Wednesday, May 4, 2011

1990s Dress Turned 1940s Refashion


This afternoon I took this dress from the 1990s to today with a 1940s flair. The dress has been in my closet for years - I think since about 2002 & the dress was either from friends or Goodwill. :) I've worn the dress for many years - until about two or three years ago, when I didn't want to wear baggy, long dresses anymore. But I kept the dress because I love the collar and basic style - just not how it fit on me. I would be tempted to throw the dress away, but could never bring myself to do the deed. I'm so glad I never did as I loved how the finished product turned out! 


To fix the bodice I separated the bodice and skirt. Then I cut open the seams on the side and the seam for the sleeve. Taking my dress-form, Lizzy, I placed the dress bodice inside out on her. Then I just fitted the bodice to her. Adding a dart to the front to help take in the fullness. I also added a pleat to the back of the bodice and I snipped off the ties {you know the ones that almost every dress from the 90s has}. After getting the bodice all pinned, I sewed the bodice back together again.  


The skirt was easy. I just added a few pleats to the already slightly gathered skirt and reattached it to the bodice. After I sewed it back on, I put the dress on Lizzy and chopped several inches off the hem. Then just did a simple rolled hem to finish the raw edges. And voila - a 1940s inspired dress. I didn't plan the dress to look 1940s, I was just going for a more modern fitted look. But I adore the end result! I just need a red belt to finish off the look. Maybe some red shoes too. ;-)   

15 comments:

  1. It looks positively lovely on you! Great job! :)

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  2. This turned out super cute!(:

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  3. That is too cute! I love it! It looks 40s sailor-style too!

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  4. SO cute, Ashley!!! You did a *great* job! :)

    <3

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  5. Such a cute dress Ashley! I just posted a 80'd dress that I re-did as well! check it out!
    Natasha
    A Modest Fashion Blog:
    www.natashaatkerson.blogspot.com

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  6. You did a great job! I love 1940's fashion. I'm loving your blog, too! This is my first visit. I'll have to look around more, but I already want to add you to my favorite blogs list on my own blog!

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  7. Wow!!! Who would have thought... Great job. Love this dress!

    God bless!
    Rachel

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  8. I love it!!! So pretty!!!! All it needs is a little sailor hat. That would top off the outfit!!! :) I like your shoes too!

    ~SG~

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  9. Wow, Ashley, great job! Great vision taking that dress and making it into something stylish. :)

    Blessings,
    Näna

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  10. It looks wonderful, Ashley! Yay for sewing! You look adorable in it. A red belt would be darling (red shoes too!), though I do love the brown ones too.

    By the way, I love the picture of Audrey on your sidebar! ::smile::

    Have a lovely day!
    xx Achaia

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  11. I love it Ashley!! It seems similar to the refashion I showed you and your sisters at my house. You have inspired me to post about it soon. :) I just need that red belt to go with it. hehe

    I love the sailor style and I love that you belted! belts seem to always add the finishing touch to any dress! red shoes would be great with it!

    In Christ,
    Rebecca

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  12. Awwe how absolutley lovely!! I could never do that. :P Even so "simple!" You are talented, my dear..:)

    ~Lucia

    www.one-beloved.blogspot.com

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  13. You look good in navy-blue. :-)
    Touches of red would be lovely, especially around Independence Day. How about a red hat, too?

    God bless,
    ~"Wild Rose"~

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  14. It turned out very cute! I love it. :) I have several old dresses saved in the back of my closet with the hopes of fixing them up someday... :)

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  15. Oh this is lovely. It's a great make-over. :) Perhaps you would enjoy this blog: http://www.newdressaday.com/
    I know I do.

    From her blog: "One person’s trash is becoming my treasure this year."

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