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Formal Dress Makeovers

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-918 -- More Projects »
Fashion designer Trudy Perry shares ideas for transforming thrift-store finds into one-of-a-kind dresses that teenagers can wear to formal events.
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Before: This $15 thrift store dress needs softer lines and romantic touches.
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After: Scalloped lace, pearls and rosebuds were used to enhance the dress, which now has a unique designer look.
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Before: The heavy satin dress has elegant lines and rich color.
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After: Marabou feathers around the neck and hem update the look, while a gathered hem shows off the black crinoline.
Taffeta Dress

To alter the look of a plain taffeta dress with severe lines, the slip straps were replaced with a mesh fabric and rosebud trim. The straps were crisscrossed in the back for an updated look.

To further soften the look, scalloped, vintage-looking lace was affixed to the top of the bodice all the way around. Small rosebuds were added between each scallop. Pearls or sequins or rosettes are additional adornment. All the embellishments were attached with fabric glue.

Satin Dress

A red satin dress with an unusual tie back gets updated with marabou feathers tacked to the neckline and hemline. The feathers could also be glued on.

To show off an attached crinoline, the hem is gathered in one spot and safety-pinned from the back side.

Rhinestones or pearls could be added with glue to the bodice, if desired.

Guests
Trudy Perry
E-mail: Trudles66@aol.com
Also in this Episode
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-918
•Formal Dress Makeovers
•Re-Framing Old Photos
•Garden Lights
•Smart Solution of the Day
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