Thrifted & Altered: The Petticoat

This random piece of black fabric with tulle used to be the lining of a skirt I thrifted and altered ages ago. after trolling pinterest for the longest while, I realized I do not own a proper petticoat. If I want the vintage-poof look, I usually just layer multiple skirts underneath and that's that. 

But no longer! I made a loop with the top of the fabric (which was perfectly nice and stretchy on it's own) and added elastic for the waistband. Then I gathered some of this awesome scrunchy maroon fabric I've been hoarding and attached it as my first layer.

Two more layers layer and I was finished! Probably the fastest T&A project yet, as I didn't really feel like making this with too much structure.

I'd hate to end with post without first giving you a sneak peak into some future Thrifted & Altered posts!
I guess I had red on the brain when I went to Salvation Army yesterday because I came home with a maroon blazer, a red floral print dress, and a sailboat pattered pair of pants. The blazer fits perfect but the dress and pants are getting a make over as soon as I finish typing this post. I'm just too excited about those boats!!

Don't forget, you can follow Adventures of a Vintage Hippo on facebook and pinterest! Thanks for reading!

Thrifted & Altered: Double Denim

In an attempt to apologize for missing my Monday post, I'm bringing you a two-in-one Thrifted & Altered post!

What happens when you give a gal like me an incredibly plain and boring denim shirt and unflattering jeans?
Well, the shirt gets cut and sewn into a more flattering shape. Then it gets its very own hand-painted band patches, buttons and cheetah print collar. (The band patches courtesty of my extremely talented sister.)

Then the jeans get cut into shorts, dyed, scalloped, and customized with some studs from an old belt.

The result is so cool, even over-sized stuffed dogs get in on the modeling action.

Thanks again for stopping by!

Thrifted & Altered: Olive Polka Dot Blouse

I picked up this blouse at my best friend's yard sale (that just so happened to be held in my front yard.) It was her mom's I think, and even though I'm a fan of button down shirts in general, I knew this was going to be a project piece. I decided to restructure it, the front would be the back, the collar would be a bow, and the fit would be nice and curvy. 

I am loving the end result and I'm sure it'll quickly become a summer wardrobe staple. (I promise it looks better ironed, I was just too excited and wanted to just hurry up and show you all!)

Thanks again for reading!

There are many more Thrifted & Altered posts to come!

Thrifted & Altered: Black and Purple Lace Shoes

My first official thrifted and altered post is finally here!

I bought these white satin shoes at Salvation Army a while back with the intention of dying them a pale lavender, but the purple dye took a little too well to the satin and I was left with bright orchid pumps.

With no intention of being defeated by dye, I decided to wrap them in lace instead! Just a few pins and drops of super glue held  the lace perfectly and I'm super happy with the way they turned out!

Thanks for reading!

Come back Wednesday for another brand new Thrifted and Altered post!

Photo Friday #8: Thrifting Edition

Alot of people I know who sew spend their days at fabric stores, picking out the perfect fabrics they have in mind, buying the exact notions they need, with the exact amount necessary for their project.
Me? I can count on two hands how many times I've walked into a fabric store.
I'm a firm believer in recycling, using what you have collected over the years, "making do, and mend." Sometimes this means I run out of fabric, don't have the zipper length I need or put off finishing a project because I'm waiting on the perfect notions to come find *me*.
But I don't mind much because I love the thrill of finishing a project that challenges me to be creative and resourceful.

Every other monday I meet my sister and our friends at the Salvation Army and scour the racks for fabric and buttons and inspiration. These are the latest finds. :)

I didn't get these first two dresses but the details on them really make me wish I had!

Instead, these last three are the ones I brought home and hope become a "Thrifted and Altered" Post soon!

Photo Friday #5: DIY Dying

I bought these white high waisted shorts from Goodwill ages ago but never wore them because, quite frankly, I hate white bottoms. So I dyed them and now I cannot wait for it to be warm enough to wear them!