A Favorite and A "Pinspired" Refashion

I posted a pic of my work outfit yesterday on Instagram, and it includes one of my favorite thrift finds ever. This vintage homemade floral top:

I paired it with a vintage belt, thrifted skinny jeans, my Franco Sarto riding boots, and a few other accessories. Here's a flat lay of the outfit in better lighting. This floral, to me, is definitely a throwback, but it also translates well to current styles. I love the blue and green floral with hints of yellow on the white background. It's cheerful and pretty and makes me happy to wear!

I'd painted my nails a light teal color, then I chose these pale green studs from UO, my vintage ring and thrifted bangles. Here's a closer look at the buckle detail on the belt, as well.

I can't remember where I purchased the top, but I would have paid up to $5 for it. My ring, which is my engagement ring, cost around $60 (including resizing), the earrings were $2.50 (on clearance), and the bangles were probably $3. The belt is a bit tricky...can't remember where I found it and how much I would have paid, though I imagine no more than $5 (and quite probably less). The jeans were $4 and the boots (as I've indicated before) $75. I wouldn't really count my ring as part of my outfit cost, so apart from that this look comes out to $94.50. If you take into account that I've owned the top, belt, and boots for a few years, the use value is great! They are pieces that I will continue to care for and keep in my wardrobe for years to come as well.

And now for the refashion! My sister-in-law follows along with my refashioning adventures and when she comes to visit will bring me a bag or two of clothing she's ready to donate. I sort through and see what I want to keep and the rest goes to the thrift store. Last night while browsing Pinterest, I found this and wanted to copy the top, with a couple minor differences. It is a very basic white tank top, but I don't really have one, so I'm filling a hole in my wardrobe and giving further use to a free top! Here's what I started with. I began by cutting off the collar, button placket and the trim on the armholes.

Next I cut a scoop back (the front will be the new back), a rounded neckline, and thinner straps which change the armholes. Next I sewed down each side (with the top inside out) taking it in from the armpit down to the hem tapering outwards. I finished by trimming off the excess.

Next I cut small slits into the neckline, folded it over once and stitched it down. I also folded the armhole edges over once and stitched down to finish off.

Here's a look at the finished strap. The back ended up gaping out, so I folded it in half having pinched in about 2 inches from the lowest point of the scoop. I stitched straight down to the hem tapering out, trimmed the excess and now have a v-back instead of a scoop.

And here's the final product! I gave it a bit more fit in the top than the original as I am small chested. The fabric is thicker than a t-shirt material and textured, so I knew it wouldn't necessarily drape well if I left it looser on top. It's simple, clean, and thrown on with some distressed jeans and bare feet, its perfect for a lazy Sunday at home...even if it is gray and rainy outdoors ;).

It'll be extremely easy to layer with statement necklaces, scarves, cardis, jackets, etc, as it is so basic, but I love that the v-back adds just a tiny detail to set it apart.

Not a bad outcome for a free piece of clothing! Here's the before and after:

What do you think? Do I come close to the inspiration piece? Do you use Pinterest as a source of inspiration in your creative endeavors? I'd love to hear from you! Drop me a line if you've the time...

Happy Refashioning!

Peace,

Andrea