Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Refashion: Summer Dress

I love white dresses in the summer. I've been looking for the perfect one for years... "perfect" meaning it be long enough for my tall self, have a modest cut at the top... and a number of other small details to match my personal preferences. I wouldn't say I've found perfection, but I am really pleased with how this refashion turned out.

If you read my previous post, you'll know that I've learned a few things about my cameras. These were all taken with my little point and shoot camera. I adjusted the settings and handed it to my five-year-old and told her to snap away. Yep, these two photos above were taken by my daughter with much better results than I've had from that little camera before. I also tried some Photoshop actions from The Pioneer Woman on one of them.

This one above was taken by my 3-year-old. She cut off my head, but it shows the detail of the dress a lot better than any of the others. You can see the yoked/tiered skirt look that I was going for, leaving the fullest part of the skirt below the hips.

So, on to the details of the refashion. I started with this tunic-length shirt dress that I found on clearance last fall at Kmart. See the $5 price tag? It was 50% off that. I liked some of the details, so I grabbed it. You can see where I cut it off to leave the top and a sort of yoke for the dress.


Next, I snagged this skirt from my sister's "donate" pile when she moved. The waistband was stretched out and it is only half-lined so it bunches and it is super sheer. Still, it had some nice details – especially the ruffle at the bottom. I cut it of at the yoke and gathered it to match the top of my dress and sewed the two together. Finally, I made a gauzy slip to go underneath the sheer skirt while keeping things breezy. $2.50 and 30 minutes later, I had my new dress.

Here's one of my little photographers. It was really a lovely day and a lovely view.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

That really turned out cute! Clever! Can't beat the price either. Your little one did great with the pictures. And a really nice spot to take pictures too!

Meredith Carlson said...

Love how this turned out!! So pretty! Who knew that drabby old skirt could ever be cute? And great photos! Looks like you'll be a pro in no time. I'm glad my class was helpful! Guess I'd better watch out! :)

Sal-my-gal said...

Amazed!

Amber said...

i LOVE this!! I am so impressed with the idea you had to put these two together. Good job!

I have some similar projects on my blog, as well as a dress giveaway! Check it out if you're interested at http://www.flickr.com/photos/polkanuts/4666818212/in/pool-grosgrain

Erin @ Crafts and Sutch said...

Hey, Aly! Thanks for stopping by Crafts & Sutch and for the sweet comment! :)

This is my first time visiting. Your stuff is simply adorable! I love this dress! :) So summery!

I'm your newest follower!

Have a super weekend!
Erin :)

Sachiko said...

Your dress turned out so nicely! Also, you look very pretty in the picture. Thank you for sharing!

Abbi said...

That turned out very pretty! I full white cotton skirt that I love wearing but I do think a white dress would be fun too! A $2.50 price tag is quite wonderful as well!

Unknown said...

Wow! That is so beautiful!!! I love the style - it's amazing what you can refashion! It looks so pretty, just like a designer dress, yet it's modest in the right places! The pictures are beautiful to : )

Emily said...

Such a pretty dress and beautiful photos!

Coupon Person said...

I love seeing your creations!

Unknown said...

Hi Aly! I've recently gotten into clothing refashioning and I was searching blogs and I pull up this random one http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/06/flickr-favs.html and the top picture is non other than you! So I went to your blog to see how you did it. It is awesome and so are the picutres! Keep posting stuff I love seeing what you make, it's inspirational.

Freckle Face Girl said...

I love it (dress & pictures)! You were always great about making cute clothes.

Emily said...

Hey, thanks for sharing....I featured you here: http://notsoidlehands.blogspot.com/2010/06/reader-flickr-feature.html

It turned out SO cute, I'm impressed :)

Unknown said...

Great dress. Even better photos! I so need to learn how to use my camera.

Amber,
http://www.kindofwonderful.sg