Let me start out right away by stating that I am not a fan of cutting up perfectly good vintage, be it the hacking off of maxi dresses or the "up-cycling" of well made but dated things to force them to look more modern. I mean, that's part of what makes fashion so fun - the way things go out and then come back in style.
Take Pretty in Pink. Having lived through the 80s I know I'm supposed to be nostalgic for films like this, but the plot of this movie always made me cringe. But that's not why I brought it up. The thing I do like about this film is the Molly Ringwald character's quirky vintage style, which is why I always bristle in the scene where she takes scissors to the (obviously costume) 50s prom dress and creates instead the trend-of-the-second fashion atrocity that is her "updated" dress.
The original:
The re-work:
Ack!! My Eyes!!
Not only is it a horrible, unflattering and ill-conceived mess, but it's not even believable considering that up until that moment the character had been sporting a hip retro-50s style to school which was one of the reasons she was an outsider. So really, (if I had been the film's stylist) the character would have worn the original dress to the prom. And she'd have looked so much cuter that she'd realize the rich guy was a jerk and she'd really been ignoring the one guy who truly understood her - Duckie. Or even better, she'd have gone back to Iona's house, had a giggle and gossip session, and realized that she should stop thinking so much about boys and instead focus on college and her future career. Take that, John Hughes!
Okay. So don't ever do that.
But the thing is, sometimes I get fantasies about re-working things.
At my brick-and-mortar store I get kazillions of scarves, vintage and modern. So many that at times my basket is literally overflowing. Of course, the designer scarves are separated out and displayed separately, and they sell well. But the average, no-name poly, rayon, and silk scarves are a bit like tribbles - there just seems to be no end to them. Really, I only have myself to blame. When I'm doing estate work, I can't pass them up - it's not as though I could live with myself if I said "No, I already have too many scarves so go ahead and send those to the thrift store." I just can't do it.
Not too long ago I was stumbling around on etsy (probably while I should have been busy doing something dishes, or laundry) I saw a sweet summer dress made out of vintage scarves and my inner (neglected) crafty self got excited. What a great idea for some of the no-name vintage scarves. I know it's not a new idea but lately I've been wearing more dresses so somehow this is the first time these dresses have had this much personal appeal.
Some of the designs I found are quite simple, and some a bit more complicated, but there's no doubt that each is a colorful and unique way to wear those "extra" scarves.
by AVCCrevamp
I like the simple, 3-scarf shape of this. Plus, it's Paris!
by katesvintageapparel
Even simpler, made with two scarves, front to back, belted.
by StrayClothing
Love the colors in this one. Simple again, two scarves.
by janavi
Bold and artful, I like the off-shoulder style of this.
by BeatriceMcClelland
Okay, now we're getting creative! The layering on this one is wonderfully romantic, with an earthy color palette.
by tegonia123
Gypsy inspired layering of scarves and other elements.
In reality, by the time I get back to sewing it will probably be fall and I'll instead be lusting after sweaters. Still, the next time my scarf basket begins to overflow I'll remember that it only takes a few stitches to create something totally unique.
