Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Brady Bunch

Dress: Vintage, clothing swap with Little Boat // Neckace: Chain - Forever 21, $1 Pin (as pendant) - Vintage, gift // Ring: Gift // Shoes: Target, $15

Awhile back, Lexie of Little Boat sent me this retro floral dress as a part of a clothing swap. It was actually full-length originally. While I'm into the maxi look, I thought the bold print would look better on me with a shorter hemline. I love the way it turned out! I wore it to the office today but can totally see myself donning it for summer cook-outs and such.

A couple of people have asked how I alter clothing. Truth is, I'm not much of a seamstress, and my sewing machine has been on the fritz for awhile. Thanks to a tip from Kelly of Lions, Tigers & Fashion Oh My, I've been using hem tape. There's a kind that doesn't even require ironing. You just stick it on, peel off the backing, fold your hem up and... voila! A hem for the lazy or sewing-impaired.

25 comments:

mariel said...

re: hemming, that is an awesome tip! also, cute outfit! i love the story behind it too. that's so sweet of her!

Ella Vie said...

I not a sewing-impaired but I think I'm on my way to become one... So that is a great tip, the only issue is that we don't have it here in my country so I always have to go with my mom or a tailor...

BTW Are you a Brady cousin or what's the alter story for it?

Chloe Marie said...

such a cute dress! I agree that it probably would have been overpowering on a maxi. Great tip for hemming too, I'm currently learning to sew.

Anonymous said...

You look great!

Thanks for mentioning this magic hem tape. Sounds like it is perfect for my skill level :-D

Lindsay said...

The hem tape is a great tip! This has inspired me to be a little more brave when choosing dresses and skirts at the local thrift.

http://minimalinfluence.blogspot.com/

Christina said...

I love the print. Vintage is so fun.

Lori said...

I love that dress. It reminds me of a vintage "Marsha"-type dress I used to own in high school. Very cute :)

nomoresweatpants.blogspot.com

Brianna said...

Very cute dress and I agree that shorter is probably better since you're so petite :)

http://the-not-so-secret-loves-of-bri.blogspot.com/

Laura said...

I love your dress, it's so cute! another good example of the power of a shortened hemline.

Skyline Eyes said...

You look lovely! The dress and print very much suits you (:
x

Anna said...

Thanks for that great hemming tip! I have a pile of dresses to be shortened but I'm too lazy to get out the sewing machine.

This dress looks so great this length! Nice work.

Anonymous said...

Hem tape was definitely God's gift to height challenged people, like myself! :) However, I never can get the brand I use to stick just right...what brand do you use?

April said...

cute dress, the length is perfect for the print :)

Lexie said...

i LOOOOOVE this dress on you! i'm so glad you like it too!

Diana said...

This dress is so cute! I think that the shorter hemline was definitely the right choice/\.

teri said...

OHHH that is such a smart technique! Haha ALSO you look so cute and your smile is so big and happy, it makes me smile :).

tintedseaglass.blogspot.com

Emily Kennedy said...

This dress is super adorable on you. Really really cute!

Keira Lennox said...

This is so adorable! I love it with the neutral wedges. As for hem tape, I couldn't live without it. I've never touched a sewing machine (even though it's on my short list of goals for this year) and I've "altered" all kinds of things! :)

jemina said...

you look so cute, love the punchy colours of the dress, and it looks like that your hair has grown, are you planning on growing it out?, xoxo

Jolie said...

I love it, what a great print! Hem tape is a miracle worker1

Lovers, Saints & Sailors said...

Looks great. I would have liked to see it full length too.

C said...

I agree, hem tape is fantastic! And oh my goodness, this outfit is so wonderful! I love the 70s vibe of the dress. :)

Danielle @ Story of Style said...

So cute! I wish I could pull this off the way you do!

Jilliebeanie said...

I had no idea that kind of tape existed...this is exactly what I need. THANK YOU for sharing. :)

Looks and Books said...

Ahhhh I LOOOVE this dress! Good call on shortening it, though I imagine it would still be adorable as a maxi dress as well.

Looks & Books