ReFashion Statement

BurdaStyle Featured Member Yall!

2011-11-24T15:05:00.001-05:00

Happy Turkey Day! I hope right about now everyone is chowing down on their Thanksgiving feast. I sure am. I just wanted to share with you all the Featured Member article about me on Burda. I feel so honored to be recognized in this way. I'm taking a break from my sewing projects, but all of the praise & encouragement and I get from others makes me want to get right back to it asap! Peace & Love! -C.C.

October Fest

2011-10-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hello! I apologize for my disappearance. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I've been focusing on finding a job. And baby it paid-off cause I found one! I start on Monday! Woot! Okay so October is among us! For me, October marks the true beginning of Fall. It's when I start craving pumpkin spice lattes and pulling out my cool weather clothes. I also start asking myself what I'll be for Halloween, one of my all time favorite holidays. I'll never be too old for Halloween! It's so much fun! As children it's the amazing because you can dress up as your favorite character, stay up late, and gorge yourself with candy for days. As an adult, the appeal is in the costumes parties. Aren't they the best? I still don't know what I'll be this year, but with my new found sewing skills I can def be more creative with my costume. To save money, I was thinking about refashioning a children's costume. I saw some really cute ones at Target the other day. I'll keep you all posted! To close, I want to leave you all with some Halloween pictures of friends & family. Enjoy! -C.C.

My ninja bro and Pocahontas

A repeat offender and a lil devil

Freddy Krueger and Granny

My gorgeous friends! My homemade Marge costume was such a hit that year!

FairTrade Roll-on Bracelets

2011-09-07T23:40:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone in the US had a relaxing Labor Day weekend. Mine was alright. It's just that I've been busy job hunting, so I didn't fit any refashions in. Sorry but being unemployed is no fun! I have an interview on Friday, so please wish me luck! I want to take some time to share these exquisite hand-crafted bracelets by Fair Trade Fashion Designs. My friend Anabel discovered them and now I'm hooked. They come in many different colors and look amazing layered. Not only are they gorgeous, they support a great cause. Purchase of these bracelets provide Nepali women with jobs and help build schools. Now that's the kind of purchase you can really feel good about. For more info about the cause and buying these bracelets visit the Fair Trade Fashion Designs website. Alright back to the search! -C.C.

Project #12

2011-09-01T04:48:00.001-04:00

My sleeping pattern's been way off lately. I've been up til 3-4am sewing and surfing the net. While up late last ~~night~~ morning, I made this dress from a thrifted pleated skirt using a great tutorial I found on Welcome to the Good Life. It was so easy! I highly recommend it! I'm very happy with how it turned out. The print is very Burberryesque and it'll transition well into Fall which is all about plaids and grid lines. Alright I really need to get some beauty rest. G'nite! -C.C.

Pleated Skirt, $4, Goodwill

Before

After

Project #11

2011-08-25T13:33:00.004-04:00

The Trend: High-Waisted Shorts

Oasis Denim Short Shorts, $25
Top Shop Hot Shorts, $66

Miss Selfridge Vintage High Waisted Shorts, $49

Awhile back a friend of mine requested that I do a high waisted denim shorts refashion and since these days I prefer high waisted bottoms, I was glad to take on this project. I knew that I didn't want this to be a very complicated refashion, so it was all about finding the perfect pair of jeans to start from. After scouring the entire rack of women's jeans at Goodwill for what seemed like the entire day, I discovered these babies. They are high waisted Calvin Kleins that fit decently without alteration. All I did to them was cut them to the preferred length, took them in just a tad, and then sewed a very tight straight stitch along the hem, so that the fraying would stop there. They are my favorite pair of shorts right now. I hope you give this refashion a try. Just find a pair of high waisted jeans that fit well and your set. It may take some time, but it's so worth it! -C.C.

High Waisted Jeans, $5, Goodwill

Before

After

Antique Furniture ReFashion

2011-08-22T18:36:00.003-04:00

Sorry I disappeared! All last week I was devoting most of my time and energy to fixing up a piece of furniture and expanding my refashioning skills into the home decor realm. It's an antique dresser with mirror that was listed on Craigs List by a family that was moving to Boston and wanting it off of their hands. They were selling it for a measly $25. I just couldn't resist! It was a perfect fit for my mom's guest room and was sturdy, unlike the rickety furniture you find nowadays. At first it was white and a lil beat up in some places, but I had a feeling that with all of the HGTV I watch I could spruce it up in no time. I started by cleaning the whole surface of the dresser and then sanding everything down. I primed it with some primer spray paint I had from a previous project. Then I painted it with two coats of green latex paint in a high gloss finish, leaving the trim unpainted. After that dried, I painted the trim with an acrylic gold paint. Lastly I put three coats of polycrylic on the top surface to prevent damage. I don't have any before pics because I excitedly jumped into the project and forgot to take some, but I do have a few pics that I took during the process. Til next time! -C.C.

The dresser painted green after sanding and priming

The attachable mirror primed

The final product

Gold trim detail

Project #10

2011-08-12T12:47:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday! Today I would like to show you how I refashioned the adorable flower printed skirt I wore in my last post. It's off trend, but I still think it's super cute.

Printed Skirt, Goodwill, $6

I started off with this thrifted oversize skirt...

...that I was drawn to because of the pretty flower print.

I used one of my favorite Forever21 skirts as a template for my new skirt.

This skirt has four equivalent panels.

I measured each side of the panel...

...& transferred the measurement onto some large newsprint. Newspaper works just as well.

Then I cut my thrifted skirt down one seam...

...to get this.

I cut off the elastic band...

& then I had a large flat piece of fabric to work with.

Using the pattern, I cut 4 panels from the fabric & made sure to leave a 5/8 inch seam allowance.

Here are the four panels.

I don't have pictures for the rest of the procedure, so I'll just describe what I did:

I sewed the panels together except for one side seam where a zipper would be inserted. I added some interfacing to the top 2 inches of the skirt and enclosed it in fabric so there would be a stable, defined waistband. The Forever21 skirt has some pleating at the waist, so I added some similar pleats. Lastly, I inserted an invisible zipper at the side seam and finished off the hem. I know this is an extensive refashion. I suppose the reason I get a lil carried away is because I want to transform garments so that ppl will never guess it was thrifted. Have a great weekend everyone! -C.C.

Busti-Yay!

2011-08-08T22:41:00.002-04:00

Alas! Here is my bustier top ensemble. Recall that the bustier is from my Project #9 post. I've refashioned this thrifted, flower printed skirt to go along with it. More details about the skirt next post. Also, I'm rockin my current fave accessories, Daniela Alessandra friendship bracelets! -C.C.

Before

Skirt Detail

After

Daniela Alessandra Friendship Bracelets

Arm Partay!

2011-08-04T17:39:00.000-04:00

I love the plethora of DIY projects offered on so many blogs nowadays. I finally decided to give one a go and do a lil arm party crafting with my cousins yesterday using Honestly...WTF DIY tutorials. We had so much fun! Here are some pics. -C.C.

Project #9

2011-08-02T00:55:00.005-04:00

The Trend: The Bustier

Louche Mandy Floral Crop Bustier Top, $33

Tilly's Knit Bra Top, $12

Blouson Nior Striped Bra Top w/ Lacing, $360

Above photo: That's Chic

Marcela Quintanilla: [Abraham is upset about Selena's "Top Outfit"] It's a bustier!

Abraham Quintanilla: Bustiquela? Es un bra!
Marcela Quintanilla: I think she looks cute.

I'm obsessed with bustier tops right now! Not only because they are really cute and tend to come in fun prints, but also because they are perfect for summer weather. It's just been so hot in Florida lately that the only way to get real relief from the heat is to wear clothing that closely resembles undergarments. To get the look I refashioned a bustier tank top that's been sitting in my closet with tags still on it for months. It wasn't thrifted, but I only paid $6 for it. Score! It's made of a faux denim knit fabric.

Bustier Tank Top, Ross, $6

Before

First I cut it down to the length I wanted.

Then I zig-zag stitched the raw edge

I folded the edge under, pinned it in place, and top-stitched

Here's the result after top-stitching

I purchased this eyelet lace trim ($1) & sewed it along the underside

After

Voila! An adorable bustier to help beat the heat & look good while doing it. I will be wearing this top in an upcoming outfit post with refashioned bottoms, so stay tuned. -C.C.

BFF

2011-07-28T22:48:00.002-04:00

I remember making friendship bracelets with my best friends back when I wore platform sneakers and wanted to be the sixth member of the Spice Girls. Man those were the good old days. Thankfully platform sneakers died out (except for those butt tightener ones) and the Spice Girls have since disbanded (I still know every song!), but friendship bracelets are back baby and better than ever! They come in so many varieties. Some are leather. Some have hardware parts. Others are really sparkly. It's impossible to pick, or if you're crafty, make just one. Good thing because the trend is all about layering bracelets of all types from forearm to wrist for some real arm candy.

Above Photo: Honestly...WTF

Daniela, a good friend of mine, has debuted a line of fab friendship bracelets that are currently being sold at abyandreabarna.net. They come in vibrant colors and are delightfully blingy, which I love. She sent me two, Copacabana and Kendall, and I never want to take them off. Expect my wrists to be adorned with them in my next refashion post. So don't let your arms go naked this summer, stop by the site and buy some for you and all of your friends. -C.C.

ILuvCollege

2011-07-27T23:56:00.002-04:00

Hello all! I want to apologize for taking so long between posts. I'm still a beginner sewer & it takes me awhile to finish each project. I would really like to be consistently connected with my wonderful followers, so I will be posting more between refashions. In these posts I'll be sharing my thoughts, interests and whatever else might tickle my fancy. I hope you stay tuned!

I went to the University of Florida and graduated in May. Now I'm in the process of moving out of my college apartment & boy does it suck. I despise moving! What's even worse is that I'm doing it all by myself, lugging box after box down two stories and stuffing it into my lil old hooptie car. Anyway as much as I hate moving, I must admit that I'm really going to miss this place. It's been my home away from home, a place where I've learned so much about myself, and met some amazing people. I have so many memories here and I'll never forget it. Here are some pics I took of my favorite places on campus last summer.

Speaking of college, designers were inspired by preppy ivy league looks for Fall. Ya know clean-cut blazers, plaid, and peter pan collars. But they've put a lil twist on it. Expect boyish silhouettes, unexpected pops of color, and lots of texture. Preppy for Fall 2011 is gonna be so much fun! I can't wait to try it out as a refashion. -C.C.

Jennifer Chun Fall 2011 Lookbook - refinery29.com

Runway - Fall 2011 RTW - Rag & Bone - Vogue.com

Runway - Fall 2011 RTW - Carven - Vogue.com

Project #8

2011-07-17T18:50:00.008-04:00

The Trend: Pastels

Tigerlily Southern Silver Top, $78Nina Ricci Floral Dress, $675
Juicy Couture Multistriped Cardigan, $240

Hi everyone! Hope you're having a relaxing, carefree Sunday before the work week starts back up again. Today I'd like to share a skirt that was refashioned from a dress. Sadly, I have no before pictures because it was something I started before this blog was created. I'm sorry! Just so you have an idea, the before dress had this pretty pastel print of yellow, pink, purple and teal splashed on both the collared, short-sleeve, button down top and the pleated attached skirt. I decided to create a skirt because I thought the pleats were so gorgeous. To construct it, I detached the skirt and inserted an elastic band at the waist. I know that for my last project I told you that bright colors were in style for spring/summer. Don't fret I didn't lie. This pretty palette is trendy for Fall, so go ahead and start incorporating these soft colors into your wardrobe as the seasons transition. -C.C.

Pastel Floral Dress, Goodwill, $6

Project #7

2011-07-12T23:53:00.013-04:00

The Trend: Brights

Preen Pink blazer, $1,645 Neon Nail Polish, $6

The Cambridge Satchel Co. Fluorescent Satchel, $159

Christopher Kane Laser-Cut Leather Top, $492

Bright colors popped on the s/s 2011 runway. You can be seen coming from a mile away sporting colors like these. Nothing wrong with that I say. But for those of you that are fearful of looking like a walking highlighter, try wearing a bright statement piece with other nude pieces to tone it down. To represent this trend I found a great Jones New York top in a yellow-orange color (worn backwards in the before pics - woops!). Like my last project, it had shoulder pads that made me feel like a linebacker so I ended up taking them out. I also chopped off the sleeves and created something like a racerback top. I liked the original shape if the collar, so I kept it. I wore it with a pair of skinny jeans & my fave pair of shoes. Enjoy the rest of your week! -C.C.

Bright Orange Top, Goodwill, $4

Before

After

Project #6

2011-07-04T18:48:00.012-04:00

The Trend: Bold & Graphic

Ohne Titel dress, $480

Versus Tshirt w/Detail Seam & Printed Panel Mini Skirt, $238, $348

Miu Miu sleeveless dress, $1,355

Happy 4th of July to all those in the US! I really hope everyone is enjoying their extra long weekend! I'm sorry for the lack of posts lately. I just couldn't decide where I wanted to go with the design of this project, so I left it alone for awhile. It's a very 80's long-sleeved, button-down number equipped with bulky shoulder pads. I was immediately drawn to it because it reminded me of this Versus dress. Similar right? I've noticed this particular color scheme of blues and blacks in bold prints and patterns on the runway. It's edgy and rock & roll to me. I eventually decided to cut out the shoulder pads, chop off the sleeves, bring in the skirt just a tad, and the hem up a few inches. The end product is a edgy little vest dress. I love the double collar and how the slanting lines of the bodice pop against each other, don't you? The fun after shots were taken in front of an old, broken down double decker bus that's parked near a local bowling alley. I hope you enjoy! -C.C.

Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress, Goodwill, $6

Before

Front

Back

After

Also, I wanted to remind you all that ReFashion Statement is on Facebook. There I share previews of my upcoming projects, links to other interesting blogs, DIYs that I enjoy, trend news, and much more. Feel free to stop by to ask questions or leave comments. I truly love being able to interact with my readers in that way.

Project #5

2011-06-17T19:31:00.015-04:00

The Trend: Python

Burberry Prorsum double breasted trench coat, $9,650
Diane von furstenberg dress, $255
Altuzarra long sleeve dress, $1,799
Shrey London one shoulder dress, $765

Python is everywhere right now. Burberry is doing it. Roberto Cavalli. Altuzarra. Just pick up a June issue of Vogue and you'll know what I'm talking about. It's not harsh or tacky, but quite toned down and subtle. I happen to love it, so immediately I was on the hunt for anything that resembled a python print at the thrift stores. Eventually, I discovered this burnt orange number with an inner lining that had a snake print. It was much too large at first. Then after much deliberation, I decided to turn it into a tank dress similar to one that I really like by Acne. It has some pleats in the front and a braided back. Without a cinched waist I tend to feel a bit like a blob, so at one point I wore it with a belt. Oh and if you're wondering why it's so smokey in the background of my pics, it's because there are several wildfires burning here in N. Florida and S. Georgia and smoke has filled the air. I thought it had an interesting effect. Hope you like! -C.C.

Printed Dress, Goodwill, $6

Before

Front

Back

After

BurdaStyle Member Project of the Week!

2011-06-08T16:42:00.004-04:00

I am currently on a much needed vacation, so unfortunately I won't have a new project to post this week. But I did want to share that my gold skirt refashion is being featured as the Member Project of the Week on BurdaStyle. I am so excited about it! I love BurdaStyle. It really is a great site for sewers of all walks of life to learn and connect with one another. It is such an honor that they chose to feature my work. Thanks BurdaStyle! Oh and stay tuned for upcoming projects because I could not resist thrifting on my little getaway and I have many ideas brewing in my head that I can't wait to bring to life! -C.C.

Project #4

2011-06-04T02:29:00.012-04:00

The Trend: Lace Shorts

Karen Millen Tailored Lace Shorts- $225

ASOS Warehouse Lace Shorts- $64.63
Lulus Ivory Lace Shorts - $32

I've been dying for a pair of lace shorts. I think the lacey texture adds a little flirt to the spring/summer staple garment. Luckily while browsing through the racks at Goodwill, I found the perfect black lace top to make a pair of my own. I also grabbed a pair of oversize black shorts to be placed underneath the lace. I altered the shorts and removed the back pockets. Then I cut four panels from the lace top, sewed them together, and then sewed them to the shorts. I kept the beautiful scalloped hem that the top originally had. This project took quite long because I had to be extra careful with the delicate lace and I only had a limited supply, but I think it turned out great. Have a great weekend everyone! -C.C.

Lace Top & Black Short, Goodwill, $8

Before

Lace Top

Black Shorts

After

Project #3

2011-05-25T22:04:00.013-04:00

The Trend: Gold

Gucci jumpsuit $1,745

Marc jacobs jacket, $1,700
Gucci sandal, $1,190
Ashish waist skirt, $505
Elie Tahari metallic skirt, $398
Jimmy Choo studded handbag, $595
Gucci gold top, $566

Gold was seen often in Gucci's spring/summer line and the trend continues into fall with Chanel's Pre-Fall line, so I too decided to go for the gold with this next project. I found these oversize, unflattering gold pants (cut off at the knee below) at Goodwill and I turned them into a skirt with a ruffled hem. This one took some time to get just right, but it was well worth the effort because I am in love with it. Also, I wanted to call attention to the earrings that I'm wearing in the last pic. They are hand-made by my good friend Beverly Vergara. She creates and sells beautiful jewelry. Be on the look-out for her Etsy shop Tiernobella which is coming soon or if you have any current inquiries you can click her name to reach her facebook. Have a nice, long Memorial Day weekend everyone! -C.C.

Gold Pants, Goodwill, $6

Before

Front

Back

After

Earrings by Beverly Vergara

Project #2

2011-05-18T21:04:00.082-04:00

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The Trend: Pleated Pants

ASOS high waisted pleated pants, $74
American Apparel pleated twill pants, $75
Carin Wester tapered pants, $130

I am really proud of this find. These pants are made by Bobbie Brooks, a company that has been making women's apparel since 1939. They fit my waist perfectly, but were too long and wide for my taste so I tapered them some and brought the hem up a few inches. I absolutely adore them now. I decided to wear them with a bright coral top and nude heels. Hope you like! -C.C.

Pleated Navy Pants, Goodwill, $6

Before

Front

Back

After

Project #1

2011-05-13T15:03:00.040-04:00

The Trend: Stripes

Prada dress s/s 2011 Marc by Marc Jacobs stripe dress, $225Dorothy Perkins stripe dress, $49Kate Spade striped skirt, $325

H M print dress, $32
Zara stripe skirt, $60

Here it goes, my first post! This is my most recent project. I bought this Limited skirt from Goodwill because I thought it followed the spring stripe trend pretty well. It was way too big at first, so I brought it in at the side seams to hug my curves. I also made it high-waisted, which I love. Sorry I don't have any before pics. For every project after this I will try to have some. I wore it with a simple white tee to call attention to the colorful stripes in the skirt and a loose black belt at the waist. I wore this outfit to a job interview and got so many compliments. Btw this is the first time I've taken photos like this. It was a little foreign to me, but I tried my best to make love to the camera. Enjoy! -C.C.

The Limited Skirt, Goodwill, $4