Why Yes, I AM Wearing a Curtain

Today, I'm still somewhat homebound because of Hurricane Sandy, so I did another refashion. I actually did 2 but didn't take any "before" pics of the first one and it's ugly anyway, so onto this one.

I bought this brocade curtain at Unique (in Union) a couple of months ago because I LOVE the fabric. I really want to make a short skirt with it, and wear it with tights, but I don't know what color tights or top would go with it. I'll work on that another day. 

Instead, I started draping it on my dress form. A dress? Nowhere to wear it. A top? Only if it's easy. So a simple strapless top it is.

A dress?

A top with straps? Eh, those are too wide.

 

I had some problems making it though. I wanted it to lay front across my chest ie: I didn't want to use elastic all the way around it 'cause then the fat near my armpits would moosh over the top - ladies, you know what I'm talking about.

I thought about doing a zipper in the back, but my measurements would need to be precise, and I'm not about precision. Snaps? No, one deep breath and I could see them busting open.

So, I went with 2 small pieces of elastic. Eh, mixed results. It gave me the flexibility I needed to get it on and off, but I would have liked the top to be a bit tighter. But hey, it fits and I can wear out with the girls next weekend in New Orleans!

With a low sash?

Or a high sash that ties in the back?

Or no sash...

I went with low sash tied in the front. If I actually had my hair brushed and some makeup on, I could go out right now!

80's Fab to Now Wow (ha)

When I bought this dress at the thrift store, it was a stretch. The fabric is pretty bad, it's sort of slippery in a plastic way; the shoulder pads were overwhelming, and I wasn't even sure it would fit overall. But guess what? I liked the pattern (yeah, that's a theme with me.)

Nice sleeves. And neck.

So - I brought it home and threw it on my dress form to consider the possibilities. First things first - those sleeves had to go. Not to mention the neck.

That's much better. 

Next - pin up those jagged edges and sew in a hem. Easy peasy.

Then I wanted to do something about that rounded neckline - just to play around I tucked it in and sewed in an asymmetrical neckline.

Pinning the neckline and sleeves. 

I think it came out okay - not great, just okay.

Next up, loose some of the  length, add a sash and done. New updated dress to wear to work! I don't know, not bad for $9.00.

Ready for the office.

Skirt to Dress: The Easiest Refashions of them All

I actually did this one a few weeks ago but never got around to posting it. This started off as a Goodwill find -- a loooong pleated skirt that was too big for me, but I liked the coral color and the pleats. Bonus - it had a sash already attached! How convenient for making a halter-style sun dress.

Before I enlisted help with photos...

I actually don't have any photos of the in-process refashioning because 1. I didn't have my dress form yet, so I was really just winging it. 2. I didn't know I was going to blogging about these things.

Basically, I took in each side several inches and then cut out that excess fabric. I also chopped a few inches off the bottom -- I didn't hem it (mostly because I hate hemming) but it didn't seem like the fabric would fray. If anyone can tell me which fabrics are prone to fraying, please do!

So - here it is. I actually have worn this out a few times.

That tie thing is actually the back of the skirt, so technically I'm wearing it backwards.

I'm a photo-bombing dork.

A Year of Nothing New

It's a simple idea. A year with no new clothes. Or shoes. Or accessories. That about sums it up. But people I've mentioned this to seem to have questions. So...

When I say "nothing new", I really mean "brand new". For one year, I'm committed to only buying used, from thrift shops, Goodwill, consignment, etc. The ONLY exceptions are: underwear, and 1 pair of sneakers for the gym.


I started in January 2012, and in the interest of full disclosure, before I added "accessories" I bought a $4 headband for a Gatsby-inspired event. I wore it to a work-event as well and plan to give it to a friend who will wear it to another event, so it's not a "one and done" purchase. In retrospect, I didn't need it.


The big question I get is "Why?" I have no real answer and I keep asking myself "why" also. There's no big social idea driving this, no financial hardship, no real goal.

Although, whenever I find myself in a shopping-situation, and I'm thinking, "Oh cute - I want that!" I stop. There it is. I "want" that. Do I "need" that? No. The answer is always no. No matter what it is, I don't need it. Another skirt? No. A new bathing suit? Nope. A cute new purse? Ohhhh....kinda...no. No. Don't need it.

And I guess that's the point. I'm forcing myself to know the difference between "want" and "need." Yes, we all already KNOW the difference, but I want to live the difference.

And so here I am, 5 months into a Year of Nothing New. I'm learning to 'refashion' my thrift store finds, which is becoming a hobby I really enjoy. My inspiration - refashionista.net - does it way better than I ever could, but I have fun trying.

So -- I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Will I crack at some point and splurge on a brand-new pair of gym shorts? I might, but I hope not. And I'll post pics of my thrift-store finds, and refashion efforts. And maybe, just maybe, this experiment won't just be a year, but a lifestyle.

Here you go - recent Goodwill purchase. Pink, short-sleeved button down from Express, $5.00. White (it really is white, I know it looks yellow, and I actually NEEDED a white dress shirt) button-down from Ann Taylor, $5.00. Reversable tank in turquoise and fuscia (so it's like 2 shirts in one!), $5.00.