Happy day, wonderful people! We hope you’ve all had a great week!
In the grand tradition that is slacker Friday, this is probably the nerdiest post of all time. But I was so super stoked about salvaging this, I thought I’d share it with you guys.
Those of you who know me, have probably realized by now that I am not the fashionista.
In my defense, I’ve been making more of an effort of late…I think once you’re finally out of survival mode and the world of back to back pregnancies… that kind of helps.
If this were true, my life would be effortless.
But this is more like it…with pajamas. Paint covered pajamas. Don’t hate.
Working from home has its perks. But when I do try with a trendy outfit, it usually ends up like this.
Meh.
So today, I wanted to share simple solution. Nothing novel, but I’m pretty sure one that we don’t really think of that often.
I had this dress, and it was my favorite. My very favoritest dress of all time. {No, that’s not a word, and yes, my use of incorrect grammar should be directly proportional to my love for that dress.} That perfect default dress that you can throw on to go anywhere, and the general population would be none the wiser about the fact that you just rolled up out the bed and threw it on. It was still in great shape, condition-wise {read: no fuzz balls.} But it was fading beyond it’s original deep blue, and kind of bumming me out.
So I decided, as a Custer’s Last Stand kind of move, to whip out the dye.
I gave it a quick dip {following the directions on the box} followed up with a wash, and…
Cue super-spiffy-nerdo-no-one-really-leans-or-looks-out-of-their-glasses-like-that-unless-they’re-stuck-in-an-80’s-Doublemint-Gum-commercial pose. {Speaking of gum commercials, did anyone else practice putting it in their mouths like the actors do, when they were little, or was it just me? Should I have admitted that?} Displaying my fave dress revamped oh so shamelessly proudly…we may have a good few seasons left, after all. I love you, dress.
What?
Sometimes, the subtle things can make a huge difference! Sometimes it’s worth it to make a little effort. ;} Just a little something I thought I’d share for you to stick in your proverbial back pocket for later…I know I’m not the only one. What’s something you’ve shamelessly salvaged lately?
Have an inspired day, everyone!
Centsational Girl says
Oh em gee that Doublemint gum pose is priceless ! Girl you crack me up, I love me some Rit dye for reviving old clothing, totally works, tried it once on my jeans and wow!
xo
Kate
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey sweet Kate! I had totally forgotten you did that! I went to look it up. Everyone needs to re-live your clever dye job! ;} http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/04/a-cheap-dye-job/
totally brillz for jeans! ;}
JP says
Love this idea! Hilariously perfect.
Anna says
How do you take something so seemingly boring and make it hilarious? Love it!
Jenna says
I am completely going to have to try this
Delaney S. says
So doing this. And I love those ecards too
Leah says
You. Are. Adorable. Love it!!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you Leah. I just thoroughly enjoy flying my nerd flag. You are so sweet! ;}
Sharmin says
This was such a fun post to read – i’m really happy for you! there’s nothing like having a favorite “go-to” dress!!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
HA! So glad + So true! ;} It was fun to bring back to life!
Sunny Jane says
I SO laughed at that doublemint pose! Hilarious!
betsy says
now it’s the perfect AUBURN navy! maybe with an orange belt for the games!!??
absolutely love your blog!
war eagle!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
WAR EAGLE, Betsy! You are correct… I already have the perfect belt. ;} Woohoo!
Shalagh says
I had finally lost 10 pounds and had a give away bag of “big” clothes in the closet. Had a wonderful surprise, I’m knocked up. I just went back through that bag and pulled a few things. No shame in that game. My post baby(seven year old now) wardrobe was looking really good. I’d even bought me some wedges. I suppose I should be looking forward to having yet another excuse to shop for clothes that fit my new mama bod. I am so happy for you and your beloved dress Ms. Ashley. You are too cute.
Pine Tree Home says
I’ve always been so afraid to try a dye job on anything but my hair :). I remember my Mom using the stuff all the time though and quickly transforming faded clothes. The dress looks fab on you and I like the belt!
Valerie J. says
Looks great! Good reminder that with some effort we can enjoy some of our favorite things a bit longer.
Audra says
I just had to let you know I popped on this site to look for printables and then ended up poking around forever (great site). Anyways, I read this post and had to laugh because I am sitting in my favorite blue faded old navy dress, which as far as I can tell is the same dress you dyed! Lol, at least now I know how to perk her up again!