Refashioning: Red Valentino Inspired - Black Ruffle Bow Tie Keyhole Dress

I love the brand Red Valentino, especially dresses that are kinda throw-backy like these. 

On this one, I like the ruffle detail countered by the simple A-line short skirt.

On this one, I like the bow tie detail, harkening back to the feminine "power blouses" of the 80s. 

On this one, I love the ruffle up by the neckline.

And this blouse is awesome with the statement-making ruffle down the sides of the front, and the keyhole bow tie. 

I went to Goodwill and found this dress. It's got an awesome ruffle and bow tie, yet. . .the length of the skirt and sleeves are so over-whelming. 

Time for an update!

Before getting into the tutorial part, I wanted to show you a close-up of the ruffle/bow tie. Really awesome and worth saving!

First, I cut the sleeves off.

Then, I measured the cut-off portions to remake them into sleeve cuffs.

This is what they look like as cuffs, but before being sewn on.

Then, I cut off 5 inches from the bottom of the dress.

A close up.

Then, I hemmed the skirt up an inch.

Then, I pinned the button placket back down to the third button to make a keyhole in the neckline.

Here is the finished dress! Looks so much more modern. Cutting the length off the sleeves and hemline and opening up the keyhole really helps to make the ruffle area the statement part of the dress, instead of it getting lost in all the length and downward movement.

And because the fabric is sorta sheer, and because Red Valentino likes to layer prints under sheers, and just for fun. . .I put a polka dot skirt underneath! But you could also just wear it with a slip.

The End!

How to Fix a Missing Rhinestone on Clothing

Okay, you know how when you go to the thrift store and find the perfect sweater or dress or shirt or whatever and there is a rhinestone missing? Yeah, I hate that.

Or like...when your shirt that you love loses a decorative stone or bead?

Before you toss it into the Goodwill pile, try this hack.

Here is a beautiful sweater I found at the Goodwill the other week. I love it. Totally my style. However. . .

Upon closer inspection, I found that it was missing a rhinestone. This must've been why the original owner discarded it, because it's way too adorable to toss otherwise.

A closer look at the missing stone's setting.

This is why I keep all my beads and baubles from past clothing items and jewelry. Fortunately, I found a pearl in my inventory that fit perfectly into the setting.

I bent the setting open so I could get the pearl into it.

This wasn't going to look right with a pearl on one side and a rhinestone on the other, so the corresponding rhinestone had to go as well.

I got two pearls of the same color and size with which to work.

Then, all I did was sew them into place!

Perfection!

You can do this on any piece of clothing that has lost something.

Go thou and do likewise.

The End!