Yellow Sundress

Tags

dress, halter, halter dress, refashioning, sun dress

I found a yellow maxi dress last fall on clearance that I loved, but I knew I’d never wear it…  It was too tight, too long and completely see-through (haven’t these people ever heard of lining dresses?). I love the feel of the soft cool cotton and the bright cheery yellow. Hmm… decisions, decisions. I bought the dress and hung it in the back of my closet until last weekend when it was ready to be refashioned.

I had enough fabric in the skirt to line to entire dress. I started by completely tearing the dress apart. I used the bottom of the skirt to create a new pleated skirt, giving me a non-clingy dress. I added more fabric to the waist sash, reconstructed the top of the halter to give it more shape, as well as adjusted the line in the back. The dress turned out really well. I love this dress it’s so fun!

Cheerful Yellow Sun Dress

Here is the before of the maxi dress… Notice the brown gown next to it?.. That’s my next refashioning project…

Before

How do you like my dress?

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B Green (Loft) Baby

Tags

black dress, clothing, dress, frugal, Frugality, GAP, Preloved, thrift, thrifty

The other weekend, I was lucky enough to get a chance to stop by the coveted B Green Loft in Bloomsburg, PA. It’ll be their two-year anniversary this week on Earth Day. It was my first trip to the store when the owner wasn’t working, I actually saw a few new faces working that day. My pilgrimage wasn’t as big of a success this time, I only found two garments (but am completely in love with the one). I found a tan GAP cardigan, which was much-needed (still looking for the perfect chocolate-colored one). Belle even loves it! I tried on a few pairs of tan pants (I checked the tag, also GAP), which just weren’t the right fit.

Tan Cardi

Then I found a beautiful black dress with tiny white polka dots, flutter sleeves and a sash tie. It is super comfy and the empire waist is elastic. The tag said GAP (again, haha). I’ll wear either a black or white camisole under it for work, since it is a bit low-cut. Either way I LOVE the dress! I have the perfect black (polka dot) peep toe shoes to compliment it.  I am a dress girl, always have been. Can’t wait to strut my new (to me) dress.

Little Black Dress

I didn’t need a bag so I could donate my 10¢ token to BTE (as always)!

Dress for NC Wedding

Tags

black dress, DIY wedding, dress, empire waist, formal dress, formal wear, holiday dress, Sewing, sewing project, silver dress, wedding guest, winter wedding

In September, I realized I may be needing a new dress for Hubster’s cousin’s wedding in early January. I immediately had a post holiday season dress in mind. This scared me for two reasons. First, I wouldn’t find that dress with a price tag I wanted. Second, I knew I’d have limited time during the holidays to get it started.

The wedding is in cold frigid January. However, it will take place in North Carolina (what are their winters like anyway?) Would I need a shawl or a cape? Can I pull out my open toe dress shoes? I wasn’t sure what color theme the bride had picked and I didn’t want to clash or match… so I stuck to black (I never wear black!)… and silver. I figured I had one chance to get this dress right, or I’d be wearing an old dress that Hubster’s family has all seen me in already.

I always have the best sewing luck when I make the basic garment shape first and then try it on and make adjustments. I created the outer layer of the dress first which was as simple as sewing a tube. I then had to stitch the hem, which was a little difficult due to the nature of the crinkle fabric. The skirt of the dress would have to be lined, so I created a lining by making a skirt out of some remaining black satin back crepe I had in my sewing box. I attached the skirt underneath the dress, added black satin trim under the bust which ties in the back. I was contemplating which type of straps I wanted for the dress; two straps, halter, or omit them entirely. Hubster, Pumpkin and my nephews all agreed that I should keep it strapless. I would love a silver and black brooch to pin in the front middle of the black band, I just haven’t found one yet. I used a cute silver earring I found, removing the hook and tacking it to the belt.

Black & Silver Dress

Back of Dress

Belt Detail

How do you think the final product looks?