Sunday, 8 July 2012

Working with what you've got..

I would hazard a guess that you have something hiding away at the back of your wardrobe or chest of draws that you don't wear.  Probably several things.  I know I do.  Whether it was something you bought without trying on, something bought on eBay or just something you bought on-line and never got around to returning.

I've done it many times.  Usually these items of clothing sit there until I have a clear out at which point I put them on eBay, but I'm trying a new tack.  Styling them up until I feel comfortable to step out of the house!  It's a challenge, it's exciting and it gives me a new outfit to boot.  Win win!

Let me give you an example.  I bought this dress from recently.  I took a gamble because it was only available in small, medium or large and by the style of the dress it was hard to tell if it would suit me or not.  I decided to risk it because I fell in love with the print.  It's by Most, created by the team that started Smafolk, a Danish children's clothing brand I adore.  In Danish, most is the word for juice - in case you were wondering! The Smafolk and Most logos are apples, hence juice.  Anyway, I digress.  When I opened up my package from bebaboo, I was excited to see that the print on the dress was as cute and different as I'd hoped, but that the dress looked huge.  Oh no... I'd ordered it in the smallest size.  I tried it on and looked like a snazzy bag of spuds.  Not good.  I consigned it to the back of my wardrobe and decided to ruminate on it.

Oooo eck!


A few weeks later, I pulled it out and decided I just couldn't be bothered to send it back.  Plus, I loved the print.  There must be something I could do to make it wearable.  I set to work.

When it came down to it, it was simple really.  The largest problem, in my eyes, was that it was fairly shapeless (not helped by my big boobs making it hang like a sack).  To tackle that, I grabbed my wide waist cinching belt.  Straight away it made a vast improvement.  I decided to team the ensemble with black tights (I wanted the dress to make the statement, not my legs) and some very in your face shoes.  My shoes (as you can see) are yellow - I thought they would work well because the bird detail on the dress is yellow.  They tie together.  I finished off with some chunky and bright jewellery and my newly styled up dress was finished.

Ahhh, much better!
What's the time? Oh.. this isn't a watch!

Accessories are where it's at!
They just scream "look at meeee!"
What do you think?  Personally, I was very happy with the look.  Pete told me it looked "very '80s".  I don't know if that was supposed to be a good thing or not.  However, I wore the outfit to Ethan's friend's birthday party that afternoon and received a compliment on my dress from my friend so I feel it was a success!! I doubt I would have received a compliment if I hadn't "up-styled"!  Have you tried this with any items in your wardrobe?  If not, I recommend it.  You might discover a new favourite outfit!


  1. Wow I know what you mean about buying things and no getting around to wearing them.Your dress is great and looks so different when you added everything with it.Super idea I'm off to my waredrobe now( well after I've found your follow button) :)

    1. Thank you for the follow - right back at ya!

      We all do it, don't we! I love finding something hiding away I'd forgotten about, or finding a new way to wear something.

      Thank you for the lovely comment :) x

  2. Beautiful outfit and your accessories and shoes is a statement.
    Mary, MI

