Remake: White Strapless Lace Dress

Hey friends! I'm here, I'm here :) There's been a lot going on which I'll fill you in a bit on later... But in the interim, I have a FABULOUS new piece to share. Take this lace dress:

New Dress A Day - DIY White Dress

See how pretty it is close up??

New Dress A Day - DIY White Dress

I scored it at a swap party for nada, but it was originally $25 from Forever 21. So, for a chic cocktail dress, it's really quite budget friendly.

New Dress A Day - DIY White Dress

And I loved the look, but just wasn't that into the color. My skin is SO fair and as a short dress, this color wasn't doing it for me like I wanted it to.

So, now comes the change. New color, check!!

I took a brand new shade of Rit Dye's new polyester friendly dyes - Blaze - and got my dye pot going!

New Dress A Day - DIY White Dress

(PS, my new dye pot was a score at Goodwill on half off tag day :) I think I ended up getting it for less than $3 bucks. Total. Score!)

I filled up my pot, brought it to a boil, added my dye and about 1/4 of salt, and put in my pre-wet dress. (Just make sure whatever garment you're dyeing is saturated in water before dyeing. This ensures a smooth color job!)

New Dress A Day - DIY White DressNew Dress A Day - DIY White Dress

I LOVE that first part when the piece just starts to absorb the colored liquid!

New Dress A Day - DIY White Dress

I was LOVING the color as it look just a few minutes in! I left the dress in to hang out for another hour before I took it out, rinsed it through, and let it dry.

In ONE EASY STEP (sounds totally infomercial, doesn't it??) this dress became something so much better than it was.

New Dress A Day - DIY White Dress

I shot this dress in front of LACMA at the "Urban Lights" exhibit by Chris Burden. He just passed away, so the museum has been keeping the lights on all night. It's one of my favorite spots in the city - I turn into a kid swinging on the poles and running through them.

New Dress A Day - DIY White Dress

But it's incredible seeing how color can change EVERYTHING!

New Dress A Day - DIY White Dress

It started off a fine cocktail dress that I would have never worn. Now, it's a dress that I can't wait to wear to the next formal event.

New Dress A Day - DIY White Dress

Seriously. That color...SO GOOD!!

Regula's NDAD Creation

I received this fabulous remake from German-reader Regula and it's something that I want to make immediately!! It's starting to get colder here in Los Angeles (I just put my heat on for the first time this year!) and I'm dreaming about making myself what Regula did. For those of you out there craving a little coziness, this project will be right up your alley!!

I've been following you for quite a while. I think it's amazing how you see potential in any dress you find. I often go to thrift stores hoping to find THE THING that speaks to me: "I want to be turned into something else. Please, help me!"

Case in point...this lovely plaid flannel shirt.

Regula even draws out her plans...

I think you're going to love the outcome...check it out:

I turned a shirt into pajama bottoms!!

They are not really fashionable but I love them very much.

Old sleeves = new legs!!

It took about 20 minutes to get from shirt to pants, so go ahead! Cut, sew and wear!

Can I please have a set of these immediately!! As I prep for holidays in NC this year, flannel PJs are calling my name! Regula - thank you SO much for sharing this project with us! Such a useful way to repurpose a shirt that just wasn't getting any love anymore. Can't wait to see your next project!!

For more from Regula, click HERE!

Darci's NDAD Creation

When someone sends you a note on cat stationery, it becomes a treasured piece of mail! The lovely Darci in MI sent a remake my way that was striped perfection. Here's her note!

My crafty sewing friend helped me recreate this dress into something that I'd actually wear.

Time to see what Darci changed this striped apron-y/dress into...

Plus, a fun fact about the dress...it's MADE IN THE USA!!

Striped fabulousness, Darci! I love the colors and the belt paired with it! Seasonal appropriate if you add a sweater on top and let the stripes peek out below. So many fun options! Thank you SO much for sharing - you look gorgeous!