Wednesday, April 16

Denim Vest Restyle

I was shopping at the good ol' DAV last week with a sweet friend and I spotted this denim vest.  Technically it was hanging out in the little girls' section (I was browsing for Hope), but the thing about the 90s was how we all wore our clothes WAY bigger than what's in style now.  The vest looked like a good fit, so I spent a whole $0.98 and took the risk.  Hey, if I was totally off I could always save it for Hope in a couple of years, right?  ;)

Here's what she looked like before:

Oh, yes-- that IS an Express tag.  ;)
There was some crazy doily/embroidered flowers/candy colored buttons thing happening on the back, but in my excitement I ripped it all out before snapping a picture.  Doh.

So, now comes my trusty friend, RIT dye...

I decided to dip dye this vest, rather than dye the whole thing.  I filled my kitchen sink with a diluted amount of the black dye and after I soaked the entire vest in water, I dipped the bottom portion in the dye bath.
I'm a gal who doesn't like wasting things like this, so after I got what I thought was the desired color, I saved the dye bath while I rinsed the vest and ran it through the washing machine.  When it came out it was lighter than I was wanting, so I repeated the process again with the leftover dye.

Once the vest was the right color and all dry, I began adding the patches and buttons.  The patch on the back is an Olivia Mew patch that I've been saving for justttttt the right thing (seriously, I think I've had this for a couple of years).  The red patch on the front came with my 23 Skidoo dress (she has such beautiful packaging) and then I added some of my other favorite things to personalize it.  Here she is in all her glory:

I'm super happy with how it turned out and I can see myself wearing this a ton.  I love it when that happens, don't you?


25 comments:

  1. I thought this looked familiar! I actually have the EXACT same vest - only difference being that I haven't dyed mine. You've inspired me though, I may have to take a page from your book and do the same. Love how it came out.

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  2. I love it, Katie! It came out so great! Now I'm feeling the need to visit my local thrift store... :)

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  3. How perfect! I especially love the addition of the dip dye, it gives just a touch more life to the vest.
    Also love the match with that floral print. Gorgeous!

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  4. This opens up so many more possibilities for thrift store finds! Thanks!

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  5. Love how the dip dye gives a more modern feel to the vest. Seeing it does bring back memories. Sadly, I never had a denim vest as a child. I've got to find those overalls, though :)

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  6. You're perfect. That is all.

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  7. It really is amazing what one can do with things found at the thrift store. The vest looks great.
    Claire

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  8. I would NEVER have thought of dying a vest. Now I feel like this needs to be my next thrifty goal :)

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  9. LOVE this Katie!!! Especially the fox patch on the back (and of course the 23 Skidoo Skadette Badge)!! <3

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  10. you really turned it around :) .98 never looked better!

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  11. you really turned it around :) .98 never looked better!

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  12. Looks awesome! I never think to dye denim... I'll have to keep a sharper eye out now hahaha.

    <3
    http://www.RitaMaesShop.etsy.com/

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  13. Well if this isn't just the cutest, most unique looking vest that I've ever seen! What a great tutorial.

    <3
    Emory
    helloscarlettblog.com

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  14. The patch on the back is so amazing. I love this DIY!

    nolongergrey.wordpress.com

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  15. Love what you did and oh look, your dress looks just like the one I'm wearing here:

    http://veryveronique.com/2014/04/13/classy-with-a-twist/

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  16. Love your vest revamp and oh look, your dress looks just like the look I'm wearing here:

    http://veryveronique.com/2014/04/13/classy-with-a-twist/

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  17. the wash is so much better! It's super cute on you.

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  18. Wonderful! As always, I'm in awe of the way you transform vintage apparel.

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  19. Adorable, love the way you transformed the material. excellent tip

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  20. this is amazing!! that fox patch is totally awesome. love how it all turned out!
    xxoo,
    nikki

    www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com

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  21. It looks amazing! Going to go dig my denim vest out now :)

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  22. This so superb! I love the fact that I’ve never seen something glamorous way of treating denim.

    Thanks for sharing
    back patches
    embroidery patches designs

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