Rubyellen of Cakies sent me this adorable vintage house dress last year. I loved the color, print and the piping detail but it just wasn't very flattering, loose or belted. I wasn't in the mood to wear a dress last week but was running low on tops so I pulled this out to see what I could do with it.
Fastest restyle ever. Here's how you can make your own.
Laying the dress flat on the floor I made a mark about 1.5" below the bottom of the pocket and stuck a straight pin in. Then I measured from the pin to the bottom of the dress. I used that measurement to make two more marks on the front of the dress so that when I placed a ruler across all three, I had a straight-ish line. I chalked that line and then cut across and through both layers of the dress.
Then I folded up my raw hem about 1/4" and pressed flat. I folded it again about 1" and pressed flat again. Then I stitch my hem and ironed the whole top again. Voila!
Some days I just want to feel a little more comfortable and this was an easy way to repurpose something I already had into an easy top that can be paired with shorts or capris.
Have you ever tried a simple DIY on vintage clothing? I've seen some great refashions in the Project ReStyle flickr group! I dare you to try it.
xoxo,
Rachel
I've got a vintage house dress that I picked up for 3 dollars that's in my project pile. I need to take off the sleeves and take it in. It's got such a cute print and I can't wait to work on it.
Your restyle is really cute. Great job.
Posted by: April | 07/19/2011 at 08:30 PM
I like that, very cute refashion of the dress. I always believe if you won't wear it, change it. You did a great job !
Posted by: my thrifty closet | 07/19/2011 at 11:36 PM
Perfect!
Px
Posted by: Portia | 07/20/2011 at 12:02 AM
Looks amazing, and so simple i cant wait to give it a try.
Zoe
http://blessedbeeapothecary.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Zoe | 07/20/2011 at 01:48 AM
What a great idea! It would have definitely been sad to waste that cute pattern on the housedress by not turning it into something. This looks perfect for a day like today when the high is supposed to be 98 with a heat index of 112!
Posted by: Margaret | 07/20/2011 at 05:50 AM
Rachel, I love this! Looks fantastic - and so easy, too. :) I read your blog daily and have always thought it's great, but you're really on a roll lately. Thanks for all the great inspiration!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 07/20/2011 at 06:11 AM
So simple and so cute on you!
Posted by: Christina | 07/20/2011 at 06:51 AM
that is perfect! i probably have some others that can be turned into smocks which would be perfect for this belly. thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: rubyellen | 07/20/2011 at 07:04 AM
totally agree..perfect!...great idea and thanks for sharing
Posted by: robin | 07/20/2011 at 07:27 AM
i love it! i may have to go thrifting today just to find one so i can make this :) adorable!
Posted by: Kristina Carter | 07/20/2011 at 07:44 AM
Love this! And i love your bangs pulled to the side :)
Posted by: jordan | 07/20/2011 at 09:05 AM
Love this! And i love your bangs pulled to the side :)
Posted by: jordan | 07/20/2011 at 09:05 AM
ooooh I like it as a top!!
Posted by: Katie | 07/20/2011 at 10:08 AM
I love this idea!!! now, just have to find one of my own to do this to.....i feel a thrift run coming on ;) Thanks so much for all the inspiration.
Posted by: Monika | 07/20/2011 at 10:54 AM
I'll definitely try that next time I find one. Great idea! I always drool over the fabrics and use them for that, but never even thought of this. :)
Posted by: Sara | 07/20/2011 at 11:00 AM
SUPER cute! :)
Posted by: Mymsie | 07/20/2011 at 01:09 PM
Love it! And you've still got the bottom to make a cute little romper for the petite one :)
Posted by: caralee | 07/20/2011 at 04:45 PM
I love this piece! I have linked this idea as inspiration on my blog. You make vintage look good! Thank you for sharing!
MissMoney
Posted by: Miss Money | 07/20/2011 at 09:56 PM
I've done this to a couple ill fitting dresses.. yours turned out really amazing! I love that you were even able to keep that cute little pocket. It really is the easiest way to really transform a piece of clothing.
Love your blog!
Posted by: Ann | 07/21/2011 at 08:20 AM
super cute! great job
Posted by: jessie b | 07/21/2011 at 09:59 PM
A dress like this would also make a really cute apron.
Posted by: Jan | 07/24/2011 at 03:50 PM