Thursday, October 29, 2015

Swappers Gonna Swap

Life has been a little crazy lately. A week spent gallivanting around New Orleans and the ensuing game of catch-up at work the following week have kept me from spending much time with the sewing machine or the blog. But I did take one night off to attend the biannual Fabulous Ladies Clothes Swap hosted by Echo Theatre, and it was a blast! First, I got a few items from a friend before we even made it to the swap. (Apologies for the terrible pictures - I was trying to get everything photographed before the sun set.)

One pair of like-new jeans and a plain blue tee.

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Three Calvin Klein hooded tees - one charcoal, one pink and grey, and one black (not pictured because I was already wearing it).

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Once we got to the swap, there were refashionables galore!

One size 24 white lacy fringed shirt and skirt. A trip through the laundry, despite its dry clean only label, mostly took care of the stain down the front, but also shrank the lace more than the lining. Oh well!

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Two dated floral Laura Ashley dresses.

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One rusty orange halter top mini-dress (too small for Rosy even), which I only grabbed for the wooden beads around the neckline.

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One red tunic with awesome embroidery, damaged ties, and a small stain.

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Some sort of long poncho-ish thing that's basically a huge gauzy rectangle folded in half with a neckhole in the middle, and sewn down the sides about a foot in from the edges. I've googled my fingers off and can't figure out what to call this thing. If you know what it is, I'd love to hear it. Oh, and there's a huge rip in the back side too, but I'm sure I'll find something to do with all that fabric. EDIT: It's a vintage caftan! Thanks, Debbie, Jenny, and JJ!

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One weird boxy Loft top with bizarre underarm gussets. Seriously, what's that about?

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One Levi's denim jacket that's seen better days, especially around the collar.

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But there were also some more wearable finds...

Two denim pencils skirts - one purple and one coral - and two tops - one with an ikat-esque pattern and one with black and white stripes that just needs to be taken in a bit.

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One navy and teal jersey dress and a navy and silver polka dot scarf.

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One blue plaid western shirt with pearl snaps and a lacy brown cardigan.

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One black drapey top with interesting yoke detail that reminds me of an abacus and a flowy green polka dot top.

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Two over-sized sweaters - one light grey and one bright yellow linen-cotton blend with nifty flared hem.

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One huge purple and black leopard print scarf.

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And I saved the best for last. The item that caught my eye the second I walked in the door. Black Italian leather boots in a size 11, complete with leather interior and soles. Someone just made my week!

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I can't wait to work all these finds into the wardrobe rotation and to get refashioning on those that need it! And all this for just a $20 entry fee and the donation of some clothes I wasn't wearing anymore!

Sunday, October 18, 2015

I've Got The Polka Dot Blues

I picked up this blue and white polka dot dress on a recent thrifting excursion. I absolutely loved the fabric, and the tag was the half-off color of the day, making it a mere $3.50, so into the cart it went. It looked far too small, despite the size on the label, so I didn't even both trying it on. "I'll just make a top out of the skirt," I thought to myself. But lo and behold, after a car ride home and a trip through the laundry, I introduced the dress to Rosy for some before pictures, and it fit! That elastic-ruched panel in the back is really deceptive on a hanger!

Blue Polka Dot Dress - Before

Sunday, October 11, 2015

From Snug to Swingin'

I feel in love with this Gap dress the moment I saw it at the thrift shop. Isn't that orange print just gorgeous? The problem - it was a little too tight around my hips, and the clingy fabric showed every bump and lump (of which Rosy has none, of course, lucky girl). I decided to turn this into a swingy top that will be much more flattering and comfortable.

Orange Swing Top - BeforeOrange Swing Top - In Progress

Thursday, October 08, 2015

Thrift Style Thursday: Party Time!

Sheesh! Fashionably late to my own birthday party! Yep, that's right. Today's my birthday, and I asked the rest of the TST girls to [virtually] celebrate with me and show me what they'd wear to my party.

Thrift Style Thursday: Party Time!

Thrift Style Thursday: Party Time!

How awesome is this zipper necklace of my Granma's? That's actually a working zipper, so the ends of the necklace can be pulled through like a bolo tie.

Thrift Style Thursday: Party Time!

Thrift Style Thursday: Party Time!

This outfit is, perhaps, a bit springy for October, but you know what? Too bad! It's my birthday, and I'll wear what I want!

Thrift Style Thursday: Party Time!

Thrift Style Thursday: Party Time!
Top: refashioned // Pants: $7 thrifted // Shoes: $5 Yerdle // Necklaces: inherited from Granma // Earrings: me-made


Let's go see if the other Thrift Style Thursday ladies' are ready to party! Click their pics below to go see their blogs, or the TST logos will take you to our Facebook page.