Another snow day! But this time I was able to play with my Bruce in the snow!
Don’t worry, I am working on making him a little sweater out of an old wool sweater of mine.. that I accidentally shrunk. Bad for me, good for Bruce!
Category Archives: Secondhand
Hip Purse
I have revisited my fanny pack pattern, the other one I made was just too small. I made this one out of a pant leg from the style swap. I didn’t bother lining this one yet because I wanted to test out the size first. But I think it’s a winner! The next ones will be fully lined with an interior pocket.
The free pants!
Inside of the hip pack
It’s not pretty in there, but there is a pocket for my wallet, phone and chapstick. The rest of the purse holds my Canon PowerShot, one baggu reusable bag and one handkerchief.
You may notice that I started calling it a “hip pack”. Well I just really wanted to get away from the “fanny pack” stigma. Plus I made this pattern with belt loops on the back instead of a waist strap. I think that helps distinguish it a bit. Plus the fact that it isn’t made out of neon nylon!
Before & After- Dress Alteration
Before
After
Look at this cute little jumper I got at a clothing swap! It still had the original tags on it, $58 and I got it for free! But it was too baggy and too short for my comfort.
I know, I know! Legs are “in”. And you know, I did entertain the thought of wearing it short with an over sized jacket and bare legs… but I chickened out.
I wanted to alter this dress in a way that was very pourpousful. I wanted it to be a top, not just a dress over pants. So I brought in the sides and shortened the front so it almost created a train in the back. Skinny jeans and heels (my Grandma’s!) complete the look.
Style Swap
My first style swap was a success! We had a really great turn out and a lot of fun. Everyone was so giddy that they could leave their desks and go shopping for free clothes at lunch.
So what is a “Style Swap”? And is it different than a “clothing swap”? No, not really. I always heard of clothing swaps but I think recently people are trying to make it sound more chic. Eh, whatever. Either way it is a free exchange of clothing and accessories.
Style Swaps are really easy to organize… if you are organized! You have to have space to set up the different categories and if you are having more than your three best friends over you need signs! Make bigger signs for the main categories and then smaller signs for the sub-categories. You might not use all the signs but it is better to have them in case you need them. And the most important thing is to have friends to help you organize! With two fabulous ladies at work we really made this swap a success.
I can’t wait to do another swap… maybe next time at my house where I can lounge around with friends and drink wine!
Style Swap Prep
Tomorrow is the big day! Swap day! Today I finished up the signs for the swap. I decided to go with something simple and bold. I’m no graphic designer but I think the children’s sign is pretty darn cute.
I finally finished going through all of my clothes to take to the swap. I was brutal! I had so many clothes that I rarely wore because something wasn’t right with them. Either they didn’t fit right or it wasn’t a good color on me, so out the door they go!
From the photo below it looks like I shouldn’t have any clothes left in my closet. Haha… awww. Yeah, but I do. It’s much, much better though. I promise! Soon I will post a before and after of my closet and you’ll see! You’ll see… I might have a problem. Does it help that over half of them are from the thrift store or hand-me-downs? No? I didn’t think so. I’m working on it though.
