Thursday, March 5, 2015

// #thriftstylethursday // An Unexpected Match

Let's all close our eyes and imagine that it is NOT snowing (yet again), that winter is NOT fighting tooth and nail to hold on to what is clearly a losing battle...well, maybe it's not SO clear seeing as it IS snowing, New Jersey IS under a state of emergency, my son IS home from school on a snow day, and I am NOT taking outdoor photos...yet again. Meh. MEH. Ok, mini rant over. Moving on.

I'm pretty excited about this week's Thrift Style Thursday theme "Unexpected Match" brought to us by our very own Martyna of Spoolish! I planned to have something picked out ahead of time. I planned to take photos and have everything all set to post first thing...but life happens and EVERYBODY gets sick and I'm lucky that I'm posting this at all. Cause I've got a pile of dishes, several of laundry, and just as many donation piles laying around. Sheesh, what a complainer I am today! Moving on FOR REAL.

Sometimes, a little pressure is just what you need to push you in the right direction. Sometimes planning is just way overrated. Today's pieces are the perfect example:


Yes, pieces. This is a two-piece dress + top that I picked up months ago from my local thrift store. It was new with tags and priced at $12, but of course I didn't pay $12, I paid $6 on 50% days. The color isn't unexpected, nor the fabric, but the size is at 16W and how easy it is to fix! I expected to take it apart and remake it into something completely different, but not this time.


I started out by putting on the dress. Next I grabbed an extra long elastic belt and a favorite necklace (both thrifted). I wrapped the belt around my waist twice and then put on my necklace. Really, that's all! I adjusted the gathering at the waist a bit, but otherwise, it really was as simple as that! (See last Friday's Quick 'Fix' for another example of this easy fix for an oversized dress.)


I love how this looks...so my style! And seeing as we're pretending that it is NOT snowing and winter HAS given up, why not style it for summer! My sandals were bought on clearance at Target a few years back.


Next up was the top. I simply removed the shoulder pads. That's it. I know, crazy how sometimes doing the least is really all it takes.


I tied up the sides of the top (there are side slits to allow this) and put on my refashioned distressed denim, kept the same sandals, and then threw on a stack of thrifted bracelets and cuffs. The top has its own built-in jewelry, so I didn't feel anything else was needed.


And with the sides untied, it has a fun hemline to give it added interest. I love the oversized look, but my only question is, do I keep the beaded fringe on the front or remove it and use it for something else...say a necklace in a similar form? I'm tempted because then both the top and the new necklace would be much more versatile.  Opinions please! I'd also consider taking off the sleeves at some point, which would then require taking in the sides under the arm just a bit, but I'll hold off on that until I wear it this way a few times.

Here's the before and after of the MAJOR transformations ;).


Now it's time to go check out all of the other Unexpected Matches that the Thrift Style Thursday ladies put together! I've seen some lovely dresses so far, and can't wait to check them all out!!! And don't forget to show these ladies some love with your words of encouragement and praise :).





Wanna join the fun? Come check us out at Thrift Style Thursday and message us if you're up for the week to week posts! If you'd like to join in a much more casual way, just tag your Instagram photos with #thriftstylethursday and we'll all be able to check them out! Next week's theme is Thrift Haul: share and style your favorite (or most recent) thrift scores!
Peace,
Andrea

22 comments:

  1. WOW! I am constantly in awe of what both you and Carissa do with refashions! This is awesome - you really made that dress your own with that simple addition of the belt! I am really digging the top with those jeans though - that might be my favorite part of this! Great job overall! And I hope spring finds it's way to you soon!!

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    1. Aww, thank you Beth! Hopefully these easy fixes inspire our readers to look outside of their box a bit ;) Love your dress this week and just can't get over how amazing you make it look!

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  2. This is gorgeous! I saw the Instagram post and had to immediately check it out!

    Zhenya
    http://beingzhenya.com

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    1. Thank you :) I'm in love with the dress...can't get over how much I love it!

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  3. How awesome! Such a great find, and to get 2 pieces out of it? I'm jealous! Love how belting the dress give it such a different look, I did something like that with just tying up my top!

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    1. Thanks Miche, I'm pretty excited that all I had to do was the tying and belting :)

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  4. Wow! You totally turned this outfit around and made it look so chic! Amazing!

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    1. Thank you! I'm still thinking the top will go through some changes, but I'll take it slow ;)

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  5. Wow, this is definitely unexpected and totally not something I would have picked out at the thrift store, but I love how you've made it your own with just a minor adjustment!! Great fashion "fix" and two CUTE outfits! Now, if only spring would come for real! ;)

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    1. Yeah, spring is holding off making my spring fever even worse! ;-p I definitely love picking out things that get passed over just for the challenge of trying to make them work...didn't think it would be this easy!

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  6. I love it when small changes make such a huge impact, when something as simple as separating the pieces and removing shoulder pads can be a complete transformation. Fabulous! The fabric looks lovely - is it silk?
    I think I would remove the beading and make a necklace out of it. You could always where the blouse and necklace together again, if you want.

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    1. The simple ones are sometimes my favorites! The fabric is actually rayon specially treated to mimic silk...feels heavenly! I've already removed the beading, and the sleeves, and just need to finish it off! Hopefully soon... ;)

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  7. You always have the most creative refashions and ways to make outfits most of us would pass over completely awesome again. I also feel you about winter, and kind of apologize - your Jersey storm came through Ontario yesterday, freezing rain and all. But the weather is going to get better. This is the last week of cold. I promise.

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    1. It's gotten warmer! Yay :) Thanks for the encouragement, much needed and much appreciated, Brittany.

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  8. me gustan los dos!!!! y a ti te quedan super bien:-D

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    1. Gracias! Ya he empezado a cambiar la blusa ;) A ver como va a quedar después de todo!

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  9. So cute! Every single thing you do!
    Love the hemline of the top. I think I would take off the beading and make the top a little more versatile. There's that word again! 😃 xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Versatile is the word of the day! Or week, or year, or a lifestyle/time choice ;) I've already started the work on the top...just need to finish it up!

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  10. You made wonderful transformation! 2 from 1 I just love it

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  11. That fabric looks so luxurious!

    And you have such a knack for seeing what can be done. Really nice pieces!

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    1. The fabric feels amazing! Thanks, Jenny :)

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