Repurposing Project: My Uncle Mike's Hawaiian Shirt = A Sleek, Modern Dress

As mentioned a few posts ago, I've been working on a few transition repurposing projects, uniquely inspired by this weird time of weather. (You can read that original post here http://erinelsie.blogspot.hey-september-upcycyling-project-sneak). I've finished one of them and I'm excited to share a little about that process and the results. 

 

In case your wondering, that's a tape measurer in the photo above. It seems to be my biggest accessory these days. This one in particular was my grandmother's and I love the idea that I use this item almost every day that was hers. It's a little way to still feel connected to her.

When my Uncle Mike unexpectedly sent me one of his old Hawaiian shirts, I was immediately inspired by that sentiment as well as the vivid print of this shirt. I really love a good vintage Hawaiian shirt and the one he sent me did not disappoint! I might generally do something a little more frilly with a tropical print, but the fabric of the shirt was thicker than usual and the way it draped lent itself to a more modern look. 

The back of the original shirt's print was like a mural, and that further inspired the direction of the dress- that part became the front. I reshaped the sleeves and the silhouette to create an A-line shape. The  shirt collar became a little kicky detail on the back of the skirt.   

I know it's technically fall now, and I love that this tropical print is sort of dark and stormy. The sleeves and the simple shape help it transition into a season-less dress. I can definitely see rocking this with a leather jacket and booties on cooler days. 

A big shout-out to my Uncle Mike for sending me his old shirt, and thanks to all who are following along on my creative journey! I hope you've picked up a little inspiration along the way. 

All the best,

-Erin

http://www.erinelsie.com 

Follow along on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

Hey September! An Upcycyling Project Sneak Peek + My Charming Weekend Travels

Happy September!

Depending on where you live, September can be a weird time - when you are itching to break out some fun fall clothes but it's still just too hot...We are experiencing that kind of weather here in New York, and as per usual, I am busy trying to balance my freelance life and growing ErinElsie. Although I am super excited about some of my new fall pieces, it will be a little while before those are ready to share. In the meantime, here's a sneak preview of a few upcycling transition piece projects that I am working on now. Appropriately inspired by this weird time of weather. Stay tuned for the transformative results in some future posts! 

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...

The Unflattering Yellow Jumpsuit

I know yellow is not for everyone; but while I still have a summer tan, I thought if I'm ever going to sport it, nows the time. This vintage jumpsuit was sent to me by a dear friend for the very reason that I might find the potential in what it could be. I am intrigued by it's possibilities and the creative part of me is taking on the challenge of transforming it. Hopefully I'll be able to report back with good results very soon... 

My Uncle Mike's Hawaiian Shirt

My Uncle Mike sent me one of his old Hawaiian shirts. It's pretty fun when friends and family send me things, although it can be a little nerve racking cutting up those things. I'm not sure why, but I enjoy transforming old men's shirts. I originally took one apart a couple years ago to learn about the construction and those pieces turned into a dress! I've been hooked ever since. The pattern is actually looking quite beautiful in dress form. I hope Uncle Mike is proud of these results. We shall see...

Also, we ended August with a quick getaway to the Connecticut shoreline for Labor day weekend with family. We enjoyed some beach R&R time in Westbrook and also spent a day exploring Essex. Most of these towns are drenched in history and Essex is no exception. It was charming and patriotic, quite perfect for commemorating this historical holiday. 

Peaceful times at the beach!

As a South Louisiana gal a heart, I have a lot of respect for a place that can deep fry some fresh seafood. Hat's off to Bill's Seafood in Westbrook. A standout was this fried softshell crab sandwich- yum :) 

The top spot in Essex was The Griswold Inn; a restaurant, inn, and pub as interesting as it is old. The inn originally opened in 1776! It's certainly one to put on the map if you're ever in the area. Click over to the Griswold's site to learn more about it's history and see images of the awesome interior:http://www.griswoldinn.com/

My man enjoying his Revolutionary Ale on his birthday at the Griswold.  

Strolling the patriotic main street of Essex

Sailboats parked in the Connecticut River

Quite charming indeed! 

Ever wondered in more detail how Labor Day actually began? I did, and it's probably a little more complicated than you thought - here's a link with some interesting info if you'd like: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day
 
Thanks for following along and be well everyone!
xo
 -Erin

http://www.erinelsie.com 
Follow along on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

A Tale of Two Great Transition Pieces, One Great Print, and Making the Best of the Things You Cannot Change!

Happy Friday! 

The creative process, much like life, rarely ever goes as planned, and I suppose that's why it's called a creative process. I'll often have something in mind when I first find fabric, and then when I begin to work with it, the design usually goes in a completely different direction. 

When I first found this vintage skirt, I grabbed it right away. I was intrigued by the rich, bold print and the large panels of fabric (nearly 5 yards in one skirt - for those that don't know, that's a lot for one skirt!). The skirt construction was not great and initially I thought I'd just repair it and perhaps wear it myself. When I finally got around to working on it, as I stretched out the large panels I really fell in love with the unique print and felt like it should be put into pieces that could really make the most of it. There was such a large amount of fabric put into the skirt, it actually did this print a disservice and this became an inspiring project for me. 

I had enough fabric to make 2 pieces and I'm really excited about the final results. Both pieces are basically canvases for the bold print that will transition you perfectly into fall. They are also super versatile, an easy fit, and one generous size. 

Graphic Tribal Modern Flapper Dress

The shape of this dress is much like the flapper dresses that liberated the ladies in the 1920s, just ramped up with this modern tribal print. I feel like it captures that flapper spirit - easy to move in and simple yet still feminine.   

 *There are hidden, optional side ties. You can wear the dress boxy and free or use the ties to cinch the waist in various ways. 

For more info and to shop, click here

Graphic Tribal Print Kimono

Kimono style tops are a trend that will remain a season-less staple in my wardrobe. Wear it over your swimsuit now and then with booties and jeans in the fall. This is definitely one of my favorites. The print leaves no boring angles to this kimono. 

For more info and to shop click here

I love being able to bring new life to awesome fabric and embracing wherever the creative process takes me. And much like I never know where the creative process will take me, I also never know where life will take me. Today I am blogging to you from the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport. I'm wrapping up a freelance gig and my original 9:45 am flight was cancelled and I must wait until 5:50 pm to fly back to NYC! One perk of this tiny airport, free wifi and the employees are super nice - true southern hospitality. One downside, it's a tiny airport so there are not many options when your original flight is cancelled. The barista in my current coffee shop is taking great care of me. Her genuine kindness really helped to subside my initial frustration,  and I I am at peace with just trying to make the best of it all. At least I'll have plenty of time to read through the fashion magazines I picked up (I'm a sucker for those giant fall issues), and to dive into my current book. 

 Hope you all have a lovely weekend ahead and hopefully I can make it home and start mine soon!

xo
 -Erin

http://www.erinelsie.com 
Follow along on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer