Outfit: African print
I’m sure you remember this dress in African style fabric that I bought from Thrift Town in San Francisco a couple of years ago. This project was top of the list when packing for my holiday as I really wanted the chance to wear this in Africa (Kenya to be precise). Sadly this little African inspired number didn’t make the cut.
I doubled my money with this by turning it into a skirt and top.
I wore the blouse on holiday with white satin cigarette trousers and sandals, with the obligatory fabulous hat. It was perfect for a sundowner at the hotel bar (minus the hat).
Charity Shop Chic 
Just gorgeous – again! Love that final shot too – I know it’s not about sewing but just love the composition!
Thanks lovely, we are really trying hard with the photos!
Effort has been rewarded!
I’ll pass on your praise to himself!
He’s clearly adopting the role similar to my ELH.
He’s more being gently nudged into it, honestly…
Perhaps they need their own niche in the sewing blogosphere!
You look very colonial – love it all, but you gotta love those shoes!!
They are my favourites from this summer! :) Can’t wait for the weather to get warm enough so I can wear them again…
Awesome styling. Loving the shoes and THAT hat! Gorgeous xx
I took full advantage of the opportuity to wear hats, as you’ll see in the coming posts! x
Ooh it’s gorgeous! Envious of your sewing skills missus!
http://www.mancunianvintage.com
Aw, thanks! You should take a sewing class or something, it’s such a great skill to have!
Gawjus outfit missus! You always look so chic and expensive, if you know what I mean?! Also, I love the hat…but do you have to carry something like that on the plane with you? I always worry they’d get super squished in a suitcase…
Marie, if you think this thing that I bought for $8 and hacked the sides off looks expensive, then clearly I am doing my job right! I think a bit of styling really goes a long way.
I actually have several of these hats (like new shoes – they help everything else you’re wearing look fabulous). They are made of straw and have wire inside the hem at the brim. You can fold them in quarters and pack them flat, then take them out and bend the wire back into shape and, hey presto! The straw does look a teeny bit creased but after wearing it for an hour in a humid climate that all but disappeared.
This top with these trousers looks great, so relaxed and effortlessly fabulous. I really like the print on this piece–it is African without being cliche or over the top or going into the typically ‘tribal’ regions. Nice pick! You have an eye for cool prints and one of the truths about second hand shopping is that the most gorgeous prints are on most hideous pieces of clothing,
And great photographs, too, send regards to the photographer!
Hi Kasia, I loved this print too! You’re absolutely right that the best prints are often on the worst looking clothes… that’s what makes charity shopping so much fun :) I will pass on your praise to my photographer! Thanks for reading!
Cute
~ Zhenya
Thanks!
I love how you turned that dress into both a shirt and a blouse. Very original. You look great with the blouse and the cigarette trousers and although you didn’t make the sandals they are really cool too : )
Hi Irene, thank you for the kind comment! Good shoes can make an outfit look so much better!
well Hello! It has been a whiles since I have seen a post from you on my feed. lovely refashioned pieces!
Hello there! Yes I took a little break over the holidays. Good to be back!
Great outfit!!!
I think the fabric of the dress is Indonesian batik not African though …
It may well be, Jess. I have no idea – there was no label or anything inside the original dress to help with identification. Whether it’s Asian or African, I like it a lot!
I love your outfits! My son loves your shoes (actually, so do I).
Ha, thank you Deb, and Deb’s son! :)
You really rock both of your outfits! Great way to stretch your money and your wardrobe. I am so happy to be one of your
followers. You are so inspiring.! :)
Thanks so much for the comment, Sondra! You made my day! So glad you are enjoying reading.
Your resort wear is FAB. I’d love to have some white cigarette pants and a fab hat to swan around in. The shirt and skirt look so much better as separates- great job!
Thanks Macstabby, the hat does make swanning around that bit more fun. I have to take it off to fit through doorways though!
I LOVE how you’ve styled it as a top – so glamorous, and you look so comfortable, too!
Why thank you Meg! :)
Super classy!!! (Nice shoes!)
Haha, thank you! :)
On these photos alone you have made me want to vacation in Kenya. Yes, that’s how good your outfit is!
You should, it’s an incredible place, we had a blast! Thanks for commenting!
Oh!! Fabulous! The skirt is very cute, but the top!! I simply love it, terrific job and such a stunning holiday blouse.
Thank you :) I felt great wearing this, especially knowing its origins!
This print actually looks like Balinese/Javanese batik print! Gorgeous what you did with it!x
You’re right, I think that’s exactly what it is! Glad you liked it anyway!
Cute cute cute!
I think I actually have a piece of fabric that has some of that print on it. Now to find it… :thinking:
Thanks, Kathie! Hope you found it!