Famous Frocks: The Little Black Dress

Miss Crayola Creepy 5:00 PM 35 comments
Several months ago I was contacted by the publisher of Famous Frocks: The Little Black Dress to see if I would be interested in receiving a copy of the book. It actually was already on my Amazon wish list, so I was super stoked to accept. I wasn't asked to do a review or make any of the garments, but I decided that I wanted to because I genuinely liked the patterns included.

The majority of the patterns are for dresses (the book is called "The Little Black Dress" after all ;) ) and there are some really cute ones! I was drawn to the Coco Chanel, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn inspired dresses, but was sold on the Anjelica Huston version. After recently reading Anjelica's autobiography (the first book of two) I was reminded of what a badass she is and knew I had to make this dress. Had to!


The patterns are in an envelope at the front of the book and each design has its own individual paper for the pattern, which I really liked. The Anjelica pattern wasn't nested between others, so tracing wasn't confusing at all! I know that some of you hate tracing, but it is necessary because the front and back of the paper are marked. Another plus about the book is the sizing. There are more size options offered this time around (in comparison to the other Famous Frocks book) which was nice to see.

At the beginning of the book there are diagrams and explanations for some of the techniques involved. It's not super in depth, so someone brand new to sewing may need to search elsewhere for more help, but if you have some experience under your belt then you should be good to go. The pattern directions are brief (no photos or long explanations) and reference the techniques in the front of the book.


The actual sewing of the dress went smoothly and I was happy with my fabric choice. I used an ITY knit from Michael Levine and was impressed with the quality. The black hasn't faded, it feels nice on my skin, and I kind of want to buy more of it.

The fit isn't perfect, but I didn't make a muslin, so I can't really complain. If I made the dress again I would take in the shoulders a bit (which is something I normally have to do), as the neckline is a little wide on me. But despite that I am happy with the dress. I wore it to a holiday party a few weeks ago and will definitely wear it more in the future. I love LBDs if you couldn't tell. This is the third one I have made within the last six months!


My styling isn't quite like Anjelica's since I'm not crazy about that metal belt. It's hard to see in the photos, but I chose to use the extra fabric as a tie around my waist to give some definition. Oh, and I'm wearing my wannabe Edie Sedgwick earrings!

What about you guys, have you checked out this book? Any other Anjelica fans out there?

35 comments :

  1. The Nerdy SeamstressJanuary 2, 2015 at 6:57 PM

    I love this Erin! It looks fantastic! I think it's great you made a belt from the left over fabric. Waist definition is always a plus in my book. The pictures are gorgeous, and I love, love your earrings! I wanted to get this book, but I wanted to see someone make a dress from the book and read what they had to say about it.

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  2. KellyJanuary 2, 2015 at 7:02 PM

    I actually really like this book. I want to make nearly all the dresses, and hope to get the Coco Chanel dress done this weekend. The Anjelica Huston dress is definitely on the list too! Your dress looks fantastic, as do your earrings and hair :)

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  3. jetsetsewing.comJanuary 2, 2015 at 7:49 PM

    I bought that book, too, and that was my favorite pattern. Nice to see it made up!

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  4. AngelaJanuary 2, 2015 at 8:03 PM

    I just read both of Anjelica's autobiographies, they are great! I love your Anjelica inspired dress! Looks fab on you!

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  5. thequirkypeachJanuary 2, 2015 at 8:04 PM

    Love this dress on you so much! I can't wait to try a pattern from this book :)

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  6. HeatherJanuary 2, 2015 at 8:19 PM

    I love it!! And those earrings are fabulous!

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  7. GingerJanuary 2, 2015 at 8:55 PM

    This is my favorite pattern from the book! I really need to get my butt in gear and try it! I love how this looks on you. So chic! And your earrings are awesome, too! I look really stupid in long earrings, but you're rocking 'em!

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  8. CarolynJanuary 3, 2015 at 6:17 AM

    What a simple but gorgeous dress! It really looks great on you. It looks really versatile as well - for parties, but you could probably also wear it to work or out shopping, etc. Glad you enjoyed the book!

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  9. tanyamaileJanuary 3, 2015 at 7:27 AM

    Perfection!! Especially the way you styled it! I've that book on my wish list, too -- guess I should get it!

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  10. Rochelle NewJanuary 3, 2015 at 2:58 PM

    My mom and I were literally talking about this book yesterday. She saw it on Amazon and asked if I had seen it. I showed her your dress and she thinks it's adorable!! I do too ;)

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  11. Leah KabakerJanuary 3, 2015 at 6:22 PM

    I have looked at the book but decided not to buy it. I have so many patterns. Glad to hear that it is a good book worthwhile having. If it ever goes on sale, I'll buy it.

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  12. Ami LowdenJanuary 4, 2015 at 12:39 AM

    Gorgeous dress!!! Looks amazing on you and love the way you have styled it too :)
    Going to check out that book now! Happy new year!

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  13. ArmiarmaJanuary 6, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    Beautiful dress and it looks great with big earrings. I'm going to have a look on the book, I didn't know about it and sounds good.

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  14. sallieforrerJanuary 6, 2015 at 7:00 AM

    Love this!! Angelica Huston is a HUGE style icon (and just general icon) of mine. What a beauty! You certainly did her proud in this elegant black ensemble. I love the laid back but still 70's glam vibe of this dress. So awesome!

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  15. ClaireJanuary 6, 2015 at 7:03 AM

    super cute! Love the neckline. I can feel the Angelica Huston vibe.

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  16. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:48 AM

    Thanks, Claire!!!!

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  17. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:49 AM

    That's so cool, Sallie. I didn't know that you were an Anjelica fan! xo

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  18. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:49 AM

    Thank you! xo

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  19. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    Thanks, Tasha! It will definitely get a lot of wear. xoxo

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  20. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    Thanks, Margo. Yes, you should make something from it! And I want to see whatever you make :)

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  21. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    Thanks, Ami!

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  22. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:51 AM

    I'll e-mail you if I ever see it on sale somewhere :)

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  23. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:51 AM

    Thanks to you, I have it! xo

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  24. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:52 AM

    Thanks, Tanya!

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  25. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:52 AM

    Thanks, Carolyn! I know it will get a lot of wear. You can always use an LBD, right? Or three in my case...

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  26. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:52 AM

    Yes, make it! We can be twinnies!

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  27. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    Thank you, Heather! xo

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  28. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    Which one are you going to make first?

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  29. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    What did you think of the second book? The first one was a bit slow for me, but I am dying to read the second!

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  30. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    Have you made anything yet from the book?

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  31. Leah KabakerJanuary 7, 2015 at 3:18 PM

    :)

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  32. VanessaJanuary 8, 2015 at 2:26 AM

    Awesome dress! I love that cowl neckline on you. Awesome earrings Erin! Great shade of lipstick too.
    You're giving me major LBD envy right now :)

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  33. misscrayolacreepyJanuary 8, 2015 at 2:07 PM

    Thanks, Vanessa!!! xo

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  34. GjeometryJanuary 8, 2015 at 2:14 PM

    I don't have this book, but I do have the book called Famous Frocks. It doesn't have any Angelica Houston in it, but it does have some fun dress patterns based on various 'stars' some more wearable than others. Have not sewn any of the dresses yet. This one is cute, nice and simple.

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  35. Amanda RussellJanuary 14, 2015 at 1:29 PM

    Really loving this, Erin!! It's a really classic shape and the fit looks good :) I have this book on my wish list too so it's good to know it's a keeper :) LBD's for the win!!! :D

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