Showing posts with label Spring florals. Show all posts

Thursday, May 21, 2015

1 Super 80's Dress Upcycled into 3 new Pieces

1 Super 80's Dress Upcycled into 3 New Pieces

Greetings!

I hope you all are well. I am currently covered in fabric remnants and thread, and loving it! I'm working on a whole new slew of garments, have one of my first little boutique retail deals pending, and I'm excited (and exhausted!) about what's ahead!

Way back in September, I shared a couple of potential vintage upcycling projects with you. And as life happens, I didn't get to work on all of them right away. Well I did tackle this floral 80's number, so I thought I'd share the results!

Before:

Below is the entry from my original blog post, the before photo, and the results!

The Super 80's Jewel Tone Floral

Ok, ok, I know what you're thinking, but all I see is potential! This is a before photo of a thrifted dress. If I were tall, it could probably be worn as is and look super chic, but on me - it's a bit much. It's also just a little confining to wear in it's current state. The print, however, is great - a rich palette of jewel tone florals that I absolutely love for fall. Transformation in progress...

After:

I didn't finish this in the fall as I had planned, but I think that jewel tones are universally flattering on lots of skin tones and season-less. I think this floral transitions right into Spring beautifully. I ended up creating 2 tops and a headband from the remaining piece of fabric. It's pretty fulfilling when there are zero scraps from a sewing project. I truly hate to waste awesome vintage fabric as I always just have a small limited amount.

Jewel Tone Side Tie Crop Top

I pretty much remade this piece inspired by the top of the original dress, but with a few changes to keep it modern. The shoulders and neck still feel a little 80s, but it's more sleek as just a lone top. It is entirely open on the sides with ties that you can secure however you like. There is a zipper up the back. I've become a huge fan of the crop top and glad that the perception doesn't always have to be trashy. The key is proportion and pairing it up in a chic way!

Shop this Top!

Jewel Tones Floral Tie-Back Top

The style of this top is a complete departure from the last top. It has an easy fit, with a gently flattering drape away from the body. I always let the fabric drape and "speak" to me. When I removed the whacky bottom from the original dress, I immediately saw this breezy top. I also added a few details with reclaimed gray denim and lace, and a tie in the back. These details help to break up the print and keep it from feeling overwhelming.

Shop this top!

Wide Reversible Floral and Denim Tie Headband

And lastly, I loathe the thought of wasting even the smallest amount of vintage fabric. I was able to create this sweet reversible headband as a result of that! That beautiful jewel toned print on 1 side and gray reclaimed denim on the other. You can also fold it in half for a thinner width and a different look.

Shop this Headband!

And there you have it! I love giving old things new life, and salvaging great fabric. Okay, I'm going to keep on keeping on! Thanks for visiting! Have a lovely weekend!

xo,

Erin

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

Spring things are blooming in the workshop...

Greetings! Happy Weekend!

We are nearing the very end of March, and I can't believe that there are snow flurries floating past my window. At least spring is blooming inside the home studio! I have been super busy these past couple of months with freelance styling work, and day dreaming about all the spring things I want to make when I can get back to my design studio.

Finding beautiful vintage, dead-stock, and thrifted materials is really the launching point for what I create. I let the materials inspire me and go from there. I haven't had much time to dedicate to my usual materials hunt lately, and with almost perfect timing, two dear friends have given me some fabrics and items that are just filling me with all kinds of spring inspiration.

I have known my friend Jessica for years, and although we are separated by distance, we stay connected through our vintage love. We are very different, but clicked beautifully when we met, and she knows me very well. Her and her mom love to shop for antiques together and often collect items that make them think of me. It's touching to know that a distant friend thinks of you at little moments, and better than that, they send me these lovely curated boxes of fabrics and vintage bits to repurpose into new modern items. I was so excited to open my most recent box from her and my excitement was met with an awesomely curated bunch of goodies! I'm sharing my favorites with you, and a little bit of the design ideas that they invoke.

It's great to get actual mail in such a digital age, but even better when it's accompanied with a hand written note.

Put a bird on it! The print on this royal blue vintage fabric is so sweet yet modern. I foresee a simple tank, letting the beautiful print take the stage.

Blue clovers? I absolutely love this vintage fabric from the 60s and the quirkiness behind the idea of a blue clover print.

I feel like bold and basic colors bring a freshness to spring- and I'm particularly excited about this tiny, but bold geometric print.

In addition to fabrics, she also included these bits and baubles :)

I fell instantly for this embroidered piece and I wish I had more of it. I can't decide what to do with it yet...

These little vintage remnants really take me back. They remind me of the kinds of things I would get from my grandmother, Elsie. I wonder where they originated and the stories they tell.

It's hard not to like these bold necklaces. Vintage costume jewelry is such a fun and inexpensive way to revive your wardrobe options.

My friend Julia purged her closet for spring, something I wish I was better at! She sent over a bag of old fabrics that exceeded my expectations. They are screaming, "flow-y dresses"and "breezy tops"- can't wait to work with them!

The subtle drama you can create by elegantly mixing prints...

I love a maxi dress with sleeves- so elegant, versatile, and flattering on so many shapes. The perfect item to throw in your suitcase.

Now time to dive into all this design work ahead of me. Enjoy the weekend and thanks for following along.

XO,

-Erin

http://www.erinelsie.com

Follow along my every day on Instagram:@ ErinBlank_Designer

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You": Day 3

As Mother's Day approaches, and I thought about what I can do to show gratitude toward my mom, I reflected on how things I have learned from her influence me everyday. Here is day 3 of "Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You."

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Day 3 - Thank you, Mom for the confidence to live without limits.

Even in 2014, it can still sometimes feel like you are a girl in a man's world, but my mom never made it feel that way for me - I feel empowered and have my mom to thank.

Fishing is one of my family's favorite past times, and we ladies do not disappoint. We all knew if mom was in the boat, she'll probably catch the the biggest fish- and the most. One day I could be playing dress up in her old party dresses with way too much blue eyeshadow on, another I could be covered in mud- and she was okay with that. She was very much a tomboy child herself. I spent lots of time sewing, but also playing sports outside with my brothers.

Family Fishing!

Flag Football, fun times!

She never discouraged me on the things I wanted to try. When it came time to pick a major for college, she help me discover and decide on Fashion Merchandising and Consumer Studies, and never made me feel less "smart" because I wanted to get into fashion instead of engineering. I could be a lady, as well as strong and smart. When I decided to move to New York on my own, despite her obvious motherly concern- she said, "Go for it!" and that she always knew I would end up here. When I quit my corporate job to work freelance jobs in order to to focus on my own designs; she again, supported me and has never discouraged my crazy dreams.

I never felt like I had to fit into a stereotype and I think that helped develop confidence in the person I am and in my abilities without comparing them to others. As I forge my own path, confidence is key. Believe in yourself, and live without limits.

Happy Wednesday!

xo,
-Erin
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: erin_e_blank

*Readers, thanks for taking the time to share in my creative journey*

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Here comes the sun...

Greetings Friends!

I know it's been a very long time since I've blogged, but I promise I have been a busy bee! Success doesn't happen over night, but I've also learned to revel in this journey and celebrate small successes along the way. There's a lot in store for ErinElsie in this next year- a few promotional collaborations, I'm working to offer size ranges in some small collections, and much more - so stay tuned!

I can't believe it's already March 1st. Although it's still very much winter here in New York (35 degrees right now), it's spring in my mind. I'm digging out all my beautifully bright fabric - mostly an array of florals. I diverged a little in fall/winter, but bold color and unique prints are the most inspiring to me and at the heart of what I do - and they make me happy! Tops, dresses, skirts and some oversized clutches are coming soon :)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/181029614/one-shoulder-floral-waterfall-gown?ref=shop_home_feat_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/178454101/floral-art-clutch-taupe-orange?ref=shop_home_feat_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/177056059/hawaii-high-waisted-maxi-skirt?ref=shop_home_active_2

Thanks for taking a little time out with me and have a lovely weekend and week ahead!

Cheers,
-Erin
http://www.erinelsie.com

Follow me on Instagram: erin_e_blank
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