Sunday, January 4, 2015

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

15 comments:

  1. It looks so nice on you! How do you decide how much to cut for the neckline and shoulders - do you eyeball it (based on experience) or do you use some kind of measuring process (eg. knowing the final measurement from shoulder to shoulder that you want to end up with)? Or do you do this differently depending on the garment and what you have to work with? You make it look easy but I know it's not necessarily, having tried (and failed) more than once :)

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    1. I totally eyeball things, Jenny...then try them on, then cut a bit more, try it on again...then sometimes I am more on top of things and measure (sort of) before cutting. Not sure that helps at all! lol.

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    2. It does, actually, it's quite freeing to know there isn't just one way. I'm thinking that experience helps, too, so I just have to be willing to ruin some things in the process :)

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    3. Absolutely, I've ruined a few projects along the way, and sometimes the 'remains' become scraps or I can still turn it around into something else :) Keep at it!

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  2. I say you nailed it...right down to the Black bra straps peeking out. :o) Isn't is funny how something so simple as a White top can really boost your wardrobe?

    JJ
    www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

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    1. Ha! gotta match up the bra straps ;) Thanks!

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  3. You always look so super cute in your refashions! This is so simple but also a little different. Yes, I too use Pinterest as inspiration. Isn't that what it's for?! Xo JJ

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  4. Pinned it! Twice, actually. Once in my 'get crafty' folder and then again in my style one because your vintage outfit is just too fun!!

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  5. I love this new shirt design!
    And the vintage shirt reminds me of old bed sheets that I like to collect. Somthing about the colors and the flowers just get to me. I would have bought the shirt too! Maybe I could make one from one of my sheets!

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    1. I have a few vintage bedsheets and pillow cases, myself...I agree, this floral reminds me of that! :)

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  6. That's a really nice refashion - perfect for summer (although it's not warm enough over where you live!). I love the tip on making slits before doing the sewing around the arm holes

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    1. Yeah, I think I was dreaming of warmer days ;) Though, even those are seemingly a lifetime away! Thanks, Agy!

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