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DIY: Vintage Wedding Dress to a Cocktail Dress

August 22, 2015~ REFASHION RUNWAY, SEWING

I found this gorgeous wedding dress at a thrift store. Sure, it’s outdated and not within the time of what’s in style right now, but I can see why a certain lovely bride fell in love with this dress and wore it to her wedding! I am sure she looked absolutely stunning in this dress and I felt a little bad(?) as I cut into this dress and made it into something different.

 

 

As I was cutting the endless about of tulle, shoulder pads, giant bow, lace trimmings, lace, and more tulle, I thought of the lady that wore this dress to her wedding. I wish I could meet her so I could see pictures of her in this dress on her wedding day! This is the kind of dress I would have fell in love with back in the day, it’s so fancy and elegant and princess-y. What girl doesn’t want to feel like a true Princess on her wedding day? I wondered what kind of life she had, what she was like, and I wondered why she didn’t keep this dress and what made her donate it, maybe she has passed on to the next life and her children donated it, or she was just de-cluttering. Either way, I hope she would be happy with what I did with the dress and wouldn’t be too sad. I honestly felt like I should have a moment of silence to pay respect to the dress and the lady that wore it, since it’s a piece of clothing she wore on one of her most special and important days. So I did. For real. I am such a dork.
The lining underneath the lace bodice is cream while the lace is white so I dyed the whole dress to a  cream color to match the bodice.

 

 

Then while the lace dyed to a beautiful cream color, the tulle got more yellow than I had wanted so I just ended up cutting off the tulle.
*Dyeing tips: Some of you readers have asked for tips on dyeing evenly. I get hot water in a bowl and pour the dye in and mix it well. Then I submerge the clothing item and constantly stir it around for about 20 mins. Like literally constantly without stopping. I like using the pink rubber gloves I get from an Asian market. Then I let it sit for 10 more minutes, constantly checking every couple of minutes to stir it around. Put it in a washer in cold water with a tiny bit of detergent, then dry on delicate. Hope that helps! 🙂

 

I don”t like any fabric go to waste, especially lace! I knew I wanted to do something with the leftover lace I cut off and after looking at the lace designs, these two designs caught my attention and I instantly thought of a headband to make.
AFTER:

 

 

 

 

Wedding dress refashion DIY
It’s hard to catch the true color of light colored lace, but the lace color turned out to be a gorgeous cream, ivory color. I did A LOT to this dress, I dyed it to cream so the whole dress would be the same color, I raised the waist line so it wouldn’t be like a v-shape waist-line, cut off all the tulle, cut the length of the dress to right below the knee-length, took off the lace collar, lace-bib, cut off the lace cuffs and cut off the sleeves and made it smaller and shorter length, took in an inch from each side of the dress, cut off the train and the giant bow in the back and gathered the extra lace from the sides to add to the back.
I wish I did other things to this dress such as add pearls and diamond embellishments across the neckline and also kept it long without the tulle. But like every Refashion Runway project, I am barely surviving with 3 little kids and I was rushed, once again with this project. I’ve been literally sewing my heart out until Friday 8 pm before rushing to take pictures before the sun goes down! But I’ve survived every week and I am still in the competition and haven’t been voted out so THANK YOU so much for your votes and your support, it means so much to me!
I hope you liked my boho-chic refashion and I will hopefully see you next week, the very last challenge!
Only 2 more challenges left and I need your vote more than ever! This competition has brought out so much insecurity and doubt in myself, and I’ve been constantly nervous, especially this week’s boho-chic challenge. Many people have said while my dress is “phenomenal and the best” I don’t get their vote because my dress isn’t boho-chic. Many of them have grown up during the boho-era and think it’s the same style as back in the day. But boho-chic is the modernized version of the original boho style, therefore the word “chic” added to it. It’s mixing vintage with a modern and Sienna Miller is said to have brought back the style in 2005 with more femininity and lace. I don’t want to lose this week’s challenge because of some people’s own definition of what a boho-chic is, when I followed the challenge 100% and especially when they’re admitting mine is the best transformation and design!
It would totally make my day if you took 3 secs. to vote. I am a runner-up for first place, I am so close! Please go to The Renegade Seamstress to vote, it literally takes 3 seconds, voting ends this Friday Aug. 28th. You can only vote once per device. Thank you so much for your support, it means so much to me!

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For behind the scenes and sneak peeks of my next refashion follow @sarahtyau on Instagram

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Vintage wedding dress refashion

 

 

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TAGGED: DIY, Refashion Runway 78 Comments

Comments

  1. Nevena Krstic says

    August 22, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Wow! Amazing transformation! 🙂 xx

  2. Accidental Seamstress says

    August 22, 2015 at 8:34 pm

    I'm a little obsessed with lace and this dress defines "epic," Sarah! Holy Cow. And, just for the record, lace is most definitely "Boho." #PeopleDriveMeNuts 🙂

  3. Terje says

    August 22, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    Wow, Sarah 🙂 Every week through this challenge I am left speechless over your refashion magic. I love every piece of clothing you have made so far. You are one talented lady!!
    Hope you will win.

  4. Pam Lauren says

    August 22, 2015 at 10:43 pm

    Wow! That's an amazing transformation! My daughter has done this a few times with different clothing items, but nothing like this! I will go over and vote for you! Good luck!

  5. Ice Pandora says

    August 22, 2015 at 11:20 pm

    Wowie what a before and after picture! Good job c:
    I have my fingers crossed for you for the competition!
    Xx Ice Pandora

  6. Jess rey says

    August 23, 2015 at 5:01 am

    OMGeeee, this came out beautiful. It looks well executed and is a complete transformation. Good Luck in the competition!

  7. Dawn Lalla Houda Mzioud says

    August 23, 2015 at 4:56 pm

    How adorable. You have some great skills there.

    Dawn @ overboard creations

  8. Hollie Black-Ramsey says

    August 23, 2015 at 6:37 pm

    oh wow! Awesome job!!! Pinning to share!

  9. Sara Jolie says

    August 23, 2015 at 9:35 pm

    I love princess dresses too and you are so sweet to think about the first owner of the dress! I love the transformation though! It looks great now!

  10. Sierra Oblad says

    August 24, 2015 at 4:37 am

    Oh my goodness, Sarah! This is amazing! I wish I had a fraction of your sewing talent (and creativity.) Congrats on winning the last round! I hope you win this one too!

    Sierra
    Sierra Elizabeth

  11. Sarah says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:47 am

    Sewing is a skill everybody can learn! You can do it too, I promise! And thank you so much for your congrats! I am crossing my fingers too. 🙂

  12. Sarah says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:47 am

    Thank you so much Sara! It means a lot to me!

  13. Sarah says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:48 am

    Thank you for pinning!

  14. Sarah says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:48 am

    How nice of you to say! Thank you!

  15. Sarah says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:48 am

    Thank you so much Jess! You are so sweet, it really means a lot to me!

  16. Sarah says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:48 am

    Aww, thank you so much! It means so much to me!

  17. Sarah says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:49 am

    Thank you so much Nevena!

  18. Sarah says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:49 am

    Aww, thank you! You make me feel so much better! I am so nervous I will get points docked off a ton because people confuse boho with the term back in the day and not the modern boho-chic.

  19. Sarah says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:50 am

    Wow, you are so sweet, your kind words and encouragement means so much to me! Thank you so much for your support.

  20. Sarah says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:51 am

    Pam, you are the best, thank you so so much! I'd love to see your daughter's work, I bet she creates beautiful things!

  21. Daffy's Dream says

    August 24, 2015 at 6:23 am

    Wow! look like you had lots of behind the work for transformation, the end result is gorgeous and beautiful.
    daffysdream.blogspot.in

  22. Mary K.- In the boondocks says

    August 24, 2015 at 6:51 am

    Wow, what a great transformation! I don't normally go on fashion blogs, but I really like yours because its all about repurposing and reusing. I also use scraps from clothing to add to my furniture creations. So glad to have visited you, you are doing great work!

  23. ANTİGONE says

    August 24, 2015 at 11:44 am

    I am speechless!!!

  24. Shantel Jones says

    August 24, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    I LOVE your changes <3 You did an amazing job!

  25. Brita Long says

    August 24, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    I am so impressed! The new dress is stunning!

  26. AmberRay says

    August 24, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    WOW! you did a wonderful job I love the refashion. Love the beauty and creativity of it 🙂

  27. inna says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:42 am

    Voted! Hope you win!!

  28. K. Brooke Webb says

    August 25, 2015 at 6:23 am

    WOW, what an amazing transformation, I will definitely vote and I hope you win!

    xo,
    Brooke | KBStyled

  29. Rachel says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:03 am

    Wow! This is an incredible re-fashion, and the new dress looks fabulous on you!

  30. Raden Ayu/MI says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:33 am

    AWESOME!!! the dress turns so good on you 🙂

    http://imaginarymi.blogspot.com/

  31. Mama and More aka Zaz says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:11 am

    This is absolutely incredible! You are truly very very talented! I love the head piece as well, and I cannot believe that you manage to do all of this AND have 3 kids to look after! I have 2 myself so understand how much time our little darlings take up. Please don't have insecurities though – I know it's hard to accept that, especially in competitions, but regardless of any judging or competitions, or comparing yourself to anyone else, you really must know inside yourself that you are amazing, talented and really rather clever! I love that you took the time to be sensitive and kind to the memory of the owner of the dress, it says a great deal about you. Thanks so much for linking up to the #AllAboutYou linkup this morning. I can't believe what great posts there are already. Tweeting your post out now.

    (PS – I wrote a whole post about what Boho-chic means a while ago if you ever fancy reading it! http://mama-andmore.com/2015/02/boho-life-boho-style-just-boho-mean.html)

  32. Random Musings says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:20 am

    Wow, the transformation is incredible, you are so talented. Love it 🙂 #allaboutyou
    Debbie

  33. Bogi RedReticule says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    How beautiful! You did a wonderful job turning that dress around!
    Red Reticule

  34. Antoterese says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    Wow this turned out amazing!

    Thanks for sharing this awesome transformation! Please share more!
    Xx, Antonnette

    Check out my blog if ya get bored 😉
    http://www.antoterese.com

  35. Bethan Sian says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    WOW! That is just amazing!! I am sure she would be happy with what you have done. xxx

  36. Kendra says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    Love it! What an amazing job you did!!

  37. Kanchan says

    August 25, 2015 at 1:24 pm

    Gorgeous girl, love the design can I have one too???? hehe
    wana follow on GFC?
    chk out my new post – http://sapphireziva.blogspot.com/
    xo, kanchan

  38. Straight A Style says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:00 pm

    Wow! This is amazing! I just voted for you. Good luck!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  39. Iryna Bychkiv says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    You did a really great job!

  40. Jennifer Booth says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    I love this! You did an awesome job. Voted for you 🙂 Good luck!

    http://www.mommyandkumquat.com

  41. Darcy says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:18 pm

    Oh my goodness this is amazing!! I am seriously impressed. What a great way to rupurpose a dress!!
    http://www.amemoryofus.com

  42. Amy Johnson says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    What an amazing seamstress you are! This dress is truly beautiful. What a transformation!

  43. Storybook Apothecary says

    August 25, 2015 at 4:57 pm

    you did such a great job at updating this dress – it looks lovely!

  44. Rachel McCarthy says

    August 25, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    Wow! This is so incredible! This updated version is just gorgeous, it's the perfect little white lace dress!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  45. Katie Portman says

    August 25, 2015 at 5:26 pm

    Wow! What a transformation! You look absolutely wonderful. I love how you've breathed new life into the dress. 🙂 x

    #AllAboutYou

  46. Tamara says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:31 pm

    You made a beautiful dress. I voted for you.

  47. Rebecca says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:45 pm

    That is a beautiful transformation. You are really talented. I love that you used some of the lace from the dress to embellish a headband.

  48. Laura_Hickman says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:13 pm

    Clever, Clever, girl! I can see what kind of work and determination this took. Well done, with gorgeous results.

  49. Karoline says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    That transformation is so incredible! That dress came out GORGEOUS!

  50. Emily Marie says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:33 pm

    Amazing transformation! Great job!

  51. Melinda Mitchell says

    August 26, 2015 at 4:22 am

    You are a supremely talented designer! Hope you win! Yes, I will go vote.
    Here from Two Uses Tuesday.

  52. Aruba Khan says

    August 26, 2015 at 6:32 am

    wow.. the dress looks so beautifull <3

    I will really appreciate if could you visit my blog and
    follow me. I will follow you back for sure 🙂
    Have a nice day!

    Diaries of a hidden Fashionista

  53. Tash Collier says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    Wow I love this! It looks super amazing now!

    RedLip&Love

  54. Integrated Learning Strategies says

    August 26, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    Wow, what a beautiful transformation! I love what you did with the style. It's perfect! I need some of that for my clothes. I have so many shirts that are off-white, but are still my favorite shirts. I need to give it a shot!

  55. Héloise Roubaud says

    August 26, 2015 at 5:33 pm

    Great blog!
    Would you like to support each other by following each other´s blog? ^_^

    Et Omnia Vanitas

  56. Kirsten says

    August 26, 2015 at 6:51 pm

    This is incredible! I voted for you. 🙂

  57. Jeans and a Teacup says

    August 26, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    What an amazing transformation! The finished dress looks so pretty!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

  58. Rachael Thomas says

    August 26, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    Wow, I can't believe the transformation! You're really talented, and I love the finished dress!
    Rachael
    http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com

  59. Cathy Carroll says

    August 26, 2015 at 11:11 pm

    That is a wonderful transformation. I love when something can be remade into something that can be used now. Such a pretty dress. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy

  60. Sheree Ho says

    August 27, 2015 at 4:09 am

    You did such an amazing job transforming the dress…I wouldn't have even know that it was an old outdated wedding dress had you not shown the "before" picture. I hope you win!!

    xo Sheree
    http://poshclassymom.com
    IG: @poshclsasymom

  61. La Borsa di Martina says

    August 27, 2015 at 6:17 am

    Wow amazing
    LA BORSA DI MARTINA

  62. Laura Mitbrodt says

    August 27, 2015 at 7:16 am

    omg you made the dress so pretty!! Thats amazing
    xo
    http://www.laurajaneatelier.com

  63. Flourish and Knot says

    August 27, 2015 at 11:27 am

    I voted for you! This looks fantastic! (I was slightly biased, of course, because we are both Sarah's who love to sew…)

  64. CHIC ADVENTURE IT! says

    August 27, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    This is a really pretty dress!

    xo
    Giha
    http://chicadventureit.com/

  65. AdriansCrazyLife says

    August 28, 2015 at 6:14 am

    This is amazing. I could never have done something like that. I wish someone would do something like that with my wedding dress. It's still packed in the box from after the wedding.

  66. Jill Shepherd says

    August 28, 2015 at 7:44 pm

    Hi there
    Just stopped by to let you know that I featured this on my Saturday Spotlight post this week!
    Saturday Spotlight
    Thanks again for linking up! Hope you have a great weekend!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success

  67. Ramy Hamilton says

    August 29, 2015 at 1:27 am

    You did a great job! Love the before and after! 🙂
    http://tickleyourvanity.com

  68. Kimberly Lewis says

    August 30, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    Loving this! You are so talented. Thanks for sharing this at our party. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm, so we get to party with you again! Lou Lou Girls

  69. Noey Lolita says

    August 30, 2015 at 11:27 pm

    You have made a really hard work but is really great the result congrats!! Look awesome dear

    Melange-Boutique Blog by Noe&Lolita

  70. Kanchan says

    August 31, 2015 at 5:45 am

    Great pics, check out my new post – http://sapphireziva.blogspot.com/2015/08/hues-of-turquoise.html
    xo, kanchan

  71. Harija says

    September 1, 2015 at 4:59 pm

    Love it and at this time I would like to thank you for all your support!
    Hope you had an amazing weekend!!
    MyLyfeMyStory

  72. Suzan Sweatman says

    September 3, 2015 at 1:42 am

    What an amazing transformation !
    You're an artist – an extremely gifted one !

  73. Kanchan says

    September 7, 2015 at 10:54 am

    Lovely chk out my new website – http://www.sapphireziva.com
    xo, kanchan

  74. SusanR says

    September 28, 2015 at 7:14 pm

    This is gorgeous – Were the sleeves created from the extra fabric in the skirt?? I'm looking at doing something similar with my mother's wedding dress for my wedding.

  75. Unknown says

    November 22, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    I love the finished result!! I am in the middle of repurposing my mom's wedding dress from the 80's for my own wedding and am new to sewing as well…can you give me any tips on how you raised the waistline to hide the v shaped waist? That's the one thing I really want to change!! Any help would be much appreciated

  76. Margaret says

    December 26, 2016 at 9:31 pm

    This is the exact same dress that my FUTURE MOTHER IN LAW WORE WHEN SHE GOT MARRIED AND I will wear it to marry her son, I’m currently looking for alteration ideas to make it more modern and found this.

  77. BETH says

    January 7, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    sO bEAUTIFUL! i HAVE BEEN KEEPING MY EYE OUT FOR VINTAGE WEDDING DRESSES AT THRIFT SHOPS TO DO SOMETHING similar.

  78. nvula Rafaela says

    February 20, 2017 at 11:12 am

    fell in love with the dress untouched <3 <3 <3
    I now I would definetely love to wear it in that century

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Hello! My name is Sarah and I am so happy to have you here! Here you'll find DIY sewing, DIY home building & decor, honest and vulnerable posts of motherhood and snippets of my family. We are building our dream house and will update you regularly on our whole process from start to finish and I am also starting a mother-daughter sewing series. So I hope you stay awhile!

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