September 20, 2015

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Outfit Remakes

Remake: Pink Striped 90s Maternity Dress

September 20, 2015

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Outfit Remakes

New Dress A Day - 90s Striped Maternity Dress

I've got four words for you. This. Dress. You. Guys.

Loved the pink and white striping, but just wasn't as into the shape or style.

It was straight 90s, yo! It was also a maternity dress, once I looked at the label. I thought a little tweaking could come to fruition to make this the perfect dress to wear during the September heat wave of Los Angeles.

I mean it's just waiting for some TLC. TLC, I'm a-coming for you!

To start off, I did some serious trimming. SERIOUS.

Goodbye sleeves! Goodbye collar!

I created a little sweetheart neckline as well, pinning under the fabric once I trimmed off the top portion of the dress.

With my new neckline pinned, it was time to stitch it in place and take the bodice in about six inches to make it fit me.

With the new seams stitched and dress taken in to fit, I trimmed the excess fabric with my pinking shears...

...to give the new edges a zig zag trim to help with fraying.

Now it was time for straps! I pulled a few trim options...

...and pinned and stitched in place.

For extra waist cinching, I added one of my newest vintage belt additions and was ready for the hot, California afternoon.

It's my summer candy striper look!

I paired my dress with black & white Report flats and a strawberry LeSportsac purse to contrast with the super pastel color palette from my remake.

Cotton dress to stay cool in during 90 degree weather, check!

The 90s are coming back, however I don't think the original dress would have made that cut.

Kind of obsessed with this before and after!

One gal's maternity dress is another gal's new September Summer OOTD.

I'll take it!

September 13, 2015

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New Dress A Day Goes to Japan!

September 13, 2015

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Hi friends! So sorry for the LONG hiatus from blogging - I've been in Japan!!

It's been such an amazing time so far and I wanted to share some of the photos. Back to regularly scheduled dressmaking/DIY programming this week!

I've been splitting my time between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with day trips to Kobe, Nara, and Himeji and it's been such an incredible experience. This is my first time to Japan, so I'm going a bit crazy stopping and OMG-ing every five minutes!

I mean...

...I literally found where magic began, at the Arishyama Bamboo Forest. Words cannot describe the beauty.

I've been flea marketing when it hasn't been pouring down...

New Dress A Day - Japan - Vintage Kimonos

...and the kimonos have been spectacular. I couldn't resist...

There have been 5 am sushi stops for some of the best scallops I've ever tasted...

New Dress A Day - Japan - Tsukiji Market

...and TONS of photos in front of the coolest things I've ever seen. You make a big version of a dessert and you've got a #1 fan in me! Who doesn't want that waffle-y thing topped in ice cream?

The castles. The views. The views from castles. I've been speechless on this trip more than I have in my entire life.

And, the food. Oooooh weeeeeeeee, the food. How about freshly grilled seafood on skewers topped in a soy reduction glaze? *dead*.

What's a trip to Japan without a stop to see this cat. (PS, for more Japan pics, head over to Instagram!)

I can't wait to share more and get back onto a blogging routine. I already have a pin board of projects I want to start working on once I'm back. Stay tuned!!

August 9, 2015

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Outfit Remakes

Remake: Ivory Romper

August 9, 2015

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Outfit Remakes

You. Guys. I was working in Orange County last month with I Love to Create and Joann's getting my tie dye on with shoppers, and I stopped at a sample sale on the way home.

First thing's first. I LOVE myself a sample sale. It's the one place where you can get your hands on more expensive branded gear for wayyyyyyy less than retail. This sale was at the Dainty Hooligan warehouse in Anaheim and I took advantage of the $1 bin that housed a ton of "damaged" items! I'm going to show you all the pieces I scored for a buck this week that I transformed into new, non-"damaged" items that look like they came right off the rack!

First piece I scored, this fab romper:

Romper - Dainty Hooligan - New Dress A Day

I couldn't find the exact one on the site, however I found something similar for $42.50.

So, I'd say I got a steal! But, the downside was that there were spots EVERYWHERE!

There's a spot...

...and there's a spot...

...and there's another few spots!!

So, what do you do when you're stuck with a slew of spots on an ivory romper???

You know what to do. When in doubt, DYE IT OUT!

Keep reading to find out what color I went with...

Into a bath of glorious dye this romper went! After a quick roll in the dryer, my romper was a gorg shade of cornflower blue!!

What I should have planned for was a bit of shrinkage even drying my new piece on low. So, note to self...air dry when there are no tags on a romper from a sample sale.

I LOVED the color!

Look how fab the crochet trim turned out too!

My shoes were a steal of a score at Goodwill in Austin. Brand new Juicy Couture for $6.99. Holler!

The before and after action below:

Because it was a little too short to wear out, I shot these lovely pics at home without worrying about flashing people in public. However, tomorrow...see how I made it public facing!

Check out the easiest little fix for when you end up shrinking your garments in 24 hours.

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