Diane's NDAD Creation

When I see "Golden Girls" in the first sentence of a submission, I'm hooked.  There's nothing like finding a piece that's totally Blanche-worthy when you're out hitting the thrifty racks.  Enough with the intrigue...

I found this ugly Golden Girls era Lesley Faye dress in the thrift store for $2.00 and after reading your blog for a few months, I decided to give it a try.  It was about 3 sizes too big and had the biggest shoulder pads I've ever seen!

There's always got to be shoulder pads...time to see what Diane does!!

I cut off and finished the sleeves and I got rid of the shoulder pads - ugh!  I raised the waistline next, took it in about 3 inches on each side, and cut off the hem.  I used the fabric remnants to make a sash/belt to wear with it!

I wore it to church and got many compliments on it, so I guess it was a success!

It was a total success, Diane!  I love what you did with the dress and it has no inkling of feeling like the GG gals anymore.  I'm sure the compliments will keep coming in with each wear.

Reese's NDAD Creation

I reworked an LBD this past week and Reese totally works her magic on an LBD of her own.  I only wish that mine came with that bow on the front because it's 80s-tastic!

I've read your blog for years think you're amazing.  You've inspired me to start buying thrift-store dresses or retail clearance garb that wasn't quite my style/size, and tailoring it to fit myself.  I meant to submit one of my creations long ago, but somehow would end up taking a before picture and not an after, or vice versa. But here, I took both! (...with my terrible camera!)

I found this dress at my favorite thrift store, and wondered what a nice Harold's dress was doing on the $1 rack.  It had gorgeous textured fabric that you can't find in stores, and was in great condition. 

I decided to save it. 

How will Reese save this??

The bow was the first thing to go, followed by the sleeves, and finally the length.  Since this was about 8 sizes larger than my normal size, I cut along the sides, being careful to keep the shape of the dress.  After that, I sewed up the sides, and did a hack-job of resizing the lining - lining is terrible stuff to work with however, no one is going to see it so who cares? (Here, here Reese!!)

This was an easy project for me as I didn't have to touch the zipper and the fabric was of really great quality.  All in all it was a good project!

The dress and I are happy we found each other.

...and I'm happy that you both found each other too!  Way to go with this one, Reese.  The dress has such a classic shape now and it's something that you'll be able to get lots of wear out of.  For a buck, you did good missie.  Keep the pieces coming!

Summer Cold Thursday!

Hey guys!  I was plagued with a little summer cold/allergy festival (not quite sure which one it is yet, but either way it's totally crummy) yesterday morning and have been in a sea of tissues.  Literally.

I'm a bit behind on my 31 Days of Thrift posts but they'll be back on track shortly!  This week's are shot but I just need to get them posted.  I'm stocking up on a little sleep/hydration/vitamin cocktail so hopefully by the weekend I'll be back in healthy mode.  I have a fun piece that I'm getting ready for Sunday that all my Breaking Bad fans will most definitely enjoy.  Just a little teaser...

Sending out healthy wishes to everyone :)