• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • Privacy Policy
  • CONTACT
  • RECIPES
  • VINTAGE GUIDE
  • ETSY SHOP
  • INSTAGRAM
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Bloglovin
  • Instagram

Suzanne Carillo

40+ Adventurous style solutions for the uncommon woman

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • Privacy Policy
  • CONTACT
  • RECIPES
  • VINTAGE GUIDE
  • ETSY SHOP
  • INSTAGRAM
  • Suzanne Carillo adventurous style for the uncommon woman over 40
  • buy vintage online vintagebysuzanne etsy shop
  • DIY projects suzanne carillo over 40 adventurous style
dressing for my fantasy life Suzanne Carillo

Fantasy Life Escape To The Château

… [Read More...]

what have we done wild fire emergency australia

What Have We Done? Environmental Emergency

… [Read More...]

zack pinsent commitment to style and sustainability

Commitment To Style & Sustainability Zack Pinsent

… [Read More...]

top tips to thrift quality footwear

Top Tips To Thrift Quality Footwear

… [Read More...]

Painted Face Dress DIY With Trendy Red Boots

November 12, 2017 by suzanne carillo

I stumbled upon this amazing face dress when surfing Anthropologie’s website a few months ago.

Immediately I knew I was not willing to pay out the $450 US that was required to own such a cool piece. Instead, I thought I’d DIY that sucker.

diy painted face dress Suzanne Carillo

Painted Face Dress DIY

I already had a black slip dress from a few years back.

The Anthropologie dress that provided the inspiration for this project is beaded and that is what I thought I wanted to try to do.

These were the materials I put together to do the project initially.

materials required for DIY painted face dress suzanne carillo

 

Scratch that idea.

Don’t bother with all those beads, it was a nightmare.

It took FOREVER to sew on the beads and the fabric puckered horribly. The whole thing looked very unprofessional.  I finished the nose and hated it. Removing the beads afterwards took almost as much time as sewing them on. ARGH!!!  The plight of the DIY’er.

Start over.

Instead, I decided to simply paint directly on the dress. So much easier!

DIY how to sketch a face on a dress

Materials required:

Black slip dress, acrylic paints in multiple colours of your choosing (you can buy fabric paint but I don’t think it is necessary) and a white pencil crayon for sketching.

Method:

  1. Sketch your design directly onto the dress with the white pencil.
  2. Once you are satisfied with your sketch paint directly on the dress.
  3. Be sure to place a piece of cardboard under the area you are painting otherwise the paint will bleed through to the other side of the dress.
  4. You can heat set the paint by simply putting it in the dryer afterwards however it has been my experience that once you paint that acrylic onto fabric it’s there forever.
  5. The dress is fine to be washed, removing any white pencil sketch marks that remain.

 

I’m really pleased with how it turned out.

easy painted dress diy suzanne carillo

 

I painted the initial sketch with just one line.

Afterwards I decided to go back around and paint small dots on the inside and outside of those lines mimicking the beading and thickening the image.

painted dress suzanne carillo

 

how to diy a painted face dress suzanne carillo

I’ve layered a turtleneck under the slip dress as we are well into cooler cold temperatures now.

(groan)

Oh how I hate winter.

The vintage red boots are for sale in my Etsy store FYI.

wear the red boot trend over 40 suzanne carillo
Red vegan high heel boots size 6.5 – 7 US or 37 EU for sale in my Etsy store.

 

I’ve got a little collection of 1980s-90s red boots in my store now as they are so on trend.

Besides…who doesn’t like wearing red boots?

They sass up whatever you’re wearing, like an exclamation mark at the end of a sentence.

wear the red boot trend over 50 suzanne carillo

Plus it is well known fact that wearing powerful red Super Woman boots means you can jump tall buildings in a single bound.

Or in my case, chubby pugs.

Same difference.

painted face dress DIY by suzanne carillo

I’m thinking about shortening the dress a bit. It looks fine when I’m wearing tall boots or when I stretch but I can’t go around stretching all day.

Unless there are a bunch of 70% dark chocolate bars hanging from the ceiling.

Yeah, I’d stretch all day long for that no problemo.

painted face dress DIY suzanne carillo

Have you ever painted on clothing?

If so, did it turn out?

 

Here are some other DIY projects I’ve created by painting on fabric; painted jean jackets, painted jeans, doodled jeans, painted t-shirt.

 

Linking up with the lovely Patti over at Visible Monday.

 

 

 

 

Please follow and like us:
Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Visit Us
Follow Me
Tweet
Pinterest
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
Instagram

Wardrobe Malfunction The Perils Of Thrifting

November 9, 2017 by suzanne carillo

I’ve had a few weird things happen while thrifting. There have been vintage dresses that were near impossible to remove from my body without having to relocate both of my shoulders. I’ve had near panic attacks during such episodes where I fear running out of the fitting room, a deformed thrift monster, dress stuck, arms pinned firmly above my head, a headless, blind, trapped, terrified creature bumping into walls all the while screaming,

“GET THIS F’ING THING OFF ME!!!“

There have been dresses that create a quadro boob, getting stuck just below or above the boob shelf, refusing to budge. Thank heavens boobs are adjustable, although that was far from a pain free removable as I remember and I needed help from a friend to escape.

Of course I’ve had the occasional zipper that gets stuck in which case I’m not above coming out of the fitting room and asking for help. Shame is a useless emotion when thrifting. Get over it.

I’ve had stuck zippers on skirts that had to be cut off me in the fitting room at Anthropologie in NYC by two hottie guys.

Most recently I had a fight with a pair of boots.

These boots to be precise.

My Wardrobe Malfunction – The Perils Of Thrifting

the boots from hell

They look innocent enough right?

I tried them on and although they were a titch tight on my man-cows (very large calves) it wasn’t worse than any other boots I’ve tried on before.

That is until I tried to remove them at which point one of boots decided they weren’t prepared to let me go. The zipper was stuck. As in, it won’t budge, at all, stuck. I tried and tried in the fitting room to move it a little bit. Nope. Not moving.

I came out of the fitting room after trying for five minutes on my own and breathlessly exclaimed,

“I have a “boot emergency!”

The cashier seemed totally non plussed by the whole thing,

“Okay honey,” she cooed and then went on about her business.

Ummm….hello?! That means I need help lady! 

So I tried again this time with a bit more force,

“Like, no, I need help. My foot is stuck and it won’t come out. For real!“

Suddenly realizing that I was beginning to panic she clued into my predicament and searched around for some pliers for me to try.

I tried.

Nope, not helping.

Eventually after watching me helplessly struggle on my own for another five minutes she finally gave in and decided to assist me.

She was a considerable woman and she couldn’t make the zipper budge.

By this time some other customers empathizing over my predicament also tried their hand at moving the zipper.

Nope.

One then suggested that I might consider buying the boots only so I could cut it off my leg.

Not an option.

It wasn’t my fault the zipper got stuck! 

I wasn’t giving up.

One gal gave it her best shot, she was making some headway and then the entire zipper pull just snapped off completely. She fell backwards with the force.

No one was happy.

I was really stuck now.

Let’s be clear, I did not like the boots enough to wear them the rest of my life.

My determination set in. Another customer agreed to tug at the boot while I endeavoured to mentally force my leg and foot to shrink all the while pulling in the opposite direction.

The pleather did stretch some, my foot was now painfully wedged in the narrow ankle section of the boot.

Progress!

The friendly woman that was helping me decided it wasn’t a good idea to continue when some other customer mentioned that she might break my foot in the process.

Nice.

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

It was left to me, alone.

I was determined. I didn’t want that pair of boots. Heck I didn’t even like them anymore, I despised those damn boots.

I was covered in sweat.

It was going to happen.

Grunting, pulling, straining and tightening.

It.

was.

going.

to.

come.

off.

Dammit.

I still had one more thrift store to visit. I’ll be damned if some stupid boot is going to mess up my thrifting schedule!

I painfully and ever-so-slowly inched my way out of that boot, pulling out my shoulders and neck in the process.

It took about fifteen minutes to stretch the pleather enough to free my foot.

Just another day at the thrift store my friends.

No one told me this would be a dangerous profession.

Oh and here’s an outfit I wore. No wardrobe malfunctions with any of it thankfully!

Wardrobe malfunction. How to wear vintage over 50 suzanne carillo

 

how to wear thrifted clothing over 50 suzanne carillo
The 1970s suede leather embroidered maxi skirt is for sale if you’re interested…28″ waist.

 

how to wear vintage clothing over 40 suzanne carillo
Skirt, boots, top thrifted – Talize, Hat – estate sale.

 

 

Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction while shopping?

If so, what happened?

 

Please follow and like us:
Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Visit Us
Follow Me
Tweet
Pinterest
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
Instagram
  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80
  • …
  • 964
  • Next Page »

Hi! I’m Suzanne

Suzanne Carillo About

I'm a 50+ avid secondhand shopper, vintage lover and reseller that caters to the incessant demands of a diva pug named Zoë.

NEWSLETTER & EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION



When you sign up for my newsletter you will get 4 emails per month. These will contain a weekly round up of my blog posts.

MY ETSY SHOP

Vintage by Suzanne Etsy Shop The Best Secondhand and Vintage Online


Tip Top Thrift Tips

https://youtu.be/AaXcgZGbSqE

Thrift Shop Fight Club

https://youtu.be/btV7ZZG_jIE

Instagram

vintagebysuzanne

Y2K Designer Zebra Print Dress Semi Sheer Clubbing Y2K Designer Zebra Print Dress Semi Sheer Clubbing Dress Body Con Evening Cocktail Party Dress Fitted Semi Sheer Black Mini Dress - XS/S⁣
⁣
Shop the link below⁣
https://vintagebysuzanne.etsy.com/listing/4450885408⁣
⁣
⁣
#vintagebysuzanne #vintagedress #vintagedressforsale #forsale #buynow #vintage⁣
 #eveningdress ⁣
 #y2k #etsyshop #etsyseller ⁣
#blackdress #LBD⁣
#vintageclothing #vintagefashion #vintagestyle #vintagelove #vintagestore #vintageforsale #shopvintage
1960s Blue Plaid Pantsuit Vintage Two Piece Leisur 1960s Blue Plaid Pantsuit Vintage Two Piece Leisure Suit Blazer Wide Cropped Leg XS/S⁣
⁣
Shop the link below⁣
https://vintagebysuzanne.etsy.com/listing/4505276182
Striped Polo Shirt TOMMY HILFIGER Vintage Preppy R Striped Polo Shirt TOMMY HILFIGER Vintage Preppy Red White Blue Sporty Casual Short Sleeve Summer Golf Shirt - S⁣
⁣
Shop the link below⁣
https://vintagebysuzanne.etsy.com/listing/4504612881
Vintage 60s SEA QUEEN One Piece Bathing Suit Black Vintage 60s SEA QUEEN One Piece Bathing Suit Black White Floral SwimSuit Short Waisted - S⁣
⁣
Shop the link below⁣
https://vintagebysuzanne.etsy.com/listing/4504624853
Some people are instrumental in helping others, un Some people are instrumental in helping others, unaware of the impact they have made on someone else's life.⁣
⁣
In my recent hot yoga the instructor read out loud while we transitioned through poses, ⁣
⁣
When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. It's a reminder of what it means to face resistance and keep moving. Like an airplane meeting headwinds, we often find our strength not in smooth skies but in turbulent ones. Headwinds build lift. They give the wings something to push against. In the same way, strength through resistance is born in those moments when everything feels uphill. It’s in these moments that quiet courage grows, even when it doesn’t feel heroic. Struggles don’t always mean we’re failing. They may mean we’re in the very place where transformation begins. The wind that pushes against you now might be the wind that teaches you how to soar. ⁣
⁣
Hot yoga and this teacher in particular has been a saviour for me. The meditative lessons on overcoming challenges in life have made me weep openly while on my mat but they have also helped loosen the trauma trapped deep inside the tissues of my body. ⁣
⁣
Do you have a story of someone that unknowingly helped you?
70s Pink Disco Shirt LESLIE J Funky Floral Novelty 70s Pink Disco Shirt LESLIE J Funky Floral Novelty Print Vintage Groovy Shirt - XS/S⁣
⁣
Shop the link below⁣
https://vintagebysuzanne.etsy.com/listing/4504617265
Vintage Silk Damask Embroidered Maxi Dress Dressin Vintage Silk Damask Embroidered Maxi Dress Dressing Gown Jacquard Pink Robe Loungewear 40s 50s - Small⁣
⁣
Shop the link below⁣
https://vintagebysuzanne.etsy.com/listing/4503897867
Vintage Cheongsam Dress Chinese Asian 50s/60s Hand Vintage Cheongsam Dress Chinese Asian 50s/60s Handmade Gold Damask Evening Cocktail Party Formal Event Wedding Guest Dress - XXS⁣
⁣
Shop the link below⁣
https://vintagebysuzanne.etsy.com/listing/4503890500
Vintage Y2K Blue Sequin Beaded Formal Evening Gown Vintage Y2K Blue Sequin Beaded Formal Evening Gown Designer FRANK USHER Old Hollywood - S/M⁣
⁣
Shop the link below⁣
https://vintagebysuzanne.etsy.com/listing/4503312668
Vintage Ruched Evening Dress Yellow Floral Damask Vintage Ruched Evening Dress Yellow Floral Damask 1980s Wedding Date Night Dress - M⁣
⁣
Shop the link below⁣
https://vintagebysuzanne.etsy.com/listing/4503291121
Vintage White Stripe Day Dress 70s 80s Mod Preppy Vintage White Stripe Day Dress 70s 80s Mod Preppy Midi Lunch Date Shirt Dress⁣
⁣
Shop the link below⁣
https://vintagebysuzanne.etsy.com/listing/4503277627
Teal Leather Pants Vintage 1980s FRENCESCA SCACCHI Teal Leather Pants Vintage 1980s FRENCESCA SCACCHI Rock N Roll Evening Clubbing Trousers With Pockets - XS⁣
⁣
Shop my Etsy below⁣
https://vintagebysuzanne.etsy.com/listing/4501044491⁣
⁣
#leather⁣
#leatherpants⁣
#etsyshop⁣
#vintagebysuzanne⁣
#vintageforsale
Follow on Instagram

PINTEREST

Visit Suzanne's profile on Pinterest.

CATEGORIES

  • Beauty Tips
  • Blogging Tips & Tricks
  • DIY Crafty
  • Home Decor
  • How To Shop & Style Vintage Clothing
  • My Two Bits
  • Organizing & Storage Solution
  • Outfit Ideas Women
  • Outfits Men
  • Recipes
  • Style & Shopping Tips
  • Surgery Gone Horribly Wrong
  • Travel Wardrobe
  • Travels/Photos
  • Writing

Dear Reader:

Please be aware that Suzanne Carillo Style Files contains advertising and affiliate marketing links.

 

 







 




 

Blog Love

  • Bag and a Beret
  • Not Dead Yet Style
  • Petite Over 40
  • 40+ Style: how to dress, beauty and fashion for women over 40
  • Style Crone
  • Shybiker
  • Spy Girl
  • A Colourful Canvas
  • Vintage Vixen
  • Forest City Fashionista
  • No Fear Of Fashion
  • Curly Traveller
  • Fake Fabulous

ARCHIVES

Copyright © 2026 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.