So a few days ago I was on the Forever 21 site, browsing around. They had this “buy one get one free” section and it was just unbelievably cheap. I added two shorts to my shopping cart, and the the total amount was $10 plus $4 shipping. For two pairs of shorts! I sat on it for a little bit and at the end, I closed my browser without purchasing anything. The fact that they were so cheap kind of turned me of, and I didn’t really want or need new pairs of cheap shorts anyway. I just felt like I did not need to clutter my closet with more things, that can be thrown away after a few wares.
Instead, I went to my closet and pulled out this old skirt. It was a hand-me-down from when I was in elementry school. I don’t remember ever wearing it, since it is a weird length skirt for an elementary school kid (midi length). Now I took a second look at the skirt I liked the grandma-ish floral print. I shortened the skirt (will show you the result in a different post) and with the left over fabric, I made this bustier. I added a built-in bra cup, so I can wear it without a bra. I modified the same pattern I drafted for this bustier and this bustier.
Necklace and Earrings: Knap via Etsy, Bracelet: Oia Jules via Etsy, Skirt: from local mall here on sale for 500 yen
Golden Gloves to Hemline: Pt. 1 Getting Started
DIY:: T-shirt to a Dress Tutorial
Meet Rina
2014 in Review
Meghan says
Cute bustier! I completely agree about the hesitation to buy things that are super cheap. I have done exactly what you’ve done. Or, if I am in stores, I walk around with the item of clothing, and then I realize that it’s not worth it (even it if is inexpensive). I’d rather invest in something that isn’t so sheer I’d have to line it, or something so flimsy it’ll fall apart a year from now. OR better yet, I’d rather make it and learn from the experience. =)
Chie says
Hi Meghan, right, I feel the same way. Even if I don’t get too many wares out of my own handmade stuff, I learn a lot of stuff, like how I want to improve next time. It is different from buying a mass produced cheap clothes that don’t get worn after a few times. I’m not completely against wearing mass produced clothes. I do wear f21, h&m and Zara, but while I was on f21 site yesterday I was just so turned off by it..
Paunnet says
The bustier is adorable and you look so cute in it. I wish I had the guts to pull off the high-waisted skirt + bustier look!
Chie says
Thank you Anna! The high waisted skirt has elastic waist, and it is so comfortable! I can’t believe I found it for $5..
Keis says
Hey, this is cool! I love the bustier.
BTW, you were featured in the Etsy International email newsletter thing this week.
Chie says
Hi Keis, yea, I saw it twice this week! My chevron stripe top and strawberry dress were in the newsletters. I was thrilled!
Oksancia says
This top is adorable! Perfect for summer heat!
Chie says
Thank you! It’s my new favorite too! it is great as a bra that can be shown under neath a sheer top:)
Isabel says
Hi, I am absolutely in love with that bustier top. Do you know if you can show a tutorial of how to make it? Thanks so much
Chie says
Hi Isabel! Sorry I didn’t respond to your comment sooner. I’d love to share a tutorial, but at this point I don’t have time to work on it.. sorry:( Some day!!