My height (at a respectable 5’9 or 175 cm) was a definite source of despair when I was young. I sprang up like a bean sprout and had no idea how to manage my gangly limbs, which felt like a bunch of sharp angles that lacked a common goal. I’ve definitely grown into my height in later years (and admittedly make myself even more Amazonian with 5 inch heels!) But, as I’ve mentioned before, my fabulous vertical prowess also comes complete with an exceptionally long torso. While I fully (now) embrace my elongation, I have to admit there’s been many a vintage dress I’ve had to leave behind due to the fact that it was simply too short in the bodice for me…
When I first spied this dress on Etsy, all embroidered checks and button-backed cuteness (and on sale!), I barely hesitated to scoop her up. She finally arrived and I tore into the package to find she was everything she promised to be and more. And then I tried her on. Sadly, despite being the perfect measurements for my waist and bust, she was too short in the bodice and thus I couldn’t even button her up. I nearly cried. But, necessity is the mother of invention…
If there’s anyone out there with a similar long-waisted affliction-of-fabulousity, I wanted to share a simple sewing trick to lengthen a bodice. Being that this dress was sleeveless, I carefully unpicked each of the shoulder straps on either side and stitched in two strips of a beautiful cream lace ribbon I found at Textile Traders. I closed the seams over the lace and restitched the seams and ric rac so my adjustments looked invisible. Then, I was able to fasten the dress at my natural waist, and tie the shoulders the the correct height, making the bodice adjustment complete!
I would definitely not recommend attacking a vintage dress until you feel confident – do a test run on a less-than precious garment first or take it to a professional. However, if you have a bit of sewing skill, this is a reasonably simple alteration. The best part is that, if done carefully, the ribbons can be easily removed down the line should you pass on the garment to the next woman who will be a part of her story. I’m really happy with how it turned out, and actually love the added whimsy the lace ties provide the overall look.
I spent the majority of last week feeling pretty run down. There was a cold raging through the lab (It always happens. When you work in such close proximity, the lab becomes a veritable petri dish). It was a beast of a cold and I’m still not 100% back to normal. But, here’s hoping I can start the week on a healthy upswing. At least I can ease into it a bit, as Mondays tend to be my ‘writing day’ – the day I sequester myself in my office and try to catch up on things like manuscripts, journal reviews, and editorial comments for students. I will admit that a cute outfit always puts a spring in my step, so perhaps my shoulder ribbons will make up for the red nose and the back buttons will compensate for the croaky voice.
Happy week everyone!
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: Jumblelaya (similar modern or vintage here, here, here, & here)
Necklace: ASOS (similar here & here)
Handbag: Gift (similar here, here & here)
Shoes: Jelly Pop via Amazon (similar here, here & here)
.
instagram // twitter // facebook // pinterest
