Thursday, October 16, 2008

I may actually wear this.

Readers of my blog may remember this hideous beast. It has been hanging in my closet for six months now waiting for me to do something with it. Here is the original post about it where I tried to love it. I didn't love it. The fabric is one of my favorites; wool crepe. It is a vintage vogue pattern from the 1960's. Love the shape; hate the dress.


Here it is and the other 3 yards of wool crepe that was the same color. Ew. Yuck, it's the same color as my carpet.


Here is the fabric dye I bought from Dharma Trading company. I love the picture on the front of the dye packet too. So simple and so beautiful.


Wow, check it. I might actually wear it now. It shrank in the wash because you have to use hot water. The length may have to come down an inch or two if I want to wear it to work. I'm not really a belt kind of person but I think the waist needs something. The remaining fabric is the same color. I feel kinda like a go-go girl with the boots. But, in some way, I think it's fitting to wear it with the boots.



Soooo, much better, don'tcha think? Some day I'm going to get sick of purple but it's not happening any time soon.

28 comments:

Adelaide B said...

This looks like a totally new, very awesome dress. Great job!

Anonymous said...

It didn't shrink because you used hot water, it shrank because you agitated, even if only a little bit... But that said, it's much better :-). Carpet beige, eeeuw, I hope it was cheap ;-). But at least light-colored carpet dyes well, and you did a super job of dyeing it even.

Anonymous said...

wow what a transformation!! That dress definitely needed a color face lift and you did it perfectly. I really like the boots and it is "the look" nowadays.

Keely said...

Wow - love the new colour! Much nicer and it really gives it a lift.

Anonymous said...

Your before and after pix could be "Color Me Beautiful" examples. Your "new" dress looks great with the boots.

Lori said...

This doesn't look like the same dress. Great job.

Anonymous said...

OMG! totally great! I liked it before, but now...purple is so your color, and the fit is superb!

Anonymous said...

This dress is so cute now that you've dyed it. I think it's the perfect length and that is looks really good with the boots!

Nancy K said...

Fantastic! I don't think that it is too short for work. It is very flattering on you. Wear it with tights and you're in business.

-E said...

That officially got the eyebrow-raise, out-loud "wow". Fabric dye. Brilliant.

Oh and I love the belts--- very flattering :)

Maryissewfast said...

Love the purple and the go-go boots! Nice accessorizing! Mary

Anonymous said...

ABSOLUTELY FANTABULOUS!!! Great decision - and NEVER buy any of that original colour again, ewwww!

patsijean said...

The original shade of Beige is very difficult for almost anyone to wear, not enough contrast for lighter skinned folks. Darker skinned women can carry it off much better. I do love the purple on you and the garment dyed nicely. Did the dye leave a stain in your washer?
I'm from the 60's and suggest that at least some of the time you wear the dress as intended without belts. I favor that look on you.

Your photos in this dress seem to indicate a broad shoulder adjustment. Do you do that?

cidell said...

I had no idea that could work so well! Wow! It looks amazing.

Christina said...

Changing the color was the perfect save here. What a great idea.

Anonymous said...

Nice ... I like it much better now. Don't you love Dharma Trading?

Lisette M said...

Really pretty! I love the color and the shape of this version. Color can make all the difference...

Dana said...

I'm one that liked it even before the dye, but WOW, the new version is fantastically more flattering!

Meg said...

I agree with everyone else about the color: fabulous! What about belting it at the Empire point? That would add to the 60s feel and would look cute on you.

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a transformation. I would definitely wear it. Nice to think outside the box!

Melissa said...

Like night and day...really a true testimate that when you wear colors that flatter you, you look so much better and you feel better in colors that flatter your skin and hair. On that note, I love your "new" dress, it looks great. I don't think it looks too short either. Love the boots!

Cathy said...

The color makes it a great dress! And its adorable with the boots.

neighbourhood.gal said...

I like the buckled belt with the dress and boots.

Well done!

Vicki said...

Wow, what a difference! I like the new length. Would be a shame if you have the lengthen it for work.

TwilaO said...

This probably happens to you a lot, but I tagged you. LOVE your blog.
http://theamazingmrso.blogspot.com/2008/10/id-like-to-thank.html

Anonymous said...

I Love it! You needed the color to enjoin the lines of the pattern. Wear the boots, ditch the belt. Too cute!

elbereth said...

I'm blown away by the difference! This looks great. Your post has me pretty excited. This dye looks great. I'm thinking that my awful IKEA couch cover might need a blast of color...

JoanneM said...

Love the color. Looks great for work. Well done!