Refashion Runway: Summer Dress
This is the fourth and final part of the ‘Refashion Runway’ series. You can find pictures from the other competitors, and vote for your favourites, here.
This week’s theme is ‘Summer Dress’. Enter one summer dress that needs a bit of TLC…
This came from the British Heart Foundation shop in Streatham and cost £6.99. The fabric has navy, white and mint green stripes with a shiny pattern in the cross weave. It’s lightweight polyester.
I started by cutting off the sleeves, which was easy. What wasn’t so easy was removing the elasticated waist. I had to be very careful not to damage the fabric. The lining came out along with it.
Here’s how it looks without sleeves and waist. There is a seam at the front waist but the stripes are pretty well matched.
There is no seam in the back!
In order to get rid of the modesty panel, I wanted to cross the front lapels over a bit more to make the opening not so deep. This meant cutting up the centre front of the whole thing… deep breath time…
There were a few raw edges to take care of but overall I think it was a good move.
I cut out the offending panel and removed all the press studs and buttons holding the front together.
Down what will be the front, I ironed on a small strip of interfacing, and topstitched the front skirt back together.
For the front bodice, I pinned it together and sewed the two sides together underneath the lapel to hold it shut (roughly along where the pins are below).
The final step was to try it on and check the length. I ended up removing about 30cm.
I was going for ‘garden party chic’ with this one so I’m modelling it with my new sun hat. I think the dress has retained its hint of nautical and I love that about it. I think new shoes may be in order though!
Don’t forget to head over to Refashion Runway and vote for your favourite – it’s the final this week, so every vote counts! Thanks in advance!
Charity Shop Chic 
This is a super refashion! Thanks for sharing! Love it. Will def vote.
Thanks so much Nellie, I appreciate your vote :)
The refashion looks gorgeous – off to vote now!
Aw, thank you so much! Sweet of you to vote for me!
Another stunner Sally! I love the first pic, that dress was HUGE. I love what you’ve done with it, looks so cute like that and the style and length works perfectly with the colours. Perhaps a drink or two down by the Cutty Sark dahling? :) Super job xxx
Dahling! Sounds fabulous! Count me in. This would work great with a ‘nautical’ location…
Beautiful! I just love it! :)
Thank you so much! :)
gorgeous! you have my vote. fingers crossed you win!
Thanks lovely! I’m in with a chance!
This is a lovely refashion! I Love the colors and pattern on the material. You’ve got my vote!
Thanks so much for voting, Tara!
Oooh, kept me in suspense till the end, then…..Bam! Love it! So much nicer now.
Haha, thanks!
Ooh another lovely dress to add to the collection – much prefer it at that shorter length, and the colours are fab!
http://www.mancunianvintage.com
Yeah the colours are to die for – I’m a big fan of navy!
Eeep, this is gorgeous Sally…a summer staple no doubt…if summer decides to make an appearance this year! Off to vote now…
Thank you lovely! Summer keeps peeping through, enough to get our hopes up, then goes away again… gah!
I voted for you (also on ‘denim week’). I hope you are the winner. I think you deserve it, your refashions are amazing, they have some professional touches. Practice makes better, and your refashions tells that you are not a beginner.
Thank you so much, I appreciate your vote! I’ve been refashioning for quite some time now, hopefully some of that practice is paying off ;-)
This is a beautifully fresh looking dress – and it’s so nice on you. I actually thought the shoes were a perfect counterpoint :)
Why thank you Jenny! :)
Hi Sally, I’ve nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogger Award at http://thewardrobesurgeon.wordpress.com/2013/07/02/super-sweet-blogger-award/
So kind of you, thank you!
Love it!!!!!
Thanks, Sunny! :)
Love this refashion, simply beautiful. Off to vote now.
How kind of you, thank you! I am in with a chance!
Sally,
I’ve been following the refashion challenge weekly and I’ve been constantly amazed at what you achieve. I’ve voted for you most weeks just because I can’t help it. Your refashions are always professional and inspiring and bang on fashion. I go to the charity shop with new eyes now. Thank you.
You are welcome Veronique, and thank you for reading! I hope this has inspired you to get the scissors out and start cutting!
Great job! I love this dress! :)
Thanks, Jen! Glad you liked it!
Hi Sally,
Wonderful job this week! You are a pro!
Have you signed up for my giveaway? Don’t want you to miss out my new refashion friend.:)
Here is the link:
http://marysthriftychic.com/?p=1652
Thanks so much for the comment Mary. I don’t think the giveaway is for me, though!
No problem Sally. Have a wonderful day:)
You too! :)
Really well done. I wish I could find a bargain like this in the charity shops but it seems to be all stretched t-shirts whenever I go. :-)
Keep looking, Jo! I’m sure you’ll find something. Thanks for reading.
CONGRATS ON YOUR WIN! You deserve it Sally. It has been fun competing with you and I will continue to follow your Charity Shop adventures!
Thanks, Mary! I had a blast doing the competition! So sad that it’s over!
Me too!
I’m sure it will be time for season 2 soon :)