I fell in love with this dress from Jay Jay’s last Summer but decided it needed a bit of a makeover before I wore it this season.
It was so long I found myself constantly tripping over it, and so I just wasn’t wearing it.
I ended up taking it in for some alterations as I wanted to keep the border on the bottom, and I knew my sewing skills weren’t quite up to it!
Before the Dress had a Makeover
After the Dress had a Makeover
Now I have a dress that I will wear heaps! It could even be my new everywhere dress.
I’ll definitely be packing it for my cruise – just 10 days to go!
Do you ever take clothes in for alterations or do you do it yourself?
***And don’t forget to enter the comp I’m currently running – you could WIN a $100 Voucher to Crazy Sales – just in time for Christmas!
Alicia says
I am constantly having to take up the hem of my pants, on account of being a short ass. That is about the amount of my sewing prowess. The dress looks fantastic on you.
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Alicia – this was a bit tricky so I took it to an expert and am very happy with the result.
Claire Chadwick : Mum's Closet says
Ooh very clever. Great job. Love it.
Have fun on the cruise.
x
Janet Camilleri says
Just 10 sleeps to go!
Raych aka Mystery Case says
WOW what a difference it makes. I wish I was more adventurous and crafty with my wardrobe. Please fly over to Perth and help me out.
Janet Camilleri says
I wish I was clever enough to take it up myself, but as well as taking a panel out the dressmaker took it in as well as the skirt flared out as it got longer. Worth every cent in my book!!!!!
Johanna says
Wow it looks so much better shorter on you. I know I have a dress at the moment that I trip up in and it just stays in my wardrobe because the shoes I used to wear with it have worn out 🙁
Janet Camilleri says
If it’s something you’d wear a lot – take the plunge and get it altered 🙂
Peachy Keen Mumma - Jess says
That’s so awesome! What a fantastic idea. My husband hates Maxi dresses (on me) but I love some of the patterns that are out there, and maxi dresses are the it thing. I think we could both agree on this idea. Alterations lady and maxi dress here I come 😉
Janet Camilleri says
I love maxi dresses, but feel they cover up my best body feature – my legs – so this was a great solution! I’m very happy with the results 🙂
Carolyn says
What a great idea to re-invent your dress. The fabric looks like it is iron-free so it will be perfect for your cruise. Enjoy!
Janet Camilleri says
Yes it is – simply wash and go! Love it!
Caitlin says
Great transformation. I’m always afraid of the cost with getting things altered! 10 days before cruising must be terribly exciting.
Janet Camilleri says
It WAS $35 (eek!) but I knew I’d get the wear out of it. I also enquired about getting thicker shoulder straps made out of the leftover material, but that was another $20, so I passed on that option. If I do decide to go ahead, I’m reasonably confident I can manage that myself (I hope)!
Rae Hilhorst says
You forget how difficult it is to operate in a long dress, I usually end up with the dress tangled around my legs x
Janet Camilleri says
And going down stairs is a nightmare too!
Belinda Jacobson says
That length is perfect! It frees up the shape so the movement will be lovely when you walk and it will be nice and cool for your cruise! Where are you headed?
xo
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Belinda – Noumea & Vanuatu with my sister and 2 best friends since high school/youth group days – I’ve done the cruise before with my family in 2009, now I’m looking forward to a very girlie experience!
Bev from Iris May Style says
I can sew but never seem to find the time to do it myself, instead I take it to the CR alteration guru’s to work their magic…I often getting my maxi’s lengthened though!
You look gorgeous xx
coco says
I wish I know how to sew. I’m short so most maxi dresses are to long for me. But I’ve never thought of taking them for alterations. I usually compensate by wearing platforms.