Thrift Store Thursday: Formerly Frumpy Chemisier

February 17, 2011

What I recommend to thrifters is to visit their favorite online shops (ie Modcloth, Anthro, Ruche....) before you go thrifting. Find a couple simple styles that you like then when you go to the thrift shop you know exactly what to look for to get the effect you want after you start to cut up your TSF (thrift store find;).

Case in point, this cute top I bought for $1.50. I've been into neckties lately. They are soooo WWEPW. Something along the lines of this, this, and this, paired with a cardigan or sweater.
It just so happens that thrift stores have a TON of these in extra large sizes formally worn by little old ladies. I found this one in a very adorable print with super cute cuffs and buttons on the sleeves as well as detailed smocking along the neckline.

I took it home and took it in on the sides and arms. Then, I cut off the arms, resized them and sewed them back on as short sleeves. When altering thrift store finds I recommend picking something that doesn't need a lot of work. Perhaps one or two but no more than three elements that need to be changed. Anything more and it can become more work than making something from scratch.

I paired it with this teal cardigan (also a thrift store find I bought for $3). I cut down the sleeves on that as well. There are just the right elements of tiny teal in the blouse so it looks poifect together.
More interesting finds....
I've never gotten a tattoo but if I did it would look something like this.
I wish the photography fairy would leave this on my door.
Do you have tsunami dreams like me?

18 {comments}:

www.MaisonStGermain.com said... Best Blogger Tips

I love how you have transformed that top. It looks totally awesome. Very feminine and stylish.
Great tips!
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh, so cute! I love the whole outfit. :)

Emily said... Best Blogger Tips

Love the smocking!

Amber said... Best Blogger Tips

I love the buttons and the tie! And the teal. Who am I kidding--it looks amazing!

Angie in AZ said... Best Blogger Tips

This is darling! And I'm giggling wondering what the check out employee must have been thinking when they were ringing you up seeing this before top! UGH! But wow, what you did with it is amazing!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

It's gorgeous! And love the cardi combination. I thought of refashioning many times but havent yet tried anything. I think I'm a bit scared, lol! I like your planning approach so will probably set myself the challenge of a 1st refashion.

Catherine said... Best Blogger Tips

I agree with Suzy. Your refashions are stunning, but I'm a little chicken to try one myself...although I've been daydreaming the last couple times I hit the thrift store.

Thanks for the inspiration!

Lisa said... Best Blogger Tips

You did such a great job with this one!! I find a lot of tops like that I usually try to drastically belt, or layer something on top of, but to alter it so well...gee, now I'm going to have to give it a shot. Love the elbow length frill. Gorgeous!

Nicole - Craft My Soul said... Best Blogger Tips

In LOVE with the sleeves! WOw you're absolutely amazing!

-Nicole
www.craftmysoul.blogspot.com

Tricia said... Best Blogger Tips

Great modifications. I love the sleeve length, and the print is perfect.

mountainwildlife said... Best Blogger Tips

Truly amazing- I wouldn't have looked twice at the original top, but your re-fashioned version is so cute!
I haven't done anything so drastic before, but for $1.50 what's to lose?
Excellent :-)

Ana said... Best Blogger Tips

super cute!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow, the details are beautiful.

The Sew Convert said... Best Blogger Tips

This is gorgeous! Love the smocking details, the fabric, the color and style!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Hi Grosgrain,

I'm an avid follower of your blog and was wondering what kind of sewing machine you use for these fabulous projects?

Shannon

An Art Nest said... Best Blogger Tips

girl, go on with your bad self.

this is amazing!

Those sleeves...gasp!

tamdoll said... Best Blogger Tips

This is fantastic - I will be looking at blouses much differently in the future when I visit the thrift store!

Sabra at Sew a Straight Line said... Best Blogger Tips

love it! i have a similar top sketched out for a future date with my sewing machine. i'm just looking for the perfect fabric. my next trip to the thirft store I'm going to see if I can find something there. thanks for the idea!

 
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