Goodwill Restyle
While searching through the dresses at Goodwill this winter I found a dress that, while tragic, seemed like it could potentially be salvaged by implementing a few creative modifications. After bringing it home I tried to figure out what said modifications could be. And then I thought about it some more.
Sadly, I never had that moment of inspiration I was looking for. Instead, this weekend I decided to simply remove the sleeves, the collar and the length. I then bound the sleeves and neck with the salvaged material and put a 1/4 inch hem at the bottom. This belted summer shift still has its sad original elastic waist and the odd asymmetrical covered button panel on the front left side, but I think with a light cardigan and a wide belt, I might call this a partial success.
Even though it didn’t reach the potential I dreamed it someday would, I did manage to take this dress from tragic to less so. Check out that before picture. So modest. Was I a fool to be tempted by the pattern of the fabric?
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I like it!! Wish I had any kind of vision like that. The creativity had to come from your momma’s side!
Thanks, Gail! Glad you like it. I do definitely have to thank Mom for a lot of my creative leanings 🙂
I adore it! You did such a good job. I frequently find things at Goodwill that make me say to myself ‘if only this was shorter, with no sleeves, with a cinched waist’ etc etc etc. But I rarely ever tackle anything. You’ve inspired me, because I have a dress I need to turn into a top. Thanks!
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your kind words.
Good luck with turning your dress into a top. I know how hard it is to start on projects like that. Can’t wait to see how yours turns out!
You made a hot mess into something fabulous – you rock Miss Claire!
Thanks, Julie. One of my favorite things to do is look at Regan’s face as I unload my thrift store purchases. The horror in his eyes is pretty amazing sometimes (as with the above dress :)).
The dress is terrific! You did such a great job transforming it into something unique and different. I love the before and after shots!
Thanks, Kristi!
Amazing, Claire. what a transformtion on that piece!
Thanks, Patsy!
I actually reall like it, too… I would definitely wear it! And no one needs to know about the elastic unless you choose to tell them. Of course, if you had left the dress As-Is, you could have worn it to Conner Prairie… 😉
I know! It’s very much a prairie dress…. but 80s and polyester, too. I’m just….. well, there are not words for it 🙂 Glad you like it. Thanks, Maryann.
Nice. I like the side stripe — like a racing stripe and makes you look faster. I really do like the whole look. Arielle picked up some Goodwill items yesterday that she is going to revamp. She will probably be giving you a call.
I’ve been saying, “vroom” while wearing it. Also, yay for Goodwill. That’s the way to build a back to school outfit!
I agree, the asymmetrical stripe gives it character! All you need are some heavy-duty large peach glasses to go with the before and the outfit would have been perfect. 🙂
I’m actually kind of bummed I revamped the dress because it would have made a killer Halloween costume in its original form! 🙂 With peach glasses = superb!