Petite Sister Style: Rescuing a Dream

Let me tell you, this dress has come a long way. I bought it 4 years ago, on a trip to Europe with my in-laws. It was my first time in Florence (which I still think is the most beautiful city in the world), and I had this romantic notion that I would buy a cute summery dress that I could wear on the rest of the trip and afterward, and that it would always remind me of Italy. However, these sorts of romantic notions always play out better in my head than in real life, as you will see in the following pictures.

These shots were taken on the Spanish Steps in Rome, and though I had the vague notion that I could do better, and that I had to settle for the accessories I had with me (i.e. Keen sandals and a white sport bra for a camisole), I still thought I looked pretty great. I am glad I had my moment. However, upon returning home, I looked at my pictures from the trip, and noticed that there was something not quite right about my dream dress. Needless to say, it did not get much wear after that.

The other day, I was looking for a cute dress to wear to a party, and rediscovered my little dream in the back of my closet. If I hadn't bought it in Italy, I would have given it away long ago, but there it was. I just couldn't part with it. So, I had two choices: either give it away or alter it myself. I settled on the latter.

First of all, the cheap white lace at the bottom had to go. It was the type of frill that belonged on a dress for a 4-year-old. Then, I cut off the ties that cinched the waist, since they made my hips look funny. Next, I closed up the v-neck, so I could wear it alone without a camisole (or sport bra) underneath. Finally, I noticed that it was a little short without the lace at the bottom, and also that the sewn-in pleats around the waist were coming out. Capitalizing on the chance to kill two birds with one stone, I took out the rest of the pleats (except where they were sewn into the side), which was easier than sewing them back in, thereby also making the dress a few inches longer. Awesome. How often does that happen?

Now, I just needed the right accessories. White skinny belt, check. Gold bird earrings, check. Brown and white wedges (with T-strap newly removed, see previous post), check.

I like the finished product. And now I can live the dream.