazzi” never ceases to bring tears to my eyes.

After months of practicing in the car, we were finally able to sing our karaoke duet, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John with Kiki Dee. Should we take our act on the road ? Maybe !

Sorting through the various props available, it was time to take our picture at the photo booth. I always remind Jacob to be disciplined in saving and investing his money so he can become a богатый американец (bogatiy amerikanets ─ rich American).

Of course, the first question my mother asked me when I came home at the end of the evening was, “Did you get a picture with Tim Tebow ?!” As it so happens, my mother and I have a standing agreement that I am to call her immediately if Tim Tebow makes an appearance at our local Night to Shine. So far, no phone call has been made. But there’s always next year !

Jacob loves to dance…

…and so do I.

Since God answered my prayer for a friend from Russia in the form of Jacob, I have become increasingly active in the special needs community, which has been an unexpected delight in my life. Sharing the love of Christ with those who need it most brings me a radiant joy, especially in the role of a Buddy to my own very special King.

And now… what will I wear to Night to Shine 2026 ?

Toi, Toi, Toi,

Mary Martha

P.S. I can’t forget about the official video ! Can you spot Jacob and me ?
https://fb.watch/xGcSPYu_ke/

All I Want For Christmas is a Red Santa Dress

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Ever since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of having a “Santa” dress. The rich red velvet and white fur trim around the neck, cuffs, and hem would give me festive feelings of delight. Watching the classic film, “White Christmas”, would heighten this desire every year.

Vera-Ellen, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Bing Crosby in “White Christmas”, 1954

Despite my intentions, the hectic holiday season would always get in the way of my December dream. However, when I was approached to give a program to a retiree group highlighting the Christmas songs of the ages, I knew my time had come. The premise of the program was for me to wear an era-specific costume to match a song that was to be played after I modeled its corresponding outfit. The audience, in turn, had to guess when the song/carol was originally written based on my costume. For the 1990s, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” was on the list.

Mariah Carey in the “All I Want For Christmas Is You” music video, 1994

Hooray ! The Christmas program gave me a fitting excuse to create my Santa dress. While the task seemed simple, it certainly had its challenges. I can’t count how many mock-ups I sewed of different bodice patterns, only to have them be too tight when sewn up in the desired stretch velvet. What was wrong ? Almost giving up, I tried one last pattern.

The Tessa Sheath Dress from Love Notions Patterns popped into my e-mail inbox one Friday as part of the company’s Feature Friday. For $5, I thought I would give it a try.
My first mock-up was promising and when I added length to the bodice, it was perfect. Because I knew I was going to attach a circle skirt to the waist seam, I didn’t bother printing the rest of the PDF pattern. Once sewn together, I measured the circumference of the waist seam and used Mood Fabric’s Circle Skirt Calculator to map out my radius and fabric lay. The calculator worked its magic and gave me one circular piece of velvet, with no back seam to sew.
Fluffy faux fur purchased from Amazon was sewn/glued to the appropriate places and… that was it ! I finally had my Santa dress.

This dress is so much fun ! I have worn it constantly over the season and love giving its skirt a twirl.

One of my favorite features of the dress is its red stretch velour, which hangs heavy in its drape.

Just look at those folds !!

Merry Christmas !

Toi, Toi, Toi,

Mary Martha

At the Hop

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Although it may seem unfathomable, in all my years of costuming I have never dressed in the fashion of the poodle skirt from the 1950’s. The iconic getup has never been one of my Halloween costumes, nor worn as an outfit to an opera. Frankly, no opportunities had ever presented themselves !
Last year when my friend, Jacob, raved about his time at a fundraiser for Silly Sock Saturdays, I knew I wanted to go the following year. Since the theme for the charity event was a 1950’s sock hop, my opportunity for soda shop bop had undoubtedly arrived.

Without hesitation, I turned to Folkwear for my pattern. I already owned the 256 At The Hop pattern, which I purchased during an e-mail flash sale to add to my burgeoning pattern collection. It seemed frivolous at the time, but I knew I would have a use for it… someday.

256 At The Hop / Folkwear Patterns

Keeping with tradition, I used a charcoal wool blend felt for the skirt, which I ordered from Fabric Wholesale Direct. Recently, FWD began a matching thread and zipper service, which made choosing complementary notions much less of a chore. The full circle skirt was sewn in a professional manner with its lapped zipper application.

Matching thread and zipper for the charcoal wool blend felt

What’s a poodle skirt without its playful canine ? I used pink and white felt for the main construction of the appliqué and then hand embroidered its outline with a stem stitch.

Fitting the blouse was more of a challenge. Previously, I had sewn a wearable muslin of the Peter Pan collared blouse included in the pattern envelope. While it seemed to fit from the front, a test of simple arm movements proved the blouse to be very constricting and an impossibility for dancing. In need of assistance, I reached out to Katrina Walker, one of my fit teachers. A broad back adjustment was applied to the paper pattern as was a full bust adjustment. After raising the armhole slightly, my new blouse was much improved. Thank you, Katrina !

Tight across the back and biceps and the entire blouse lifting while raising my arms ─ both signs of an ill-fitting garment.

A consignment cardigan, saddle shoes, pink poodle bobby sox, and a polka dot chiffon hair tie made my outfit complete. Don’t forget about the cat eye glasses ! They were given to me as a birthday gift years ago. Thank you, Aunt Countess !

Miss Poodle was ready for the hop. But what about my friend ? Still thinking of the variety and versatility of Folkwear’s vintage patterns, I recalled their 251 Varsity Jacket pattern and realized it would be perfect for Jacob.

251 Varsity Jacket / Folkwear Patterns

After taking his initial measurements, I embarked through my usual fitting processes and altered the pattern to suit his needs. Particularly, it was imperative to widen the neck and shorten the sleeves of the pattern. For ease of wear and care, I chose a soft and spongy Ponte knit for the body and sleeves of the jacket. Stay tapes and PerfectFuse interfacing added stability to the welt pockets and facings. A tip for sewists: don’t skip this step ! It will elevate your garments from amateur to professional in a jiffy.

Sewkeys-E Knit Stay Tape fused to the pocket openings and welts

My model was a perfect participant. Jacob would curiously ask me questions as to my experience with working with models whereupon I had to gently let him down that he was not my first model to fit. However, his face beamed like the sun reemerging from the cover of the clouds when I told him a secret: he was my first male model to fit.
With supportive topstitching, striped ribbing, a fully lined interior, a machine appliquéd J, and silver snaps, the jacket was ready…

…and so were we !

My mother gave Jacob a ballpoint pen “tattoo” on his arm, just like all the greasers of the 50’s. He said it kind of tickled and was “a little relaxing.”

The fundraiser was a tremendous success ! Donations for socks and goodies were abundant and the music that played was hopping.

Rock around the clock !

In between root beer floats, a generous candy bar, photo booth, cotton candy station, and a barbeque buffet dinner, Jacob and I danced the time away while wearing his mother’s high school and college class rings. How neat is that ?!

Excitedly, we cheered at the end of the evening when we won two of the raffle prizes: trips to Top Golf and the Titanic Exhibit. Whoo hoo !

A thank you goes to the sponsors who made the event possible and for the benefactress who graciously invited me to sit at her table. Thank you, Mrs. Baker !

Whether attending a sock hop or just for confectionary fun, I highly recommend Folkwear’s vintage patterns for their authentic appeal and cultural connection. See you at the Hop !

Toi, Toi, Toi,

Mary Martha

From Publix to Prom: Night to Shine 2024

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Sometimes, the best things in life come when you least expect them. My life took a drastic detour in late 2022 when I made the decision to apply for a part-time job at Publix, a premier supermarket chain in the southeastern United States. I was scared to death. Having never worked outside the home, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but in early 2023, I was hired and soon garnered fame among my customers and co-workers as the perpetually upbeat cashier.

At my register with all my quirky necessities: medical gloves, blue light blocking glasses, and an endless supply of water (Photo courtesy of Merissa Green)

Trademark to Publix is their carryout service, a job performed by our front service clerks, better known as baggers. And this is where my tale begins ! It was at Publix that I became acquainted with Jacob, the bagger with special needs who had a penchant for people’s clothing, tattoos, and painted nails. He would make me laugh to the point that my face felt like it had been permanently stretched as he effusively complimented the throngs of customers on their ordinary outfits and unabashedly inquired if their sprawling tattoos had given them any pain. For every Publix customer story that I would bring home from work, there would be just as many “Jacob” stories to tell my family.

Six weeks into my job, I discovered that I knew Jacob’s mother from P.E.O., which left me stunned. But that wasn’t all─ a week later I received an even bigger bombshell: Jacob was from Russia. Ever since I began teaching myself Russian in late 2015, I had prayed for God to send me a friend from Russia in His perfect timing. Apparently, my prayer had been answered.

The revelation rocked my world. Jacob was adopted from Russia at 18 months old with the given name of Ilja, which was retained as his middle name. Instantaneously, we became the best of friends, spending time together whenever possible. It is with utmost endearment that I call him my Ilja and in turn, he calls me his Masha.

Masha and the Bear: Jacob and Mary Martha

When I heard about Night to Shine, the special needs prom sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, I begged Jacob to take me. Because I was homeschooled in high school, I never had the opportunity to attend prom. And so, at 30 years old, I attended my first prom as a Buddy.

Imagine my surprise when Jacob presented me with a live flower corsage. It was beautiful ! And for those wondering, I still have that corsage.

Wearing the dress I had sewn for Lohengrin, I further accentuated the sparkling shoulders by adding a thin rhinestone belt.

After my King was crowned (I was not permitted to wear a crown as a Buddy), we walked the red carpet in a wave of celebration put on by the paparazzi.

The atmosphere was incredible ! I was so impressed by the efforts of the volunteers to make the event special for everyone. We ate a boxed meal, cheered as the rest of the guests paraded in, and then made our way to the next destination: the photo booths.

Decorating the draped tables nearby were a menagerie of props and accessories to liven up the photo strips that were printed on the spot. Jacob and I had lots of fun choosing our props and poses.

Of course, we had to take a picture with cardboard Tim Tebow. Like every other mom in America, my mother always wanted me to marry the star athlete.

Karaoke came next. Jacob made everyone cry when he sang “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe. Then, we both took to the microphones to belt out Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” with choreographed dance moves. What a blast !

We danced the YMCA…

…joined the Conga line…

…and played the air guitar.

I loved being on the arm of someone so sweet.

Night to Shine was one of the most magical experiences of my life. Not only did it exceed my expectations of what prom would be like, but the impact that it had on the kings and queens was truly awesome. A big ‘thank you’ goes to the countless volunteers who made the evening such a success.

As thus, my tale has come to its dreamy end. The moral of the story is, be careful what you pray for; you might find yourself wrapped in a joy beyond compare.

Toi, Toi, Toi,

Mary Martha

P.S. There’s a video !! Watch to see the action unfold in real time.
https://fb.watch/sDsOug4JHm/

Mexican Folkwear Embroidery

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Handmade garments are revered for their artisanal craftsmanship, intricacy, and devotion of time. While I’ve always admired the work of embroiderers and weavers, I never thought of myself as someone who could accomplish the same level of quality as these masters. However, that didn’t stop me from trying ! In one of the monthly newsletter e-mails from Folkwear Patterns, I noticed an advertisement for an online embroidery class featuring their 142 Old Mexico Dress.

142 Old Mexico Dress / Folkwear Patterns

That blue cotton dress with its bright pops of colorful embroidery had me salivating ! But I know my limits and decided not to let my spirited ambition take hold of my sewing caprices. Instead, I settled for the shorter blouse length, which was equally as beguiling.

Sarah Pedlow of ThreadWritten presented a detailed Zoom class filled with the history of Mexican embroidery and a guide to stitching the charming floral and foliage patterns. I found her calm nature relaxing and came away feeling confident that I could stitch like a seasoned professional. Although it took me almost a year to finish the project, I was proud of my feat.

The front and back of the yoke piece before being attached to the bodice

And here is the finished garment…

Opie can never be without the spotlight

There was a little bit of puckering (especially on the back because it was my “practice” side), which can be chalked up to inexperience.

Wearing this blouse has been as delightful as was the stitching itself. In fact, I enjoyed the “slow sew” embroidery process so much that I signed up for another Folkwear/ThreadWritten collaboration: Ukrainian embroidery featuring the 116 Shirts of Russia & Ukraine pattern. Now that will be fun !

Toi, Toi, Toi,

Mary Martha

Glamour Girl

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Folkwear Patterns is undisputedly my favorite pattern company. Their designs are well drafted, have just the right amount of ease, and I rarely have to make adjustments to my standard Medium size. Not only are the technical details solid, but the variety of vintage and folk styles make for a cultural experience. My latest foray with Folkwear was with the 233 Glamour Girl pattern, a 1940’s gown in three lengths.

233 Glamour Girl / Folkwear Patterns

Years elapsed before I finally purchased the pattern in May 2022. Another year passed before I actually sewed the pattern because I was waiting to find the perfect fabric for my creation. Just like the sample for the company, I wanted a deep navy blue crepe affixed with a standout lapel accent.

The original ankle length model for Folkwear Patterns

As with most of my dazzling fabric finds, I bought my Glamour Girl fabric from Julie’s Picks swatch club ─ a gorgeous cady stretch suiting that was ideal for my dress. Making up the pattern was easier than I expected, even with the double ruching on the sleeves and the front waist ties at the abdomen.

And the fit was spot on !

I chose to make the “contemporary” mid-calf length (my mother’s favorite) and took careful measures to finish my seams without using the serger for a more vintage approach.

Because I used a stretch material, I bypassed the side zipper altogether, which turned dressing into a matter of slipping the frock over my head.

I also raised the plunging V neck at the front by 1¼ inches since uncomfortable clothes are never in fashion for me. Shoulder pads and clever front pleats set off my grandmother’s pearl pin and other coordinating accessories.

Lauren Bacall, anyone ?

What I love most about this dress is its timeless versatility. Not only did I wear it to a late afternoon classical music concert, but I also donned it for a P.E.O. morning meeting. Both times proved to be in vogue.

At P.E.O., greeting members for the meeting

Next time you’re in the mood for a quality pattern with historical flair and cultural details, give Folkwear Patterns a try ! Your first won’t be your last.

Toi, Toi, Toi,

Mary Martha

Pearls and a “Perfect Fit” Blouse

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I love pearls the way a bear loves honey. They’re classic, a Southern staple, and compliment almost any outfit. When I came across a particular swatch of stretch poplin shirting, replete with strings of pearls across a pale sky blue background, I knew I had to have some.

My intention with the pearl poplin was to finish my long-awaited “perfect” blouse from the fit and sew virtual class I took in September 2021 with Katrina Walker.

Unfinished projects irk me. Unfortunately, they happen all too often in my life. When I first began working on the “perfect” blouse in 2021, I had cut the pattern pieces out of inky black silk charmeuse. A lack of proper starching resulted in distorted facing pieces and collar points that had already been sewn and clipped before a detrimental flaw was noticed. The mistake was devastating and I relegated the project to File 13. Although my momentum was abated, I reasoned that a sturdier, easier-to-sew fabric (like poplin) would provide a confidence boost, just in case I one day decide to try my hand at a charmeuse blouse again.

My pattern pieces were already altered from when I took the class in 2021, which made for an expedited experience.

And after a relatively quick sew, my blouse was completed with pleasing results.

Fisheye darts at the front and back made for elegant shaping along the midsection…

…and ¾ sleeves added sophisticated flair.

With most store bought shirts, one of my biggest complaints is the pooling of fabric at the small of my back. Applying a swayback and full bottom adjustment on the paper pattern piece gave me a smooth backside. Hooray !

If there was one thing I would change, it would be to double up the pearl buttons down the front since I feel at times that my top button is an inch too low.

Thanks to the lessons of Katrina Walker and a forgiving fabric, I now have the confidence to sew fitted blouses with numerous darts. And the best part is… my pearls match ─ perfectly.

Toi, Toi, Toi,

Mary Martha

Pretty in Pink For “Barbie”

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Typically, I don’t dress up for movies. However, after accepting the invitation to go see the newest “Barbie” movie with a friend, I found myself creatively stimulated by an inundating wave of online images, ranging from 1950’s style dresses to more ostentatious disco getups in the prettiest shades of pink, my favorite color. Awash with the idea of participating in a cultural phenomenon, I gave into temptation.

Margot Robbie in “Barbie” ─ Warner Brothers

It would be hypocrisy to say that I liked the movie. I absolutely loathed it ! On several occasions, I felt like walking out, but since I had paid to see the entire film, I stayed. Even the costumes were a bit of a letdown, not providing enough of a counterbalance to the cognizance that my mind was being both assaulted and liquified.
But enough of that ─ let’s move on to the clothes !

Part of what rendered my decision to dress up for the movie so effortless was the fact that I already had the fabric I needed on hand. Using an adorable pink and white stripe seersucker that had been given to me by a friend, I was in good shape to create something special ─ thank you, Miss Cindy ! One of my go-to pattern sites, Sewist.com, helped me design a 50’s inspired dress with a scoop neckline and six gore circle skirt.

After three separate muslin mock-ups, I felt the pattern had been suitably adjusted for style and comfort. Notably, I lowered the waistline seam over an inch, moved the straps inward so they wouldn’t fall off my shoulders, created a scoop neckline for the back, and adjusted the bust darts for a more pleasing angle. A fluffy petticoat and a nude pair of pumps bought off eBay completed my impromptu Barbie look.

Jewelry played a starring role in shadowing the iconic persona; I employed a mix of both real and costume pieces.

Have you ever had the back armholes gape on your sleeveless tops ? It could be that your shoulder blades are prominent, like mine. Adding a small dart at the back shoulder straps magically removed those pesky openings.

Despite the glitters and charms of my attire, Opie was not impressed.

While it was fun to dress up for a movie, I don’t think it will become a habit of mine. Opera is my passion and its intellect, complexity, and sophistication suit my norms and standards far more than the inane cinematographic “Barbie”. But at least I got a pretty dress out of it !

Toi, Toi, Toi,

Mary Martha