One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the White Elephant Christmas party my friends throw every year!
As you all know by now, I love a good party, and adding a silly surprise element only makes it better!
Speaking of silly surprises, check out this heavily beshoulderpadded top I found for $1 at a fave thrift shop!
Just assume I only spend $1 on any of my pre fashions, okay?
I like that pleating on the front of this top, and that blue hue is lovely, but the rest? Meh!
I started chopping away! First at those shoulderpads!
Then, I removed those floofy things from the shoulders as well.
My new top was missing a button, but I wasn’t too worried about that.
I wouldn’t be needing any of those buttons pretty soon, so I snipped them off and added them to my button stash.
Next, I removed the sleeves with my seam ripper.
Whew! All that chopping and ripping is fun, but it left me with a bunch of tacky raw edges to take care of!
So, I pinned those armholes under twice and pinned them, like so:
Then, I stitched each armhole down.
Next, I took in each side by about 2″.
I cut off my excess material, and now I have a fabulous vest/tunic hybrid thing that I can wear over a dress or over a top and pants!
I accessorized with a funky pin, a skinny belt, and a pair of brogues!
Of course my pal’s daughter, Ava makes the perfect accessory!
My present was wrapped with care. 😉
…and Jacques seemed to like it as well!
But everyone’s gifts were quite special…

I think the gift I received might just be the best one…
…although Ava wore it better. :/
Cheers!