A Happy Birthday Frumpy Collared Dress Refashion
When my friends and I decided to plan a surprise birthday party for two of our favorite gentlemen who have reached a certain *ahem* landmark age, we went with a (playful) funeral theme.
This meant I needed something black, but not too severe for this fun fete!
Sadly, the only thing I had on my Refashion rack was this vaguely nun-ish number:
As I wash everything before I work with it, I was sad to see that cute collar got some very noticeable black color bleeding on it. :/
At least I had those lovely pearly buttons!
To get started, I removed a shoulder pad.
Yep. Just one. Apparently the previous owner for this frock had one muscle-y shoulder and one weak one. 😉
See those lame side tie thingies in the first pic? Yeah…those went buh-bye as well.
Next, I carefully snipped off that discolored collar.
Normally I would use a seam ripper to do this, but I knew I wanted to deepen the neckline for this refashion, so cutting off a little extra fabric wouldn’t hurt anything.
Next, I grabbed my seam ripper and got to work on those sleeves.
I watched the worst TV show of all time while I picked them off.
All this snipping and ripping left me with a bunch of raw edges to pin down, and that’s just what I did!
I stitched my new neck and arm holes down.
This dress was still too blousey for me, so I got to reshaping/tailoring!
I trimmed off the excess fabric, then did one more lil chop!
I stitched a quick hem, then sewed those two side tie thingies together to make a mini-sash!
Just like that, I was ready to run out the door to a wonderful party for two wonderful fellas! 🙂
Cheers!
102 Comments
VRGJS
Chic look!
hollihd
Doesn’t the original dress remind anyone of the Wednesday’s dress on the Addams family? I guess i’m aging myself!! I love the new look you gave it.
byLanaLou
Too bad the collar got ruined. It would’ve made an adorable addition to that dress!
Bree
Love the dress! Also, I love Under the Dome! I it based off of a Stephen King ya know…
ReFashionista
It’s sooooo terrible! Why? Why do you love it? And why can’t I stop watching it????
Dawn
One of my all time re-fashions evah!!!
Connie
Well, That Guy is certainly good looking and he appears to be besotted with you. You lucky girl.
Liesl
I feel the *same* way about Under the Dome! It’s not that great of a show, it’s weird, the acting is pretty terrible… but I can’t. stop. watching.
Geraldine Glutz
Love the new look of your “funeral” dress. You give me inspiration!
merrileegh
Just saw you on GMA this morning. You are a girl after my own heart, and my new idol!
Palomita
Hi,
After my first comment a week ago im very surprise about what im reading.
This is simple. She gives us good ideas to make with bargains. Nothing else, nothing more. She is not a pro fashion designer , just someone with a clever mind who thinks is better to re-use and recicle at the same time you help people. Whats wrong with that?.
Im very surprise how people just complain about what she does, her size and lots of insane things that make this post even more crazy.
Come on girls, is nice to make an opinion, but this is too much.
She does this for free, and just for the fact to make somethings she loves and share it. thats it!
Keep on doing it like this Jillian, you are an inspiration
Joanna
Le sad about the collar, would it take a dye bath? It’s just too cute to get rid of!
Marsha Russo
Has anyone called you a genius ?? Because that is what you are!! I love all your transformed items! Brilliant idea ! Keep up the great work!
Cathy Beard
Good looking dress and guy! I pretty much love everything you have refashioned. Under the Dome is based on the book by Steven King. I read the book, it was awesome! I was so excited when it came to television and then realized after 2 episodes that the t.v. version is almost completely different than the book….bummer.
Elle @ Erratic Project Junkie
I love this one Jillian! Well done.
Ashley Bee
I have the SAME OPINION on Under the Dome! It’s a total trainwreck, but I can’t stop watching…
Gaye @CalmHealthySexy
I found you through CamilleColumbia’s blog. Wow, this is a great update of a very homely dress. It looks like a lot of dresses I wore “back in the day.”
fra
hello! i found your blog because a lot of websites “sponsored”it, and i love this idea of refresh. i must admit that the style looks always the same, a big dress that become sleeveless or shorter and you adjust everything with a belt (you have a very good and easily to dress body you look fine maybe with everything). maybe the photos are a bit cheap or i don’t know but it looks always the same, sometimes i think that the dress is better before. i can also say that i’m italian and fashion, also cheap one, is considered a bit different in my country. anyway, as a potential fan of your funny blog i’d like to see variety, or better photos, or something different sometimes. i’m also a modelist (but without a blog) and i’m happy that a blog like this could be famous. my two cents. ciao!
TanTan
Oh well….haters gonna hate. Trolls!
Fra
Thank you for your very meaningful reply but I’m sure that she will reply in a better way without boring lawyer if she wants, maybe in your wonderland where you live every person that think in different way from you is an hater. Please grow up that internet is not a new media anymore. Cheers.
TanTan
Just standing up for Jillian over what I thought were some very unkind comments. I have no problem with people who see things differently from me. My problem is with people that are not very kind with their comments. My mom always told me that if you don’t have anything nice to say then say nothing at all.
Inma
Hi, I´m a girl from Spain, I heard about your web this morning on a very popular radio show of my country and I´m very impressed. It´s amazing. Thanks!!
Naomi Elliott
This is EVERYTHING!! I am definitely showing my girlfriend who is a tailor. So cool!!! =)
67.3% Whimsy (@gingrjane)
Actually the worst show ever. I only started watching because there was supposed to be one series. Imagine the disappointment at the announcement of the second.
Refash = pretty spectacular tho’.
Sarah K.
I’d just like to say that by the laws of middle school, that dress is mine (It has my name on it, first and middle).
Also, my mum sent me a link to your blog and I’ve spent the past week reading the whole thing (yes, I’m a nerd like that). Now I want to go out and find all the weird old clothes at make them cute.
One thing I was wondering though, is there a way to tell how much shorter something is going to get when it’s taken in? Because I’m rather taller than you, so I don’t know if some of the things you start with (like big t-shirts) would even work for me.
Michelle
I never would have guessed that this dress could have been saved. Well done! Cute dress and cute guy!
Jennifer
This one turned out great! And “that guy” looks so much like Scott Miller. He’s a local musician up here. Check him out if you get a chance.
ReFashionista
Thanks! And WHOA! He kinda does…Crazy!
Diane
Awesome refash! And the shoes are amazing.
Deb C.
You look Great! I’m amazed that you can look at a garment and see its potential! Thank you!!
Judy
I am so inspired by your makeovers! Can’t wait to start my own!! Keep ’em coming!
Tiffany
I hate you and your ability to make clothes look great on you with a few stitches.
Why do I not have these skills? *shake fist*
Mary-Ann
AHHHmazing!! you are too clever and too cute!! keep ’em coming!!!
Katie Lynn
I will point out that your friend wearing white IS wearing funeral colors, if she were attending a Hindu ceremony.
I am so bummed the collar didn’t make it through the wash! Do you use color catcher sheets? I’ve started using them for the first wash or two of garments I’m questionable about and they’ve been great.
ReFashionista
Ah…very true. Erin might have been like, “Why am I the only one who adhered to the party’s dress code?”
I’ve never heard about these mysterious sheets…TO GOOGLE! 🙂
Katie Lynn
I believe they’re called Shout Color Catcher sheets.
Rawrr
Google says you can actually make home-made ones. This sounds right up your alley, Jillian! http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/08/make-your-own-laundry-color-catchers.html
Ann
Love the sweetheart neckline in the refashion. Great Job!
Denise
Just when I think you’ve pulled off my favorite refashion ever…you create another masterpiece!
TanTan
I think this turned out just divine. It is my favorite refashion of all time! Keep this one please. I love the shoes you chose to wear with it too! A+
Ali
Another totally amazing refash Jillian – super cute shoes, and super cute guy too! Another job very well done! You are so inspiring, and your writing is so witty that none of us can resist watching!
ReFashionista
Thanks so much! 🙂
Tasha
I totally would have gone for a Wednesday Adams look with that collar!
ReFashionista
http://thebestfashionblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Wednesday-Addams.jpg
Chaney
“One of these things is not like the other” ; …. Is that racist? :-/
ReFashionista
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!! We’re all wearing black, and Erin is wearing white (against the “funeral” dress code)!
ReFashionista
Whew! Updated caption for clarification. 🙂
Jo-Ann Y
I love the refashion; love the writing; love this site!
Paloma
Looooove it!, and all That you do!. Hugs from Madrid, Spain.
ReFashionista
Thanks! Hugs from Madrid are great, but a plane ticket TO Madrid might be even better! 😉
Palomita
Loool!, well maybe one of this days ;). Meanwhile is nice to see what you do. Your work is very inspiring, and give another life to old clothes while you help another people it makes you a better person. Hugs again and sorry for my dorkish english 😛
Estelle
Amazing, you’re so talented !
Estelle
lamodeestunjeu.fr
Barb
That’s just great . Liking it and the look of the new guy too. Looks like he’s liking the look of you too !
Anne Fraser
Excellent refashion – and I love your sense of humour.
experiencedaussienurse
Clever you so gorgeous, and I think that man is your man???? Call me a sticky beaking 54 year old lady. big smiles!
Lynoire
Gorgeous, although I’m a sucker for white collars, so I would have kept it…;)
Vanessa sealy
Lol I only watch that show cause my bf likes it 🙂 … love what you do! Wish you’d post the before and after pics on all of your updates like you did with this one 🙂
Sandra
The dress was beautiful before. It would have been better if you had given it to somebody plus sized instead of botching it up and making it look like something you could get on the racks of Old Navy :/
ReFashionista
It was a size 12. Which isn’t a plus size (look at the pics).
Also:
http://gintruth.com/gnt/wpver/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/butthurt.jpg
Bernice
Touche! I really wanted to hit a “like” button here:)
TanTan
What??? That thing was god awful before she refashioned it. I am a plus size and that would definitely not have been flattering on a plus size woman.
Ann
As a plus size woman, I would not have worn that dress! I love the new dress!!! Plus size women do not have to look dowdy. The only change I would make is to leave the length since I’m 5’11”.
KT
So nobody else is allowed to buy anything because you might want to buy it too. Gotcha. Do you also get angry when other people dare to go to the movies because they might prevent you from getting the best seat? Or when they go out to eat because you might have to wait for a table? Where do you get your sense of entitlement? The person who gets to the store or the theater or the restaurant first has dibs, period.
Flo
I’m plus sized and I wouldn’t have let that thing in to my closet. It looks like something from the 80’s. I also don’t understand why ANYONE has any issue with these refashions. Someone GAVE AWAY the dress to a charity shop for some reason instead of throwing it in to the landfill. What happens after that, oh well.
Joyce Love
Sandra, didn’t your mama teach you better? “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it.”
Barbara
Wth Sandra?
Janice
Ummmm,I think Sandra is trolling. I love the refash and the guy is cute, too!
socalgardeneats
Refashionista, don’t you get all your refashions from the dollar rack or the Goodwill Outlet? So basically, all the rejects that nobody else would buy? Isn’t it better to refashion them than for those clothes to go to a landfill or be sold in bulk to a jobber? I mean, at least they got a dollar for it.
socalgardeneats
I’m very sympathetic to people feeling dejected from the lack of thrift store selection. Sometimes, it really sucks!
But here, I think because we’re talking about clothes that were double rejects (donated clothes that nobody would buy at thrift store prices so they’re being discounted to get rid of them), don’t you agree that it’s better to get some use out of them than throw them away or sell them in bulk to a jobber who will not necessarily sell them as clothing either.
Heather K
Sandra,
Exactly how does that look like Old Navy… I have personally never seen anything that cute at Old Navy and to properly do a refashion you have to buy something larger. Jillian it looks awesome and adorable…keep it up!
Jill
I love it. I am so glad to see someone has entered into your life!!
holly
And great wedges!
Jodi
So, I’ve been stalking your site for 2 years now, but never commented. 🙂 You got me with that Under The Dome comment because my husband keeps watching it and I can’t even handle it. Everytime I refashion I’m like, “Hmm, how about a skirt.” or “Maybe this one will be a skirt.” or “I’ll switch it up and do a different skirt.” So that is why I silently stalk you because I hope your vision will slowly rub off on me to try some not skirts. Thanks for the inspiration!
Deborah Walker
Very elegant…nice look for you! My fav so far.
Maureen vanheusen
This may be the BEST yet! Very nice!
Eve
My my my, who is that guy? 😉 love the refash! You’re awesome!
Holly
This may my favorite refashion yet!
Holly
Got excited & left out a word. Whoops! May BE my favorite refashion yet! Haha
Pauline
Amazing.
Candy
Such a cute refashion! Much better without the color. Great job and yes, you two are a very cute couple.
maureen
Gorgeous!
megan (@luv_my_honda91)
That dress is beyond adorable! LOVE it. Nice job, as usual 🙂
Sondra
This refashion was so well done, and you look lovely wearing it.
Your new friend looks nice too…..
Bridget
Yet another one to die for!!! I love it.
Danielle
LOVE IT! If you refashion it another time, I think it’d made a really cute romper 🙂
Deb
Cute dress, cute guy. He might be a keeper if the fact that he’s looking at you adoringly is any indication of his worthiness. You deserve awesomeness! Make sure you get it!
JoAnn
The adoring look makes him absolutely a keeper!!!
And an lbd is ALWAYS a keeper
Lucy
Really lovely thanks for sharing
Gwen
Very nice! I too love the neckline, it isn’t just a simple scoop. Well done! I love length too, just a tad longer than you used to wear your dresses. I usually l hate black dresses but this one I actually like!
smithtabby
I never would have thought of this re-fashion! You look so cute in this. The guy is cute too……..
Lindsey
Love the neckline you ended up with. Can you bleach the collar and use it on something else?
ReFashionista
Thanks! I kept it, and I’m gonna try! 🙂
bfyvintage
Great flip! Also I feel the same way about Under the Dome…but can’t stop watching! They really need some new writers.
ReFashionista
Lol at the “Butterfly Infestation”. Yeah…those writers should be sacked. 🙂
Kristen
That is so super cute! One of my faves of yours!
Julia Guerra Leyva
Ditto!
Karen
You are adorable in that new dress! And the guy is nice looking, too!
Kathy
What Karen said
Sheryle
Love this dress!
Lola
Wow great job love the new style !!!
Stephanie
That guy is almost as cute as the dress!
Patrick P.
I think the one guy Ryan is much better looking 🙂 I hope you kept that collar???