It’s time to go back to the basics. This week, I’ve decided that I would make simple clothing pieces- as denoted by today’s title. To be more specific, I made a tennis skirt, loungewear pants, and a slim fitting summer dress. As a side note, I did make the gown a year ago. However, I haven’t been able to take pictures in it or even wear it out for the day. It’s a gorgeous silhouette that doesn’t deserve to be tossed in the back of my wardrobe. It gives me hips, guys. Hips

For each garment, there are a few technical errors ‘sewn’ in that I wish I had time to pay attention to. I’ll go over it in detail down below:

Skirt

Tennis skirt = Kpop. The two basically go hand in hand. While I’m not as pretty as Lisa or Jennie from Blackpink, I can at least embody the aesthetic. I’ve seen so many inspo photos of cute outfit ideas, like a large oversized sweater layered on top or a drapey cardigan. The material I used for my version is a cotton polyester blend. I thrifted it a while back, and I think it used to be for making suits? I used this fabric before in my ‘casual midsummer look’ set.

While I’m in love with the shape it’s getting me, I wish that the pleats were more ironed out and in place. I tried my hardest flat heating it down, but it has a tendency to bounce up. Additionally, I made the hem way too small- meaning that one wrong move and my ass is out. Fingers crossed I don’t do an accidental Marilyn Munroe when I take this beauty out.

Pant

I have these amazingly comfy elasticated pants I thrifted eons ago. Wearing them to death- I’ve always wanted another pair in a different color. Thankfully, I came across this gorgeous blossom pink fabric at Value Village at one point. Tracing on the same measurements and pattern from the original design, I was able to make a successful copy- with a few touches of my own. I decided to make stitched on stripes on the front pockets and the waistband for some added visual interest. Additionally, I also included hidden side slit pockets because, well, who doesn’t like more space to put their stuff in?

In the end, I’m pretty happy how these pants turned out. There’s a few stitching errors on the waistband hem, and the pockets turned out too small for my liking. Additionally, first trial of sewing on the crotch area came a bit too tight, meaning that I had to add a dart on the back. While you can’t really see it unless you’re too close for comfort, there’s a little poking dent at the tip. It’s totally unnoticeable from a normal distance.

Dress

I don’t have an hourglass figure, but damn do I sometimes wish I did. I’m not really sure what I did in terms of fit, but this dress certainly exceeded my expectations. Made out of this slightly stretch polyester, it gives me the illusion that I have a bigger chest and butt- which I’m eternally grateful for. Since I can’t imagine wearing a bra underneath, I attached cups on the lining for added support. Other details include a small bow on the center, tiny spaghetti straps, and a little side slit on thigh. It’s a very flattering silhouette, and I can imagine wearing a pair of cute strappy heals, an oversized sweater, or a jean jacket on top.

The only qualm I have with this piece is that the bottom is unhemmed. During the sewing process, I was worried that the ‘fold over stitch’ technique when stretch out the fabric. But other than that, I guess I can let this tiny detail slide.

Casual, but make it lowkey sexy.

I found this gorgeous linen and polyester blend a few thrift adventures ago and thought it was enough to make a two-piece set. The top was made out of a frankensteined pattern of a spaghetti strap and a v-neck to make things a bit more interesting. While scrolling through Instagram, I saw this cute pair of summer shorts with a cape tied around it. After a few drafts, stitches, and long hours spent at the sewing machine, I came up with this. It isn’t the best fitting set I made, but it’s pretty decent.

I’d imagine wearing a pair of strappy, low chunky heels to match and a simple basket weave bag. It’s the perfect outfit for a midday stroll around the city neighbourhood or buying more plants at your local nursery.

A romantic date night out on the town. Just imagine it: a quaint dinner at an upper class Italian restaurant, and then a stroll down the lakeshore to watch the sparks glimmer in the sky. Perhaps a kiss is in order as they nervously slip their hands into yours. This was the kind of vibe I was going for when making this dress. I also wanted ruffles-lots of ruffles.

The fabric used for this design was sourced from a long scarf I thrifted a while ago. It was too sheer at first- so I upcycled some tan knit fabric from a jumpsuit my godmother donated to me. I’m quite happy with the fit. It’s very snug on my body and it’s not constrictive at all. I especially love the tie up detail on the front. For styling ideals, a pair of white, espadrilles and a tiny bag would help create a more cohesive look.

As I wait for Miss Rona to disappear, I guess I’ll just have to settle for twirling alone in my room.

For the longest time that I can remember, I always wanted to upcycle an old dress into a romper. On my first rodeo, I thrifted this gorgeous 60s dress with this interesting geometric print. However, I was quite new to the whole upcycling thing- and I completely butchered the entire gown. I accidently made the crotch area way too tight and left me with an unflattering wedgie fit. I managed to salvage the top, but I was apparently too scarred to give it another go.

Fast forward 2 or 3 years from the incident, I decided to go for round 2. I found this beautiful camel suede dress at Value Village that had enough fabric for me to make a jumpsuit. I decided to alter the top to make it not so oversized and create a paper bag bottom to really accentuate the waist. While you can see some uneven stitching up close, I’m pretty proud of myself. I can’t wait to wear it during the summer or fall during some get togethers or to special events. I’m also getting some serious Jane Porter vibes from this romper.

What I’m wearing:

• Romper: From the brand ‘Jessica.’ Upcycled by me
• Black turtleneck: hand-me-down

Before

After

This blouse may have been inspired by the Austrian landscapes seen in The Sound of Music. Or it could be watching the Japanese anime: Heidi, The Girl of the Alps back in summer. It could’ve been the combination of both, honestly. But I know for a fact that I wanted to make my own version of a regency stay. I wasn’t a big fan of having it without the sleeves, so I added some puffs at the sides. It ended up being a hybrid of a type of peasant blouse, but I quite liked it at the end.

I’d imagine this top going well with a pair of light wash denim jeans or shorts. As added accessories, some ‘straw’ details would work nicely- like a straw hat or a straw weaved bag. It’s a very summer girl- run through the prairies- type of look. This is the kind of outfit I’d definitely wear if I was invited to a picnic located in grassy field full of wildflowers.

There are some things worth noting about the construction of this top. I hadn’t come across the thought of the neckline being too low- since I added some ‘straps to the front in order to sew in the sleeves. When it’s fastened on, it does reveal a lot of your chest. I’m not that blessed in the ‘boobage’ area, but if you are- you are certainly showing off a lot. It’s still wearable as a top (since it is tres cute) however, I’d feel more comfortable wearing a white lace tank underneath to ensure my girls don’t jump out.

What I’m wearing:

• Top: Made by me (made out of thrifted cotton on the front and lining)
• Jeans: thrifted, altered by me
• Earrings: thrifted, (originally a bracelet but I made it into a necklace)

Wasn’t a big fan of the movie, but I couldn’t help but be drawn to make some sort of dress out of this fabric.

I was heavily inspired by the Cecille Bahnsen dress “Lisbeth,” as you can see with the short bodice cut and the ruched pockets. I originally wanted to make the pockets more of focal point, but alas, I didn’t have enough fabric. I’m not entirely sure if the original design had pockets to begin with, but my dress has enough room to fit two butternut squashes.

I thought this mini dress would look super cute with an oversized leather jacket and some chunky heeled boots. I didn’t have enough energy to actually put this outfit together, but I would totally go for space buns, a dark liner, and some hoop earrings to finish the look off. Could be a cool Halloween get-up, without looking too costume-y. It would be great to wear for a night out with your friends if you’re not going for the sexy kind of vibe. My version is all about rebellion and taking risks, so I guess a more Harley Quinn sort of aesthetic.

What I’m wearing:

• Dress: made by me, inspired by Cecille Bahnsen
• Leather jacket: thrifted
• Boots: thrifted, from Aldo
• Hoop earrings: thrifted

Silk is a journey to sew.

It’s a very slippery fabric to work with. It’s the kind of material I’d have to maneuver my sewing machine around in order to hem. It’s also frustrating to iron, since it’s so adamant in not staying where it’s supposed to be. But I like to give things a benefit of the doubt, because the end result is, ugh, *chef’s kiss*

I was inspired by many silk dresses and tops that I’ve seen countlessly on my Instagram and Pinterest feeds. I wanted to embody sort of a classic, vintage silhouette with a Parisian twist. Think of Anna and the French Kiss- so like banana crepes, cute French boys, and lots of trips to the Louvre.

I added buttons I recycled from an old dress (which I think was a vintage communion gown?) and a ribbon to cinch the look together. I styled it with my mom’s Italian leather boots, a floral yellow necktie, a black cylinder bag, and a matching silk scrunchie I made with the same fabric as the dress. I really wish that the handkerchief I used to wrap around my neck was long enough to use a head bandana- then this look would’ve been more Breakfast at Tiffany’s- WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN EVERYTHING.

Anyways, there are some things that I would do differently next time if I make this dress again. One, I would definitely make it longer. I wore white Spanxs underneath, but they still showed if I bent my knees ever so slightly. I’d also mark the fabric with a lighter chalk- since you can really see the wax show up in the final product. Lastly, I really need to watch out for my seam allowances. getting into this dress is really difficult, even though I added shirring on the back (which didn’t really help with anything). But that’s usually something I have to work on in my sewing regardless, as some items either look way too baggy or don’t fit at all.

Regardless, I still love this dress. Just please invite me somewhere I can actually wear it. Pretty, pretty please?

What I’m Wearing:

• Silk dress: made by me using thrifted fabric
• Handkerchief: thrifted, brand unknown
• Scrunchie: made by me using thrifted fabric
• Leather boots: vintage, hand-me-down
• Pearl earrings: Sukoshi Mart
• Bag: thrifted, brand unknown