From Good to Better

thrifted skirt and blouse, Forever 21 earrings, Payless wedges

This tank top is another item of clothing that I recently updated. I've been on a alterations kick lately. I really should be taking before and after pictures, but once I get an idea in my mind, I don't even pause to think about it. Shame on me.

Anyway, this tank top had a 90s surfer feel before I altered it a bit. The neckline had two buttons and was a little too high for my taste. All I did was tuck it in and sew it down to create a faux v-neck. It only took about 10 minutes and now this top seems so much more versatile. It's perfect for the summer, not to mention that I love the print.

The Advantages of DIY

thrifted dress (re-designed by yours truly), thrifted Gap shirt,
belt from Wish (closed), Banana Republic wedges, Forever 21 earrings

Would you like to know a little secret about this skirt? Once upon a time, it was a dress. I bought it fully knowing that I would have to alter it if I ever wanted to wear it. I just couldn't pass up the beautiful fabric. Before I transformed it, it had a strange wrap-around skirt, full 80s sleeves, a high neckline, and buttons on the back. I wish I'd taken a "before" picture, but I'm not lying when I say I wasn't going to wear it unless the shape was totally different.

I must have had the dress for almost six months without touching it. I almost forgot I had it until I was on Pinterest one day and stumbled across this photo. I thought to myself, "Wow, I really want a floral skirt now." Then, I remembered that I already had a floral dress and decided to make it a weekend project. It definitely took some vision, but I'm so happy with the results. After I cut off all the parts I didn't like, it was as easy as sewing the seams back together. I didn't have to mess with any elastic or zippers, which made it that much easier.

What do you think about my dress-turned-skirt?

DIY: Tulle Ballerina Skirt

I (sorta) showed y'all how my homemade tulle skirt turned out, but now I want to show you how I did it. It took me about five hours spread over two days, so it's definitely not a wham-bam-thank-you-maam kind of project. I already had most of the stuff I needed, but I spent about $10 on the supplies I didn't have. Let's get started!

Step 1: Gather your supplies 

You'll need two yards of scrap fabric, seven yards of tulle, thread and 1.5" wide ribbon to match the tulle, scissors, needles, and a measuring tape. I also used my sewing machine for all the stitching. I do not recommend hand sewing this project as it will take you way too long. The yellow papers at the top of the photo were my quick sketches of what I was actually going to do. If I'd had a tutorial like this, I wouldn't have needed that!

Step 2: Cut layers of tulle to the appropriate size and length

I measured my waistline where I wanted the skirt to sit and added about 8" to that (the reason why is coming up). For the length, I measured the length of a skirt in my closet that fell right below my knees. The tulle I bought at Hobby Lobby was folded once, so I used that to my advantage. I basically cut two layers at a time. I kept trying to line up the fabric to make sure it was all even, but tulle doesn't really like to stay in place. If you're measuring each piece and cutting it all the same, they should be even. If they aren't, you can always trim it at the end.

Step 3: Cut a waistband from the scrap fabric to pin the tulle layers onto

I cut mine about 1.5 inches wide and also added about 8" to the length to match the tulle. You'll need extra length on the waistband for the next part so don't forget it!

Step 4 : Pleat the first layer of tulle about every 1.5 inches as you pin it to the waistband

I wasn't very accurate about this. I realized quickly into the project that tulle and I don't get along very well, so I stopped trying to be so precise and just went for it. I just made sure that there wasn't any extra tulle by the time I got to the end of the waistband. In case you don't know how to pleat, it's as easy as pinching the fabric between your fingers and folding it over to one side. Pleat until all the tulle from the first layer is pinned to the waistband.

(a view of the pleated tulle pinned to the waistband)

After you finish pinning the first layer to the waistband, sew it down. Then, repeat the pleating process with the next layer on top of the previous layer. So on, and so forth. Just be sure to sew on each layer as you go. 

(what it looks like after all the layers are sewed on to the waistband)

Step 5: Stitch the skirt together (inside out!) until about five inches below the waistband

Fold the skirt together with the side everyone will see on on the inside. It doesn't really matter which side you choose, at least in terms of the waistband because you'll cover it with ribbon (coming up). Sew from the hem to about four/five inches below the waistband. Don't sew all the way up because then you won't be able to get it past your hips. (Somehow, I almost forgot this part.)

Step 6: Pin and sew ribbon to the waistband

I didn't take a picture, but I sewed along the bottom edge of the ribbon to attach it to the waistband. You want to make sure the "scrap fabric" waistband is completely covered.

Step 7: Sew hook and eyes to the waistband 

At first, I only sewed one hook and eye onto the waistband, but it didn't seem like enough when I tried it on. I removed it and added two instead, which I think worked much better.

Step 8: Sew the edges of the ribbon

I probably should have done this before attaching the hook and eyes. I noticed that the ribbon was already fraying while I was working with it, so I figured it was a good idea. It also gives it more of a finished look.

A quick peek via Instagram!

These are some tips I'd like to pass on to whoever plans to try this:

You'll need a lot of space. I sat on my kitchen floor when I wasn't at my sewing machine.

I could've probably used at least two/three more yards of tulle to make it a little fuller.

Cats love tulle. Keep those kitty claws away while you're working on this.

Tulle is very sheer, so you'll need something to wear underneath. I'm planning to wear a white skirt that has some volume built into it.

You'll need a way to get in and out of the skirt, whether it's a zipper or hook and eye.

Beer and/or wine always makes DIY better.

I plan to take outfit photos with my new homemade skirt, but I haven't found the right occasion to wear it. They're coming soon, though!

Cheater, Cheater

thrifted skirt, vintage blouse, Zara heels, Forever 21 earrings

As I already mentioned, I fell off the no-shopping wagon last week. In my defense, it was a pretty dress from Goodwill for $8.99 that I just couldn't pass up. Lesson learned: it's impossible for me to go to Goodwill without looking at the clothes. I originally went in to find ceramic pots for my new succulents. I didn't realize how hard it would be to find fun pots with draining holes. Every time I'd pick up something bright and colorful, I'd be disappointed to see that there were no holes. I read somewhere that you can make holes yourself, but I envisioned broken ceramic all over the place and decided it wasn't a good idea.

Instead, I decided to make more coffee can pots. I made a couple a few weeks ago to plant cilantro and flowers and since it worked so well, I figured it would work for succulents too. The best part is that it's amazingly easy. All you need is a large aluminum can (it can be a coffee can, a giant mandarin oranges can, or any fruit or vegetable can you desire), spray paint in your color of choice, a knife, and some gloves.

If your can has a label, remove it. Soak it in soapy water overnight if you need to. When your can is nice and bare, poke about four holes in the bottom for drainage with your knife. You can even use a nail and hammer if you don't want to mess up any of your knives. Then, put on your gloves and head outside to a spot that's not too windy. Set it upside down and start spraying. Wait a couple of minutes before you move it, then pick it up carefully and set it somewhere to dry overnight. It should be ready to use the next day!

Here's how mine turned out:

Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Sorry about that. But seriously, this is so much cheaper than buying pots. Matt even helped me spray paint polka dots on my latest can. Photos and instructions for that project are coming soon!

MIA

thrifted skirt, denim jacket and shirt from Gap,
Forever 21 earrings, Bakers sandals

Please excuse my recent absence. I'm not sure what's been keeping me away, but I seriously haven't taken an outfit photo or posted anything in at least five days. In fact, I barely even remember wearing this outfit, but I do know that I wore it to work sometime last week. At the end of last week and throughout the weekend, instead of channeling my energy into documenting my outfits, I tackled a few DIY projects. Although they were all successful, I'm really proud of one particular project. Allow me to elaborate.

I stumbled upon KTRstyle last week and I immediatly fell in love with her homemade tulle ballerina skirt. Without even pausing to think about how difficult it might be, I decided I needed a skirt like that in my life. Since I've banned myself from shopping (I caved once last week, shhhh), I figure it doesn't count if I make the clothing item myself. So, I spent two days making a mint ballerina skirt that turned out way better than I expected. I haven't taken outfit photos with it yet because I still need a plain white slip to wear underneath, but here's a preview via Instagram:

I'll be posting a how-to this week, so you can make your own! I don't know about you, but I want one in every color. I'll also be sure to post outfit pictures wearing my homemade skirt later this week when it finally stops raining.

DIY Inspired

We all know I love a good deal. I like to think of myself as a cheap thrifty person, but aside from sewing, I don't really consider myself very crafty. That's why I decided it's time to dabble in some DIY. These are a few ideas I've come across in the last few days that I'd like to try soon.

Photos courtesy of A Pair & A Spare, A Matter of Style, Fashionable Collections

1. This neon necklace was created by simply spray painting a rhinestone necklace. The coolest part about this project is that you can keep changing the colors and always have a new statement necklace. This brilliant idea comes from Geneva, the voice behind A Pair & a Spare, who admits herself that this is about as easy as DIY gests.

2. I immediately smiled when I saw these mustache shoes on A Matter of Style, who says that's the effect Studio Rain wanted them to have. They can be easily made by cutting out felt mustaches and sticking them on to some colorful round toe heels. Depending on the material of the shoe, you could use small pieces of velcro, double-sided tape, or even just glue.

3. This fishtail skirt is another genius creation from Geneva over at A Pair & a Spare, which has pretty much become one of my new favorite blogs. This project is a little more difficult than the others because it requires more precision and more importantly, the ability to sew. I might give this one a try after I finish all my other sewing projects that I've been neglecting.

4. Last, but definitely not least, is this beautiful pearl collar necklace from one of my favorite bloggers, Gaby over at Fashionable Collections. This project would definitely require a lot of patience and time because all the pearls are sewed on by hand. As long as you can use a needle and thread, you can't really mess this up.