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2014-03-13

Second Chances

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This 80's prom dress was never intended as a 'seeing potential' post (see others here and here...)...

One way that I acquire vintage for the shop is by buying lots. Not lots as in a large amount (though that too...) but 'lots' as in purchasing the whole amount, including good and bad, from one particular seller. This often means I don't see it all beforehand but I take a chance on what I can see and make a judgement call over whether or not the price is worth it. So far this has worked out well for me. It does mean I sometimes get large amounts of vintage that I need to store, sort and then put in the shop or donate back. I probably donate back about 50% of what I get in a lot but it's still a worthy investment. 
This particular lot was about 25 80's dresses and they ran the gamut from being really good to really hilarious (I mentioned and showed an example of this over on my shop Facebook too...).  On the afternoon that the lot came in, I had a friend in the shop and as a joke I tried on a bunch of the worst offenders. Sometimes I love the 80's and sometimes they just had to add another bow and a ruffle and ruin a good thing.

This dress with it's gold lace bodice, giant bow and asymmetrical teal skirt was a tad much. But when I tried it on, it actually fit perfectly. And the bodice had a great sweetheart neckline and maybe I could just make it work? So, it came out of the donate pile and it met up with a pair of scissors where all the teal taffeta was promptly removed. 
And when teal taffeta is swapped with a pair of leather pants, the whole thing suddenly looks quite modern, no? 
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And then when the leather is swapped for a 50's midi skirt from my shop and some strappy heels, the look goes from edgy to something much more demure...

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This is probably both cheesy and obvious for me to say, but sometimes I just have too much fun getting dressed.

19 comments :

Jane {torontoShopoholic} said...

Love this post! It just goes to show that when something has good bones, whether it is a dress or a house or whatever, you just have to see the potential!

Gwen said...

You are too cool! I really admire that about you, how you can see the potential in all sorts of unlikely things and turn them into something too cool for words!

Unknown said...

Sometimes I think you're magic!

Feisty Harriet said...

Rawr!! I love this as a bustier! So chic! So rock-n-roll! So fancy!

xox

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

Squeee!!! This is so you Yen! Everything...from the concept to the execution! You've got such a great eye for style; and with your sewing smarts backing you up, you can do anything!!!

Unknown said...

I'm loving these posts! That top sure is amazing both ways, but I especially love the skirt look!

xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Holy wow! Nice job. Nice job.

Unknown said...

Those earrings are GORGEOUS! Nice work with the alterations, both the 'after' outfits are great xx Hannah

Anonymous said...

Wow! You really give clothes not only a second chance, but a second life! The gold lace bodice and leather pants rock!
Seeing the potential – that is a special gift. Bless you for having it!

Mia | Carpet Cleaners Colliers Wood

Anonymous said...

This is great! How did you get the top straight? It does not looks as if it has an asymmetrical hem in the first picture ... sewing skills?

Unknown said...

Holy crap you have such a vision! I love the after's, you have such a gift of seeing what pieces could become and I love how you styled it after. You are seriously one of the most beautiful people ever.

Orchid Grey said...

You are awesome, so it this outfit and your thriftin' ways. that is all.

paige / house of ginger said...

i love these! more more!

Walter Mitty said...

You're amazing. If re-purposing were a sport, you'd win gold.

Tara Honeybird said...

Great work, Jentine! I love the bodice paired with the skirt :)

Leah said...

What?! Only you could see the potential in an 80's tafetta prom dress. The bodice fits you perfectly and looks amazing the two ways you styled it.

Nadine said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that 80s drop-waisted silhouette. So sexy!

Chilel Aissitou said...

I know it is a lot of work but u could alter the things u intend to donate and sell them. This dress/top is so nice, people would buy it..

Vanessa said...

This is one of the many reasons why I love vintage. If you're willing to be a bit creative, there are so many clever ways to modernize outdated items and make them look like new again.