I reworked this beauty to wear to a fun event I had over the weekend...
I'm editing the photos now and will have the remake up later today! Thoughts on which direction this will go? I have to say, it turned into something that I can't wait to wear again!
Stay tuned!!
My final piece that I brought to Costa Rica with me... This MUUMUU!!!
I was obsessed with the colors - a little bit of orange, red, and pink?? Sign me up!!
I wanted something to wear as a beach coverup since I'm so fair. I'm always wearing layers at the beach, so I thought this could work out perfectly as beachwear!
Time to get to work!!
I started by chopping off the sleeves. I followed the seam and left about 1 1/2 inches.
I folded under the excess trim to make each armhole totally clean.
I stitched my new sleeves in place and my beach coverup was complete!
I'm going to take this piece a little further, come summer. I think I want to really push the sundress route, but for trip purposes it was just right!
We went to a beach area that was filled with beach chairs, umbrellas, and these gorgeous crocheted hammocks!! I immediately became obsessed because the details are spectacular.
I totally got on...
...and I totally passed out!
I loved wooden carved "private" signs the most.
The signs totally got me in a crafty mood, so when I found the perfect beach chair spot...
...I got to crafting!
I made a sunglasses neck holder! (I'm going with that because I'm just not quite sure what these thingamajigs are called.) Before the trip, I went to the fabric district in downtown LA to grab some supplies - I got some beads and the actual connectors for the sunglasses. I added a jump ring to the connector and then added fishing line to string the beads (2). Next I started beading away! I came up with a fun pattern using some turquoise, red, and white beads (3), and then finished my holder by tying the cord to the other jump ring attached to the connector (4).
Love how this turned out! I was using it all the time instead of putting them on my head when I went inside somewhere. Cute, eh? I have a not-so-hot track record of losing (er, sitting on) my sunnies, so this was a practical little project to avoid such mini-disasters.
The beach was fully enjoyed...
... as was the most adorable pup ever!!
There were coconuts served by amazing machete-wielding beach dudes who cut the tops of them off right in front of us...
...and then I enjoyed my sweet, sweet, coconut water nectar in the sand!
I was in love with the beaded hangers at the boutique nearby...
...and all of the gorgeously colored wares...
It was tough to say goodbye to Tamarindo....
...and one last sunset was thoroughly enjoyed.
Oh, and that pina colada was thoroughly enjoyed as well!!
Such a dreamy time!!
I'm loving Ash's post for this month because she uses one of my favorite tricks! I think you guys are going to like... One weekend in November, my husband took my two little girls and our new puppy on a trip to visit his parents. I had to hang back because of some photography gigs, but I didn't mind the rare opportunity to spend time at my own home without any dependents. The uninterrupted sleep was an added bonus.
One evening, I did what any solo mama would do on a treasured night alone... I played dress up! I pulled racks of vintage dresses of my mom's, grandmother's and great-grandmother's that I've got stashed in our basement and spent an hour or so trying on various pieces that hadn't seen the light of day in years. Sadly, many of the extremely old and delicate pieces are ripped or stained or torn in ways that aren't salvageable for everyday use. But I have a grand vision of some of these dresses from the '20s from my great-grandmother being hung on a wall in a bedroom to showcase this history. Here is the snap from Instagram I shared of this flapper dress...
...(the silk is torn in so many places, but it is a treasure!) that is by far my favorite (despite the tears). I'll definitely share photos if/when I make that dress wall happen!
Among that pile of dresses was this knit, cream dress that my mother claims was her Momo's (my great-grandmother who was born in 1901).
The yarn was badly tea-stained...
...and there were a number of holes in the pattern.
I got in the NDAD mindset, and did something I would never have thought to do prior to meeting Maris! I decided to...
...dye it to cover the stains and give it new life.
A quick bath in navy blue dye...
...and some mending on those holes and it was ready for layering. Since it needs an under layer, I went a little wild and put it over this plaid Ace & Jig dress to add warmth to the ensemble.
I call my style "Hobo Chic," and I realize that this particular choice of layering may border on more hobo than chic...
...but I personally love a wild, layered look.
I was able to stay cozy over Thanksgiving despite the cool temps, and snuggle up with Francis Turkey (a ridiculous plush turkey that I made for my girls' last Thanksgiving)...
...while hosting Pie Breakfast (details on our Friday morning gathering HERE!)
For my final post (how has it been a year!), I'll try to showcase more of the super vintage pieces and pull something special together for you all. It has been too much fun cameo-ing here for the year. (It all began with this tree skirt I made out of an old quilt that my great-auntie's made decades ago that Marisa let me share with this wonderful community last December. I'll be repurposing for life thanks to y'all! Enjoy a happy, safe, festive December. I'll see you before the New Year!
To keep up with Ash online, find her over at Blog a la Cart and here onTwitter, Instagram, & FB!
Before/After
Let's Dish!
DIY
Vintage Closet
I Do
As Seen On
