90's Polka Dot Dress Restyle

It has been far too long since I've shared a restyle. To be honest, I took a mini-break from thrifting because I was really getting bored of it. Don't worry, I am slowly getting my thrifting spirit back. On another note, don't stare at the pattern on the dress too long... you will go cross eyed. Photographing tiny polka dots might be the worst thing ever!

I shared this long 90's dress a while back. When I first grabbed it, I thought it would be the perfect maxi type dress, but upon further investigation (after the thrill of thrifting wore off) I realized it wasn't the right fit or material. Boo... on the form it went so I could come up with ideas. 

I knew I needed to take it in, so I started there and took it in until the waist. Then, I moved on to the length. The slit up the side just wasn't for me, so I hemmed it to the knee. I used my rolled hem foot and it made this task a breeze. When I put the dress back on the form, it had the best shape, but it was missing something. I used the material I cut from the length, and made a removable collar using this pattern. 

Now, it has a classic feel. Take the collar off and it instantly becomes a timeless dress that can be worn with anything. I am thinking I could even wear it over a collared shirt... I love pieces that can be layered. Have you thrifted any pieces that don't fit the idea you had for it? What did you make them into?

Charlie

Button Front Skirt Restyle

I love button front skirts, but for some reason, the ones I find while thrifting are always too big for me. Luckily, they're pretty easy to take in.  I am super excited that I got to keep the belt buckles on this one.  I love the character it gives to the skirt! Ignore the fact that it won't button on the form... that means it fits me perfectly!

How I did it:
1. Put the skirt on inside out and figure out how much you want to take it in on each side. This amount should be equal to keep everything centered.
2. Once you know how much you're taking it in, lay the skirt flat (inside out still) and put a pin at the top, marking that measurement on each side.

3. Go along the side of the skirt, measuring out two inches from the seam all the way down (as pictured above). You will want to keep the shape of the skirt as much as possible.
4. This step is optional: With a pencil or fabric pen, take a yard stick and and connect the pins. I do this to help me see the angle and to make sure it works on both sides. It also helps me keep the seam straight.
5. Sew both sides of your skirt and try it on.
6. When you know the skirt fits, you can trim the excess with pinking sheers or serge it.
7. Hem the skirt to your desired length, and you're done! Just remember to always hem last because taking it in will make it sit differently when you have it on, even if it is just a little bit.

I hope this will inspire you to give things that don't fit a chance at the thrift store! 

~Charlie

Strapless Dress Restyle

I have had this dress for a few years and have never worn it. I bought it from Forever 21 while on vacation and didn't try it on. Ooops... live and learn! As you can see, it is just the worst fitting thing, even on the form. An even better reason to never wear it is that the zipper always got stuck while attempting to zip it up. Awesome!

How I did it:

1. Zip the dress all the way down so you can still use the zipper.
2. Seam rip all the way around, including the lining. You will need to cut that zipper at the same point that you rip the seam. (I didn't keep my lining, but you may want to).
3. Fold at the ribbon, pin and sew all the way around. Done!

Since I didn't keep my lining, I knew I would have to wear a slip. I decided to pair it with a vintage slip and let the lace hang out the bottom.

What do you think? What do you have in your closet that you could restyle?
~Charlie

Tips For Restyling a Thrifted Secretary Dress

I love this dress. I love the bow patterned fabric and I love the little tie. The only issue with it was that it swallowed me whole when I put it on... time to restyle it! Sorry, when I make a restyle really fit me I can't get it back on the dress form, but I promise a picture of me wearing soon! I honestly can't wait to wear this dress out!

Here is the process I used to restyle this dress. I am not a professional seamstress! This is just a hobby, and I am sure I am not doing things the proper way, but I have found that for a beginner like me this has been what works. Maybe it will help you to restyle something too!

1. Work with your dress inside out.

2. Remove the shoulder pads using your seam ripper (and get comfortable with your seam ripper).  I know it will be tempting at times to just cut things, but I promise... that shortcut could cost you in the end.

3. Remove your sleeves. Again, with your seam ripper!

4. Now that the sleeves are removed, put your dress on inside out and see how much you need to take it in on the sides. From the armpit down through the waist, pin or mark how much you need to take in on each side.

5. After you make sure both sides are equal, you are ready to sew the sides of the dress. It really does help to have the appropriate needle for the fabric. Since a lot of these dresses are made from a slippery polyester, I opt to use a ballpoint needle to help ensure the fabric does not pucker.

6. Once you have the sides sewn, put the dress on one more time (the right way this time) and make sure everything looks correct. If it does, turn it back inside out and cut off the excess. If you want, you can use pinking sheers, but you can also serge the seam.

7. Once the excess is cut, it is time to finish the sleeves.  Simply take the extra fabric you have and roll it in twice, pin and sew.

8. Lastly, I often need to hem my dresses. For this I just cut it and use my rolled hem foot to finish it.

I hope this is clear, but if not please let me know! I am thinking that in the future I will share more tips on the different ways I tackle my restyles... what do you think? You can see restyles from the past here, check it out!

~Charlie

Simple Backpack Restyle

I have been seeing super cute lace backpacks like the ones below and I love them, but I am kinda cheap, and the price on some of them are just a little too steep for my liking. So, I figured I could make something just as cute, but at a lesser price. I found a backpack on Amazon that was a good price and the perfect size.  Then, I just added some lace scrap!

For $19.00 I got a cute lace backpack... much cheaper than $50.00. Even if it isn't exactly the same, I am happy with how it turned out!

~Charlie

Thrifted Dress Restyle

I know this dress is a mildly obnoxious pattern. I picked it up thinking that it would be cute when made smaller! I may have been wrong...

This was my first time really using my dress form as a guide and working on it.  It made everything a lot easier and I don't understand why I never did it before (duh!). Using the dress form made it possible to get rid of the bulk from the top half and not need the elastic at the waist anymore. I have never been able to get that right.  I also learned how to use my rolled hem foot and it made it so easy that I'm sad that I feared it for so long.

I couldn't be more excited about the things I learned, even if this dress is less than awesome.  Maybe the fact that it was a little less than awesome freed me from the fears I had about trying these things before.  Even if I never wear it, there's no loss because I learned so much!

~Charlie

Forever 21 Coat Restyle

I recently picked up this coat on sale for a steal at Forever 21 ($6.00).  I liked it a lot, but got annoyed that the buttons didn't line up. Once I removed the buttons (so I could line them up properly), I fell in love with just having one set.  I have also been searching for things to use lace on (thanks to my great grandfather I have literally hundreds of yards of vintage lace trim) and this seemed like the perfect opportunity! After much pinning and fidgeting and pinning some more, it was done. 

 I love embellishing/personalizing things like this!

~Charlie

Thrifted Restyle

I am a sucker for any type of button detailing, and that's why I couldn't pass up this slightly too big vintage 70's dress. Well, the fact that it was $1.20 didn't hurt either!  (I know it may look like one from the 80's, but I promise you it's not built like one from the 80's and I looked it up). 

The sleeves swallowed me so I decided I would attempt to remove them. From there, I took in the sides, starting under the arm and stopping at the waist. Then, I finished the arm holes and hemmed the bottom up 5 inches to hit at my knee. 

It still felt like the dress was missing just a little something, and since I am up to my eye balls in vintage lace and trim (more on that soon), I thought... why not add a little to the neckline?  Perfect! I love it and I can't wait to wear it!

~Charlie

Thrifted Restyle

I had mentioned before that I thrifted two dresses... Well, I finally finished restyling one of them!

This was one of those lovely oversized 100% polyester pieces that you come across so often while thrifting.  

This dress was a lot of fun to take apart... no serger seams, woo hoo! To get the dress to this point I detached the top half from the bottom half of the dress.  Then, I shortened both the top and bottom pieces from the middle (so I didn't have to re-hem the bottom) and took in the top on both sides. After that, I sewed the two pieces back together again with elastic. From there, I just shortened the sleeves. Not too bad for a $2.00 dress! (Please know that I am not a seamstress and I do this for fun. I am sure that I used improper terms and most likely did this all wrong, but it worked for me!).

~Charlie

Sweatshirt Restyle - 4 Ways

My mom gave me this stack of sweatshirts.

She thought that even though they were well loved (paint, bleach and cooking stain kind of loved), that I could get some kind of use out them. I accepted it as a challenge to make them into something I wouldn't mind wearing on my lazy, bum around the house days.

Here is what I got... with just a few simple changes!

For the first one (top left), I had been eyeing the heart sweatshirt DIY from Amy at A is for Ampersand! What better time to give it a try?  It was super easy and if you have two old sweatshirts laying around, I highly recommend giving it a try!

On the second one (top right),  I covered up a stain by adding a piece of ivory lace trim.

The third one (bottom left) was an act of desperation... I had no idea what to do with it. It had been attacked with bleach spatter!  I thought about adding ruffles up the center, but it was too bulky looking so I just jumped in and cut the sweatshirt up the center.  While wearing it, I pinned it into a more fitted look, and came out with this v-neck style pullover, and you can't see one bleach stain :)!

The last one (botton right) is the ultimate comfy be-at-home sweatshirt since it is nice and long (covers the butt). I did exactly what it looks like: Cut the waistband off the green one, cut the purple one just under the armpit and sewed it together! (hello 90's... lol).

So here is proof that there is never an unsalvageable sweatshirt. It just takes a little thought and a lot of patience!

~Charlie

Restyled Thrifts!

Who doesn't love skirts with pockets?  I wish all skirts and dresses came with pockets. It makes everything easier! That's one of the reasons I couldn't pass up these two skirts while thrifting... they just needed a little love!

I also fell in love with the fabric of this skirt, and the fact that it buttoned. The downside was that it was really long... to my ankles long!

I hemmed it to my knees and added some black lace trim. I honestly can't wait to wear it!! (sorry that the top button just wouldn't close on the dress form... worst!).

I know what you're thinking, and you're probably right... this skirt is ugly!  Sometimes I find the ugliest things cute.  

This was another very long skirt, and due to the fact that I am really short (5'1ish), I tend to not wear very long skirts... so I hemmed it to the knee.  I also thought that I would just play up the dorkyness of the skirt and add some crocheted leaves to accent the leaf-themed fabric.  I personally think this skirt is dorktastic!  Also, the fabric is super comfy like an old sweatshirt, and it has an elastic waist that makes being in a skirt all day much more cozy!

~Charlie

Restyled Thrifts!

 I am no master at the sewing machine, but I love attempting to restyle clothes!  What better way to learn then to do it with thrifted items!  Sure, if you mess up you'll be a bit sad, but you won't have lost much monies. And... if you don't mess up (which you won't), you get an awesome tailored-to-you piece of clothing!  My mind races when I go thrifting... looking for clothes that will fit me, clothes to buy for fabric, and clothes that with a little help can become something to love!  

I loved the wool of this skirt. It is the perfect brown color/pattern, but it was really, really long and I didn't just want to hem it (It just wouldn't be an adventure).  So, I added a ruffle waist that I think adds a lot to the skirt! 

(Sorry about the wrinkles, no matter how many times I ironed it, it would instantly wrinkle) 

 I bought this dress even though it was way too big (like cover your feet, fit over your clothes big!).  It was so big that I wasn't sure I could save it... but some darts, hemming, replacing of the elastic, and taking in the side seams and ta-da!

~Charlie

Super Easy Cowl and Leg Warmer DIY

Isn't this a great way to use a well-loved sweater?  I loved this sweater... I'm a little embarrassed to admit I've had it since high school... but it was time to let it go, it was showing its age in places!

If you make one I'd love to see it, just leave a link below :)!

~Charlie

P.S. Check out the cool way Lauren at The Perfect Pear made Leg Warmers!

I Heart Spray Paint

This summer we collected a few random, little pieces of furniture that needed some love.

I know the teal plant holder (yes it's teal, not blue) isn' pictured in the before picture... sorry!

After a few coats of spray paint, they're as good as new! 

~Charlie

This Weekend

Husband helped me and we covered the seats and finished the chairs!

(Better pics to come when it's not gloomy and raining.  I was just so excited for them to be done that I had to share right away!!)

I love how they turned out, and they fit in the room perfectly!!!  Now to just find some super cute fabric for pillows (these are just place holders)! 

We watched

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I had to watch it because I love Gilmore Girls, and it was the perfect cheesy romantic comedy!

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I really like how the storyline played out.  It was kinda creepy!

I'm a little bummed that it's so rainy today.  I had big plans to take pictures of the stuff I've been crafting lately... Maybe it will be sunnier tomorrow!

~Charlie

Headband Restyle DIY

We have all bought those multi-pack of headbands that come with a few undesirable colors... or have some headbands that just plain need updating. I know I do, and with a trim drawer that is busting at the seams, I thought... what better way to put these things to good use?  I thought I would share how I did it, even though I'm sure you've done it before! 

You will need:
- A stack of headbands
- Scissors
- E-6000 glue/ hot glue gun (it is easier with the glue gun, but I feel it looks clumpy)
- Needle and thread
- clips/pins (to hold things in place until they dry)
-All the fun trim and bias tape you have hoarded away :)

Basic trim update!

1. Cut the trim so that you have about a 1/2 inch hanging over on each side. (If you use trim that will unravel, cut it to fit and use ribbon to secure the ends).

2. Lay a thin layer of glue around the headband. (If you are using E-6000 glue, let it set for just a minute so it will be more tacky when you lay the trim over it).

3. Lay trim over glue, making sure to leave the 1/2 inch overhang on each side.  

4.Place a small dab of glue on the inside, and fold over the extra 1/2 inch on each side. 

5. Place clips on the end and let dry.

Wide lace (trim) update!

1. Again, cut the lace so that you have a 1/2 inch excess on each end.

2. Glue the 1/2 inch excess on one end and clip it in place.

3. Center lace all the way over the headband and tack the excess at the other end. Make sure everything is tight as you don't want bumps and wrinkles. 

4. Fold over side excess and glue at both ends so that it starts to shape to the headband. Clip it to secure.

5. Lay a thin layer of glue around the inside of the headband and fold over the excess on each side.

6. Let it dry!

Bias tape update!

1. Cut bias tape to allow for a 1/4 inch seam allowance at each end or enough to turn under and sew.

2. Turn inside out and pin. 

3. Sew down the seam. (You can easily do this by hand)

4. trim excess and iron flat.

5. Turn it inside right.

6. Turn under and sew the ends shut.

7. Open a small area in the seam (near an end) and slip in your headband.

8. Sew the tiny opening shut and you're done!

9. (optional) Make a bow out of the scrap and attach it.

If you have any questions please ask... and if you make one i'd love to see it!

~Charlie

Headbands

I was cleaning out our linen closet and noticed I have a ton of headbands I never wear... So I made them into something I will wear!

Sorry for the lack of continuity in the last pic... that headband took forever to dry!

DIY coming soon (as in later tonight) so you can make them too!

~Charlie

Closet Restyle Part 1: Summer Skirts

Do you ever stand in front of a closet FULL of clothes and say "I have nothing to wear"?  I do it WAY too much.  This is what inspired me to go through my closet and take out all the clothes that for some reason or another I can't wear, and fix them!  That means, out with all the ill-fitting thrifted finds... the too wide sweaters, too long pants, and sweaters that wont stay buttoned.  Someday is now because I'm sick of having a closet full of clothes, but still having nothing I feel I can wear.  My goal is to restyle all of my unwearables into wearables!  If you are one of these people too, I hope these posts will help inspire you to do the same! Take back your closet!

Up first is summer skirts.  Skirts are my favorite thing to wear in the summer, and feeling like I didn't have any made getting ready for the day quite the task!

I've had this lovely peach skirt for a long time (since well before we moved!).  I saw it thrifting and couldn't pass up the color even though it was a few sizes too big for me.  Now, I can finally wear it and I love it.  (Details: I took it in 2 inches on each side at the waist, tapering off towards the bottom to keep the original flare, and then I hemed it 4 inches).

Husband is famous for putting his elbow through the sleeve on his dress shirts, and this leads to me hoarding them thinking I am going to make something out of them.  I finally did. (P.S. It looks way better on.  I couldn't get the gathering to lay right on the form).  The other skirt was supposed to be made last summer, and well... I never got to it, which fed into my need of summer skirts... silly, I know. (Details: These are both simple elastic waist skirts.  For the dress shirt, I used steps from this tutorial).

I am sure by now you know my obsession with yellow :).  This was yet another couldn't-leave-behind thrifted treasure.  I took it from an office appropriate semi-pencil skirt to a cute almost mini skirt with pockets!  I love pockets in skirts, it makes life so much easier! ( Can you believe that this lovely yellow skirt was part of a two piece suit? Me either, but the tag inside proved it! Must love the 80's... well, maybe the 90's). (Details: Took it in 1 inch at the back seam since it is a 3 panel skirt, hemmed it 6 inches so I could get rid of the kick pleat, and added pockets at the side seams). 

I am not sure whats up next.... sweaters or dresses... maybe both! 

~Charlie