I've seen in several places on the Internet these days a little something called Urban Renewal...or Thrift Store Revival. Call it what you will, but you salvage a little something amidst all the junk at a thrift store, give it a little snip, snip, alter how you will, and it becomes something much more fashion forward than it began.
Autumn's sister-in-law (whom I don't know at all but occasionally blog stalk because she has the most impeccable taste) made a couple of incredible dresses from bag lady dresses that expired 20 years ago. (see here or here.) I headed into Goodwill with the same mission, but the selection of large dresses was minimal. I didn't want anything with massive stains and I just don't do purple. But I didn't want to leave empty handed. I really wanted a revival project.
So for $4, I came out with a size 1 jacket...and shortly thereafter, I have a wearable vest.
BEFORE
Obviously way, way, way too small. I can't even move my arms...not that my hooded sweater underneath helped.
Obviously way, way, way too small. I can't even move my arms...not that my hooded sweater underneath helped.AFTER
I had to include a full body shot because I think it looks great with my snake skin loafers.
And probably something you will NEVER SEE AGAIN on the world wide web due to my massive insecurities about my back fat...a backside shot. I had to include it just to give a complete understanding of how the vest works.I need a few honest opinions...is this something worth making a few of to put on my Etsy site? Even if it's something you wouldn't wear, is there enough demand? It was such an inexpensive and EASY project. And the real question...can you see a future for me as a clothing model?
20 comments:
Katie,
I love it. How creative you are. I love the red tie that you added to the back. Coming from someone who loves fashion and clothing, I think yes you could seel these on your etsy site. Vests are definitely not for everyone and you have to wear them a certain way to pull them off. You pull it off. And I completely can appreciate the snakeskin loafers to finish the ensemble.
Snakskin shoes are like leopard shoes. I love them, because they match nothing, therefore they go with everything.
PS- Yes, think about the clothing modeling too. You could make some extra bucks doing that. And that back fat? What? Where? My gosh, what are you talking about. For a mother of 3!! You look GREAT!
oops, i meant you could *sell , not seel them on your etsey site!
LOVE it, Katie!! Super chic! Never would I have thought to make something out of that cute jacket! I love the back, so much!! You are super think, girl, no back fat at all and a terrific clothing model- I'll buy what you wear!! Love all your many talents!
Katie,
GO FOR IT! It is darling! Make up a couple and get them on Etsy to see what happens. The vest is very cute!!! And you make a great model!
: )
SUPER CUTE! Im sure there would by many willing to buy one!
Your uncle Garry would be proud of you. If you don't recyle at their house, you are considered an "environmental terrorist"!
I love the vest, especially the back.
And along with everyone else, may I say - What back fat?? You're crazy.
I am so happy to finally see this post...I've been checking back daily since we talked earlier in the week. It looks darling and I'm inspired by your creativity. My ONLY suggestion is to make the ties slightly shorter. I love, love, love it though and it should definitely be on etsy.
LOVE it!! Oh my, I soooo wish I had your talent!! You rock! Yes, you could totally sell it. Awesomeness!
I love the vest and LOVE the idea of doing that, going to a thrift store and making a shirt, pants, jacket whatevert it is your own. I just need to get creative like you! Great project gone way well!!!
"Recycle, reduce, reuse and close the loop!" HAHA an 80's PSA I believe?
I love that vest - and I'm not a vest person. Love the tie you added to the back. My aunt made a resolution in '08 to only buy stuff from thrift stores - and she scored with lots of cute little numbers. (I attempted that for my '09 resolution...and didn't make it two weeks.) Anyway, yeah, totally add this stuff to your Etsy shop.
Wow!! Pretty Impressive! I NEVER would have thought to do that... Your little mind must be going a mile a minute.. I think the vest is cute and a great idea! What's your Etsy site?? I want to look at it.. Have a great night.. Oh, and you have a great back!
You seriously have too much talent for one little person (with absolutely NO back fat at all!). Share the love please! I need your talent!
First, I'd be thrilled-and maybe scared to death-if I could ever fit my forearm into a size one ANYthing! And I am not kidding. I'd could finish my comment here.
But I always have plenty to say, so I won't. I love the idea. I think its such an amazing transformation-and super creative. I'm pretty darn sure I'd never come up with that. I had to stare at it for long moments at first to see how it was the same piece. I think you should totally sell on etsy. I do think I'd dig it a bit more if the ties weren't as long. This would so be something I'd love to wear-something that's bold but not a copycat of any sort. Post it and see what happens. Oh-another great thing-it could fit anyone, right?!!! A major perk.
GO KATIE!!
OKay... super cute! How do you come up with these ideas? Seriously, could you pass some of your creativity up to me? You should totally sell it on Etsy!
way, way too cool!! Love it! I never would have thought of something like that. I checked out the web that you referred to for autumn's sister and love those as well. What an awesome idea! :) And, all your pictures look great! You are gorgeous! :)
Hi Katie- Autumn sent me your link and I'm so glad she did! I love the vest transformation. You better watch out though, this thrift-store revival stuff is somewhat addictive! :) Kim
(PS Thanks for the nice words about my blog too!)
I think it is so cute!! I love tie in back and especially like the color of the tie with the gray in the vest. Oh......apparently we all must have the same mirrors in all of our homes. We all see things that just aren't there Ha Ha Ha......You look great!!
Awesome, Lady! You are one talented girl. I think it turned out great. I am with your mom, though...make the ties a little shorter. I have a shirt that ties in the back and the ties are long like that and Olivia thinks its hilarious to constantly grab them and untie them...
It looks great! and So do you!
I this the vest is totally cute and I love that you are reconstructing thrift clothes! It is a fun and creative thing to do and also a good skill to have. I am also a reconstructionist and it is so fun! And yes, you are a cute model. And no, you do not have back fat!
Sharon
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