"Thrift Store Shopping Do": Look Large!

July 2, 2010

I want to give you my number one rule when thrift shopping for clothes. If you find something that is too big or WAYY to big it is sooo NOT a problem. In fact in some ways, it can be better . Take this dress I found on Wednesday. It was a size 14 and way too long but I liked it's beachy look.


Not every thrift store dress needs a total makeover. Sometimes all you have to do to have a great find and a great bargain is a little tweaking.


First I turned it inside out and put in on. Then I pinned along the sides to fit my shape, and took it off. Then made one quick line of stitches on either side. Then I cut 6 inches off the bottom and used the extra fabric to make a matching belt around the waist.


Voila! A new perfectly sized dress for only $2.

30 {comments}:

StudioCherie said... Best Blogger Tips

Excellent tip!

Christie // lemon squeezy home said... Best Blogger Tips

Wonderful looking dress! I've done this a few times, and I agree...buying big is so not a big deal as long as you own a sewing machine!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

What an awesome idea! I would have never thought to do that! Can't wait to hit up some thrift stores this weekend!

Satrangi said... Best Blogger Tips

You are a genius! And truly inspire so many of us. Keep going.

Satrangi

KelsyC said... Best Blogger Tips

This is a wonderful tip!! I do this all the time! Do you have any tips for making small items larger? I often find great vintage clothes that are just too small in certain areas, arm holes, etc.

Brittany said... Best Blogger Tips

I just did the exact thing with a shirt that was Way too big and now it fits great. I am washing it now and will soon have a "new" green shirt. It was from a pile of free clothes so to make it better it only cost me thread!

Jennifer in Kansas said... Best Blogger Tips

Very cute! I've always thought of doing things like that but worried that I was off-base. Or that some part of the garment would be really unmanageable - like shoulders and sleeves. Thanks for the encouragement.
Jennifer in KS

My name is Becka said... Best Blogger Tips

thank you for the tips! I didn't realize it was so simple.

Emily said... Best Blogger Tips

Love it!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Awesome! I love that!

Alison said... Best Blogger Tips

I did this recently and was SO excited about it. I did take it to my taylor to have it altered properly, but with alterations and a $5.00 price tag I spent under $25 on a dress that would probably retail in a store for a least $80.00.

Who am I... said... Best Blogger Tips

Thank you for the inspiration, you are wonderful!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Anyone have some leads on great thrift stores in the Marietta, Dallas, or Smyrna, GA area?

Kate @ The Gaines Gang said... Best Blogger Tips

I never thought to do that! I will be GW shopping with a whole new look now.

Thanks

Melissa said... Best Blogger Tips

thanks, any other tips for repurposing thrift store clothes?

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

This looks great! I've done this with my 'strawberry fields' dress - it's so much fun (and way easier) to take a thrift store find and make it your own....hope to see more soon : )

Little Lizard King said... Best Blogger Tips

schnazzy!!!

marysews said... Best Blogger Tips

Sometimes I find clothing that would be too big on me and see: "Ah-Hah! Fabric!!" This is also known as re-purposed fabric when made into something else.

Charlotte said... Best Blogger Tips

*Jaw drops*

Amazing!

Jenny said... Best Blogger Tips

You are so inspiring. Thanks for making it seem so simple and easy to do and for letting us know how to it too.

Mindy said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm sorry to say my problem is often finding something big enough, lol, but this is darling and such a great idea!

Julie said... Best Blogger Tips

I was just at my local thrifty shop today looking for a frock for a girl's night out... wish I had read this post beforehand because I found TONNNNNNS of things I LOVED but were waaaayyyyyy too big, came away with nothing :( I am ashamed that I never thought of this, as I am always repurposing my own clothing... thanks for the common sense tip! Maybe I should have sewed along with the last frock by Friday... that would have been helpful as well :)

Denise said... Best Blogger Tips

The only thing better than thrifting is FREE! You rocked that dress!! Have a Happy 4th of July weekend:)

Curry Made said... Best Blogger Tips

cute, cute, cute!

Alice Barton said... Best Blogger Tips

great!!!

Mommy Moxie said... Best Blogger Tips

SUPER cute! Love the fabric!

mommy Orkid Belle said... Best Blogger Tips

I always love thrift shopping and I find big clothes to be good for me since I can always alter it. I love that dress that you found. :) To mention the price, it's a bargain!

Sheryl and Ben said... Best Blogger Tips

Seeing this dress makes me super excited to go thrift store shopping! The dress looks super cute!

Audie said... Best Blogger Tips

Do you have any suggestions to get the Goodwill smell out? I think that they use some intense detergent (because all Goodwills smell the same), but on some clothes I have a hard time getting the scent off.
PS - I love your refashions!

Leah said... Best Blogger Tips

I've done this for my daughter - made a ladies top into a dress for her - but hadn't thought of doing it for me! great idea, can't wait to go Thrift shopping

 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...