37 Days to Go: $1 Remake

Sep 11, 2012 | 22 Comments

At first glance, you might be thinking, “what on earth are you doing purchasing that dress with a big, ole bite taken out of the bottom?”  It’s totally shredded, I know.

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Day 37 – Before

And there are holes on top of the completely shredded skirt!

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I See You!!

But check out that glorious beaded waist!  That’s worth the price of admission alone! (Oh PS, price of admission today, just a buck!)

The skirt just wasn’t happening, so I began my detachment by removing the zipper that was sewn in place from about the waist to a little lower than the tush area!

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Zipper no more!

With the zipper gone, I began my trim right below the beaded area.  I meticulously followed the seam…

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Scissor time!!!

…until I was left with two pieces – a torn up skirt…

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What to do with this…

…and a gorgeous buttoned top!  I loved the buttons that lined the back of the piece, so I opted to make this a cover up!

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Clean Cut!

I put on my fave American Apparel tie dyed top with a magenta Hanky Panky lace cami underneath (the arm holes come close to hitting my waist, so the lace was a lovely cover up) and my skinny jeans to pair with my new top that I turned into a little cover up.

New Dress A Day - DIY - Vintage Dress - After - 37

Day 37 – After

Nothing like some front to back action!

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Baby Got Back!

I love the subtle seafoam-y green color

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Hello new cover up!

…however I couldn’t help to think that a little dye job could make this bolder.  What do you think?  It was the perfect outfit to do some errand/event hopping in!  Got to meet up to celebrate the birth of the lovely BU (who is also an amazing photog) over pie at one of my favorite downtown LA joints, The Pie Hole.

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Mmmm Pie!!!

The Mexican Hot Chocolate pie is TO DIE FOR – I couldn’t contain my happiness with each bite taken.

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Birthday Girl!

Of course I followed pie with dinner, you know, like you do.  This is the way I like to roll.  Dessert first whenever possible!

In all · Dollar Dress Remakes
  • Sue

    Nice job. Couldn’t even begin to imagine what you were going to do with this one.

    Dessert is good no matter what time of the day and that pie sounds wonderful.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=532007777 Stephanie Tremel

    That is ridiculously awesome. I want one just like it.

  • Ch4

    Love it. A dye job would make it fab!

  • kissem37

    I saw that waistband right away and I was like, score! I think a dye job is totally in order…

  • http://www.facebook.com/akwagner Ashley Wagner

    As soon as I saw this piece, I thought, “She’s going to dye it!” When you didn’t I was a little disappointed, because I thought it would make the sequins totally POP. I’m glad to know that you were thinking the same thing. :) I’d like to see a pic if you ever do decide to dye it!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mary-Garrett/1163771137 Mary Garrett

    I love your salvaging of the good parts! — and agree “Life is uncertain, eat dessert first!”
    I have done modest repurposing, following your example, and may get more bold as time goes by . . . thanks!

  • http://twitter.com/jodywallace Jody Wallace

    Dye it dye it!

  • Peggie

    This little jacket is so cute! You are so creative with these make-overs. You inspire me.

  • mwc laeonis

    Dye it! I think the beads will stand out much better and look really neat.

  • Judy B

    Another BRILLIANT re-use by Marisa! And another pro-dye vote from me–but beware that I am biased, since that pale green is the LAST color I can wear. (Not that I’m going to get to wear your little cover-up, but it would increase my vicarious enjoyment if it were a different color. :-D )

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Lisa-Kelly/1386413897 Lisa Kelly

    For what it’s worth, I like the color just the way it is! Fabulous job!

  • Diane2809

    Lovely! I can’t resist beading, either…did you have any trouble with fraying once you trimmed off the skirt?

  • Allison Woods

    Dye!!

  • Lovestosew

    I am not a seafoam green fan, some people really love that color. I’m just not one of them. If it were me, I’d dye it.

  • LinB

    Ours is not to question why,
    Ours is but to do, and dye. (My apologies to Alfred Lord Tennyson.)

  • cre8soap

    Jacket is very cute….great save !

  • champagneforyourbrain

    Do you have any recommendations for getting that musty smell out of clothes from the thrift store? I’ve turned down cute items before because I wasn’t sure I could get the “used” smell out of them. Any home remedies or fabulous detergents to recommend? Thanks!

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jennifer-Strickland/100000577377053 Jennifer Strickland

      vinegar helps to get rid of odors. I use it all the time.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jennifer-Strickland/100000577377053 Jennifer Strickland

    The jacket is awesome but I also vote dye. I think it could use some kick.

  • ER

    definitely dye it. too pastel. I don’t care if nina garcia says its on trend right now. it would look much edgier in a darker color and the beads would pop.

  • Wom Ethne www.wom-mom.com

    Definitely dye it!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000429952066 Patricia Rhudy Cook

    I vote for dye. Maybe turn it into a dramatic teal. I think that would look really nice with your coloring.