Plus one (button).

I found this dress recently and to be honest I didn't hate it as-is, but I knew it could be even better. It had great material and a good basic shape already.

The main thing that I didn't like was the collar and neckline. This dress happened to have a spare button sewn onto the tag (YES!), so I decided to take off the collar and add a button at the top which created a jewel neckline. Then I changed the sleeves to cap sleeve, removed some weird sewn on ties (a bit hard to see in photos), tailored the bodice, and brought up the hemline.

Here she is:

Might be wearing this one everyday. 

Instagram: here

Blog: here

Side by side:

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Bow Detail Dress

My latest refashion endeavor is this pussybow dress. I loved that bow detail and knew it just needed some simple structural changes.

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First I cut off the long sleeves and hemmed them up to short sleeves. Then I cut and hemmed up the length just above the knee. The last thing I did was taper in the armpit/bust area to create a more flattering silhouette.

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Added a belt to accessorize. 

This is definitely now a dress I want to wear in every season!

You can see more of my work on my blog here

or

instagram here.

Moody Blues

This was a fun one to overhaul.  It started with a dropped waist, long sleeves, an outdated collar, and a midi length. 

Exhibit A:

Steps:

1. Move up the waistline.

2. Removed collar and finished to create mandarin collar.

3. Cut and finished sleeves to cap sleeve length.

4. Used excess fabric to create a tie at the waist.

Voila!

Exhibit B:

Side by Side:

Hope you like this one! 

XOXO

Striped Nightmare to Daydream

I started with this dress/nightgown? ↴

It had long, baggy sleeves with a tight white cuff at the end, a shapeless body, and an awkward length.  

The first thing I did was cut off the sleeves. I decided to keep them as short sleeves because I loved the tiny pleats and shape of the shoulder.  Then I cut the bottom hem off just about to the knee (before hemming).  I serged and hemmed the sleeves and bottom edge.  To end, I used the excess material from the bottom to make a matching belt for the waist.

Here is the result! ↴

Before & After ↴

What do you think? Is it wearable now?

Originally posted on my blog --> here.

Also, follow along on Instagram for more refashions!

Sleeves Fix

                    This dress had some good basic elements, it just needed some fine tuning.  
                                      I love the collar and the ruffle trim at the bottom. 

                                                               Here is the before:

                              What I did: 
                                              1. Brought up the sleeves to cap sleeves.
                                                   2. Took in the armpit and bust area.
                                                        3. Added a belt at the waist!

                                                                    
                                                                    Here is the after:

Here's a side by side:

Visit my blog for more pictures, info, posts, etc. ---> here !

or Instagram ---> here !

Denim Dress Refashion

I have to say, I think this is my favorite refashion I have ever done.  The original dress was just so..... bad.  I think the look they were originally going for was 'mechanic cowgirl chic', but no worries because it only made me want to rescue this dress even more.

Details on how I did it on my blog ---> here!

Also follow me on instragram ---> here!

Chambray Revision

When I found this dress I was so excited, even though the 'before' looks less than exciting.  I LOVE chambray and I'm always a sucker for cute little collars, so I knew this dress had a lot of good things going for it, but wasn't reaching its full potential. So I went to work! Because this dress was a bit oversized, the edge of the shoulder seam was the perfect place to end the sleeve. I took off the sleeves and created a short/cap sleeve.  Then I tightened the bust and waist area and hemmed it up just above the knee.  I gave it a good iron, threw on this belt and this is the end result! What do you guys think?! 

More refashions on my blog or instagram!

<3

Dots and Dots

From 80's jumpsuit to adorable dress! I've never done a pants-to-skirt alteration before and it was so surprisingly easy! Whenever I think I've found an amazing dress and it turns out to be pants, I get SO disappointed. Not anymore!! I just cut open the inseam and sewed the front and back pieces straight down. I see more refashions like this in my future!

This may or may not have been a nightgown to begin with? But I loved the little collar and the polka dots, so I knew it had some potential! I shortened the length, the sleeves, and took in the arms and bust areas.  Then I threw on a belt -- Now I have a cute new dress. 

More pictures on my blog here!

Also, follow me on instagram for even MORE pictures, etc!

70's Collar Refashion

I don't normally refashion men's clothing. I guess I'm selfish and get more excited about dresses and things that are pretty. However, I think this collar makeover may have changed the way I feel about about menswear (at least a little bit). The 70's collar had to go. I really love how it turned out!

How I did it:

I unstitched the collar from the neckline.  Then, I removed the collar and flipped it inside out.  Once it was inside out, I mapped out and measured the width I wanted the collar to be.  Then I sewed the new collar shape.  I flipped it right side out, carefully pinned it back into the neckline, and stitched it back into place.  Lastly, I stitched about 1/4 inch around the perimeter of the collar to give it the finished look. 

A very timely process, but definitely worth it. This shirt is now updated and super wearable!

More refashions on my blog HERE!

2 Simple Dress Re-fashions:

I'll be honest. I wasn't positive that I could rescue this one.  It was loose, the elastic at the waist was shot, and it had intimidating fan pleats.  I started at the bottom hem, gave it a trim and ironed the pleats back into place.  Then I slimmed the whole bodice and took the sleeves off. I threw on a belt above the drop waist and I really love how it turned out.

 Anything with a lace collar has my attention.  I simply took out the shoulder pads, took off the sleeves, and shortened the length. Dreamy.


More refashions on my blog HERE.

Polka Dot Dress Makeover

I saw this dress and knew it had potential from it's cute button details and polka dots. First, I removed the shoulder pads and shortened the sleeves and bottom hemline.  Then I tightened the bust and waist a little bit to give a more flattering fit.  Then I styled it with a belt to add some interest. I love how it turned out with just these simple changes! More before and after pics on my blog here.