De-ruffling a Dress

***Warning: This post contains photos of exceptionally poor quality...I am sorry.***

Ok, so that being said, here's a look at a dress I thrifted last summer. I absolutely loved the bird print, the perfect fit, the front exposed zipper and pockets. I wore it a few times, but I'd have to iron down the ruffles each time. Not. Cool. So, it kept getting passed over for easier items that didn't require the extra work. Poor dress. Neglected, passed over. But it was soooo cute and definitely worth trying to save. Thankfully, it was an incredibly easy save!

See how the ruffles are closing over the exposed (no longer so exposed) zipper? Sheesh!

All I did was take out a nice small, sharp pair of scissors and got to snipping...removing the ruffle as close to the seam as possible. I then finished off the area by using an overlocking stitch. {Fray check could totally make this a no-sew project!} I don't mind the 'rough' look...to me it looks like its meant to be that way. But I know if I ever do tire with it, I could use some vinyl/leather trim to cover it up and give the dress and slightly different look while 'cleaning it up'. {Also, one could use lace, bias tape, twill tape, ribbon, etc.}

I've worn it a couple of times already in the past two weeks. It is definitely such an easy piece to just throw on and go, now, which is how I prefer my dresses! Here's how I wore it earlier today...

Layered my coral/red, thrifted and refashioned silk button up over top along with my current fav thrifted leather bag! Black earrings and sandals finish it off :)

Hope you liked this simple fix, and that it helps you see the possibilities of easy fixes on items that may not need a complete overhaul. Sometimes a little tweaking is all it takes. Happy Refashioning!

Peace,
Andrea