No I didn't lose weight, I remixed this outfit!

[veganruthie]

This is my first challenge, so I did it mostly for fun, not to win. And it was fun!

I also learned a little about pattern drafting and stuff! :-)

I pretty much only shop thrift. So it was hard going into it looking for something UGLY.

I wanted to find the typical "UGLY THRIFT STORE OUTFIT": something with gross material, unflattering, and shoulder-pads.

I see these outfits all the time at thrift stores and think, yuck!

I thought this was an excellent example of how someone who is on the curvy side (I weigh 180ish) can make bad/good clothing choices!

This is the outfit I chose. Ugly synthetic material. Check! Unflattering. Check! Shoulder-pads. Check!



(Sorry these are big and not the highest quality. I'm still learning here!)

As for changes: I disassembled the cover-up thingie and made it into a sort of shrug. I made the sleeves more cap-like and shortened it significantly. The fabric was pretty yucky synthetic so I ended up with less than I wanted due to having to make double hems to keep from fraying. I actually really like this little shrug now and will wear it over camisoles.




I thought the under dress needed some shaping, and also thought it'd be more functional if it were a tank top and a little black skirt. I put elastic in the top of the skirt to hold it up.




This would be great for going to a show or a party. My husband was frightened by the before ("Ruthie, that is *REALLY* not flattering") but thinks the after is super cute.

Also, shoulder pads make great dog toys. :-)



Thanks for looking!!!!!!!

[obitay]

Wow!  Great Job!  It's amazing how the new improved out-fit transforms your body!!!  also I like the pic of your dogs chewing the hideous shoulder pads! 

[Some_Girl]

Great job! That before picture is hideously unflattering (I can see why your hubby was cringing lol) but you turned it into something super cute, and gave it a whole new life!

[maria isabel]

The end result is very very very cute!

[veganruthie]

Thanks! LOL I love that you told me it was cringingly hideous and it didn't bother me. 

[Dragonflower]

Oh, I agree- the before is truly hideous and completely hides your shape. But the after is really cute and flattering; Oh look, you do have a waist! LOL
It really is a fine example of how much clothing choices affect your appearance.

[krafty119]

I agree, it changed your whole look dramatically! I think you did a wonderful job - and so brave to post the not so flattering pictures!

I'm gonna vote for you!

[Belladune]

awesome recon!

[gooseeatfox]

So cute!

[pixidance]

This is a great recon. What a perfect use for shoulder pads

[krandui]

Wow, what a difference! Great job!

[rbeforee]

Thank you for sharing, not only an amazing recon job, but such meaningful info. Body image is a tough area for so many women and you are gorgeous. It is helpful hearing that someone who looks as amazing as you do is not 110 lbs. It helps some of us set more realistic goals and also to see what a dramatic difference style makes. I fear short skirts, but I see a glimmer of hope that skirts CAN be flattering heehee

You did a phenomenal job on this challenge. Excellent recycling, especially giving the shoulder pads to the dogs LOL