Week 14: Katie

Jan 13, 2012 | 89 Comments

“Here’s something that I think you can have some fun with! White, beaded, silk, long…it’s fine now, but I want you to make it fantastic! This came from my mom’s bag of hand-me-downs that I just don’t have the stamina to try and fix. I will it to you… Thanks for all the inspiration you give each day. I am always amazed at what you do and I just can’t wait until your book comes out! Affectionately yours, Katie”

Alrighty! Today’s dress from Katie (shout out to TN!) was one that I thought could work as a reserved wedding dress, one to use when striking those vows at City Hall, kinda like when Carrie and Big did it for reals. (Yeah, that was a Sex and the City movie reference that I’m surprised I actually remembered enough to call out)

Mine…

Week 14: Katie - Before

Hers…

Carrie B gettin' hitched!

The dress was silk with these gorgeous pearly beads stitched down on top of a lace bib and the silky material had pretty feathers stitched on it, however it was so hard to see being white.

Pearly Whites!

I’m not headed to City Hall any time soon, unless I get called into jury duty, so this needs a small tweak!! I knew that this was a job for RIT dye to knock out of the park!!

I grabbed my dye – Denim Blue – and my Morton’s Salt!!

Salt n' Dye

I started a hot water wash in the washing machine, added in the dress to get it wet and soaked, threw in some salt, and then added the dye. (Make sure the piece is wet prior to dye addition – usually adding dye first is key, but I switched it up a bit today!)

Hot water wash!

The dress had a little water aerobatics lesson before coming out looking like a brand new girl!! (Post dye-wash, I ran another 0ne to clean it out in case of any leftover dye. I threw in my denims at the same time…two birds with one stone!)

I immediately became obsessed with the outcome that I didn’t make any further adjustments post-dye.

Week 14: Katie - After

My original intentions were to shorten, adjust the sleeves, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do anything because I was kind of in love with what I got.

Check out the close-up-awesomeness!! I loved how the dye took to the bead work and the little bit of lace detail up top! You couldn’t even tell that this was there beforehand.

ECU of those Pearly Blues!

While picking up lunch, I took an instagram photo on the street and the pearls just shine!!

Marisa in the City

With my red boots, the denim blue-dyed dress made up today’s ensemble.

Happy outfit!

I pose a question to you guys…anyone want a little more tweaking on this? Shall I take this further? Let me know what you think and depending on the majority, I’ll do a part II where we get a little more crazy!!

Thank you to Miss Katie and thank you to RIT for making my new favorite dye shade!

TGIF!!

In all

redredhoodie

Leave it as is!!! This is such a gorgeous dress, you’d pay big bucks at a vintage boutique for something in such great quality and condition. It’d break my heart to see you going anywhere near that dress with scissors.
Jean

I agree, I love it the way it is! It’s a beautiful shade, the pearls pop, and it looks fantastic on you.
Dlstein

Leave it. It does not look like the same dress. I love it.
Terri

I agree! Leave it as is. Love your reference to water aerobics, as I’m an instructor.
Cindy

I am curious if the fabric shrunk during the dye process, was this a ‘dry clean only’ garment? It turned out great, no changes needed except maybe a belt?
http://chasingfabrics.blogspot.com/ Wiola

Pearly blues this is really nice! I love the shade of blue it got.
Tori

I love it as is too. I think a red belt would look super cute with it, and if you really want to tweak it, shortening the length would be fun!
Amanda Davis

It looks AWESOME! I probably would want it shorter for myself, by why change it for me, you are wearing it well sista! I like the idea of the red belt that Tori down there has!
Kissem37

I agree with my fellow NDADers- no scissors, add a great belt
http://fashionflirt.wordpress.com Fashionflirt

What a DIFFERENCE. I’m really surprised by how much I wound up loving that dress after the dye, because I REALLY didn’t like it in cream… But now? Totally something you’d find at Anthropologie for an enormous price tag. And I’d definitely lust over it, and curse that it was so far outside my budget.
Jarheadsdaughter

I think the majority thus far is right on. Leave it just as is! This could be your perfect go-to dress for special occasions. Although, I’d go with a white belt as opposed to red. Red belt/blue dress/white pearls may tend to make it look a bit to much like a walking American flag. I love the way this turned out!!
Poozy

So cute!
AnimeGirl

I’m going to go against the flow here and say I think it would make a stunning cocktail dress if you shortened the sleeves and the skirt and added heels and a matching belt. The updo with matching pearl earrings just sets it off!

Jso

I agree!

Hatlady1962

Red belt, about 3″ wide to balance the boots and move the blousey-ness north-ward, off the waist.
Astrid_54

wow, super easy, right!! i like it!
http://www.wom-mom.com/ Wom Mom Ethne

You could take off the sleeves and shorten the dress to above the knee and it would be totally different. Something perfect to wear for a wedding or other such dress-up event.
Connieturner5

What was the fabric? Usually poly won’t take rit dye but you got great results here.
Lauraly

I love it the way it is!
marie_joseph

Nice color, but a bit too much blousiness for me. Sorry, but it makes it look a little frumpy and not really working with the boots for me at this point. I think you could tweak it out of the ballpark. )
LENT

I love this as it is. Maybe a bit shorter, but not needed. So nice!!!
http://profiles.google.com/wubo60 Wendy Willingham

It’s darling. I also think it would be cuter and more modern if you cut off some length, maybe above the knee. Another option that might be interesting, if you want to be a bit more radical, is to cut off the top about mid hip length. As a blouse it might get more wearings. The bottom could become a mini skirt, or cut it and hem into a pretty shoulder throw/shawl.
a_jay30

Love the way it looks on you! But I think shorter with a few adjustments is the way to go
Jessica in Portland

Miss M – I think it’s great that you only needed one tweak to make this something totally wearable. Some of your major overhaul projects are truly inspired, but they take a whole lot of vision (which you have) and a little bit of blind faith (which I think you inspire in the rest of us) to pull off! I think it’s awesome that something so seemingly dated came off so easily with a little dye job. (I’m not saying a little off the length wouldn’t make it EVEN better – just saying it’s a great example of a simple fix!)
dosfashionistas

Maybe just a little more length off, but it looks great! This was so pretty it could have gone many ways. It would have been a great blouse. Or how about going whole hog by making it sleeveless, and scoop neck, and way short for a great looking cocktail dress.

We finally had our grandmother and granddaughter tie-dye day. What fun! She made two for herself, one for her mom (She sprayed dye around an image of her hand. Then wrote MOM in dye.) I dyed up a spiral for my grandson that is going to get a Spiderman applique in the center of the web. And of course, we both have more ideas.
Thirteen_steps

Demi Moore wore a dress that was that length (it was in black, though) but it was narrower at the bottom, not as flowy. I think I would shorten the sleeves (because they are too flowy also), narrow the hemline and wear it with black heels and a black belt. Really pretty dress. Black would make it more sophisticated. And a little black lace clutch…sigh! Never mind, just send it to me!!
Beth House

I love it as is. Gorgeous!!
Lmpgunn3

I think somehow having a v- neck under the bib, showing some skin tone would be fabulous and You would know how to do that… I also think a bit shorter with the belt idea and some sleeve adjustment, perhaps a butterfly sleeve that you have done before, would be nice…. The color is great!
Shandee

I love the lace, love the beads, LOVE the color…I’m not thrilled with the shape of the dress as is… very Holly Hobby-ish if you ask me. And I think I had a dress very similar to this when I was 8.
That being said… a few inches off the bottom (for a nice knee length), de-pouf the sleeves & shorten to 3/4 length or cap sleeves, give the neck a little more interest by making the scoop larger, or cutting to a boat neck or square neck would make a world of difference.
Til

as is!! but i would suggest wearing it with a belt and heals for dressier outings. the boots make it perfect for day wear! love love it.
Valerie Satula

Would be cute shorter and less blousy…love the beading and color though!
Margie

Lovely, but I’m going to agree that the sleeves need work. I could see making the skirt hem scalloped, though I’m not sure how it would look with the top of the dress – might be too tailored a look.
http://jhip.blogspot.com/ Jessica

Oh my goodness that dress is lovely! I’m so glad that you only dyed it. It turned it into a completely new awesome piece.
DN

Fun job, as always! It looks good as is, but think it would look better above the knee length. It seems like it would have fun cocktail dress potential if you go the sleeveless and above the knee route…
Rita

Marisa, i don’t think the dress was really silk — or hot water wold ruin it. You would have a teeny tiny doll dress!

Anonymous

There was no tag in it, but definitely felt like silk. I’m seeing Mama Bear tonight – she’ll know exactly what it is! It definitely didn’t shrink, so I’m not quite sure. Update to come!

Christine

I have silk shirts that I wash in w/ my regular wash cycle. It depends on the type of silk, I think.

Anonymous

I love the color and the way the lace and pearls stand out, but I would love to see it reworked into something more current. You’re the gal for the job!
Susan

This one is definitely worth tweaking a little further! I like the idea of a Part II on special pieces. Maybe think on it a day? I’ll wait for the verdict.
Sue Westrell

I definitely love it, but I think taking it shorter would definitely make it better.
Kim J

I would like to see it further tweaked – especially those sleeves!
ally

i LOVE how a simple dye job can turn the dress around so fast! looks great! i do think that it would look even more amazing with a few more tweaks, just because it would flatter you even more.
Sim

This is my favourite piece to date, it’s absolutely gorgeous!!! <3

And secondly, I've been following your blog for over a year now Marisa; and I'm ashamed to say that I've never posted before (I thought I'd need to start my own blog to post, which I haven't got time to do). So what I'd like to say, is 'thank you very much'; your posts and attitude to life really brightened my day when I was suffering with severe depression last year. You inspired me to get up and start taking pleasure in the small things in life, even if the 'big' things weren't going the right way.

You're an amazing, inspirational woman, and deserve every success you're having and will have in the future. I feel privileged to be able to read your posts and can't wait to buy your book when it finally comes out. Continue being the awesome person that you are and 'thank you so much' once again,

Sim xx <3
ArtisticInAZ

What a great color! I agree with most comments that it should be shorter and that you ought to do something with those sleeves ~ they just aren’t doing anything for me.

I can’t wait to see the outcome!!
Guest

Sleeveless, above the knee and with a belt to match your boots
Peggie

Love the color. How about a little adjustment to the sleeves?
Rowdycat2222

I think it’s perfecto! I LOVE IT!!
Englishlsus

I love it just the way it is!
Jinni

I think if your shorten it a bit and make the sleeves more cap sleeve-y then you’ll have a dress worthy of Zooey Deschanel, who I kind of want to be.
Angel2j

Cap sleeves, mid-thigh length. I’d lose the bib, ’cause i hate those, but it seems to work here. Plus, you would lose all of that bead work and lace detail.
kat

I would be seriously pissed off if you did anything further with it, this dress is perfection! Not a fan of the red boots though, I’d go with retro heels.
http://kurtzcrafts.blogspot.com/ Melissa Kurtz

So beautiful! It doesn’t need anything further! You picked a gorgeous color too!
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_VPQFOZFK3N4Z6KNP42NEIH4B5U Christabel

DO what you love!!!!!!
LiveLaughLove7

LOVE this piece! so cute & the red boots are the perfect match!
Aimee Florez

This is beautiful and so tres chic!!!! Nice work!
GInny Shore

Definitely needs a red belt. I think the sleeves are too big for you. tightening them up and perhaps shorter would give it a more modern flair.
Erin Andreani

shorten up to a mini with textured tights! your dye jobs have always been my most favorite fixes!!!
Marlee Vandergrift

I would love to see something taken in somewhere, either length or sleeves. Your going crazy on it sounds fun!
Michelle Jaulin

At first I thought NO WAY you have to do something with it. But when I saw it on you I loved it! xx
Anonymous

The elasticized waistband kinda bothers me. Maybe make a beaded wrap belty-thing? I wouldn’t shorten to a mini… you do that on a lot of dresses, I’ve noticed. Time to diversify- keep it long!
Christine

I think it is very funny… as I was reading this post, I was listening to the theme from Superman (don’t ask!) just as I came to the picture w/you in the red boots. Totally cracked me up.

I think this is a very tough call. I love how it turned out, and think it could look more modern being tweaked or even w/ a wide red belt.
Maggie

I saw Sarah Jessica on Sesame Street this week. Super Grover kept trying to find Big things for her. She was waiting for something Big. Big Bird. Yea!
Lovestosew

I agree with some of the other comments. It does need a belt. But other than that, I feel you did the right thing with this dress. I love how the color turned out. It’s super cute.
mary

LOVE the new color! If it were me, I would change to cap sleeves or no sleeves, but it sounds like you felt like a rock star in this dress, which is the most important thing of all I’m not opposed to a short skirt as a general rule, but the current length is classy. So I say, stay classy San Diego!
Rbrogan

I wouldn’t change a thing! Well, maybe a really thin red belt.
Liccie

I’m not feeling the current sleeves, I think they make you look older than I know you are. Also, I would love to see this dress with some strappy heels or something other than your go-to red boots. They’re great boots but I think they kind of overwhelm the delicacy of the dress in this instance.
kate

That looks fantastic! It’s amazing what a dye job can do.
Lia

It’s gorgeous! I wouldn’t do anything else to it; it looks awesome as-is!
Jessica

I like it as a tube top dress
Tami

Like it as it, but…what does the back look like? I like the length. Perhaps the sleeves need some adjustment, but maybe that would not look as good as I think it would. Why mess with it? :)
simplydevine

The dye job is great! However, the gathered sleeve cap, combined with the elasticized waist and lenght really date the dress — and you by default! I would try sleeveless, a great belt, and taking the hem up just a bit–maybe 1 1/2 inches to skim the top of your knees. As always, great inspiration!
Chris

I was so afraid you were going to mess with those pearls. I was like “can I have that collar?” I love that.. I am a big fan of everything you redo but sometimes I cringe when you take off the bling and this would be one time!!! Love your blog.
Salome_delilah

I can’t believe that they are the same dress. I don’t think you should do anything else to it, perfection.
Sophia

It’s beautiful. I wonder also if the sleeves could be shortened and have the cuffs put back on again so they are just on your elbow. That would give more delicacy instead of puff but allow you to keep the lovely shape of the cuff. Even if you didn’t it’s awesome. My experiences with dyeing have not been anywhere near as successful.
sash

like as is. too cute.
Tljwow

I think if you shorten it or whatever you will be taking away the vintage feel. Not all things should keep their ‘vintage’ feel, but this really works!
Missyteigan

the red boots have got to go, they look beat to hell & make you look like a three year old who dressed herself in her easter dress & older sisters cowboy boots.

Beebe199

Wow…not nice.

Erica Newhart

Maybe a little shorter, but other than that it’s perfection. Not feeling it with the red boots though….
Rubyseven17

The dye job was inspired, but I do think a skosh more tweeking is in order, at least for the sleeves; I really think the dress would sing sleeveless. And a belt would tie the whole thing together.
Hannah W

hmm.. I feel as if the sleeves should be tweaked. They feel a little bit too heavy looking because of their length. I agree with Sophia when she says “I wonder also if the sleeves could be shortened and have the cuffs put back on again so they are just on your elbow”. The dress would still have its cool vintage feel, but look lovely.
ER

the color is great, but I am not in love with the pearl bib. I think the shape needs to be updated.
Heather

It looks great- the only thing I might do is take up the hem. But it looks like a whole new dress already!
Aboutmoments

The color is gorgeous, especially on that collar! It looks like you did something to tighten up the waist. I also like the sleeves as they are because they balance the skirt. Maybe they could be shortened, but definitely not cap sleeves or sleeveless. The balance would be lost. The red boots, however, destroy the look. The dress needs black heels, I think. Just my opinion. I love what you did!
Diane

I’d drop the neck line just slightly, although it might be a pain to alter with all that beading. I think it looks just a bit too tight and prim around the neck. Give yourself some room to breath.
Anonymous

Love the red boots with the color. They are hot hot hot! I think the hem needs to be taken up a bit. If the hem comes up, you don’t have to mess with the sleeves. I do agree that the neckline should come down slightly, but the neckline has that vintagey charm. Kind of giving you an updated Nikki look from Big Love. I like it!
http://hilldalehouse.wordpress.com/ Lygia

Love love love it! don’t do anything to it! You have inspired me to dye dye dye! and the red boots are awesome!
Tu Media Naranja

What a difference a dye can do! Holy cow!
Sandra

I agree with other posters, the neckline is too high. Other than that I think it looks great. But Marisa you can get away with many dodgy looks, I couldn’t pull out half of your refashions. Nevertheless you feed my creativity! Thx

Week 14: Katie

Subscribe

Categories

Follow

Archives

Latest Tweets

Popular Tags

My Latest Pin