Hacked-up 90's Denim Dress.

Vintage pieces don't always fit. They are rarely in perfect condition and were probably made specifically for someone else (alterations were much more common in days past). But you may be drawn to a piece non the less. 

That is why I am so grateful that I sew. I don't know how I would do vintage if I couldn't. 

This dress is a great example!

So this dress was at least 1 size too big for me, was way too short and had zero waist definition.
I remember having a similar dress as a kid. These printed, lightweight, denim shirt dresses were so 90s, along with dungarees at my school.
I don't have any shirt dresses and I love this fabric so time for a little hacking!

After a couple of minor adjustments, this dress really transformed into something I love to wear!

The biggest issue for me with this dress was the length. It was mini and I don't do mini!
So I added a border panel of white cotton in a similar weight to the dress fabric.
I know I could have added the white directly to the bottom edge of the dress but I was afraid that it could look like the addition that it was and I wanted it to blend in nicely.

To tie in the white panel I thought I better add in a bit more of it else where.
So I changed the original collar to a white one and left a binding on the edge using the original fabric.

After taking in the bodice, the alterations were complete.

Outfit Details

Dress- Vintage from Frocks in Swing time
Cardigan- Vintage from Frocks in Swing time
Brooch- MacArthur style brooch from The Pink Bungaloo
Earrings- Vintage from Bones and Crossbones
Sunglasses- Vacation in Poland
Belt- H&M

Shoes- Clarks

I styled the dress for a casual look with a vintage cardigan and brogues.
I wore this outfit for afternoon tea with Nora from NoraFinds who is absolutely lovely. She did a post on our meet up at The Secret Soho tea room that you can read here.

I'm just thinking now on reflection that the buttons could be changed to white ones as the original green ones blend in to the fabric but I haven't decided about that yet.

I love how this dress turned out now that the alterations are done!
A little bit of effort took this dress from unbearable to fabulous!


X O X O

Christina

Spring bag and purple St Michael dress.

Once the sun starts shining, it is time for the floral dresses and accessories to finally make their seasonal debut. 

I found this beautiful, vintage dress and loved the print immedietly. Unfortunately, the fit just wasn't working for me, so I slightly altered it. 

I lengthened the hem as much as possible, let out the side seams in the bodice and added panels in the sleeves for ease of movement. 

Vintage garments often need to be tweaked so a bit of sewing knowledge is always handy as a vintage wearer. Especially with repairs! There were a couple of small tears in this dress which have now been sympathetically mended. 

Outfit details

Dress- St Micheals, vintage, Frocks in Swing Time

Cardigan- Vintage, Frocks in Swing Time

Bag- Me Made

Belt- H&M

Sandals- New Look, Old

Earrings- Vintage, BowandCrossbones

Sunglasses- New Look, Old

Lavender and pink are a heavenly combination! 

To compliment my new to me, vintage dress, I knew I needed a pretty floral bag. 

I made this sweet little bag from a free pattern on Brittneys blog VaVoom Vintage. It is a simple, cloth bag that is very versite. 

I haven't attempted the little hat yet but that also looks adorable!

I carefully embroidered and stitched appliqué on to the main body of natural linen using gorgeous spring hued, 100% wool felt from Cloud Craft. 

This hand worked embellishment did take a huge amount of time, but I'm so pleased with the results!

The hem is still a fraction on the short side. Unfortunately it was altered very short by someone else who diddnt leave much fabric inside to let down. 

What I particularly love about my new spring bag is that it easily converts to a fabulous knitting bag. 

The opening of the bag holds my yarn safely in place whilst you knit away to your hearts content. 

I'm really enjoying the warmer weather recently, even though there have only been a few nice days. 

And this is my first shirt dress.

 I can honestly say I have fallen in love with the style! 

Now that warmer weather is here I'm feeling like there are endless opportunities. 

X O X O 

Christina