Vintage Style

  • D.I.Y with Nichelle B.,  Vintage Style

    Linen Men’s Shirt Flip

    Hey boo, thanks for stopping by. I don’t take it lightly that you took the time out of your day to visit my blog! I appreciate you! If you want to further show your love for me or my little blog feel free to share my IG post in your story or simply tell a friend to check it out!

    So about my latest creation. This linen set! I’ve made at least 3 items out of linen so far this summer and I have no intentions of stopping! lol I just loveee linen for summer. It’s cool, it’s easy to sew with, and idk I just like the vibe of it. The wrinkles in linen used to turn me off from making garments with it but I’ve learned to “embrace the wrinkles” and just go with it. I’ve also learned about different linen weights, blends, and prewash techniques that can affect the end result of the fabric and/or your garment.

    My original plan for making this set was to just buy some linen fabric and make it from scratch. However, as I mentioned in my IG post linen can be kind of pricey, usually running at about $20 a yard. Since this whole lockdown/quarantine thing I’ve been trying to be resourceful, and think of other options before I just go out and buy (or search online) for new fabric. It’s no secret that mens shirts make a great canvas for creating new garments. So when I saw one in linen fabric in a nude tone I knew I would find something to do with it. Random, but I love me some nude tones! I saw some cute linen sets on Pinterest but they all retailed for about $100 or more. I told y’all I sew because I have expensive taste.. lol So here are some pics of the sets I used as inspiration to create my set.

    All these images were found on Pinterest. Both of these sets are from Australian based brands that specialize in linen garments and goods. The websites are www.ilovelinen.com.au and deijistudios.com.

    So to make this 2 piece set I basically chopped the shirt in half and used the bottom portion for the shorts. Then I cut the the sleeve off and used the left over fabric from the sleeves for the waistband on the shorts. lol Now, I will say that this was definitely a stretch on the use of fabric. I used every bit of fabric on this. The only thing I didn’t use was the shirt cuffs. I did a flat front waistband with elastic in the back. You can also consider using multiple shirts to get the same look!

    Y’all the funny story about this pic is that I planned to take this pic with shoes on then at the last min I took my shoes off and hopped in front of the camera but the deck was hot AF! lol Thats why I’m on my tippy toes lol I ran right back to put my shoes on after this pic!
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  • Vintage Style

    Ways to Wear a Thrifted Suit or Set

    As you may or may not know I am a vintage junkie. I love thrifting and revamping, it’s just my thing. lol Before I started sewing I would never buy sets or suits in the thrift store. Which is crazy because I love sets, it’s like getting 2 outfits for the price of one! I’ve bought suits that I’ve been able to wear to school and work. I’ve bought sets that have taken me from day to night to church to work. lol I’m telling you sets can be very versatile when worn correctly! Here are the keys to wearing a thrifted suit or set:

    1. Have it altered if it doesn’t fit correctly. Most items from the thrift store will have to be tailored to fit you. Take shoulder pads out, shorten hems, make it tighter etc. so that the item really becomes your own.
    2. Solid colors and simple prints tend to be more versatile. However, that does not mean you have to choose them. Trust me if you thrift long enough you will find some crazy items in some crazy prints so have fun when shopping.
    3. It is (in most cases) best to wear the 2 pieces separately. Sometimes when worn together the pieces can look outdated. However, that is mostly true if you do not alter the pieces to fit correctly. Fit is very important!
    4. When in doubt pair your pieces with simple items you already own like denim jeans, t-shirts, button down shirts, or simple midi dresses.
    5. Be creative! Play with color and print, layer your pieces, and have fun while shopping for a set! Below is one of my favorite thrifted sets! I once wore the top over a dress I already owned!

     

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    green suit Collage
    I don’t know if it was the vibrant green color or the pleated blazer that drew me to this suit but this is the first one I ever bought. I got it for $10 from a thrift store in Atlanta. Of course I tailored it a bit to make it my own! I had to take the skirt and the sleeves in a bit but once I did that it fit like a glove. Even though I bought this suit about 2 years ago, I still love it and it still fits like a glove.

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