Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Making Over My Little Black Dress


after
Next week I'm flying to Chicago to attend CHA for the first time. I'm super excited but have been wondering what to wear.

In the last year or so I've been trying to dress more like "me" and less like I think I should look like to be "in style". I feel much more comfortable wearing clothes that I've altered in some way, or wearing accessories I made myself. I just don't  usually take the time to do the altering. Jeans still are, and always will be my wardrobe staple but for something out of my ordinary day to day (like CHA) I'd like to wear something fun and artsy. Something much more "me".  So last night I pulled my little black dress (LBD) out of my closet and started to play.

before
First, I stitched on some vintage buttons to the front. Next, I added a little shell button to each sleeve. Then some lace purchased at JoAnn went around the bottom of the dress. It looked pretty cute at that point and I wastempted to leave it but I love doilies right now and think a doily dress would be SO fun to wear. A little more stitching and the doilies were on. The dress was originally $35 at Shop Ruche and the trim/doilies was about $14 at Joann. I had the buttons and floss so the entire dress cost about $50. It's worth so much more to me though to be able to create something unique and original- a dress I can't wait to wear. :) 

How about you? Do you alter or sew your own clothing or accessories? If you do, I'd love to know what your favorite technique for altering your clothes is. I've been haunting blogs, and flipping through Altered Couture for a while wanting to try something. I'm so glad I finally took the time, because in the end I think it only took a total of 2 1/2 hours and I love the change.


 details, details....



7 comments:

Jen @ By Jen ❤️ said...

How fun! Your dress is adorable and inspiring.I've been wanting to add different flower accessories to my wardrobe, but haven't taken the time either. Maybe it's time :-)

Anonymous said...

That dress is so super cute and I bet you will look just darling! Makes me want to break out the buttons and scrounge through my closet and create a cute redo.

Unknown said...

Jen, it's adorable and so you! Hope you take a picture of yourself in it :)

Cre8tiveQueen said...

Hi Sweetie! LOVE THE DRESS! Maple Grove Days is this weekend... if you haven't checked out the MG Art Center you should stop by there this weekend! I have some of my stuff up! Also... wanted to let you know about this show in October.. It would be fun to have our booths by eachother a couple of old friends of mine are putting it together... if your interested, the deadline is passed but I know you could still join! http://www.skylineartcrawl.com/
Have a great weekend,
Nat

Jill said...

Your dress is super! It is completely fun and cute. You must be so excited for your weekend. =)
I love to alter and embellish clothes too. I am trying to find myself artistically right now, but sewing is one thing I often come back to. It helps me get ready mentally for an occasion to make a new dress for super cheap, or a top...I have used a lot of inspiration from: Grosgrain fabulous blog, mountain girl clothing blog, and the anthroplogie website. I usually start with a picture, but then when I get cutting, the ideas change and the item I am working with usually "tells" me what it wants to be, and what I made looks nothing like the picture! Anyway, long answer, but so excited for you!

Lorrie Everitt Studio said...

Too cute ... I love it. Have fun at CHA!

black tutu said...

That is adorable, love it!