Ahhhh - the joys of revamping second-hand clothes - I LOVE it!
I don't know how many of us have one of these elegant old gorgeous beasties in our homes any more?? Mine has been taking a too-long sabbatical in the garage until I had to do a recent revamp of a client's dress (Photos coming soon!).........
This machine was a happy find at the McCleans Island Classic & Vintage Swap Meet many, many years ago (I think I paid about $15 for it!) It drives beautifully; just like an old classic car........
I found this gorgeous slinky top for $5 at Addington Salvation Army store last week; just THE most gorgeous material; & I LOVE the sleeves; they just fall beautifully..........but the top was not a flattering length for my not-much-of-a-waist shape.........so, I spoke to my shopping guides; as you do..........
.........and came upon this wee top for $10 the next day, at Merrin St Nurse Maude Hospice Clothes Shop (Hi, ladies! It's kinda my local.....); awesome!
I didn't have the other top with me, but being a signwriter, I could recall the width of the stripes & knew I had found my missing link.........hence, a happy, excited purchase!
Dreamed up the design overnight & set to work...........
And, this is the finished product; soooo much more versatile for wearing! Tis now a tunic-dress, easy to wear with the beloved leggings, and great to team with the must-have white trouser (Still to make its debut; we haven't had that holiday away yet!) or jeans.
Then add my funky oversize plastic black chain from my ex-punk days in the '80's (No kidding!! Just found it again on a recent sort-through!)
And, the very helpful shape-creating cardi-vest, to create a slimmer line.........
Plus wee booties to elongate legs...........
Or, a red scarf for a pop of colour..........
(I apologise for the vacant smile; alot of concentrating going on!)
Watch out rest of wardrobe is what I will say!! I hope this was some light inspiration for your Monday; & yes, I HAVE worn the dress out & about already; several times. (It came out to Karaoke with me last night to have its fist stage debut, LOL!)
I am glad I was brought up on second-hand / preloved clothes; every time is like a new adventure of unexpected finds; just sooo much fun! I never get the same buzz from shopping new, I admit! I find that there is a much greater selection of style options & colours to choose from (Especially with Savemart stores). Plus, recycling preloved is sooo much better for our poor over-exhausted planet, AND, soooo much gentler on the pocket of tighter purse-strings, especially these days in ChCh.
I enjoy taking my clients to preloved options when they request to do so; we always have so much fun; thankyou to all those awesome retailers who make this possible; you are ALL Angels in my book!
Happy shopping, girls!
Cheers,
Jackie Farina