Le Gallery 365…

Nov 30, 2010 | 114 Comments

I just want to tell you all how amazing it has been reading all the comments that were left on the last post! There were tears (yup, I was a-cryin’), smiles, and actual laughs out loud that just really made my day. I am overjoyed with everyone’s support and just so excited to get next year in place!

For those of you who wanted a gallery of looks from the beginning all the way to the end…guess what?!  You got it!!

BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY!

It can also be found at the top of the page as well and starts at the very beginning of the year…all the way back to Day 1  :)   Have fun scrolling!

In all · Dollar Dress Remakes
  • http://kpmattingly.wordpress.com/ Kati

    Yay!!! I plan to look through them all!! You did a great job! Can’t wait to see what else you come up with.

  • Girlieda10_05

    I know in the beginning.. you mention you were going to auction off the looks for charity. I was wondering – when & where were you going to do this? There are a couple of pieces from your collection that Im interested in. Please let me know. thanks. Linda

  • AK

    I will never look at a muumuu the same way again. :)

    • sash

      Amen, AK!

    • Beachbum23

      Chaa! I almost want to guy buy muumuus just to see what I can pull off for a transformation

  • Susieps2

    Congratulations!!! You did it! What an amazing year-long gift you gave to us–thank you for your creativity, humor and sharing the fun and so glad we’ll still have you around, Marisa; you’ve been great. Many thanks.

  • Stacey

    Congrats! I looked forward to reading your blog everday and seeing what you come up with. I am so glad you will continue to entertain all of your faithful readers!!!

  • Joanie

    Congratulations–have enjoyed this so much! Looking forward to hearing from you in the future! Especially looking forward to the spotlight on shoulder pads! I’ve kept lots of them through the years because I knew that there just had to be something to do with them, and someday I’d figure out what it was!

  • Margo

    You had better have some fun, Marissa. You deserve it!

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  • Miriam

    Congratulations! Now you have 365 new outfits! Thanks for this blog, it’s been a great year.

  • sash

    Thanks for the Before and After gallery. I just did a retrospective look, and I was wowed all over again. I believe that the muumuus made some of the best afters. Let me be repetitious and comment once more that you have the best accessories (you could blog about where to find good buys for boots, belts, jewelry, etc.) Were they are new? Thrift stores? Consignment? Thanks again for The Year of Refashioning. Glad that you are sticking around.

  • http://amyfashionblog52.blogspot.com/ Amy

    Congrats again. I love that you made a Gallery of all your pictures.

    http://amyfashionblog52.blogspot.com/

  • Kristen

    You are a bright spot on my Reader! Seriously, you’re one of the most likeable bloggers I follow, and I hope you don’t go anywhere! xoxo

  • Jerri Tanya

    All I can say is….muumuus RULE! Before your blog I would never have thought a muumuu could be exciting. It has been great watching you turn disasters into works of art. Thanks again and I can’t wait to see what you do next…maybe a book? Video? More fabulous outfits?

  • LynnieC.

    Thanks so much for sharing your creativity, and the muumuu’s (I can’t believe how many you found!). It’s been so wonderful and so inspiring- and inspired me to find my own daily exploration.

    Best of luck in your future endeavors and I hope that your creative fires stay lit!

    http://365-52-12.blogspot.com/

  • LynnieC.

    Thanks so much for sharing your creativity, and the muumuu’s (I can’t believe how many you found!). It’s been so wonderful and so inspiring- and inspired me to find my own daily exploration.

    Best of luck in your future endeavors and I hope that your creative fires stay lit!

    http://365-52-12.blogspot.com/

  • Chrisdoll_1974

    I just want to say congrats…I got involved by your blog via facebook a few months ago and have been just inspired to keep up with you and look back at ideas. I want to learn to sew so I can do what you did, that is such a great idea and budget saver, not just for you, but could be for my daughter who will a teen in a few years! Thanks, look forward to other blogs and stuff you do!

  • Chrisdoll_1974

    I just want to say congrats…I got involved by your blog via facebook a few months ago and have been just inspired to keep up with you and look back at ideas. I want to learn to sew so I can do what you did, that is such a great idea and budget saver, not just for you, but could be for my daughter who will a teen in a few years! Thanks, look forward to other blogs and stuff you do!

  • Kay

    congratulations!!! love your creations and admired your perseverance…. and not to mention it was very inspiring. you’re the first thing i check in the morning when i get to office because a new dress would be ready (on the other side of earth, in asia). i’m going to miss this routine.

  • Kay

    congratulations!!! love your creations and admired your perseverance…. and not to mention it was very inspiring. you’re the first thing i check in the morning when i get to office because a new dress would be ready (on the other side of earth, in asia). i’m going to miss this routine.

  • Bluewhitewear

    You are amazing! Love your creativity! I always looked forward to seeing your new creations each day! I love the before and after gallery – I found your blog at about 200+. Best wishes in your next endeavor. CC

  • Jrobida

    I have looked forward to checking your blog everyday! It has been inspiring to me to see you persevere and I love your upbeat attitude, too. I wish you all the best! I hope you’ll stick around with us!!!

  • londongirlinDetroit

    ok i’m gonna get comfortable. i love this. I have christmas music from the Today show concert, and lots of clothes to salivate over, vicariously. Now all i need is some chocolate and i’m set. I love this blog and you have inspire a business idea for vintage refashioned clothes… I wont say anymore. nonetheless thanks for the inspiration, the hard work, sleepless nights, shoulder pad hating, refashioning magic.

  • Jenn

    You definitely need to have a superlatives contest! Let us vote for most dramatic change, something I’d pay $365 for, most clever, best re-use of a scrap from a previous day, etc. etc.

  • Nomorestress7

    So when does the book come out? Or will there be one?

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_UWTZYH5APKED7WPFKHAVTZ66VQ Trish

    Marissa, you crafted amazing, yet thrifty, transformations of bizarre and most definitely unwearable “couture” of the past. Thanks for an amazing 365 days!

  • linel

    congratulations! it has been amazing following you in your endeavor.
    big hug from Colombia!

  • http://nextinfashion.com Shelby from Nextinfashion.com

    Thank you for putting the gallery together!!

    What’s next for you?!

  • Julia

    Don’t abandon this little blog! It’s been such a pleasure and inspiration!

  • lc

    Thank you for putting them all up. I have so loved your work and jokes all year. You are adorable!!! I will miss you!

  • Keri

    I have to say that you have any eye for the potential in things that I wish I had. I have enjoyed your blog for many months and I have created a shirt from a dress and dyed an ivory lace top to a RIT wine color, thanks to you! Keep it up, you’re on your way! And I joined the 30-something crowd two years ago, and I remember the crisis I went through. Like the song says, “I remember when 30 was old, now it’s all just a stepping stone.” Thanks for teaching me the word LURVE and making me laugh out loud and make my hubby wonder what I was up to! Good luck!

  • http://www.facebook.com/maggierda Maggie Pereira Smith

    you’ve been so inspirational!! I just want to follow in your footsteps. I will never again thumb my nose at thrift store finds…they can turn into amazing creations!

  • princess

    You should create a book from this adventure.

  • vlfisher

    I have really enjoyed your blog–you have a gift for seeing the potential in a less than wonderful item of clothing and creating amazing articles of clothing. Thank you for sharing your talent and hard work with everyone!

  • DawnK

    Congratulations, Marissa! I’ve really enjoyed following your delicious little creations (and your adorable sidebars!) :)

  • http://twitter.com/carolleepandaa Carol Lee

    Well, darn twitter for having a word limit =D Congratulations on making such creative and inspiring pieces of clothing with only $365! Wow… I always look forward to checking your blog, it’s so awesome! When I first saw this, I was thinking “aw how can I look back at the 100+ days before” but, it wasn’t that hard to since everyone of the posts were so interesting. So thank you for blog all this and be so inspiring to everyone that follows you :)

  • http://labouroflovex3.blogspot.com/ jo

    bravissima!!! what an accomplishment!!! you are one inspiring heart that has truly made this world a better place by recreating beauty from old + unwanted clothes…thank you so very much for sharing your beautiful creations with us…you taught us such a great lesson in these rough times by spending less $, using a bit of imagination + using more of what we have…looking forward to your next adventures…your amazing journey could turn into a show, a movie, a book about repurposing the old into brand new fashion…eat your heart out Project Runway! bonne chance…xo jo;)

  • Emily B

    Yaaaaay! Congratulations on your accomplishment. Your blog has inspired me to do the same this (except there is no magical dollar specials here, so I have to settle for four dollars a pop). It has been fun so far. I will have to comb through the before and after gallery for ideas! Thank you for posting, I’m sure it has brought delight to a lot of people! :)

  • Elisa

    I loved your work so much that i made myself a Gallery along the way. I love to second hand but I like to call it “treasure hunting” . I really look forward to your future work. Thanks for taking the time to share your day to day work.

  • Guest

    I ditto the need for a book… with directions! It also amuses me that I noticed as your year progressed that your “afters” became more different than your “befores.” Progress. In the beginning, you maintained the shape very closely; by the end, there were greater/more changes from start to finish.

  • kaleidoscope

    Just wanted to say that your work is an inspiration. I was interested in learning to sew (am 29 and only done one sewing project in my life) and when I came across your blog I realized I was waiting for no good reason. I do crafts every year for Christmas and I’m starting this year (and my sewing career) with thrifty aprons. Pillow cases, sheets, fancy skirts are a few of the consignment items in my arsenal and I find altering to be easier than trying to understand patterns.. Why are there so many lines?! I don’t get them! Anyway, thanks for being and sharing you.

  • Glenda Cornelius

    Loved it ALL! Your creativity reaches the islands in the South Pacific. Kaselehlia! Peren en Krismas and Parakapw Mwau!!!

  • Auntym210

    I think this was so successful because you really shared who you are, you dealt with your issues head-on, and we all responded to that. Not that the clothes were secondary, but YOU were primary. I can’t wait to see what is in store next for you, and for us. God bless!

  • http://www.facebook.com/nataliesimpkin Natalie Simpkin

    Thank you for your blog and all your hard work. Hope you have a nice break and come back again with more fun and funky clothes.

  • Dawn

    Such a great idea! Looked forward to it every day! Are you going to be doing any more of this kind of work in the future? I sew, too, but you are so talented, and you inspire me!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_KB5I5N2M3CNX3HZSRSLGFVPV6I Mystic Twilight

    So, when does the book come out?

  • http://sew-and-so.blogspot.com/ Becky

    Delurking to say congrats on finishing this massive undertaking! And I’m glad to see that this isn’t the end of the blog. I only found it about halfway through, but I’ve enjoyed following it since!

  • Ana

    Marisa…what a lesson in commitment. Your creativity (AND FOLLOW THROUGH) inspires and will continue to open doors! MUCHO LOVE

  • Merryncheerful

    I was so sad that I didn’t have anything to look forward to today. So happy to see a post on here. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Renae-Walker/1390821389 Renae Walker

    Thank you thank you as a fan that didn’t find you until the summertime I have enjoyed everything from that point forward. I only wish I was able to create the way that you do

  • Rizza

    I only wish I would have found your blog earlier in the year. You are inspiring. Thank you for the fun!

  • Tricia

    Would it be possible for you to set up some sort of thing so that we can vote for our favorite of your pieces?

    I think what you’ve done with your initiative and creativity is amazing and inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us!

  • http://www.glamourglassandgems.wordpress.com Tabitha

    So I scrolled through all of your creations and picked out my favorites. Here they are:
    Days 1, 23, 29, 30, 32, 33, 50, 70, 91, 117, 150, 165, 182, 184, 187, 188, 191, 192, 196, 200, 211, 216, 228, 240, 248, 263, 264, 283, 290, 297, 305, 311, 313, 324, 329, 338, 340, 343, 354, 356, 364, and 365! I don’t think I can narrow it down any further… =D

    • http://www.glamourglassandgems.wordpress.com Tabitha

      I was also wondering if you plan on auctioning off any of your pieces. I have my eye on a few as you can see! lol

  • http://tweal.blogspot.com tweal

    Wow I had a lot of fun with that! Thanks for sharing :)

  • Just a girl…

    I love your blog!!!! Here are my favorites:7,18,23,34,42,50,63,77,78,102,108,117,178,195,234,241,255,263,267,281,304,315(I think my absolute favorite!!!!!),329,339,341,350,363,364,365.

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  • Faux Femme

    love the blog :)
    never realized how often you wear boots till I saw all the pics at once!!

  • http://www.citysister-countrysister.blogspot.com Citysister

    You make me wish I was a dress wearer! oh but for the so white they’re purple legs!

  • angekronaus

    you have outdone yourself. you should be proud! well done.
    hope this is not the last we see of you. take care!

  • Carol

    Marisa, I want to complement you on your obvious gift of transforming clothing. The fact that your s very small size definitely helps in the remaking so for us “fuller” women it’s a little tougher but still I now am considering altering a few dress jackets I have. A little nip in the waist etc. I feel like I can do it. One thing I will say I didn’t care for was that you made the majority of your outfits so low cut. I know, that’s the style. But you have such a nice figure that I’d like to have seen a little less cleavage and a little more taste. But I still am amazed at the transformations of some of the ugliest outfits to a cute top or skirt. You’ve done wonders.

  • Lmontoya-tucker

    Dear Marissa, How I have enjoyed receiving the daily “New Dress A Day” email. It is something I look forward to and get all giddy when I see it. I have loved seeing you transform so many – well – dogs into really cute puppies!! and beautiful and wearable things. Mostly I would be amazed at how you changed things and I have definitely been inspired by your goal. I look forward to seeing how you will be bringing us more inspiration. I have started sewing again and have a different outlook about what I’m doing. I even purchased a tshirt from my college that was round neck and while looking at it, I started figuring out how I could make it into a vneck! That was a change for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the great things. Take great care and I look forward to seeing you on line.
    Lisa MT

  • Margo

    Holy Cow, I just realized… you have 365 outfits in your closet. That must be a pretty big closet… ;)

  • Stupidwonder

    I found your blog the morning after I broke up with my fiancé and knowing I could read a new post was the reason I got out of bed for the first month. Well, your blog and chocolate. :) life is wonderful. I’ve bought my own machine! Thank you for my everyday joy!!

  • Campbell4158

    It was so much fun seeing your new daily creation and i’m sure it will take me a while to not check the site daily! Though I will be super excited when there is a new post, like this great look back at a fun year, thanks!

  • Dneecie

    Thank you for sharing your courageous commitment with us and inspiring several generations to think creatively.

  • Sarah in Madrid

    Wonderful!!

  • Angela

    I love the gallery… I found your blog when you were still in the three hundreds and remember most of these pieces. How fun it was to look through them all again. You a great job you did and I look forward to whats to come.

  • Lisa

    Thank you thank you thank you for continuing. I find such joy and inspiration in your postings. Have started on the re-fashionista path with you. Am anxious to see what the future holds for you and your talents!!

  • Abc

    Just a suggestion for your next project, maybe you can mix and match all of the pieces you made and see if you can go for 1 year without buying or making new clothes!

  • Littledutchgirl53

    Have really enjoyed your daily posts and transformations. You are so talented! Glad you are not going to stop, I really look forward to seeing what you have done next.

  • itsallgood

    So Ive totally been out of the blog loop and have been catching up, I can’t believe you did it, I’m so proud! I think this calls for a DD coffee treat, I’ll have one on your behalf! I actually am feeling a bit sad as well, because I’ ve been doing my 365 in photos this year as my new years resolution, and I’m dwindling to an end as well… =( But perhaps I’ll keep trucking? Anyways, woo hoo, congrats dear!

  • http://www.coffeetalksandcatwalks.com T!ffany

    Oh…Fabulous. This is very exciting. :)
    http://www.coffeetalksandcatwalks.com

  • Mrs B

    It has been so much fun to check in every day and see all the beautiful creations. I’m so glad you’re continuing, you definitely have a gift!

  • Barbara

    You are so creative and have done a wonderful job of re-working those clothes!
    And how fun that you shared it all with us! Great job! I enjoyed every minute!
    Barbara

  • Rowles Jessie

    I love your blog – just found it a week ago or so. I have had my mom redo some old dresses of my grandma’s for me over the last year basically with just hemming and simple altering but I love wearing old vintage clothing. You can visit my blog and see the posts “Jacqueline” and “Hawaii” at http://www.firstposition.blogspot.com

  • J.

    Dear Marisa, thank you for a year of inspiraton. I hope you’ll continue with some similar (or same) project. Wishing you all the very best! Greetings from Croatia! Hugs, J.

    http://howaboutthreedots.blogspot.com/

  • Tabitha

    I have truely enjoyed watching you transform drab to fab pieces. Hubby catches me checking out your transformations often. Very inspiring. Thanks so very much and look forward to seeing what you are up to next. ;0)

  • Ash021787

    I love the slideshow… It makes me so sad that there isn’t a post today though :( I looked forward to checking your blog every day and seeing what wonderful thing you had created!

  • http://ayearinvintage.com/ AYIV

    Missing you already :(

    http://ayearinvintage.com/

  • Stephanie

    The gallery is an awesome gift to your readers :) I love being able to see all the wonderful transformations in one place. Thank you for your inspiration this past year… you inspired me to begin sewing and check out thrift stores. I just bought a sewing machine and I am in love! I’m glad to read that you are continuing this wonderful project.. can’t to see what’s next! :)

  • Denise

    I think you should open a business “Marissa’s Mumus” You can take in mumu donations and turn them into beautiful blouses, dresses, and skirts. From looking through your gallery I think the biggest transformation is the mumu collection!

  • Laurel

    You are masterful with the needle & thread; I thoroughly enjoyed your posts. It’s bittersweet to see this chapter close but I wish you the best in your new & upcoming projects!!!

  • Jenny

    I’ll never look at my clothes, or any other clothes for that matter, the same way again for sure! Thanks a million, Marisa, for putting the gallery together – not only a beautiful reminder of your journey but also a good way to remind me where to look if I forgot how to do something that you mentioned before. Your super creative tips and ideas have helped this sewing challenged individual (me :-) ) all the way from shopping on the flea market and in my own closet, to so far at least 13 ‘old-to-new’ fun, fabulous and beloved outfits (1 skirt, 1 scarf, 5 shirts, 6 dresses) in the 3 short months I knew about your blog, most of them with minimum work on my part. You are my green fashion guru! Reuse, remake and recycle is now my new fashion motto!

    • Jenny

      Oops…I apparently lost count, it was 8 dresses and so actually at least 15 outfits! As I commented before, Marisa, you are truly a fountain of inspiration!

  • Jschasteen12

    Thank you so much for your blog! I just found you recently from Grosgrain and I have been scouring your blog ever since! It’s great. I can’t wait to go to a thrift store and see what I can re-purpose. You are very inspirational and I have to say also I love your style! : )

  • Maggie

    I would love an update on what you buy first after a year without traditional shopping. Shoes? Accessories? After your much deserved nap, of course.

  • Glittrdancr7

    I would love to see a book by you. Featuring these outfits as well as other DIY stuff, or fashion savvy stuff.

  • Cindy

    I have loved the outfits on you, but they would not always be appropriate for someone older like myself. So…why don’t you do another year of NewDressaDay featuring your mom as the model???

  • Lnoelle

    I don’t even like to sew buttons, but your blog has made me wish I did. Congrats on the year – That takes a lot of dedication.

    http://365ponyup.blogspot.com/

  • connie

    One idea, is to go into detail on how you purchase so low…a dollar, a day has blown me a way. I do know about “digging in the bins” as we have those here in Portland, OR however any other tips for lowering the fashion cost would be great. I do love clothing!

  • Mickey

    I just found your blog a few days ago (I think thru Grosgrain, I’m trying to remember now). Awesomeness! I totally love your transformations! I’m going back thru your dresses, and just go to #299. I noticed someone commented about how low cut you had made things. I guess I didn’t see those outfits, because I was impressed that for a gorgeous gal, you cover up quite modestly, especially for So. CA! :) Anyway, a huge congrat’s to you for sticking to your 365 days. I enjoyed seeing the show clips you’ve been featured on, and I hope big things come your way because of the exposure. Hope you continue your awesome transformations. Hands down my FAVORITE blog of all time!! Such talent!!!!

  • Melany Larsen

    someone’s probably already mentioned this…but accessories! they have tons of old pieces of jewelry in thrift stores that could be re-worked…spray paint an old beaded necklace, turn a broken braclet into some earrings, turn a broach into a headband…that would be super fun to see. i guess it would take some metal-working skills but i think with practice it would get easier. anyways, good luck with whatever you choose! love the blog!

  • Blablette

    That’s just amazing!
    you’ve really achieved something! I’m sooooo impressed!

  • SuzynoQ

    I would love to see a Quilt with the scraps.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QNS6MOONTCQKYM2ZJ2HH34EODQ Angela Walls

      A quilt with all of the shoulder pads.

  • Betsyb94401

    A book! A calendar! A movie!

  • Jerri Tanya

    More of everything! A book would be great! Maybe you can make quilts with the shoulder pads and scraps. I really hope you’ll continue to inspire us with your creations. Maybe try some transformations on kid clothes (do they make muumuus for kids LOL) or mens wear.

  • Lkslampert

    Sorry if this has been mentioned already: How about if you help us, your adoring public, re-make some of our old rags?

  • Brenda_lee

    Been loving your blog each day, missing it for the past few :(

    I’d love to see you do something with sweaters! I have a ton of sweaters that are too long, too big, weird sleeves or collars, I just don’t know how to tackle them! I know you don’t need many sweaters in LA, but I’m sure the rest of the country would love some remakes too!

    A quilt from your scraps or shoulder pads is a fab idea!

    • gabyr

      If you’re looking for something to do with sweaters, grosgrain (http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/) has been doing 1-sweater-a-day, amazing sweater embellishment/changing/revamping! She will really inspire you :)

  • patty

    I would like to see you do it for another year. I just loved it, to see it go from awful to wonderful overnight, was amazing.

  • Vhadley5

    Maybe all this has been said before but…consider teen clothing re do, ‘older’ womens clothing re do, home decor re do, plus size clothing, old clothes into customs for schools, ballet, little theater, and so forth, tutoral projects, tops or shirts for nursing mothers, all sorts of jewlery projects, and other price right gift ideas. And then there are give back or pay it for projects. Maybe site members to supple items for homeless shelters, knit beanies for troops, an so forth.
    As some also facing a birthday crisis you have giving me inspiration to get busy again. thank you so much.

  • Anna

    How about people send you photos of them wearing items of clothing they have that they would like to re-do and you post it once a week and give them ideas of a re-do. Do a week of re-doing/updating accessories (belts,scarves, jewelry, pins, shoes, bags). Re-purpose baby clothing week. snazzing up a plain t-shirt week. Tips on sewing. You learn new sewing techniques and post your experience. homemade halloween costumes week. Use your friends or coworkers as volunteers. Love your creativity!

  • http://newjewelryaday.blogspot.com/ NewJewelryADay

    Love the gallery. Such fun. I think you should write a book! You have great ideas, great style and a real sense of fun…and you have the material (pardon the pun).

    http://newjewelryaday.blogspot.com/

  • Bethany Pearson

    I have a ton of vintage slips and nighties. I would love to see things like that recreated into something fun and wearable.

  • Carol

    I checked all 365!!! You did an amazing job

    http://foodtranslation.wordpress.com/

  • Scarlett R Mcbrayer

    How about recreating a look from a magazine using recycled clothing items?

  • Bucharoo

    365 things to do with shoulder pads.

  • Michele5

    I loo0ked back on the past 365 days too. Congrats,I think you should start over again maybe post just once or twice a week have a larger budget on the clothing maybe up to $5.00 and include places like Ross. Maybe Walmart or Target and more on accessories

  • Michele5

    Also you could use different size models or go to someones home and pick out a few things using them

  • http://twitter.com/sallyfreebird Sherri Lucio

    I found the link to your blog today, I am impressed!!! Love the frugal ideas that you have…You inspire me!

  • luciana

    thanks for the gallery– makes it easy to catch up on days that are missed ;)