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MeMade MelSuit on Broadway

updated on 12 Comments on MeMade MelSuit on Broadway
Sherry Dryja of Petite Over 40 poses in her #memade jumpsuit inspired by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret. The jumpsuit is a mix of patterns. On top, a sleeveless "vest" with a face graphic. On bottom, red plaid twill. She's wearing a long-sleeve cream-colored blouse from J.Crew beneath the vest. She has a black Eileen Fisher obi belt like a cummerbund around her waist and a black velvet chocker necklace at her neck. She's wearing a black bowler hat by Goorin Bros. and has a black cane. Her shoes are black vintage pointed-toe oxfords but she's removed the laces.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great pleasure to present to you,
live for the first time in this blog’s history,
a true mashup of Mel style and Sherry drama,
a one of a kind jumpsuit made by yours truly,
born out of curiosity and inspiration….

The one, the only MeMade MelSuit!

via GIPHY

  • Sherry Dryja of Petite Over 40 poses in her #memade jumpsuit inspired by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret. The jumpsuit is a mix of patterns. On top, a sleeveless "vest" with a face graphic. On bottom, red plaid twill. She's wearing a long-sleeve cream-colored blouse from J.Crew beneath the vest. She has a black Eileen Fisher obi belt like a cummerbund around her waist and a black velvet chocker necklace at her neck. She's wearing a black bowler hat by Goorin Bros. and has a black cane. Her shoes are black vintage pointed-toe oxfords but she's removed the laces.
    Start spreading the news…
  • Sherry Dryja of Petite Over 40 poses in her #memade jumpsuit inspired by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret. The jumpsuit is a mix of patterns. On top, a sleeveless "vest" with a face graphic. On bottom, red plaid twill. She's wearing a long-sleeve cream-colored blouse from J.Crew beneath the vest. She has a black Eileen Fisher obi belt like a cummerbund around her waist and a black velvet chocker necklace at her neck. She's wearing a black bowler hat by Goorin Bros. and has a black cane. Her shoes are black vintage pointed-toe oxfords but she's removed the laces.
    I’m leaving today…
  • Sherry Dryja of Petite Over 40 poses in her #memade jumpsuit inspired by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret. The jumpsuit is a mix of patterns. On top, a sleeveless "vest" with a face graphic. On bottom, red plaid twill. She's wearing a long-sleeve cream-colored blouse from J.Crew beneath the vest. She has a black Eileen Fisher obi belt like a cummerbund around her waist and a black velvet chocker necklace at her neck. She's wearing a black bowler hat by Goorin Bros. and has a black cane. Her shoes are black vintage pointed-toe oxfords but she's removed the laces.
    I want to be a part of it…
  • Sherry Dryja of Petite Over 40 poses in her #memade jumpsuit inspired by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret. The jumpsuit is a mix of patterns. On top, a sleeveless "vest" with a face graphic. On bottom, red plaid twill. She's wearing a long-sleeve cream-colored blouse from J.Crew beneath the vest. She has a black Eileen Fisher obi belt like a cummerbund around her waist and a black velvet chocker necklace at her neck. She's wearing a black bowler hat by Goorin Bros. and has a black cane. Her shoes are black vintage pointed-toe oxfords but she's removed the laces.
    Mel Suit! Mel Suit!
  • These vagabond shoes…
  • Sherry Dryja of Petite Over 40 poses in her #memade jumpsuit inspired by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret. The jumpsuit is a mix of patterns. On top, a sleeveless "vest" with a face graphic. On bottom, red plaid twill. She's wearing a long-sleeve cream-colored blouse from J.Crew beneath the vest. She has a black Eileen Fisher obi belt like a cummerbund around her waist and a black velvet chocker necklace at her neck. She's wearing a black bowler hat by Goorin Bros. and has a black cane. Her shoes are black vintage pointed-toe oxfords but she's removed the laces.
    Are longing to stray…
  • But first…hang on…I need to fan myself.
  • Sherry Dryja of Petite Over 40 poses in her #memade jumpsuit inspired by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret. The jumpsuit is a mix of patterns. On top, a sleeveless "vest" with a face graphic. On bottom, red plaid twill. She's wearing a long-sleeve cream-colored blouse from J.Crew beneath the vest. She has a black Eileen Fisher obi belt like a cummerbund around her waist and a black velvet chocker necklace at her neck. She's wearing a black bowler hat by Goorin Bros. and has a black cane. Her shoes are black vintage pointed-toe oxfords but she's removed the laces.
    That’s better.

Listen to the playlist below to hear the music behind this photo shoot!

Mel-spiration

The MeMade MelSuit would not be possible without the chic, cool-as-a-cucumber, “rebel schoolgirl” look created by Mel from Bag and a Beret.

This ensemble was first seen on her post, Royal classy fresher knows how to travel.

Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret poses in a red plaid skirt with white tuxedo shirt, on which is painted a gray graphic of a tractor. Layered over the shirt is a tuxedo vest and a beige plaid coat with a blue and beige colored scarf. She is wearing sunglasses and carrying a backpack and colored pencil folio.
Photo by Mel Kobayashi of bagandaberet.blogspot.com.

Her story starts with a song about school and hope and golly-gee, I hope they like me.

But soon enough, she’s mixed up with the wrong crowd and in love with the wrong boy, and she’s pulled over by the detention police for having bubblegum flavored vape pen on her breath.

Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret poses in a red plaid skirt with white tuxedo shirt, on which is painted a gray graphic of a tractor. Layered over the shirt is a tuxedo vest and a beige plaid coat with a blue and beige colored scarf. She is wearing sunglasses and carrying a backpack and colored pencil folio.
Photo by Mel Kobayashi of bagandaberet.blogspot.com.

How-How-HOW can I not be inspired by this????

Soon after I saw Mel’s post, I purchased fabric to create a jumpsuit that emulated her school-girl-gone-bad outfit.

One, Singular Sensation

While Mel’s character serves time in detention, mine runs out onto stage in protest and starts singing “One” from A Chorus Line to an empty auditorium.

It’s funny how I thought my outfit would have the same vibe as Mel’s when I started sewing. When it was all said and done, though, I had to go Chorus Line style with my ensemble.

Or did I???

Crank up the rock and roll music, bay-bee!

She’s got her backpack and her pencil box and her graphic tee with a message the uptight administration would not approve of.

“Dream Often.”

Sherry Dryja of Petite Over 40 poses in her #memade jumpsuit inspired by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret. The jumpsuit is a mix of patterns. On top, a sleeveless "vest" with a face graphic. On bottom, red plaid twill. She's wearing a graphic tee beneath the vest portion which reads "Dream Often," a beige vintage belt, a gray and blue neckerchief, and Tretorn sneakers. She is carrying a black Tumi backpack and a colorful pencil box.

Just let me tie my shoes before this West Side Story kicks in to full swing.

Sherry Dryja of Petite Over 40 poses in her #memade jumpsuit inspired by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret. The jumpsuit is a mix of patterns. On top, a sleeveless "vest" with a face graphic. On bottom, red plaid twill. She's wearing a graphic tee beneath the vest portion which reads "Dream Often," a beige vintage belt, a gray and blue neckerchief, and Tretorn sneakers. She also has a black Tumi backpack.
“You a Jet or a Shark?”

Jacket comes off and it’s time to rumble!

Somebody hold my backpack!

Sherry Dryja of Petite Over 40 poses in her #memade jumpsuit inspired by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret. The jumpsuit is a mix of patterns. On top, a sleeveless "vest" with a face graphic. On bottom, red plaid twill. She's wearing a graphic tee beneath the vest portion which reads "Dream Often," a beige vintage belt, a gray and blue neckerchief, and Tretorn sneakers.

Ha ha ha. Okay. That was fun.

Thanks for playing (and singing?) along, everybody. I hope you had as much fun as I did. I promise to wear this MeMade MelSuit for more than fake musicals about rebellious, dance-crazed teens if you promise not to judge the fact that I didn’t line up my plaid lines in the pants area. I’m still learning!

Sherry Dryja of Petite Over 40 poses in her #memade jumpsuit inspired by Mel Kobayashi of Bag and a Beret. The jumpsuit is a mix of patterns. On top, a sleeveless "vest" with a face graphic. On bottom, red plaid twill. She's wearing a long-sleeve cream-colored blouse from J.Crew beneath the vest. She has a black Eileen Fisher obi belt like a cummerbund around her waist and a black velvet chocker necklace at her neck. She's wearing a black bowler hat by Goorin Bros. and has a black cane. Her shoes are black vintage pointed-toe oxfords but she's removed the laces.

My big thanks go to Mel, of course. She is the inspiration behind my MeMade MelSuit, hence the name MEL-suit and not simply “jumpsuit”.

To read more about the original outfit created by Mel, visit her blog. In that particular post, she shares several ensembles from which to glean inspiration. Before long, you’ll be creating your own MelSuits and singing show tunes at the top of your lungs. Alone in your city condo. Where, really, everyone can hear you but they pretend not to.

But it is fun. I highly recommend it.

Joining up with the lovely Patti’s Visible Monday linkup at Not Dead Yet Style.

My Outfit Details:

Jumpsuit:
McCall’s pattern #M7777
Fabrics from MoodFabrics.com

Long-sleeve undershirt:
Old J.Crew Factory. Similar here.

Obi Belt:
Old Eileen Fisher. Similar here.

Black Oxford-Style Shoes:
Vintage Barney’s from eBay. Similar here.

Choker Necklace:
Available here on Amazon.

“Cane”:
Pole from my photography backdrop kit. 🙂

Hat:
Old Goorin Bros. Similar here.

Sunglasses:
Purchased at Eyeballs in Seattle.

Denim Shirt:
Purchased on Thredup. Similar here.

T-Shirt:
Old from Nordstrom. Similar here.

Belt:
Vintage from eBay. Similar here.

Neckerchief:
Old from Nordstrom Men’s Dept. Similar here.

Backpack:
Old Tumi. Similar here.

Sneakers:
Old Tretorn. Similar here.

Affiliate link disclaimer: Please note, although I paid for the outfit and accessories seen in this post, some of the items linked above may be affiliated with companies I am associated with. When you purchase from these stores, I receive a small commission and you support the work I do here. Thank you for your support!

About Author

Freelance writer about food and fashion. Obsessed genealogist and history nerd. New to sewing. Love all dogs and one hubby. Seattle

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(12) Comments

  1. says:
    Posted on

    Somehow I missed seeing this post! Your creative mind is so inspiring! And you are a force to be reckoned with when you are at the sewing machine girl!!!!

    I hope you feel like you have super powers. BECAUSE YOU DO!

  2. says:
    Posted on

    Love this whimsical outfit, this is true style and inspiration
    https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com

    1. says:
      Posted on

      Thank you, Anna!! 💕

  3. sandypatti says:
    Posted on

    One singular sensation, no doubt about that! Sherry, you look electric and authentic and gorgeous. Fine, fine sewing, my friend, and a beautiful reflection of your spirit. xox

    1. says:
      Posted on

      Thank you, Patti! Next time we all get together, we should attempt a Rockettes type line. 🙂 In those vampire dresses that continue to haunt us because I don’t think they’re going to go away until we exorcise them with a good high-kick routine.

      Hugs and Smiles,
      Sherry

  4. says:
    Posted on

    Love, love, love the MelSuit, and of course you didn’t line up the plaid pattern on purpose! Seriously, I hadn’t even noticed it until you pointed it out. I was too busy enjoying your broadway show! The fabric you used for the top is a show-stopper too. And yes, this “hunter of dreams” fully approves of your tee’s message! xxx P.S. your long-distance hug arrived in one piece!

  5. says:
    Posted on

    What a blast!

    I’m amazed at your new found sewing skills and love that you are challenging yourself so much. I would think that pants are difficult to make.

    The fabric used for the vest is super fun.

    Your energy and spirit really shine in this post. Great job!

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    1. says:
      Posted on

      Thanks, Suzanne! I had a blast putting this one together.

      As for the pants on the jumpsuit, they did give me a run for my money, but the instructions were really good on the pattern. The bodice actually gave me more of a challenge because the instructions for that were more vague! Weird, right?

      The fabric for the vest is one of my favorite. I have enough left over that I’m going to make a top with it.

      Hugs,
      Sherry

  6. Marilee J. Gramith says:
    Posted on

    You are the cutest, rock and roll , bad ass, tween ager ( 40 something) I have ever gazed upon!!
    You did a smashing job on this jumpsuit.
    The fabric used for the top vest is pre-farked!! Maybe Mel should do a scarf!!!?
    Your silent, musical, movie clips are perfect!!
    Dang! You are SO much fun!! BRAVO!!!
    I just love you Sherry!!

    1. says:
      Posted on

      You’re home, Jude??? Did you have a glorious time? I shall email you to learn more, with hopes of receiving beautiful photos.

      I’m going to have to use your term “Pre-Farked” for graphic tees and such from here forward. I love that!!! I’ll credit both you and Mel when I use it. Ha ha ha ha! A scarf for Mel sounds PERFECT! Thank you! THANK YOU for your wonderful support and encouragement!! It means more than you know!

      Love you right back, lady!

      Hugs,
      Sherry

  7. says:
    Posted on

    Hahaha – this is awesome, Sherry. I am honoured that my outfit inspired such as cool musical and outfit! I know that you actually planned that the plaid didn’t line up in keeping with your bad girl image, am I right? No rules for this speak-easy, meet-me-at-the-track bad-ass. Heh. Love the soundtrack. I’d love to hear you belt out a tune. And yeah, I’ll hold your backpack!! xox

    1. says:
      Posted on

      Ha ha ha! YEAH! I didn’t line up the plaids on PURPOSE! THAT’S the ticket! Ha ha ha!!! You’re the awesomest! One day, though, you may wish you didn’t say you’d hold my backpack or wish to hear me belt a tune. Both could lead to scary (or very awkward) moments. Ha ha ha ha!!

      Oh my. How you make me laugh! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Hugs,
      Sherry

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