Here is what the dress looked like before I started. If you are one of those people that like vintage dresses to stay original than look away now! Lol.
I have a special event coming up in a few weeks and this dress will be perfect for it. However the dress was at least two sizes too small and would need a complete gothic overhaul. I always like to sketch out my design before I start working. Please excuse my terrible drawings!
The first step was to rip out the zipper and cut out the lining. I also chopped the sleeves to elbow length and lowered the neckline to a more flattering line.
I then added a panel of stretch lace and stretch velvet on the back to widen the dress to my size. I'm impressed that I had a velvet in the stash that actually matches pretty well too. Since I used stretch fabrics I can just pull the dress on over my head now. No zipper required.
Next up I added lace trim around the neck and "corset trim" (bridal button loop) down the back. I also added the lace and trim to the sleeves as well creating a really cute finished look.
Finally I added large bell sleeves and more lace trim to all the hems.
The pictures don't really do the dress justice. It turned out really stunning and cost only $40 total including all the lace, velvet, and the original dress. Plus it has major twirl factor. I promise I will take better pictures when I wear it. :)
Edit- I took some better photos outside so the details are a little more visible.
Love the dress; I can't believe it was that simple to alter, looks stunning. I feel inspired to get sewing machine out
ReplyDeleteLove the dress; I can't believe it was that simple to alter, looks stunning. I feel inspired to get sewing machine out
ReplyDeleteWow!!! This is so AMAZING!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. I recently bought a velvet dress that was too small for me. It cost only $15.00 I do not have your sewing talents, especially the corsetting part but it gives me ideas. Thank you for posting this Mary! That is a gorgeous dress, it is a shame we don't live closer to each other, otherwize, I would steal it haha!
ReplyDeleteYou could take your dress to a seamstress. You're welcome to show them the pictures so they get an idea what to do. But beware restyling a dress is a lot of work so they might charge a pretty penny for it.
DeleteOoh thanks for the offer. I might do that or at that cost, it would be best for me just to buy one at my local goth shop LOL I am very envious of your talents. I can wait to see pictures of you in this dress
DeleteWow, you took the bad bits out of it and made it a Gothic princess gown! Great work!
ReplyDelete*faint* Laura Ashley! sigh ... now how many of us 80s kids looked at those velvet dresses and swooned? I know I did.
ReplyDeleteGood grief! What a fabulous job! It looks amazing and I can't wait to see it on you.
Yep. I was one of those kids too! I would have loved a dress like this for prom. But they were in the $500 range weren't they? A little too rich for my mom back then. I was actually doing the same thing in the 80s. I would buy vintage dresses (50s and 60s were easy to find back then) and restyle them like just like the character in Pretty in Pink. Lol.
DeleteYeah, I think they were around $500!!! My Mom made my prom dress (I didn't know how to sew yet) and it had a black velvet corset and a red and black rose silk ... or satin ... bottom. It was AWESOME. She made a little bolero jacket to go with it -- I wore that thing to death. I remember her complaining and threatening my life because I kept loosing weight and my back was expanding. HA! I was training for the PSAL championship and was swimming 7 days a week. :)
DeletePretty in Pink ... I think I'll give that another watch tonight.
Losing, not loosing. Sheeze. It's time to step away from working and go do something fun. I can barely write anymore.
DeleteFantastic job, as I'm sure you always do =P
ReplyDeleteAny events you plan on taking this beauty out to? Or is she an everyday kind of thing for you, hehe
Actually it's to wear on a friend's birthday party. A tea party in the cemetery of course! Should be fun.
DeleteThat's some clever stuff.
ReplyDeleteIt turned out gorgeous! I wish I too could bring out the best like that in almost good thrift store findings! Alas, I have no sewing machine nor talent (proved during the school mandatory crafts classes). :D
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful! I can't wait to see pictures of you wearing it :D
ReplyDeleteYour alteration looks very similar to my favourite Goth brand Sinister ; they do romantic, medieval goth style.
ReplyDeleteSee, now I'm really sorry I got rid of all my old Laura Ashley dresses! I may have had that particular one, or one very similar to it. I remember the velvet ones were around $200, but I was working in the oil patch at the time and LA dresses and Peter Fox boots didn't seem all that extravagant - back then! ;)
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of stretch lace and not having to put a zipper back in! Beautiful job, Mary ... can hardly wait to see a pic of you in it! :)