From ugly frock to boho queen

This is a short tale about the power of re-using and innovation. I very rarely buy new clothes. Almost my entire wardrobe is comprised of second-hand clothing. I see no need to buy new, when there is a wealth of beautiful clothing that already exists in the world. 

I have a dinner party to go to soon and wanted to wear something 'new'. After watching a fairly compelling documentary recently about waste, I decided that the best course of action was to go through my wardrobe and try to breathe new life into something I already own. I am a conscious consumer but despite my best intentions to only buy items of clothing that I love, I do have pieces hanging up that I don't really like. 

What is the point of cluttering a wardrobe with clothes that I brush past every time. I found a dress that I never wear because it is too short and has weird bottom frills. I love the fabric though. 

I took it over to my sewing studio with the idea to modify it slightly. Sorry for not taking a picture of the dress before I chopped it up. 

Half a day later, this is the rocking bohemian gown that I made. 

While I was in my studio I raided my basket of outcast textiles. Gorgeous pieces of embroidery, stitchery and crochet that as a whole contain stains or rips. I used little snippets of these on my dress. I cut ugly frills off the bottom of the short dress and added a patchwork of fabrics to convert it to a maxi dress. That fabulous crochet back and sleeves on the dress was once a table runner. 

There is nostalgia in the threads of vintage fabric. A quality and feel that can not be easily replicated.

I love my new dress. It cost me nothing, except a delightful afternoon of my time. 

Since making this dress I have modified a further three items in my wardrobe. It is addictive. You can chop a dress short, add length, cut off sleeves or insert diamond lace flairs, the ideas are endless. 

If you were never planning to wear the outfit again, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by try to epicycle it. Have a go. 

Until next time

xx Isabella