You may remember this skirt and my problem with the wonky pattern matching at the back.
Thanks to the great suggestion by one of my lovely readers, Tamera-the-problem-solver, I have a solution.
Voila the exposed zipper.
Brilliant solution Tamera!
I bought a double opening zipper. I decided to leave the last bit of it open for the back slit and then stiched a bit at the top of the slit so that the rest of the zipper can no longer open.
Both pieces are from Anthropologie. That cardigan is very old and the necklace is one of my handmade pieces. The bag is vintage.
I must admit I was a bit scared tackling this. It would have been different if it were a thrifted piece that didn't cost much but this skirt although on sale was still expensive enough that I didn't want to wind up with something unwearable.
Now though I have a totally unique piece.
Have you had to do a Project Runway intervention of any of your wardrobe pieces before? If so, did they turn out as good as you'd hoped?
Linking up with: Trend Setters 52 Pick Me Up Show Me Your Style The Pleated Poppy ,Wardrobe Wednesday, The Style Sessions My Girlish Whims I Feel Pretty , Favourite Things Keeping It Casual Mix and Match Fashion Favourite Fashion Friday
Much better! I like chunky zippers anyways, so I think this was a great fix! I also really like your loose curls and the rest of the outfit! I love altering my clothes a little to improve just a tad–it’s definitely easier than starting from scratch. Though it is less scary when the piece didn’t cost much to begin with!
I’m glad it worked out!! It looks like it came that way from Anthro!!
I LOVE it with that sweater–it picks up the color of the hearts perfectly!!
I’m always altering or tweaking my thrifted treasures to fit me!!
I think this looks better with the expose zipper than it did originally. Well done! As for sewing projects, that will be nada for me. I am thinking of asking my hubby for a sewing machine for Christmas so I can learn basic skills. Any suggestion on a good reasonable priced beginner sewing machine?
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Love that outfit- the colour is great on you- and the zipper makes that skirt way more attractive, more shapely somehow?
Wow, great job and a gorgeous look! The skirt fits you much better now – and enhances your fab figure!! The jacket is so cute, I love the ruffles.
Lovely colours too. Today I wore a beige-black outfit and the weather was a mixture between light grey and dark grey…. Now I know that I must wear colours tomorrow, it is mood lifting during this season!
Annette | Lady of Style
Trust Tamera to come up with a creative solution! I adore that skirt and everything else you’re wearing. xxx
GAK! This turned out FABULOUS! Honestly, so much better than the original. And your tweaks with having it open like a slit…Bravo.
I’m loving your hair today! And your glasses…the whole look lights up the camera!
How clever! Not only it hides the mismatched pattern but adds even more interest to the skirt! You look stunning in this outfit! That bursting coral sweater compliments your hair and your skin so well. You’re glowing in these pictures, Suzanne!
I love that store. I love this skirt. In fact, I’m swooning over the entire outfit, necklace included. You look so artistic and chic.
WOOHOO!
What a brillant idea! Totally makes that skirt more of a one of a kind piece!
Yay. Our Tamera is a LEGEND!
Love that necklace, you clever sausage! XXX
Holy hell you look amazing in this! Well done and that skirt is hella sexy now too! Okay but seriously, you look amazing. Like amazing. really.
-Jamie
ChatterBlossom
What a clever solution (also I like it even better with this red top!_
great save and love the exposed zipper. You look terrific as always xo
Yes, customized clothing is always a touch of uniqueness and this solution is so simple and awesome! You look fabulous, romantic top + skirt and I love your handmade necklace!
You inspired me Tamera : )
I am far from professional when it comes to sewing. The machine I bought came from Walmart. A Brother sewing machine. I’ve had it for years and just bought it because it wasn’t too expensive. It doesn’t do anything fancy, but then it hasn’t broken down either. I do see sewing machines all the time at Estate Sales for very cheap.
So true that colour does lift the spirit.
Telling me I look artistic is about the best compliment I could ask for : ) Thanks
This is a first. I have never been called a clever sausage before. LOL
: )
Heart attack! 😉 Oh I love this look! xxx
http://www.stylentonic.com
Wow! It looks gorgeous! Why didn’t I ever take a sewing class, gosh darn it!?
What a flat out awesome save! I honestly think it looks even cooler now with the zipper up the back. It’s a little edgy and rock-and-rollish in the most stylish kind of way.
♥ Jessica
I looooooooooove that skirt on you! The second outfit is gorgeous! Adding the zipper was brilliant and adds a nice edge to an otherwise borderline too sweet skirt.
Nicely done, the zipper looks fabulous. I have no skills like that whatsoever. Honestly, you could’ve been wearing a paper bag though, I was so distracted by that hair! Love it! Did you have to beat it into submission or did it willingly play along? I’m diggin’ the side swept bangs too…I might have to copy…
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com
I think this was day two of the curls. I had to put it up back in pin curls at the top of my head at night to keep them. Although I love the look it is a huge pain in the butt to get it. My hair has to set for at least 4 hours in the pins. Last time I tried doing it at night and sleeping on it made it turn out kinky rather than curly because I crush the curls. I’m sure you won’t have this problem though because your hair probably has more texture and is thicker than mine.
Susanne this skirt is so great!
I have to stay away from Anthropologie- I spend enough as it is –
Isn’t great you saved your beloved skirt – I don’t like exposed zipper, but it looks good on tha skirt –
Your necklace is so adorable, i found a necklace DIY made with old buttons, it will look like yours but using old buttons –
Take care
Ariane
Tks Suzanne, Un gros Merci for participating in the Giveaway
Do people read blogs? That might a great blog subject or are they allergic to giveaways or something?
What a great solution!!! I must remember that. The skirt looks perfect now and as you say unique.
Love your cardigan and necklace too.
I wish I had you hourglass figure. Sigh. Oh well, we all have something.
Greetje
Love this, everything perfect to my eyes! Great colors and I like the necklace!
blue hue wonderland
What an inventive solution! And it worked out great! Love the whole outfit, also the self-made necklace. Lovely and cool!
And you yourself, you seem to get prettier (and slimmer?) all the time! Keep using that red lipstick; it looks fab on you!
Suzanne – stop it, omg! This outfit is one of my favorites from anyone ever! You look like a Valentine! I absolutely adore it. And genius fix with the exposed zipper. It gives the skirt some funk and edge beyond its practical use of hiding that off pattern.
🙂 Liz
amazing outfit and love the necklace
I love what you did with that skirt…I wish I had even a quarter of your craftiness. But seriously, I had a hard time focusing on the skirt because your hair is so freakin’ gorgeous in these pics!!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com
Oooh La La, Suzanne! What a brilliant idea and it looks like you did a great job. I love the whole outfit-so stylish and chic and so you! The flower necklace is great! I think this is at least the second time you have scared me with your blog title and I thought you were saying goodbye. You are not allowed to do that!
XO