Hi, I’m Madeline. I love all things pretty, and blog about budget style & fashion over at Über Chic for Cheap. I got to know Melissa when we bunked (yep, I said bunked) together at EVO. It was ridiculously fun and Melissa is ridiculously awesome, but you all know that.
Sometimes I see something lovely and expensive and I fall in love with it. The next days and weeks are spent feverishly plotting ways to get that something for myself – without breaking the bank. My proudest DIY moment came about from one of these times. I started coveting this Anthropologie Hidden Hummingbird Tank the second I saw it.
Isn’t it gorgeous?
As soon as I saw the $78 price tag I started plotting ways to make one of my own. Then I remembered this ridiculously awesome fabric that has been in my mother’s fabric stash since about 1991.
It’s a single side floral printed fleece. My mom said she bought it to make my little first grade self a sweat suit. So awesome. I cut the flowers and leaves out to use in my design. I also cut leaf shapes out of the solid blue portion of the fabric.
I laid out the pieces on my scoop neck tee, pinned them in place and hand sewed them on. I added the contrast stitching around the edges while sewing. Then, I added beading to the flowers.
Here’s the finished product:
Looking back, I would have ironed fusible interfacing on the inside of the applique, because the fabric rolls a bit. I also would never put this in the washing machine, and obviously not the dryer.
Other than that, I am really happy with how it turned out. 5 months later I am still completely in love with it.
Very cool! You did a great job.
This is beautiful. Who needs Anthropology when you can sew this wonderfully!
You continue to amaze me everyday!
That is a wonderful idea and it looks amazing!
Love your blog
beautiful shirt! i saw that fabric and cringed- it is so ’90’s! but it totally works on your top. i love it!
LOVED this guest post. What a fabulous job, Madeline!
Also, Melissa, I am loving your blog. I’m your newest follower!!
You sound just like me! Everytime I see something I like my mind immediately sets a challenge and I begin plotting how I can make a better/cheaper replica! its like a game!
Love it! In fact, better than the original. :-)
You KNOW I love this shirt, Melinda! It is a great piece and is worthy of many, many compliments!
I mean, Madeline! So sorry! I have a friend named Melinda so I am easily confused! Gosh, I feel horrible!
Wow! I am so in love!
i am loving that top! so creative and on a budget price! swoon :)
This is way cool!
The revamp looks great – just as good as the much pricier original!
Oh my goodness that’s a beautiful project. Some fabulous stitching and something I’d be proud to wear.
Seriously, this is so ridiculously spot on, it is.amazing. Great job!! I always have it in my head that I’ll make my own $15-version-of-$x shirt, but I still have yet to execute — so double kudos to you :)!
you really hit the mark on this t-shirt! looks like it could’ve come from anthro, only better. it’s actually handmade and one-of-a-kind! great work.
this is to die for!!!