A regular reader of A Dress A Day, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent me half-a-dozen vintage patterns she found when she was clearing out her garage. This is yet more evidence for pronoia, the idea that the world is constantly and secretly rearranging itself to make you (well, in this case, ME) happy.
Because wouldn't this dress make you happy? And all those around you? I especially like the binding/ribbons on the neckline of the polka-dot version. In fact, from personal experience I can say that wearing excessive polka dots can bring plenty of joy. (I have one short full skirt, white with multicolor polka dots five inches in diameter, that never fails to 1) make folks smile and 2) make me look like an honors graduate of Ringling Clown College.)
If what you're wearing today isn't making you happy, why the hell not? Life's too short for boring miserable stopgap clothing. Don't wait until you lose weight, or until you get married, or until you get that next job. Do it now. Grab every opportunity for joy that life affords you. A dress like this would be a good place to start.
A Dress A Day 
i absolutely ADORE the dress!!
LikeLike
My clothes today are *not* making me happy. My shirt has a big hole in the seam. I didn’t know it was there until I got to the office.
LikeLike
My clothes today are boring but not awful. I’m in a little bit of a winter rut, and I need to do laundry. Meh!
LikeLike
Well, yeah, today my clothes are making me happy. I haven’t worn this outfit in a long time — it’s a short velour skirt and tunic top. Cozy and comfortable. Thanks for this post. It made my day. Which says a lot about how my day has been so far.
LikeLike
I am going to make my clothes make me happy and I am going to start with my new fabric tonight! Thanks for the post! It made me happy and encouraged!
LikeLike
but Oh! the gloves. I couldn’t do it without them….even in polka dots.
LikeLike
A dream come true.. a mention on Gawker!
LikeLike
I finally stopped sewing the crappy fabrics I bought on sale and am finishing up a summer skirt today that makes me happy just to look at it. Its not summer, but as soon as I can get away with bare legs, Im wearing this skirt. Its over at my sewing blog. You can also see just the photos at Flickr. And your blog has been the inspiration toward more fun fabric. Thanks!
LikeLike
Thank you for such a sunny post. Love the dress… but why do all the good ones have to be so tiny?!!! I think the last time I was that size I was in the 5th grade. Anyway it is still beautiful. Thanks again.
LikeLike
Oh! I LOVE the polkadotted one, especially the neckline bit.
LikeLike
This looks exactly like the dress I want for spring!
LikeLike
Ohhhhh. ::whimpers::Yes, the neckline is divine.
LikeLike
Speaking of happymaking clothes:my new work purse
LikeLike
Any chance of posting some of your actual sewing creations? I would love to see! I sew a ton myself, but mostly from Burda WOF. I went through a phase in my early twenties of making tennis dresses in cute fabrics from 60s and 70s era patterns… tres cute..
LikeLike
That polka-dot would make me happy – I love polka-dots too! I think this may inspire another post on my blog as well – because if fashion doesn’t make you happy, what else is it good for?
LikeLike
Excellent comment about wearing what you love. I am determined not to buy one more piece of clothing just because it’s on the clearance rack and a good deal..but only something I really really love.Darling dresses!Kelly
LikeLike
I’d like the polka dots, too, but I wouldn’t like the undergarment I would have to wear to be that wasp-waisted. I’d probably faint a lot.
LikeLike
I would be REALLY happy if I actually had the skills to make that dress myself.darn it.
LikeLike
But see how you publishing Dressaday made me think “Dress a Day” was all set up to make *me* happy, and you making me happy made me want to make you happy :)Glad you’re enjoying the patterns!Gail
LikeLike
That was so nice of someone to give you lovely vintage patterns. I so love polka-dots. I have loads of patterns now the problem is finding nice fabric. I gotta warn ya Iam picky. I had a look at Nordstorms on line last night. Ack!!! A whole lot of ugly fashion or style what ever you want to call it. It looks like I will be buying a lot of perfume, skincare products and makeup this spring.
LikeLike
I don’t hate my clothes, but they’re definitely not as unique as I’d like them to be! I have to look semi-professional for work, but there’s nothing against dresses.And since spring is almost here, I’m going to turn over a new leaf. Goodbye, button-down shirts and black loafers — hello floral slides and A-line summer dresses with sweet cardigans!Great post, Erin. 🙂
LikeLike
Right on sista! PREACH IT! I LOVE them, love love love. I actually just plunked down a whopping 30$ for a vintage inspired summer dress from yes Forever 21 of all places. But it made me SO happy, goosebumps on my arm so happy! It’s blue, with the midriff band you love…beautiful embroidery…full skirt that kind of tapers at the bottom a touch. Oh why does it have to be practially snowing here! I can’t WAIT to have time to take sewing lessons though and create works of art like those myself.
LikeLike
What a CUTE dress, especially the polka-dotted one!
LikeLike
Excellent website. Good work. Very useful. I will bookmark!
LikeLike
oh that dress is going in my ideas box. that is gorgeous. sooo pretty. the neckline.. the fabric… gorgeous
LikeLike