DIY: Fresh Princess of Bell Sleeves

If you follow me on Instagram you'll noticed I've been working on altering a dress for Brighton blogger, Sarah Harris (aka English Rose).  Whilst Sarah was thrift shopping in Hove, she bought a dress for £4. She fell in love with the fun geometric print but wasn't too keen on the sleeves and the length of the dress. Knowing that I'm pretty handy with a sewing machine, she asked me if I could work some magic and turn it into her dream dress. Liking a challenge, I couldn't refuse!

Here's a pic of the dress beforehand. As you can see it's quite long and by taking the hem up I was left with a lot of excess fabric. It involved a lot of unpicking but it was worth it, as it gave me an extra 2" to play with. Then with a bit of rouching, sewing and hemming, I had bell sleeves! It completely transformed the style from being quite 90s into a beautiful swinging 60s dress. This is a perfect example of why you shouldn't be put off buying vintage just because the shape or cut of the dress isn't for you. If you find a pattern you love, the dress can always be altered.

I'm so pleased with the results. It's very rewarding knowing I have given this dress a new lease of life and that Sarah is going to get so much pleasure from wearing it. The only problem is that it's given me the bell sleeves bug. I want to add bell sleeves to everything!

So, when you're out shopping and you see something you like and it's not quite right, don't be too hasty putting it back. Have a closer look. It could be transformed into something wonderful! I do this a lot with my thrifty finds (you might remember me transforming a dress I found in Beyond Retro in this previous post) and it's definitely worth asking yourself the following questions...

1. Can it be taken up?  

Changing the length of a dress or trousers can give amazing results. Plus you might be able to use the excess fabric for something else

2. How much seam allowance is there?  

Be careful with thrift items as they don't always have the standard seam allowance that new garments have. Also if something is 2 sizes too small there won't be enough fabric to make it to the desired size.

3. How much will it cost to alter?  

Certain alterations can be quite expensive (especially if there's a lining). Taking up a hem or changing a zip can cost between £10-12. Whilst taking in sides or tapering trouser legs can cost between £15-£20 (these costs are for items without a lining)

4. Are there any holes that aren't on the seam?  

Holes not on the seam are very difficult to cover up, unless you plan to use a patch or applique motif. This might not necessary suit the style of the garment though

Hope this post has inspired you to have a bit more fun with your thrift hunting. If you have any questions or anything you'd like to alter I would love to help. I charge cheap rates :) Simply send me your enquiry to vintageowl@me.com for more info.

Biig love!

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Dr. Martens seek Brighton Street Style Icon

Dr. Martens opens its first Brighton store on Wednesday 12th June and to celebrate they are searching for Brighton's ultimate Dr. Martens style icon. Whatever your style, tribe or subculture, DMs invite you to express your individuality and show off your best look using the classic footwear.

The person who best represents Brighton's alternative spirit in a pair of Docs will WIN £300 worth of shoes, accessories and clothing!!

 You can enter the competition by:

• Sharing your DM style photo on Twitter or Instagram using #drmartensstyle and #DRMARTENSBRIGHTON
• Submitting a photo from the Dr. Martens photo booth in Jubilee Square on June 15 (part of People's Day, Fashion Zone)
• Being photographed by one of DM's style hunters on the streets of Brighton between now and 12th July

Liz Bishop, founder of Brighton Fashion Week (June 13th - 16th) and judge of the DM Style Competition, said: "Real fashion happen on the streets and I can't think of anywhere with quite such and eclectic mix of styles mingled with the classic Dr. Martens than in Brighton."

Brighton's DM Street Style icon will be announced on 18th July on the Dr. Martens Facebook page and via Twitter.

Dr. Martens is one of Britain's favourite alternative brands and has been championed by British sub-cultures for over 53 years. The Dr. Martens Brighton store is located at 15b Prince Albert Street and opens to the public from 12th June.

Also, do head down to Jubilee Square on Thursday 15th June for Brighton Fashion Week's installation for People's Day. Dr. Martens will be there with their DM van and customisation boot bar. You will be able to customise your DMs for a more edgier and individual look. Here are some examples to get your creative juices flowing...

Ta ta for now! 

AKA Hooting Miss Owl

Competition Details

Brighton's DM Street Style Icon competition runs from 28 May to 12 July 2013. Brighton Fashion Week will judge the competition and the winner will be announced on 18 July. Anyone in Brighton (visitors and residents) can upload their own style photograph, wearing a pairing of Dr. Martens, on Twitter and Instagram using #drmartensstyle and #DRMARTENSBRIGHTON. Style scouts from Dr. Martens will also be on the streets fro the next two months snapping style icons in a pair of DMs. The winner will recieve £300 worth of vouchers to spend on any boots, shoes, clothes or accessories in the new DM Brighton Store in Prince Albert Street to be redeemed by 31 December 2013.

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