Yankee Doodle Dandy Goes To Graceland

Hello sweet friends! I am back from a week of packing up the Fashionista’s home in Tennesee and moving everything back to Texas. In the swampy, Southern heat. But we did make a few detours on the way. Get ready for a very fun Fashion Friday, Yankee Doodle Dandy Goes To Graceland.

Yankee Doodle Dandy Goes To Graceland

Ask any Elvis fan who their favorite Elvis is and they can quickly tell you. Now Don’t Be Cruel but I am a BIG fan of early, gospel singing, 1957 gold lamé suit-wearing Elvis. I know many of you will be in full agreement and say That’s All Right, Mama.

The Fashionista is a 1968 Special leather suit to hunka-hunka burning love Elvis fan. 

I have wanted to go to Graceland for YEARS! I figured with the Fashionista moving home from Tennesse it might be my last chance.

It wasn’t enough stress to plan such a big move with just three women and a U-Haul. So four days before we were set to leave I decided a new dress was in order to visit The King. 

For inspiration, I looked to the 31 movies Elvis made and settled on Kissin’ Cousins. The movie is set in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Spoiler Alert – he sings AND gets the girl. 

But there was also a whole lotta gingham and swishy dresses going on. 

Simplicity 3338

I selected a circa 1960 pattern, Simplicity 3338. It features a bateau neckline with front button closure and a full softly pleated skirt. While I loved the full short sleeves in view one I only had enough fabric for view two. The vintage sheer cotton organdy fabric was a very lucky find at an estate sale. 

The dress went together very well. Even a beginner could make this with a bit of assistance. 

Yankee Doodle Dandy Goes To Graceland

I was most anxious to see The Peacock room. It totally lived up to my dreams. I’ll share more of Graceland and Memphis next week. 

The famed gates. 

I also wore late 1950’s/early 60’s style undergarments. You can see my petticoat peeking out a bit in this shot. All the details about the petticoat were first shared for the Judy Haynes look last year. 

The lightweight, sheer cotton fabric behaved beautifully in the steamy heat. I wish I could say the same for my hair. 

Instead, let’s look at Megan’s fabulous vintage trapeze dress!!!

But I now know why Dolly wears wigs.

The dress was paired with a vintage thin red belt and ballet shoes from J. Crew. 

Many thanks to dear Megan and Alyssa Lou for taking photos and making this such a fun and memorable event. 

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Laura