Repurposing Unworn Items

I got this top (or short dress?) at the outlet, and I really liked the pattern/fabric, but never wore it because the fit/style was unflattering.

It had funny little short sleeves and a ruched chest area, and fell in that awkward area between being a shirt and being a dress. 

I decided it would be better suited as a skirt, so I removed the sleeves, and stitched up the sides to utilize the elastic ruched top part as a waistband.  

 Now a skirt, I tried to wear it once before but struggled with the fit and styling. The ruched top area was scratchy, too long, and added extra bulk. This also made it impossible to pair with any shirt; I didn’t want that top part visible, but underneath a shirt it was incredibly lumpy.  

Wanting to wear it, I managed to find a shirt and belt that worked okay with the skirt's issues, which are less visible in the photos than in real life.

skirt: was a top, no label | Goodwill outlet

shirt: old navy | Goodwill outlet

belt: no label | Goodwill outlet

shoes: ? | found/free

bag: mercer | swiped from sister's donation pile

After a full day of discomfort and constant adjusting of my layers, I decided the skirt needed further alterations, and chopped off most of the ruched top, leaving just the one narrow elastic band. When my sewing machine starts working again, I'll sew the little bit of extra fabric over the elastic to create a more finished waistband.

Even unfinished, without all that bulk the skirt has immediately become so much more versatile. It's really the perfect length, and I'm looking forward to keeping it in rotation through the fall and winter, with tights and boots!

T-Shirts at the Office

I love this month's Third Thursday Threads theme because it is so appropriate for my casual office! In fact, I really don't even need to "dress up" my t-shirts to make them work wear - tees and jeans are totally normal and acceptable around here.

Its hard to see from my terrible photos, but there's a faint lion and tiger on the shirt. Or a cheetah maybe? They are a pair of some kind of wild cats.

shirt: American Eagle | Goodwill outlet (old)
scarf: fabric cut from a slip
cardigan: Goodwill outlet
skirt: Merona | $2 | Value Village

shoes: Puma | $49 | Zappos.com

Yes, I splurged on those shoes and will have a review up soon. I'm not ecstatic about them, but I didn't send them back either...

Linking up with WCIS for Third Thursday Threads!

Floral for Free

I found this dress at a bus stop a few weeks ago.

The H&M tag caught my eye, and though it was a little damp from the rain, it wasn't gross and sketchy so I took it.

The tag says size 12, and while it is big on me and will require slight alterations for a good fit, the fit isn't like a typical 12 - more like a 6 or 8. I've noticed the sizing of a lot of H&M clothing is like this, but it's also inconsistent. Perhaps this is a European vs American thing?

dress: H&M | Found
belt: Chinese Laundry | Goodwill Outlet
wedges: Nine West | $8 | Value Village

Sea Life

This is what I wore to go out Sat night. When I got dressed, I didn't know where I was going, which turned out to be live music at a warehouse venue. I wasn't exactly dressed for the scene, as this is the kind of outfit I would wear to work. But I think I just nailed down my default style.

The leg ink is from earlier in the day, spent at Bumbershoot, Seattle's Labor Day Weekend music & arts festival. I spent quite a bit of time in the sun with this body paint, and got a noticeable octopus shaped tan.

The dress is about 3 sizes too big, and with a built-in elastic waist definer, it was difficult to position the belt and get it to cooperate with the elastic. I have a post in the works that explores sizing issues such as this.

Dress: Goodwill outlet
Belt: H&M | Goodwill | $2
Cardigan: Rue21 | Goodwill Outlet
Sandals: Madden Girl | Sister's
Earrings: from Israel