Not Strictly A Conversion

More an alteration.

I found this dress during our Saturday charity shop excursion. I posted a while ago about wanting some kind of vaguely Proenza Schouler style corset dress, so when I saw this one I was quite excited about it as I knew it's potential with some reasonably simple altering. I was not so excited about it's £9 price tag however! But Queen Marie convinced me to get it anyway.

I hacked off the length (it was a very unflattering length to begin with) and set about turning the bottom into a cocoon shape. Originally I took the easy option and chopped off a few inches and shoved in some elastic, but it niggled away at me for about 4 hours because I knew that's not the way I really wanted it finished, but I had been very lazy. So I unpicked it all and began again. This time I made a series of darts along the bottom to create the desired shape.

I'm really pleased with the way it turned out. I tried a few things on with it and realised it must be worn with a belt, as my small boobs don't really fill out the top, so the belt keeps it from slipping down.

1: Nude Helmut Lang t-shirt, grey tights, blue fishnet socks, white belt and my favourite Topshop off-white shoes.
2: Plain white vest, shiny grey leggings, belt I made from luggage straps, pompom scarf and vintage grey suede bow shoes.

3: black top with bow, turquoise tights, bow shoes and luggage belt

I think it works best of all with my luggage belt. The belt is stiff enough to hold up the dress. In the end I think it was worth the £9.

Queen Michelle

Comments

[Lauren]

AMAZING! I think it looks cuter with that belt, which gives the whole outfit a Proenza Schouler meets Christopher Kane look.

[the_kitten]

I think the luggage belt is the best option too!! Really like what you've done with this! Great work! u look amazing!!!

[géraldine]

You're really talented!
And I like the step by step logic of your pics.

[dangergirl]

wow i love it! it looks awesome in all the outfits

[Mrs Fashion]

My fave look is with the black bow blouse. Subverted chic - love it! I wish I could do great conversion projects but I start off with good intentions, then get impatient and either rip, cut or ruin the piece leaving it fit for nothing but the bin. Must try harder!
Mrs F x

[Jane]

Looks cool.... but do you actually wear any of your conversions? I try to make conversions too but will always leave them in the back of the wardrobe in favour of something shop bought because (in the back of my mind) I know that I have made it...... just wondered if you do the same?

[Queen Michelle]

Yeah I do indeed wear them. This dress is definitely a night out dress, and I have it earmarked for a night already.
I scrutinise everything very closely though, and need to make myself ignore any non-perfect finishing!

[janet]

WOW! Really impressive conversion. I love the last look with the black blouse and turquoise leggings, very chic. I'm in awe of your sewing abilities. It's the sort of project I think about doing, but never actually get around to (and my seamstress skills pretty much end with being able to sew on a missing button).

[pauline joy Rebong]

Gorgeous! You've really done a great job.

Excellent. Your vision translated well.

[Emily]

wow, i'm jealous of your skills
both in finding the piece, and converting

i haven't had so much luck as of yet..
great work.

x

[Maddy]

Clever way to alter it! I'm glad you didn't go the elastic route, I fear it would've turned out similarly to a bubble hem.

[Maddy]

...I also like the little nod to Christopher Kane with the luggage belt and neon tights. Lovely!

[Blue Floppy Hat]

All the looks are gorgeous, but I love the luggage-belt combination with turquoise tights most..it's a perfect mixture of hard (the belt) and softish (the prettiness of the dress and the bow at the neck)..

[candid cool]

I agree I like the luggage belt best

[Queen Michelle]

Thanks for all your lovely comments. Perhaps I should a masterclass on this? It's really not that hard at all.

[Blue Floppy Hat]

Yes yes yes please!

[Queen Michelle]

Then that shall be the next masterclass.

[emily]

this is really lovely. thank you for posting your combinations. are those the TABIO tights you mentioned previously? they are amazing.

[Queen Michelle]

The turquoise tights are indeed Tabio. The best tights EVER!

[Play]

Oh, you're so gifted. Also like your masterclasses. But, hopeless as I am with handicraft, it's coffee-table book pleasure for me. Love to look but not to touch...:-)

best

[Queen Michelle]

Trust me, if I can do it, ANYONE can do it!

[Lady Winona of Likey]

Too hot. You're brilliant, Queeny.

[eurobrat]

WOW. Rockin'.

[Ayesha]

this is my dream dress.

im not even kidding, i am consumed by jealousy.

CONSUMED I TELL YOU

[Queen Michelle]

Ayesha, you find me a dress with a similar style corset top and wide bottom and I'll convert it for you. I'll even make you a luggage belt. And I'm not kidding either!