It's been a bit of a DIY week!! From cupcakes for a little cupcake throwdown...
...to watercolors for a handmade card for my pals S&J's wedding this weekend (you'll see the card on Instagram on Saturday before the soirée)...
...I'm just catching up now of more outfits!!
You saw this fabulous mauve polyester piece a few weeks ago, go from frump to chic...
...and I'm using the top portion next!
After the weekend, I'll be posting how I summerized it! Stay tuned!!
The amazingly crafty Margaret came up with the PERFECT dress to tie into the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie that opened this weekend. I'm super excited about the film so when I saw her creation I almost passed out because of the awesomeness!! This is something that would work on so many mediums as well, so I think you're all going to enjoy :)
There’s nothing quite like making a special outfit for a special occasion – and this one was a crazy good time. I speak, of course, of my new Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired little black dress.
I had a plain old black cotton dress that I transformed into this awesomeness with a few easy steps. (This is a piece that can be easily thrifted or picked up on the cheap! I love this Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's black shift dress that's on sale for $16)
See how Margaret transformed this shift dress into something galaxy-tastic!!
Here’s my basic guide to creating this weirdly-simple effect, and you can use it on anything black and cotton. (It can be done probably on other natural fibers too, but I haven’t tried it on them yet).
I started by spritzing a diluted bleach solution onto the fabric (one part bleach/one part water) or this project. I actually used a bottle of bathroom cleaner that specifically contained bleach, and it worked perfectly.
(Pro-tip: I chose to spritz the dress with water first to help spread and move the bleach smoothly. For a spottier or streakier effect, leave the fabric dry. Once the bleach has worked to your satisfaction, rinse thoroughly and allow your fabric to dry.
I used small amounts of RIT dye mixed with hot water to add a bit of color to the bleached galaxy!
I dipped a stiff brush (a small paint brush or toothbrush works fine) in white paint and ran my thumbnail over the bristles to flick paint of the brush and onto the fabric. (Keep in mind - a little goes a long way. Galaxies are mostly dust and gas, not stars!)
I also added some of those gorgeous brilliant stars with a very sender brush by making a cross or lower-case t.
I love this dress! This project transformed a boring sack dress into something I love to wear.
To make it fit really well I ran a seam up the back, taking it from “Cool Galaxy Dress” to “Hot Like a Multistage Cascading Nuclear Reaction.”
It was great getting to wear it to see Guardians of the Galaxy - my new favorite LBD was the perfect outfit for my new favorite superhero movie!
It was a fun and easy project - this technique would work on tee shirts, button-downs, skirts and pants... pretty much anything made of black cotton!
Margaret, your dress is literally out of this world!! (I mean, that pun just couldn't be helped.) The galaxy print has been on my DIY agenda for a while and your piece is getting the wheels turning even more! I'm always down for costumes and dressing like characters from movies, so this dress is one that I'd be wearing on the regular! Way to tie in your craftiness with your love of the movie. We'll have to share reviews after I see it!
For more creative genius from Margaret, head HERE!
Today's piece that Cathy submitted is one that turned out so gorgeous. It looks like something I'd see at DVF. She worked wonders and I just can't wait for you to see the outcome. Cathy, I would totally wear this in a heartbeat!! Anytime you're willing to share... :)
My name is Cathy and I live in England. I have been following your blog for a while now and have been itching to have a go at a dress transformation. You've always made it sound like this was something anyone could do so I was encouraged to try it out for myself. My opportunity came when I got this dress on ebay for £10. The seller said it was a 'Vintage Wisteria Print' dress, but there was no label on the dress so I don't know who made it or when.
What I do know is that it has a beautiful purple print and cute pleats in the skirt.
And I know that I would not wear it in a million years unless I made some some dramatic changes!
Time to see Cathy's dramatic changes!!!
I am fairly new to sewing and I have never done anything like this before, so I called on the expertise of my friend Mary, who has been patiently teaching me how to sew for the past year. Step by step, Mary taught me how to take off those hideous sleeves and raise the hem. We then got rid of that frilly collar and created a V neckline.
Using the left over material Mary made a belt to go with the dress, and I still can't decide whether I like it best with or without the belt!
When we were finished I was so pleased with the results! I have a dress that I can't wait to wear.
I was so happy with it that I did a quick twirl of joy when we were taking the photos!
Thank you Marisa, for your enthusiasm and inspiration. If it's not too cheeky to ask please can you include a big thank you to Mary. She has been the best of teachers, kind and encouraging. I would have never learned how to even thread a needle if it wasn't for her!
Thank you Cathy for this fabulous remake, and thank YOU Mary for your amazing sewing talents!! What a power team the two of you are!! But seriously, this dress just screams DVF to me - it's feels like vintage Diane Von Furstenberg and looks just incredible on you! Keep spinning, girl! Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
Before/After
Let's Dish!
DIY
Vintage Closet
I Do
As Seen On
