Monday Remake

Feb 11, 2013 | 25 Comments

Happy Monday!!  How did everybody fare this weekend?  East Coasters, you hangin’ in there from all the snow??  Hopefully everyone is safe and sound!

I was doing some closet cleaning and decided to makeover something in-house!  It’s an old To The Max piece that I’ve had for a bit but just haven’t worn in a while.  The thing is, is that it’s a perfectly fine dress!  I was kind of over the crepe sleeves (partially because I sweat too much wearing this in the past)…

New Dress A Day - DIY - Upcycled Dress

BEFORE

…as well as the turquoise stripe at the bottom.  My favorite part of the dress was the top portion of it, so instead of donating, I’m going to make it over into something I totally love…

New Dress A Day - DIY - Upcycled Dress

Old dress…

…and something I totally want to wear (and not hide)!

I started with those crepe sleeves first.

New Dress A Day - DIY - Upcycled Dress

Seam ripper!!!

With a seam ripper, I carefully removed both sleeves from the top.

New Dress A Day - DIY - Upcycled Dress

One off…

With them both removed, I pinned the raw edges in place.

New Dress A Day - DIY - Upcycled Dress

Sleeves off!

I had to get rid of the turquoise panel at the bottom of the dress next.  I love color blocking but this combo just wasn’t working for my tastes.  I trimmed the panel plus about two inches from the bottom…

New Dress A Day - DIY - Upcycled Dress

Length Adjustment Time!

…pinned the edges…

New Dress A Day - DIY - Upcycled Dress

Pinned…

…and then stitched in place.

New Dress A Day - DIY - Upcycled Dress

…and hemmed!

I finished off by stitching the sleeves and now had a brand new tunic, which I adore.

I love the new length and it really just feels like a brand new piece.  That’s the coolest feeling too, having a lackluster garment that you’ve just seen too much/worn too much/hid in the back of the closet too much and give it a fresh coat of paint, or Essie nail polish :)

New Dress A Day - DIY - Upcycled Dress

AFTER

I hung out with some friends in my new top (* Yes, I was wearing a sweater plus a jacket on top of it when I was outside because it was super chilly!) and felt super chic.  Love my new/old ensemble!!

New Dress A Day - DIY - Upcycled Dress

Me & My Pal!

I have a few more pieces that I came across in my closet editing that will get another shot soon!

Get ready for a few adorbs themed Valentine’s Day posts coming over the next few days…you know, because I heart you guys the most.

  • Sue

    Absolutely love the redo. I could so see my daughter wearing this.

    Happy Monday Marisa!

    • newdressaday

      Oh, happy Monday Sue :)

  • Guest

    Wow, looks so much better than the original!

  • Maria Stenlund

    Wow! Looks so much better than the original!

  • Diane

    So fresh and chic now – wonderful re-do! I’m gonna go digging in my own closet now!

  • Sarah_H.

    I like it! Just enough to lighten it up a little.

    • newdressaday

      Exactly – it’s something that I’m really excited about now!

  • Christine Pankow

    That’s the great part about remaking things, if you have something you loved at one time but don’t love anymore, maybe it just needs tweaking to love it again! Heading to the closet right now………….

    • newdressaday

      Do it Christine!!

  • See Her Handmade

    Awesome remake! It really does look like a brand new piece!

  • Pamela Keown

    Great top – only problem is the neckline is too low to not wear a cami underneath

    • Reese

      I was just thinking the same. I would have moved the neckline up some… or added a lace piece under. OR wear a cami. It is way too revealing as it is :/

  • DinaB

    The color goes great with your hair! It shows “just enough” cleavage without being to crazy.

  • Blondie

    Great Remake !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • newdressaday

      Thanks Blondie!!

  • Katharina

    I love that this is a little more sexy than what you usually do. It looks great just as it is! Keep up the great work :D

    • newdressaday

      Totally! I love it :)

  • Allison Woods

    I agree with others here–take a scrap of the fabric and sew it in–it is a little bit too low as is.

  • http://www.facebook.com/stacey.knights.1 Stacey Knights

    love it!!!!

  • Jen

    Looks fantastic, and perfect for a night out! I love the neckline as is.

  • http://www.facebook.com/nettonya.ryane Nettonya Ryane

    Well done, Marisa! It looks totally COOL! First thing I thought, when I looked at the original top was “get rid of the sleeves and the stripe at the bottom”!!! Glad to know that I’m on your wavelength!

    • newdressaday

      You’re totally on the same wavelength Nettonya!!

  • Judy B

    Very nice! I would REALLY love to see you do one of your re-stylings on this one, and really glam it up.

  • ms. mary

    Super cute! King Monkey Tree… not so much, but to each his own. I’m actually in favor of the neckline as is for a going-out-type shirt. Black skinnies and peep-toe heels would totally work! Great job :)

  • carol

    I love this top!! The color and styling is so unique – never seen anything quite like it. I definitely would buy that if I saw it in the store.