When we first looked at buying our current house, one of the biggest concerns was updating the kitchen…especially on a budget. It was a hot mess of modern and outdated, but as they say–location, location, location! Our quaint, 1960 abode is right in the hub of Tennessee’s Oldest Town, and it is the perfect starter home for our family of two (plus Oakley *wink*). So, we started planning how we could best update our kitchen without breaking the bank or totally ruining its midcentury charm.
“Glory days, well, they’ll pass you by. Glory days, in the wink of a young girl’s eye. Glory days, glory days….We just sit around talking about the old times…she starts laughing, thinking about glory days…” Mhmm-Bruce Springsteen surely knows how to sing it! Glory days, oh, the wonderful glory days of summer! Don’t you wish our summer could be just a few months, weeks, even days longer? Sitting and relaxing by the pool, sipping on some ice cold, sweet tea-yes, those are the glory days of summer! It is so sad that it is over till next year, but who says we can’t make fall full of glory days-fashionable glory days! In this week’s adventure, I am going to show all you fashionistas out there how to make these chilly months full of fashionable glory!
Blazer: Vintage Ralph Lauren Dress: Sweater Happy DIY Socks: Target Shoes: Michael Kors
Right now is the perfect time to head to your local thrift store or go shopping in your own closet for sweaters that need a little love. This easy peasy, sweater cheesy DIY will show how to convert an old winter sweater into an adorable dress with vintage flare!
What you will need:
An oversized winter sweater
Scissors
Vintage buttons (or new buttons)
Needle
Thread
StepOne: Find some unique vintage or new buttons the same size as the original ones. Remove the original buttons and sew on the vintage buttons to give your sweater dress a little VIP touch.
StepTwo: Next, it is time to cut off the sleeves. Measure one inch away from the seams of each sleeve and cut off each sleeve. Tah Dah! Done!
Seriously, done-completed-finished. In just two steps, you have created a fabulous new staple piece for your closet.
Now, journey with me into the wonderful land of blazers, tights, and crew socks to see how you can make your Sweater Happy DIY a mega must have for your chilly season wardrobe!
I wore my Sweater Happy DIY with a sophisticated neutral blazer, preppy horizontal striped crew socks, and a pair of vibrant mustard yellow stilettos for a wonderful way to dress up and cozy up. This ensemble was perfect for making a dramatic fashion statement and for grabbing some Starbucks with my girls before heading out for a road trip and shopping spree! Make that one Venti, extra hot, Caramel Macchiato with extra foam, please!
VIP Tips on Wearing the Sweater Happy DIY:
Classic Boots: Sporting a traditional pair of classic knee high boots with this DIY dress is a super stylish way to step up your wardrobe! When the temperatures start to drop more, toss on a vibrant hue blazer for an ensemble that is perfect for running errands around town while staying comfortable, adorable, and cozy!
Sheer Tights: Embrace sheer tights! Wear your dress DIY with a pair of stunning color block wedges and sheer tights for a striking combination that is a simple way to ace that dressy, yet casual gal look! This outfit is perfect for a delicious brunch with clients!
Iconic Denim: Substitute in iconic denim for tights! This DIY dress looks fantastic when worn over dark jeans and paired with sparkly, chunky jewelry! Take this outfit to the next level by adding a uniform, fitted blazer and sexy t-straps with your DIY dress! This outfit can be taken from comfy casual Friday to a Friday night party bash in a snap with just a change of accessories.
How did you dress up your Sweater Happy DIY? Email me your ensemble combinations to vintage.passionista@gmail.com! I would love to include them in a future blog post!
If you are looking for a fun and easy DIY that will give you an absolute summer must have…then this VIP DIY: Dip Dye Shorts is your ticket to the happy train!
What you will need:
Bleach (I used Clorox Splash-less)
Paint brush
Dark denim jeans
Pencil
Scissors
Vinyl/Latex gloves
WARNING: This DIY involves bleach. Be fashionable in a well-ventilated area. Read warning label on bleach bottle.
Step 1: Put on the jeans and mark the desired length for the shorts with a pencil.
Step 2: Take off the jeans and cut each pant leg at the pencil mark.
Step3: Mix one cup of bleach with one cup of water for dip dyeing. You can also mix 1 cup of bleach with 2 cups of water for a less bleached look. WARNING: extremely potent.
Step 4: Paint on the bleach mixture as far up as you wish to go.
Step 5: After painting on the bleach, let the shorts sit for approximately 10 minutes (or until desired bleached effect). Rinse, wring, and toss in the washing machine. Do not put shorts in with clothes you do not want to bleach;) Although, it would be the perfect time to bleach your bed sheets and socks haha
Step 6: Put together a fabulous outfit with your dip dye creation and email to me, the VIP!:)
Now, it is time to stop monkeying around and create a topnotch, genteel, chic outfit with your dip dye shorts!
With my DIY shorts, I created a wonderlust of an outfit consisting of a 1970s lace blazer, an REO Speedwagon tank (quite possibly my favorite tank top…EVER), a hot pink and lime green JCrew belt, and of course, the VIP DIY: Dip Dye Shorts!
Blazer: The Attic (Columbus, Mississippi) Tank Top: Urban Outfitters (Birmingham, Alabama) Shorts for DIY: Raspberry Beret Consignment Shop (Louisville, Mississippi) Shoes: Material Girl by Madonna (TJ Maxx-Trussville, Alabama) Belt: JCrew (vintage from Mom’s closet) Bow: I made it myself from vintage fabric:)
You can dress up your dip dye shorts or dress them down! The possibilities with these fabulous shorts are endless! Be creative and be yourself!:)
Join me next time for a special blog I shall not tell you about now:)
I am currently counting down the days until I attend Project Design Week at Auburn University! In just one week, I will be packing and heading off for a wonderful experience…don’t worry! I will be telling y’all about it:)
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