A Basic Tank to Fashionable Halter!

Front of the tank AFTER!

As a teacher, I must constantly be aware of potential fashion slip ups, or "don'ts."  One is always bending, twisting, getting up and down etc. You must always be aware that you don't give someone an accidental peek (God forbid).  Thus, my extensive collection of camisoles and tanks to wear under certain tops.  A perfect defense against such disasters.

The basic T "before"

Due to a recent thrift makeover I experienced the need for a halter tank.  Without any disposable income at this time, I went shopping in my closet for something to refashion.  I found a basic tank top that would do the trick.  I am also in possession of a rich collection of lace pieces and appliques
from my sewing exploits in the 80's and 90's.

Clip the straps in the back

cross over the straps

Appliques pinned and ready to sew

Done!  The fashionable After

I added one to the front as well!

I added  an applique to the front.  That way, if leave a button or two open it will be a pretty feature so it won't be just a basic tank.   It will also lend it self to be worn as is at home.

Well... I have a weeks worth of lessons to plan.  Gotta go!

That 70's Skirt!

Ok!  I may regret posting this as I am in no way a model,  but this skirt was so cute.  I thought for a second about turning it into a pencil skirt but with the chevron pattern it only accentuated my hips :(

As is,  I look like an episode of "That 70's Show" but I love it!  In case you are thinking this skirt looks familiar, it is the one I found in the thrift store on my last post. The top is one from a long time ago with a Swiss dot pattern.

Today one of my students actually wrote, "I like Mrs. Peterson because she is fancy."  It brought such a smile to my face.  We were writing statement sentences.  At least  I am making a fashion "statement" with my third graders.  LOL!

I am currently on the lookout for a fashionable T-shirt in one of the colors of the chevron stripes.

Later...Mary

Thrift Shopping WIth My Sista'

Last week I had the luxury of spending the day and night at my sister-in-law's place at the beach.  When I go there,  it is like spending the night in a 5 star luxury hotel.  She is such a gracious host, has impeccable taste, and the sheets are even freshly ironed!  She is single and has the luxury of having complete control of the environment in her house and it is beautiful.  It is quite a stark contrast to my world of sweaty socks in every corner and ESPN on every television.  (I am surrounded by men LOL!)   I would love to show pictures but I want to respect her privacy.

Our plan was to go thrift shopping together.  The "Goodwill" in Huntington Beach was huge, very well kept, and clean.  We spent a few hours there prowling for bargains.  My find of the day was from Banana Republic.  It appeared as yet  unworn, and it is beautifully made.  I tried to take a picture of the fabric which is a  brown cotton sateen.  The chevron pattern is created by rows of ribbon that create an hombre pattern.  It is impeccably made and all of the seams match perfectly.  A great find! 

Sorry this is sideways :/  Can someone tell me how to flip?

Little ribbons sewn to create an hombre chevron

We  also had to go downtown to get a surfboard sock for my son which created a perfect set up for us to visit BJ's Brewery for margarita's on the rocks and a little  ahi-poke, my favorite appetizer.  Check out my pictures it will make you want some too!

Happy Shopping!.....Mary

My first "Outfit of the Day"

The Necklace

My Purse

My Shirt (formerly a men's XL polo)

Putting it all together (Don't laugh at the picture quality now!) I need to search out the light...

I know he has only been gone for a few days but after all, today is his birthday!  Moving your first child in the college dorm was a crazy emotional experience.  I am very proud of Ryan and excited for what he has in front of him.   He moved in the dorms on Tuesday, and today (Saturday) we are going to take him out to eat for his birthday.

Of course I dressed and accessorized for the occasion.  I want my son to be proud of me.  (Ok I dressed for my husband too)  I  chose my white "Not Your Daughter's Jeans," B.O.C. sandals,  and one of my recent thrift shop refashioned tops.  The purse was a long ago purchase made by Liz Claiborne.  The necklace was made by a friend.  The centerpiece of it is a piece of abalone with a painted and sealed picture of a flower  As for my shoes, I will spare you pictures of my feet until my next pedicure!   This picture is dark, but my fifteen year old son was behind the lens.  I need to find someone who knows how to work with the camera!

Just Finished! New Canvas Purse

This one cost me no more than $15.  That seems to be the magic number!  This one will go great with the new maroon and oxblood colors for fall.  I am now addicted to making and refashioning my own
clothing!

This post has been a while in coming.  I have been busy moving my first born son into college.  This week has been a life changing experience for us both!

Over the next few weeks I will have to get some pictures posted of  the outfits I have been making out of my creations, but my adventures finding them as well!

School is starting on Monday and my classroom is on it's way to being ready.  I am "ready or not" to get back to work.  Third grade here we come!

Later!

Mary

"Just Bitten" Lipstain-By Revlon

As an elementary school teacher and busy mom, my day can be quite hectic to say the least.  As a result,  I rarely have time to check, double check, or re-apply my make-up.  This little product is a secret weapon for me to make sure the color is not fading from my face.  It does exactly what it claims to do.  It stains your lips kind of like berries and colored candy did when you where a kid, only this time around you have the control of the color.  It provides a  natural look which I like.  On the other side is some lip balm to give your lips a little shine.  The color stays all day!

It is available in any drugstore and quite affordable! Give it a try.  If you are on the go like me, it will save you time, money, and keep you looking fabulous all day long. 'Til later...Mary

Thrifty Makeover With a Rocker Vibe

AFTER!

Love this print

Yesterday I was starting to run out of projects that I was excited about.  So, I took a quick trip to Goodwill and came back with inspiration.  I was drawn to it because of the print.  It had a neat rocker vibe that I was drawn to.  In addition,  the original shirt was laid out, centered, and matched very well.  See the side, back, and before views below.

I only knew I liked the print so I brought it home for $5.  The minute I put it on the form I knew what to do.  It pleated so well and took on a cool sculptural quality because it matched so evenly from side to side.

As a result, I was able to make a little peplum style that is very age appropriate for me at 53. When I tried it on, it gave me a cute shape not to mention the print and peplum hide a multitude of sins.

Make sure you scroll all the way down to see all of the views.  Especially the awful before YUK!

This blog also helped me with my photography skills.  I found out that keeping the flash off shows the details of the garments much better.

Stay tuned as very soon I think I will be brave enough to actually model my creations and show how I will accessorize them.  Really!

I would love to hear your comments...

Side

BACK

The awful BEFORE!