The Cat Sweater, and Other Thrifted Things

I've been thrifting.  Big surprise there, huh?  You know it's bad when you visit the same thrift shop two days in a row because they had to close the first time before you were done looking around.  I had no idea they were closing or I would have left sooner...or not grabbed so many things to try on...heh heh heh... I wanted to wear a disguise when I went back the next day.  Fortunately, I don't think they recognized me as the crazy thrifting girl.

 

Anyway, here are a few of my finds from the last few weeks:

 

 

Awesome purple boots that were the tag color of the day at Goodwill.  Score!  I've worn them quite a bit already.  I'm sure they'll surface in an outfit post soon.

 

 

You can never have too many pieces of classic literature on your shelves.  I've already finished Lord of the Flies (it was weird...) and I'm working on Kidnapped.  These were 99 cents each at Goodwill.

 

Fabric remnants for 50 cents each.  I'm a fabric hoarder...

 

A big men's shirt, ready to be remade into something cute and girly.

 

A scarf.  I probably have too many already, but I don't have a blue and yellow one!

This is a cat sweater.  In all its jingle bell glory.  Yes, it has a real jingle bell sewn to one of the cat's necks.  It's a little noisy.  This was a weird purchase, because I don't know if I'd ever wear it out of the house, but it's so funny!  I took a picture of it on my first thrifting trip, showed it to my brother, and he said it was awesome and that I should have gotten it, so I did when I went back the next day.  Thus is the saga of the cat sweater.

What about you?  Have you had any successful shopping trips lately?

Niki

Jumpsuit to Dress Refashion

 

So, as you may have seen in my post the other day, I thrifted this jumpsuit that I would shudder to see anyone wear.  But the print was kinda sweet, and the price was right, so I took it home with me and transformed it into a little dress.

 



 See?  The print is a bunch of tiny little flower baskets.  Kinda cute.  But not when it's part of an outdated pantsuit with shoulder pads.  :P

Here's the finished product.  I made the pants into a skirt using the same method as in this post, then shortened the skirt to a more modern length.  I took in the sides a little and I cut off the sleeves, and changed the neckline by removing the collar.  I tried my hand at making some bias tape to finish the neckline with so that it would lay flat, and it came out ok.  Not wonderful, but better than my first try.  I also had to take the bottom button and move it up to the top because my neckline was higher than the original. 

Here's a back and side view of the finished dress.

 

Here's a closer picture of the bias tape neckline I made.  I don't know if you can see it very well or not.

So what do you think?  Should I add pockets to it somehow?  I'd also love to hear any styling ideas you guys have for this dress.  I'm still trying to figure out some ways to wear it without looking outdated.  Thoughts?

Niki

Jeans, Tea Cups and Jumpsuits, Oh My!

 So, I went to the thrift store.  Again.  I desperately needed a pair of jeans that fit me!  Ok, not desperately, but none of my jeans really fit me anymore, which is a good problem to have, but was getting annoying.  So off I went to Salvation Army. 

 

 

I tried on tons of jeans, and only 2 pairs fit.  Jeans shopping is always like pulling teeth for me, even at regular stores.  But I really like the ones I found.  They fit me well, they look nice, and they were cheaper than the other pair that I was considering.  $7.99 isn't bad for a pair of good jeans.  :)

 

Now, before you freak out about the hideous garment above, I am not going to wear it as is!  *shudder*  It's a horrid jumpsuit with shoulder pads and everything.  But it was the color of the day, so for $2, I thought I'd do an experiment and turn it into something much less hideous.  But that's a post for another day.  Hint, hint.  ;)

 

 

I also found this lovely cup and saucer!  It feels like a mug and looks like a tea cup.  And it's red!  It was $3, and cheap-o that I am, I almost didn't get it, but I'm glad I did.  It's been fun to drink tea and coffee out of something cute, and the plate is the perfect size for a snack. 

 

I also got a book of optical illusions for $1.  Always fun.  Makes your eyes a little buggy, though.  :)

 

Oh, and the shirt I'm wearing in the picture above will make an official debut soon, as well. 

 

Have you found anything awesome at a thrift store lately?

 

Niki

 

 

Yesterday's Adventures

This is my outfit from yesterday.  In the morning I went to Fabric Depot to check out the Outdoor Sale before it ended.  Wow!  I hadn't been there in years and I forgot how huge it is!  I walked in the front door, and I think I gasped audibly.  So much fabric!  I felt like a kid in a candy store.  Fabric in every color and pattern you could think of.  For example, they saw a small section labeled "Food Prints."  Strawberry, banana, even onion ring fabric.  But I exercised self control and meandered towards the Outdoor Sale.  I found some knit fabric, lace and elastic that I'm sure will surface on the blog soon in one form or another.  :)

After dragging myself away from there, I decided to go to Goodwill to look for work shoes.  I got sidetracked (of course) and ended up walking away with these.

This sweater had a color of the day tag, so I got it for $4.  I'm honestly not sure if it's men's or women's.  But who cares.  :)  I know that big, comfy sweaters are "in" for fall, so I'm pretty sure I'll get some good wear out of it, especially on cold, lazy days.  I tried it on with a scarf just to invision myself wearing it as part of a complete outfit.

My other find I'm not completely sold on.  I'm contemplating returning it.  I found it in the men's section, even though it is actually a women's shirt.

 

I've been wanting a plaid shirt, but the sleeves are at the point where they're almost too small length-wise.  I haven't made up my mind about it yet.  It's American Eagle, and in good condition... What do you guys think?  Should I hold out for one that I love more?  And I really would like your opinions.  :)

Niki

Washer-woman Woes

One of my clothing wishes from my last post has already come true!  I went to a new, hole-in-the-wall thrift store yesterday, and behold!  There was this denim jacket in my size just hanging there waiting for me.  I tried it on and it fit!  A denim jacket for the price of a Starbucks drink.  3 dollars, people!  *Cue mini happy dance*  I also found a cute silk scarf/bandana thing for a buck. 

 

 

 This brings me to a confession.  Before now, I haven't always washed everything I've thrifted before I've worn it.  I know, I know, that's probably gross.  Most thrift stores usually seem pretty clean and stuff, so I just haven't bothered a lot of the time.  But after today, I think I will always wash my thrifting finds.  My sisters informed me that the store I found the jacket and scarf at smelled bad (I hadn't noticed.  Wonder what that says?) so I determined to hand wash them quickly just to get any smells out.  This was perfect for the scarf, but when I started washing the jacket, the water was turning dirty pretty quickly and I got a little grossed out.  So into the washing machine it went.  Now it's clean and fresh and ready to be worn.  Sorry if I've disturbed you with my little story.  ;)

 

I have a second story about thrifting and washing.  Remember that dress I thrifted a few weeks ago?  This one?

 

 

 After I had worn it once, I found a stain on it (should have checked in the store...), so I was going to try to wash it out.  It was "handwash only", so that's what I did.  But the color started running!  NooooOOOooooo!!!  So now the pretty white flowers are bluish.  Bummer.

 

See the damage?  If any of you have any ideas on how to remedy this problem, please, please let me know!  My dress and I beg you.  If worse comes to worst, I'll just cut the bottom off and turn it into a top.  But I'd still like to know if you have any suggestions first.  Thanks!

 

Niki

The Quest Continues...But I Saved the Shirt!

 Lately, I've been on the hunt for the perfect denim shirt or jacket.  They go with practically everything and they are definitely "in" right now.  When my mom put an old denim shirt in the "to get rid of" pile, I snatched it and decided to try to alter it to fit me.  If I ruined it, no big deal.  And no, I didn't ruin it, but I came close a few times.  (I didn't take a before picture of just the shirt, but I wore it in this post, so you can see it there.)

 

I don't have a full tutorial for you, but here's a few tips that may or may not be helpful. 

 

First of all, put your shirt on inside out and pin it around your body so that it fits you the way you like it.  Then sew along where you've pinned. 

 

Ideally, you could save the sleeves, but I wanted to take them in, so I cut them off and then got too lazy and frusterated to figure out how to put them back on properly.  So I settled for a vest instead.

 

The arm holes gave me problems.  I thought I should just sew up the sides leaving an armhole the size I wanted, but when I did that, the chest no longer fit right.  So I ripped it out and sewed it up with the original arm hole size.  Then it fit in the front, but the armholes were huge and gaping.  Grr.  All that to say, darts are your friend and not that hard.  Just make a dart from the sleeve going in.  It will fix your shaping problems if you do it right.  Again, try it on and pin it while you're wearing it.

 

 

 

 After you sew on your darts, try it on to make sure they're even. Mine weren't, so I tried again. And I had to take off the pocket to sew the darts, hence the big ugly spot. Once I got the darts right, I just sewed the pocket back on.

 

 

Hem the arm holes, fix any broken buttons (I had to...) and adjust the length of the shirt if desired.  And you're done!

 

 

 

 See?  It fits waaaay better now.

 

 

 Although it wasn't what I had envisioned, it's not horrible.  I saved it and turned it into something I can wear without looking like a tent.  Always a bonus.  :)  I also may add some contrasting pockets or something to this shirt sometime as well.

 

And here's a sneak preview (a.k.a. really bad picture) of the results of a half hour in one of my favorite little thrift stores.  If you live in the area, check it out!  It's called Chase Me Again and it's located in downtown Gresham.  Their prices are extremely reasonable and the best part is that all the proceeds go to local charities!

 

 

I got a pair of red granny shorts (all shorts were $1 today!) that I plan to turn into a skirt tomorrow, a leather purse (I've been wanting one for a while), and three books (books were 1/2 off today!).  I know that this is unrelated to my shirt refashion, but I was a little excited about my finds.  ;)

 

Thanks for hanging with my long-ish post!

 

Niki

Another Thrifting Trip

Just a little sneak peek of the two dresses I found at the thrift store today.  I will definitely be wearing the first one tomorrow.  I'll try my bestest to do an outfit post then.  :)

 

When I was at the thrift store, I was debating with myself about whether I should buy both of these dresses or just pick one.  I ended up getting both, so I started thinking... I have quite a few dresses now, and I always seem to have a hard time wearing them.  I always think I look to formal for the occasion or something.  So I was thinking that maybe I should give myself a dress-wearing challenge sometime.  Only wear dresses for a week.  Or two weeks.  Or a month. 

 

What do you think?  Would you join me in a challenge like that sometime?

 

Niki

Sheer Blouse Refashion

 This summer, I was really liking the sheer shirt trend, so when I saw this lime-green sheer top at a thrift store for $3, I figured I should buy it.  The problem?  It was probably an XXL.  At the smallest.  But it had potential.  So I brought it home and it sat in my projects pile for a while.  Not gonna lie, I was slightly intimidated by it.  Sheer fabrics can be *very* tricky to work with.  Fortunately, I found some wonderful tips here. 

My first step was to cut off the sleeves (but save them for later!).  I used another shirt to try to figure out how wide to make the sheer shirt.  Then I hemmed around the sleeves.  You'll want to then sew pretty much straight down from there to take in the sides.  I have yet to figure out the perfect method to take in a shirt. 

Once you've sewn up the sides and hemmed the arm holes, try it on and decide where you want the bottom hemline to fall.  I decided I wanted to go for a high-low hemline, so I cut the bottom off at an angle.  The picture was of my first cut, I later cut the angle a little sharper to get my desired result.

Finally, I cut strips from the sleeves to make a little tie thingy for the neck.  And I didn't take any pictures of that step.  Sorry.  Once I get into a project, I have a hard time stopping to take pictures.  :)

 

Ta-dah!  I am excited to find ways to wear this before summer is over. 

 

What do you think of how it turned out?

 

Niki

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Hey!  Just a quick post to show you guys what I found at Goodwill today!  I went with my mom and littlest siblings.  We were on the hunt for a wide belt to wear with some dresses I just made, and we walked out with way more than we came for. 

I found a sweet loose-knit type sweater thing in a pretty light peach color.  I have been looking for something like this, so I was pretty happy.  I also found two belts, one skinny, one wide.  Both of which I needed.  Before today, I only had 3 belts to my name.  ;)  My mom found 3 more belts for her.  There will be some sharing going on.

I also found an Ikea mug for a dollar that I grabbed.  I've been wanting to try this idea I've seen floating around on Pinterest.  Hopefully it'll work.  If not, nothing lost, really.  :)  Well, most go change for work.  Bye for now!

Niki

What I Wore: Monday, Monday...

 Hi! How was your Monday? Mine was fine for the most part. I was a little mopey this afternoon for whatever reason. Actually, to be completely honest, it was probably mainly because I realized I wasn't going to be able to go to the county fair this year. I go every year, so it made me a little sad. I love the fair and it feels like work is eating up my social life. But, in this economy, I am very thankful to have a job, even if it only pays minimum wage. ;)

So now, onto what I wore today.  It was nice and warm here in Oregon today, so for most of the day, I just wore a skort and tank top.  I added the button up to make myself presentable for work.  Let me tell you the story of this shirt.  Today is actually the first time I've worn it.  I had been wanting a denim or chambray shirt for a while, so when I saw this men's shirt at Salvation Army, I snatched it up.  However, I didn't exactly know what to do with it.  Two days ago I decided just to take in the sleeves a little, since the shirt mostly fit anyway.  After altering it,  I still didn't know exactly how to style it.  I'm still playing around with it, but today I decided to knot it at the bottom and I really liked the result. 

 (Do you like my "Wow, there's something really entertaining on the ceiling" picture?  ;D  )

 Don't be fooled.  That hairclip is not for decoration only.  It's keeping my hair from slipping out of the braid.  :) 

Well, that's all for now.  Hope you had a lovely Monday.  I will see you soon. 

Niki

Skort: Kohl's.  Striped tank: an H&M in Austria!  For reals.  Chambray shirt: thrifted.  Flats: thrifted.  Hair clip: Claire's.

What I Wore and New Shoes!

Hey!  It's been a few days, so I have a few things to talk about today.  First of all, I wanted to show you how I've been styling that shirt I refashioned in the last post.  The first time I wore it, I paired it with my coral shorts for a casual summer look.  I apologize for the picture quality.  I just couldn't seem to fix the colors just right.  :/

 Shirt: refashion.  Shorts: Kohl's.  Necklace: my sister's ;)

Look #2.  The weather was cooler that day, so I wore the tank top with jeans and a cardigan. 

 Jeans: Levi's.  Cardigan: Old Navy.  Headband: my own creation.

What do you think?  How would you style a tanktop like that? 

So this afternoon, I got to go thrifting with my mom and younger siblings.  It was half off day at Salvation Army, so we all found some pretty good deals.  I'm super happy with what I found.  3 pairs of cute flats!  This never happens!  I'm a size 10, so I have a hard time finding shoes that fit at regular shoe stores.  So to find 3 pairs of shoes at Salvation Army for $3 each?  It doesn't get much better than that!  Small pleasures, people, small pleasures.  :D

Aren't they cute?  I'm absolutely in love with the red ones!  Like, in love.  You will definitely be seeing these shoes in upcoming outfit posts.  You'll also be seeing some new maxi dresses I whipped out today from Simple Simon and Co's tutorial.  I'm pretty excited.  :) 

Niki