Dress To Top In One Chop!

The one thing I don't need more of in my closet is dresses (that won't stop me from adding more), however what I do need more of is cute tops that aren't tank tops. Tops that I can wear with jeans but also look good with a pencil skirt and blazer.

So just before I sent a bag of old clothes off to the thrift store, I pulled this dress back out and made new plans for it. Its cute but I was never going to wear it as a dress. I would probably wear it as a top though!

You're getting a second chance!

So after taking this before pic I measured how much I wanted to cut off the bottom, leaving enough extra length for a new hem. I placed a pin where I would need to cut

Then I folded it over so when I cut both sides would be the same length.

CHOP!

I rolled the lining up first and pinned that. Then I sewed the new hem.

I used the same zig-zag option on my sewing machine for hemming the lace because the lace is stretchy and I wanted a stitch that would stretch with the fabric.

Next I pinned and hemmed the lace. I was careful when sewing the hem not to pull and stretch the fabric. I made sure it was straight, but let the feed dogs move it through the sewing machine.

Here is the result. That white spot is my thrifted painted hutch reflecting light. I lost day light right as I started this project. Im pretty happy with the results!

When You Find It In Good Shape!

...and I dont just mean in good condition. I mean the SHAPE! Like this lamp I found at a thrift store this last weekend. The round base and large straight lamp shade really caught my eye. I almost looked it over because it wasn't the right color for my house. Then I came to my senses and snatched that lamp right up! Nothing a little spray paint wouldn't cure!

Here is what it looked like before I "re-fashioned" it:

Its late here so the natural lighting is minimal- Ill post a nicer image tomorrow.

In the image above it looks very cherry red but it was actually a slightly burnt orange red. Pretty, but our living room is mostly yellow, grey and burgundy except for that mint green chair. It sounds like a lot of colors, but its actually not. Its all in the curtains and pillows! Anyway I bought a can of Sunshine Yellow spray paint and this is what it looks like now:

I love the yellow against the white furniture, which by the way is another piece I got at a thrift store and painted. It was a scratched up brown wood. I painted it with an eggshell finish white called Popcorn. No scratches to be seen and it looks a lot more modern than it did. I completely forgot to get a before of the hutch. Sorry!

And that dog painting?! I ALSO got that at a thrift store this weekend. Im a crazy dog lady so its perfect for me. I even have a Shih Tzu! Now I just need to find something to replace my bird paintings. I like them but I think I will move them to another spot in the house soon.

One last picture. This is a hutch I got from my neighbors garage sale for $2. Yep seriously. $2. I painted it white to match everything else and put new updated hardware on the drawers and cupboard doors. Its perfect for our foyer.

Night time lighting again.

So instead of shopping for new items that cost a lot, consider checking out thrift stores for a couple weeks. Look for shape and design and remember that you can always paint things and change out the hardware on things like drawers and whatnot. It can save you a ton of money!

Pin Up Style Valentines Date Shoes

Remember this ShoeDazzle wish list I made? Well I snagged these beauties to wear for Valentines day:

So pin-up!

Chandy is a seriously sexy heel. Those poms on the toe are so pin-up too! Super cute- and they would make a great holiday party heel as well because they are so festive and fun!

They are really tall so I think they will be a good date night shoe for me this Valentines day. Im not very talented at walking in super high heels so a night out where I am sitting a lot (like at dinner or drinks) is good for this style. That being said they are pretty comfortable for me. They don't hurt my feet and they aren't too tight or too loose. They are true to size for me.

Im thinking this is a good look for this shoe:

It's a lot of red but this is a Valentines day look after all! All these items above (except the lips!) are available at ShoeDazzle and JustFab!

Here are the shoes on my feet:

And on my bed:

Get these while you can, they are a must have!