Valentine's Day is approaching. Every year I like to buy a new dress for the occasion. This year I fell in love with this Modcloth one. I even very nearly bought it. But when it came time to plug in my credit card number I just couldn't do it. It's one thing to bookmark a dress, it's another to drain your bank account for one.
It looked so simple I thought it would be irresponsible of me not to at least try to recreate it before buying it. However, I also had my heart set on doing another refashion frock.
So I decided to kill two birds with one stone and buy a red dress at the Salvation Army to turn into my Modcloth vision. I bought this one for $2.50 in the perfect lipstick red that I was looking for.
Basically I cut the bottom half away from the bodice and turned it around so that the front became the back. I cut the 'new' bodice so that the sleeves and body were one piece, like the Modcloth version.
I then sewed the rest of the skirt onto the bodice in gathers. I believe the Modcloth version used tiny pleats but unfortunately, I didn't have quite enough fabric to do that.
In the end, I think my version came pretty close. And seeing as I had a zipper on hand the entire dress only cost $2.50 rather than $99 plus shipping. What a 'cherry' of a deal.
I imagined wearing this dress on a first Valentine's Day Date. It had a very girl next door look to it. Not exactly 'sexy' but more 'flirty'.
Unfortunately, I don't think I could wear this dress out to a long dinner. As with my other two girls, I am breastfeeding Eloise, which makes all my clothes WAY to small. In the photos, to lessen my bustline, I'm wearing a SUPER bra. As in 'super' painful.
I can only stand to wear it for 10 minutes at a time. I can't breath, my shoulders ache and my torso develops deep red creases, but gosh, does it make my chest look much better than reality.
As of now, I don't even know if I will have a reason to wear a Valentine's dress. It will be quite difficult to do anything outside of the house for a couple months.
The baby is so tiny I can't imagine leaving her with anyone other than Brian. Her body is so small she doesn't fit into anything but Carter's newborn onsies. I hesitate to put a blanket over her for fear it will smother her.
Perhaps we'll have to book our reservations at a more child-friendly establishment. Something between Tavern on the Green and Chuck'e'Cheese.
Since I'm not down to my pre-baby weight this dress is made to fit a slightly larger size than my previous dresses. I'd say it would fit an 8-10.
Also, I received a couple emails about winners. I know I have been horribly behind. I will try to have them up by tomorrow.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
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«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 277 Newer› Newest»How completely wonderful! I absolutely love your refashioned frocks. The red is divine, and the dress is just so darn cute. Hope I win it!
I posted on my blog about the contest and am leaving you a comment! Cute dress!
Oh my goodness!! You are such a fantastically talented seamstress...
I've posted on my facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/tyjana
hmmm... maybe I missed it but I didn't see a specific giveaway item listed... is it for this beautiful red dress? Or a new similar dress in custom size? Either way your dress is gorgeous and I envy your sewing skills!
What a cute dress! And I think it would actually fit me!
I love your refashion dress, you did an awesome job! Ok, I'm dying of curiosity here, what is a super bra?
That is an amazing before and after!
The before and after is amazing! you did sucha great job. I think it looks just as good if not better than the mod dress. And the savings. Very sweet.
It's horrifying that you'd refer to an 8/10 as a "larger size".
http://thosefunnylittlegirls.blogspot.com/2010/02/cherry-pop-refashion-frock-grosgrain.htm
love the dress!!
wow! that dress is incredible and would be perfect for my valentine's brunch i'm hosting!
http://brynneshappiness.blogspot.com/
some people are gonna call you crazy Kathleen, already back to it when you have just had a newborn BUT like you said your almost confined to the house with baby Eloise and the whole breastfeeding thing so I guess sewing would be your sanity saver....it is for me
so good on you!
I think your refashions are my fave cause I would never have the imagination to transform such a shapeless dress into an amazing V day frock! well done!
you look fabulous btw really fabulousxx
Oh man, this is gorgeous! Just the thing to beat the winter blues. I have included a link on my Facebook page.
wow!! this might be one of my favorite refashions so far! and i am not back down to my pre-baby weight yet either, so i would really love to win it!
I LOVE this dress. You did such an amazing job. As a matter of fact, I prefer your version to the Mod Cloth version.
L-O-V-E this dress!! And it would actually fit me.....it's meant to be! :-) just posted on my blog.
WOW! This is Amazing!!! I need this dress!! HOW did you do it? I saw the before, yuck...totally transformed into beauty! The dress is so classic, so trendy, so sweet, so sexy.... I'm in LOVE!!!
Oh, and did I say that you are looking Amazing yourself?! One would not guess that you just had a baby! Looking Good!!
are you serious?! i can't believe that this dress came from that big frumpy mumu! i am in absolute awe of how closely it resembles the modcloth version- and what a steal! i'd definitely love to have this little number in my closet for sure!! what talent!
This is beautiful, and you look wonderful! Hope you have a fun valentines day...we too will be celebrating with our little one- so probably at home.
Red is my favorite color. This dress is adorable, and it would actually fit me. Can I please please have it?
Wow this dress is stunning. I actually think it looks even better than the Modcoth one. You are a very cleaver and talented lady!
x K
Oh! This would fit me! Most of your gorgeous things are too small for me, so I would love to win this. GORGEOUS job!
katievarela@att.net
this dress would be PERFECT!!!
here's my links:
http://belezadesigns.blogspot.com/2010/02/cherry-pop-refashion-frock-grosgrain.html
and
http://carissarasmussen.blogspot.com/2010/02/cherry-pop-refashion-frock-grosgrain.html
you are so talented!
Love the dress looks just as good as the inspiration and much much cheaper I love it.
Gorgeous dress! I love red. Your skills are amazing! Thanks for all of the great giveaways!
Adorable...I am actually a six but a six foot tall six so size eight/ten can work amazingly as well!!:)
I linked back to ya and hope to WIN!!!
I am always stunned at your refashions, but this is stunning! Just the perfect shade of red for Valentine's Day!
Adorable dress! I love the bow on the front! :)
Gorgeous dress! You are so far past me in talent, but I love to be inspired by your work!!
I also posted a link about the giveaway: http://twitter.com/cupcake_muffin/status/8829457420
I love to see the before and after pictures - it's so neat to see how you transform a fashion disaster into a chic addition to your wardrobe. Love it! Ha, and just about my size! :)
I LOVE it! I've been looking forward to seeing what you did with that sort of scary jacket all weekend. Absolutely GORGEOUS!
I really like this dress!! Perfect refashioning!! :)
I love how you changed that big shapeless dress into such a cute party dress! I love the color and am so excited that it's my size. I posted about it on my blog: http://intheberrypatch.wordpress.com
Amazing work!
That is darling and I want it. Pick me!
ashleywebb01@gmail.com
amazing! how can you see the dress inside? unbeliveable!
whoop whoop! your post-baby size is my "i've lost 35 lbs. size" I'm so excited! I would love to win this! I would wear it almost everyday! you're brilliant! I love that you nade it for $2.50! such a great deal!
You look fantastic! And I am just in awe at the before and after of this dress- you really are a master seamstress - it's amazing! Fantastic giveaway!
AHHH its perfect!!
AHHH its perfect!!
That dress is sweeeeeet! I love it! I think if I won it, my parents would be FORCED to babysit so I could have a hot date with my husband. You look great, too! I really really hope I win :)
This is amazing!
I posted this on both my Facebook and my Google Reader!!
Very retro! So cute. It turned out almost exactly like the original!!!
love the red! gorgeous!!
genevievecurtis at gmail dot com
Oh my gosh!! I seriously love this dress...so so cute!!
Chaya
I shared on my facebook! I love the dress!
So beautiful! I love how it turned out! I like your neckline much better than the original one. It would be awesome to win it!
Wow, I cannot believe this dress came from that thrift store dress! Amazing!
Oh my, that is gorgeous! And finally in a size I could actually wear. I do hope I win. :-)
you truly are amazing! do you ever do custom work?
I linked to this giveaway on my facebook account.
enjoy that new little baby- great name btw- we have an eloise too!
Seriously, you are amazing! I wondered what could possibly be made from the before picture! I love it that it is a little bigger too--just my size.
jaimelinnea@yahoo.com
Oh, I also linked on fb.
jaimelinnea@yahoo.com
Absolutely gorgeous! I cannot believe anyone could make THAT out of THAT. ;-)
I am in love with that dress! AND I really need something to wear on valentine's day! Perfect! :)
Posted to my tumbr: http://livinginthepast.tumblr.com/
Wow, that's quite a dramatic before and after. I can't believe you can find time to make things to give away when you have a new baby! Thanks for the chance!
This is seriously amazing. I love it!
this dress is just exactly the right size and style for my good friend! if i win it i will definitely give it to her!
it's beautiful! and I think it would fit me!
Oh my, Kathleen! You look AMAZING for just having had a baby!
As always, would love love love to win this. I think it would totally make my husband melt!
Thank you for allowing others to benefit from your creativity and talent.
Finally, a dress in my size!
Here is my link:
http://summersews.blogspot.com/2010/02/cherry-pop-refashion-frock-grosgrain.html
This dress is beautiful, and so are you!
To win this would make my heart swoon.
(Kylee.Erin at Gmail)
You are so TALENTED!!!! I love this and am crossing my fingers that I may be the lucky girl who wins it!!!! Congrats on your sweet new addition too!
You are an amazing seamstress! I wish one day that I could be as good as you!
What a great dress! Your creations always amaze me.
I love me a great red dress! Thanks for the giveaway!
LOVE it! I'm not a fan of red but this is too cute.
Awesome job.
I can hardly believe it's the same dress. I'll post to my blog as well as leaving a comment, even though I'm not sure if that's one entry or two. Regardless I just wanted to say WOW great job!
8-10 is my next) goal weight and I'm nearly there, if I win this dress it will be my "goal garment", since I fit my last "goal garment" now. ;)
Wahoo! A size that I can wear at last! Fingers crossed :).
Finally in my size!!!! Its beautiful as always. And you look fantastic! I hope I win.
I facebooked about you!
Linked, love it! I just bought new red shoes today so I would love to have this to wear with them!
http://seasonsofacommonhousewife.blogspot.com/2010/02/cherry-pop-refashion-frock-grosgrain.html
Oh my word you are a genius! This dress is beautiful and for the first time ever I can actually wear one of your refashions bc I AM a size 8-10!!
AH I LOVE IT!
As always I am totally impressed! Hoping to win, maybe the hubby will take me dancing in this?.... Hey a girl can dream can't she?
Wow! That's amazing!
I am always amazed at your talent. Stumbled upon your blog via saucysprinkles..and I check back regularly just to drool over the stuff you make/refashion. Wish I had your talent!
I love it! I cannot believe you made this out of the $2.50 thrifted dress. Amazing!
Wonderful! You should never buy dresses, you make them so much better! If only we had the time to make our entire wardrobe...
Oh my. I think it looks even better than the modcloth one you were looking at. I really wish I had the time to make my own clothes and refashion things, but 21 credits at college leaves me way short on time.
www.brittaniejones.blogspot.com
wow you look wonderful. And really I think I like your version better than modcloth's.
I love it! And... your pain is my gain, as I am barely back down to a size 8 10 months after having my 3rd. You did a great job- this is why it's so hard to buy clothes... even though mine don't turn out as good as yours, it's hard to want to spend so much on things that you can "make" yourself!
Wow....! Well done; the dress is gorgeous.
pneuwarum(at)gmail(dot)com
This "true" red color was one of my wedding colors. I love your refashion work!
What a gorgeous dress!! So amazing, how u saw the potential in that enormous sack from the Salvation army. I wish I had ur talent!!
Julia
palekal@hotmail.com
I wish I may, I wish I might have this refashion frock tonight. My husband will think I am H.O.T.! I linked to you.
ianandlora.blogspot.com
lora(at)ianstrawn(dot)com
PS--If I tell you that you look AMAZING for just squeezing out a new little one, will that give me another entry? Well, you look amazing, anyway.
This is awesome--Finally you're giving away a dress that just may fit me! (As much as I wish I could get back to my pre-baby size 4, it's not happening any time soon.
Again, amazing!!!
Oh, this dress is beautiful! I'd like to enter to win it, please.
I love, Love, LOVE this dress!!! I saw the Modcloth one...and can I just say that yours is much cuter! Thanks for the giveaway!
It is gorgeous, and you look AMAZING! Your re-fashions are astounding!
This dress turned out amazing! I am so impressed with your skills! You are my seamstress idol!
ericwin99@gmail.com
This dress is amazing. I absolutely love it. I would wear it with joy and pride. You did a fantastic job.
You did a really good job, I think it's just as lovely as the shop one but more so as, it was a fraction of the price!
I am in LOVE with this dress!!!!!!
I'm in love with that dress. I'm just always ammazed by your talent and it always makes me want to learn sewing.
Here's the link to my blog post:
http://ourfamilyisaworkofheart.blogspot.com/2010/02/cherry-pop-refashion-frock-grosgrain.html
love to wear red....
Wow! That is so cute. I am truly impressed!
I adore your refashions - beautiful!
http://iloveddeeper.com
love it! want it!
Love this Cherry Pop Refashion dress! You are so talented and inspiring. I really want to learn how to sew so I can transform ugly clothes into beauties (like the ones you make) and throw in lots of Victorian style touches which I love. I bought a sewing machine, so maybe 2010 will be the year I actually learn!
Thank You for your give-a-ways! I enjoy your blog very much...
The dress is absolutely beautiful! And so much better than the Modcloth one =)
I blogged about it too!
I agree with others... I'm glad you haven't lost your baby weight because now there's a dress that fits me! I hope I win this one!
Red is my very favorite color!
amazing transformation!
reposted on my blog: http://spoilsofwear.blogspot.com/2010/02/giveaway.html
What an amazing transformation! I must say you look great too. I would never believe that you just had a baby. :)
Love this!! Great job transforming that graduation robe looking thing into a flirty fun dress!
I love it, I love it, I love it! So, SO cute! I want to win it! But then, what of the things you make do I not want to win?! Nothing. You're great!
jaimiemildred at gmail dot com
I blogged about this giveaway with a link to you:
http://caretojoinme-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/02/cherry-pop-refashion-frock.html
THanks!
jaimiemildred at gmail dot com
I love this dress! I love coming to your blog and seeing all the refashioned frocks. You are so talented. I hope I win!
Oh, and I linked it to my blog!
You are amazing! What a cute dress!
Cute, dress! Thansk!
This dress is so amazingly love. I would die to have your skill at sewing...
http://katiecarleski.blogspot.com/2010/02/in-which-i-fall-madly-in-love-with.html here is my link....
Oh I'd love to win, since one of these dresses would finally fit me!
Wonderful dress, I think it is beautiful, and amazingly just my size!
Seriously adorable dress! I love the color! I can never bring myself to buy one of modcloths adorable (but way out of my budget dresses)... totally inspiring!
Wow, that's a divine color and a gorgeous dress!
Oh How cute. I usually don't like red but this is just too cute.
What a great dress! I've always tried to link but it never shows up. Here's where I blogged about it: http://ruhammie.blogspot.com/
That is amazing! It is a beautiful dress. I can't believe it came out of that housecoat looking thing.
I'm also BFing and not to pre-baby weight but I think I could squeeze into an 8-10 dress. If not, that dress might motivate me to get there!
(I found this post through spoilsofwear.blogspot.com)
this is soooo cute and you looks so cute in it!! how are you able to give all of these things away? i don't think i could bear to part with this dress!
Stunning! I would love to refashion like you do! And I would love to own this gorgeous dress. :-D
Again you inspire. I need more vision at the thrift store!
You've got to be kidding me! This is GORGEOUS! And it looks EXACTLY like the Modcloth one! You are amazing!
Sarah @ http://comeandseetheseitz.com
SO cute! I LOVE the color, you really do the most amazing refashions! I would love this in my wardrobe! I am posting on my blog right now!
I just have to say that some people's comments can be so irritating. First of all I want to tell you how fabulous you look for just having a baby. But I also want to say to the person who commented "it's horrifying that you would refer to an 8/10 as a larger size" get a pair of GLASSES. Kathleen simply mentioned that this is a larger size than she personally is when not preganant/ breastfeeding. And I want to point out that on a regular basis "larger" than her normal size is requested by many of her fans. Please just stop TRYING to be offended...
That is an amazing transformation - love the refashion. Please enter me in the contest - thanks!
This dress is so cute....I wish I had an eye for changing clothes into something so much cuter!
this dress is so sweet! i would love to win it. :) thank you, as always, for your generosity!
Please enter me in the contest too Lovely!
My savings blog
www.living4free.blogspot.com
I love it! And am excited that I could possibly fit into one of your dresses! ~Tammie
Love, Love, Love this!
so beautiful! you look fab for just having a baby! amazing! I also linked to my blog. Thanks! You are an inspiration!
You are amazing!!! What a great job. And finally, a giveaway that is more my size... oh I hope I won this one! I'll link to it too.
By the way, you look so great, modeling this soon after a baby! You go!
Linked up and ready to go!
Wow! how amazing you can do such great work! This dress looks amazing!
rwvanvoorhis@gmail.com
It is amazing that you took that dress from the thrift to be that beautiful hand made one! i am blown away at your tallent!
rwvanvoorhis@gmail.com
I love this dress. It is so cute but sophisticated. I linked to my blog but also wanted to leave a comment.
I love this dress!!!!I have the same red hairband! I hope to win it!!! I link your blog and this post in my personal blog with a photo of your beautiful creation!
^_*
http://metamorfosirosa.blogspot.com
this is such a beautiful dress, you have such a talent. I would LOVE to win!
wow....that is beautiful! And I just might actually fit in this!
What a beautiful dress! I just love how you are so talented to refashion something so out of style to something so gorgeous!
So cute! I hope I win! You are SO amazing to turn that before into that!!! And something that would probably fit me. And I hear you about the nursing! My 3rd baby is now 5 months and finally my bust is getting smaller. Yay!
I love your blog! You are so inspiring! Congratulations on the beautiful baby! (ps I did link on my blog) Love the red!
I love refashions...and this one to die for!!!!! Link action coming at-cha
I am always blown away with what you come up with. No wonder you won the Shabby Apple contest. You are fabulous. Oh and I blogged about it here...
makeitmyown.blogspot.com
THAT IS AMAZING! I would love to win the dress. It's my size!
Oh, finally a dress I would fit into! This is so pretty! I posted: http://thereisbeautiful.blogspot.com/2010/02/cherry-pop-refashion-frock-grosgrain.html
Oh this is perfect! I love it!
that's crazy! your 'new' dress looks exactly like the modcloth dress! you are a genius!!:)
WOW, I LOVE IT! You are amazing, and I hope to one day have your mad skills. This dress is georgous and so my sister-in-law. I hope I win.
I posted this on my blog
This is an amazing transformation!! I could only dream to do things like this with my sewing machine.
Wow! That's impressive! I think it's way cuter than the mod cloth one! You look so great by the way, would never guess you have a teeny tiny one (AND two big chicas too boot!).
Newborn, kids, projects, blogging and this fabulous transformation? You are a force!
that is so amazing and inspirational!! Please become my friend and teach me how to sew! This is my first visit to your blog (gor here from spoils of wear) but I am booking you right now!!
Oh my gosh, this is gorgeous!!! I'd love to have it! Hope I win!!!
eannhaynie at yahoo dot com
I posted/linked on my blog!! This is such a cute dress, I can't believe you made it out of the before one, its amazing!!
I love your dress make-overs. The silver one was great, but this red one is outstanding. I'd love it! I posted links to your apron post & today's post on my blog: http://cobblecobble.wordpress.com. Thanks!
Wow, I CANNOT believe that you're giving that gorgeous dress away!!
I also must join the chorus of people in shock that you made this gorgeous thing out of that.... shapeless muumuu!!
You inspire me to keep on refashioning. Thanks thanks thanks!!
Good luck w/ the new baby & the breastfeeding, I'm still BFeeding my almost 1 year old, but I've managed to squeeze my milky boobs into things about that size, so I hope I win!!
-rebecca
rebecca03stringer@hotmail.com
Love your creativity!!! As a Mama of four, I would love to rock this dress for my Valentine!!! :)
you are some sort of dress making genius! it looks gorgeous.
teganacorker at hotmail dot com
What a gorgeous dress!
This dress is JUST my color.
I think I can, I think I can!!
This color is my favorite one....
I want it
I've never seen a dress given away in my size! I linked it to my twitter : www.twitter.com/kellydiane
First of all, you are so incredibly talented. Second of all, this is the most lovely dress ever. I adore it.
This dress is GORGEOUS! I can't believe you made it from that huge one!
CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail
Beautiful beautiful dress! I absolutely love how you can turn something frumpy into something so delightfully flirty. Well done.
delectably delightful
amazing how your version is even cuter than the original! actually, I shouldn't be surprised...
This is so pretty! Perfect for Valentine's.
this is super super cute!! i love refashioned things. awesome job! super cute giveaway!
oh you are amazing!!!
and tiny!!!
you just had a baby??
so hard to believe :-)
Wow I am truly amazed! That is adorable. I definately posted on my blog about this. That is so wonderful that you could do that!
"When in doubt, wear red." ~Bill Blass Doubt wouldn't be a problem with a dress this cute in my closet!
So wonderful! I would love a chance to win!
I totally love this dress AND I think this one could fit me!
That. is. amazing. Your have wonderful vision to have been able to create that beautiful dress from the frumpy one before.
http://sailmakersdaughter.blogspot.com/
I tried to post on here the other day but I dont think it went through? Anyway. . I just wanted to make SURE that I was entered cause I'd LOVE to win the dress!!!
I cannot believe the "eye" you have for repurposing! It's wonderful!
Sarah M
Kathleen, you just amaze me. The red dress is fantastic! Btw, you look pretty fantastic yourself!
you TOTALLY amaze me!!
I adore this dress. You make me wish I had learned how to sew when I was young and didn't care about failing.
This is gorgeous! And I think it would actually fit me!
wow, cute! you are awesome!
my gosh! You have three busy little children and you had time to make this? It is very impressive. I think it looks super close to the modcloth one! awesome!
I'm envious of your skills!
SO my SIL was telling me about you and this dress she said it was a ModCloth creation. I knew immediately what dress it was you have fabulous taste.
And I can trade talents with you? I want to be able to do this…. when you can take 3 bucks and make that, you've got mad skills
I posted you on
familycrane.blogspot.com
What a lovely frock. I've already blogged about it.
I love this dress and I'm so glad that you wrote about not being able to fit anything because of nursing! We just hit 14 months of nursing and I can -finally- wear t-shirts again in my normal size.
taliastravelblog (at) gmail
Lovely!
How fabulous! I also am in post-pregnancy sizes. Can't wait to get back into my wardrobe!
I absolutely love that dress and it is my size!!!! I could certainly use a sexy red dress for a date with my hubby!!
love love love, I NEED it!
I want this dress!!! I also posted on my blog.
Oh wow! I am amazed at how you do this. I would love to win this dress!!
The dress is gorgous! acedergreen@gmail.com
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