Back in November at the Thrift-A-Thon, I found a fabulous handmade dress (that I neglected to share) for $2. It’s super sweet, like cavities all over sweet. I fell in love with the miniature flocked red polka dots, the hand-smocked yoke and the puffy, uber girly sleeves, but I wasn’t a fan of the length. Nope. It’s too short for me to wear alone as a dress, but too long to pass as a shirt. In 20 minutes I remedied the situation & spent virtually nothing on the update.
Here’s the before:
See how huge it makes me look? Not flattering in the least. Of course, this smock wasn’t likely made for a pregnant woman. My best guess is that a sweet mother made it for her 12 year old daughter way back when metal-toothed zippers were what you could buy at the fabric store, not just the cool thing to use.
Here’s the after:
I trimmed about 4 inches off the bottom, hemmed it & rouched the sides for a more flattering fit. I used the same technique here as I did in my sweetheart ballet tee tutorial. Fortunately the fix was incredibly easy and took hardly any time. I like how it makes my growing bump look when belted. I imagine if belted at the true waist, this top would look great even without a baby bump. We’ll just have to see. Less than 6 more weeks left to go!
Visit my fashion section to see the whole outfit.
so cute! you’re such a whiz with the sewing machine.
Super cute! I have pregnancy fashion envy. I looked nowhere near as cute with my second pregnancy! :)
It looks soo good! I see what you mean, the first pictures made you look bloated.
Bellesme
Really cute! Nice job with it. It works so well on you!!
I really like this one! Super cute.
That shirt is almost as cute as you and your pregnant belly. Love what you did with it and LOVE the polka dots!
this is adorable!! and sorry honey… you don’t look huge, not even pregnant, hahaha ;)
love! i am so impressed with how quickly your turned the frock into a way cute maternity top … and you’ll have to post about it again once you have the babe so we can see it without the baby bump too!
super-duper cute! i love the fabric and you look so great! i can’t believe that you have less than 6 weeks left. i’ve technically got two but I expect to go late.
You are such a cute pregnant woman! I still need to try the rouching on a shirt, I’m kind of nervous though. Cross your fingers for me that I don’t totally ruin my shirt. Only 6 more week!? Wahoo! Good luck and try not to be in labor for 38 hours like someone I know :)
*so* impressive… you have such a talent for seeing potential in thrifted stuff!
Absolutely adorable.
I will have you know that I was finally reunited with an H&M and have been wearing my 10$ jeggings to death. I also scored a bunch of tunic tops. HOLLA!!
So happy to always find outfit inspiration here:D
Cheers to a new year!
so cute! great work. and i like your blue nail polish. :)
Look how cute & preggers you are!! I love it!!
Wow, what a simple fix and it looks fabulous!
This is adorable! I need to do this with some of my shirts! Love your blog. Happy New Year! And new baby soon!
Don’t wear with the belt!
I think the “after” is super adorable, I’m just not sure about the color of the belt. It seems really harsh in contrast to the soft pink. Maybe a light grey, or a softer brown would complete the look.
But I really love the look, and even though I’m not pregnant, I really want to try this look :D
if you can’t say anything nice, don’t comment. Mellissa, you look adorable, and I LOVE the belted belly look!
Yeah, Mindy. If you don’t have anything nice to say, keep your trap shut.
Melissa, I love love love this refashion. You have such a vision when you thrift. Keep it up!
it looks great with or without the belt. You’ve got two outfits in one. Take your pick. You’re beautiful either way.
you could not be any cuter!!!
how are you soo tiny everywhere with 6 just weeks to go??!
pregnancy was made for people like you. i was HUGE everywhere. so
not looking forward to doing it again anytime soon. oh yeah, love
the shirt and … you make me sick;) haha!
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