I love me some royal blue!
This dress totally stuck out not only because of the color, but because of the amazing eyelet as well.
It was just a smidge too large...
...and the elastic was completely worn out at the waist.
That isn't going to stop me from turning this into a new summer staple!
I began by removing the straps that were just too small to work as straps for me!
(Now I have two fun swatches of this material leftover that I'll have to find a second use for.)
With the straps off, I tucked under the top of the dress and lined up the new top edge at the round areas in the fabric right under the arms. I'm making this a strapless number!
I stitched the new top of the dress, leaving about 3/4 inch saved, to add in ribbon as a drawstring.
I picked a gold metallic/navy/white ribbon blend and added a safety pin to the end of the ribbon to push through the area that was just stitched.
I cinched and pulled the ribbon all the way around...
...creating a fabulous new drawstring top for the dress!
With the top portion complete, I worked on the waist next. Because the original elastic was worn out, I removed it completed and replaced it with new elastic.
I stitched the edges of the new elastic together and was ready to put it on!
I worked in some gold accessories, a studded pair of Marc Jacobs heels, and a gold trimmed pair of sunnies to match the ribbon.
Completing two rather simple tweaks - adding new elastic at the waist and creating a drawstring at the top - gives the dress a brand new feel. I actually think it feels dressier now!
This piece is great with heels, but would work just as well for me with a pair of flip flops, a straw hat, and some sand in-between my toes :) I'll wear this one to the beach next time...
Happy weekend, friends!!
