In the winter when I am just puttering around at home you can find me wearing a uniform of sorts. Recently I began Updating Old Blazers.
The uniform consists of a long sleeve t-shirt (generally the Merona brand from Target) and jeans (whatever is on sale and can fit my pear shape). We don’t wear shoes indoors so I keep my feet warm on the cold tile with cozy leopard slippers. 🙂
If I am cooking or doing a bit of deep cleaning the ensemble is topped by an apron. My collection includes both new and vintage specimens including this denim and ticking apron I made from scraps.
But sometimes I need to run to the grocery store, Target or the school and I want to look a bit more polished. Quickly.
First I swap out my leopard slippers for colorful flat shoes, then I add a necklace and top it all off with a blazer.
The transformation takes under 30 seconds.
Updating Old Blazers
Recently when I was cleaning out the closet I came across the blazer above and one other that I never wore.
This is a nice white linen jacket.
As well as a little black tweed number.
With the thrift store price tag still on.
I wondered why I wasn’t wearing either jacket. In regards to the black jacket, it was several factors such as cheap looking buttons.
What seemed like an unfinished peplum.
And Dynasty shoulder pads. These were all easily removed.
I added new (actually antique Victorian Era) jet buttons.
Attached some pearl, rhinestone and metal chain leftover from previous jewelry making adventures to the back.
The chain attaches to the button shank and is removable when the jacket needs to be cleaned.
But the lapel still needed something. Perhaps a bit of vintage black and white soutache braid shaped into an elongated “L”. For Laura, not Laverne. 🙂
I hand tacked the trim down and then shaped some vintage black and white ribbon into a flower with a vintage button center.
I wore this jacket a few times in December and received several comments each time.
“Did you get that darling jacket at Anthro?”
“Where did you get that jacket?”
“I love your jacket!”
This inspired me to update the white jacket. Since I wanted to keep the white blazer in neutral territory I dug through my buttons and antique doily bits.
Then gathered up a bit of vintage lace.
I layered a large doily, the gathered lace, another smaller doily and held it all in place by sewing on a button. A craft pin was added to the back so it could be removed when the jacket is cleaned.
The doily butterfly was hand tacked on to the back right shoulder.
I also changed out the buttons to some favorite mother of pearl gems.
I am now happy to say that I am grabbing these jackets at least once a week now.
Is there something in your closet that could use a makeover?
Laura
You did a wonderful creative thing in your makeovers of your blazers. I especially love the black and white jacket. Sometimes the simplest changes can make a major difference.
Good Morning Laura. I love the addition of beautiful buttons, lace and ribbon to your jackets. How fun and creative!
Many years ago, I worked as a legal secretary for Oxford Industries in downtown Atlanta. They manufactured the Merona brand for Target. They had a facility in Vidalia, GA and each May, the employees would each receive a bag of Vidalia onions!
Your jackets turned out great! This is a fab idea.
Blessings,
Amy Jo
Totally awesome Laura – you have a mean sewing eye! You added some of the trim you used for the flower on the black one to the back too didn't you? And I LOVE the chain you added to the back! That is just so so so cool! The white one is just great too – amazing how such a simple addition can take it from ho-hum to fab!
Laura,
I am sure your mother's maiden name was Macgyver. I adore your jacket makeovers, especially the black tweed.
Your Friend,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com
Those are all great switch-ups. The buttons make such a great difference and are so easy to do. The little pearl chains hooked on the back are such a sweet touch. Love all your crafty bits of lace and trims. The layered flower is awesome!
Now you have another problem…aren't they just too adorable to wear just to run errands? You will have to go buy some more everyday blazers! lol
Thanks for sharing your lovely creations. (And it's very easy to see where Fashionista gets her talents from!)
Wow, amazing transformations! Bet you can really score at the thrifts since you're so talented.
This is a KELLEY post, I mean deep, deep down. I LOVE doing this kind of stuff to my clothes. Your jackets turned out so cute, and you look adorable!
In 2012 I began seeing my clothes with new eyes BEFORE giving them away. So many items had become at least one size too large, so I either cut them up, cut them down or did something to prevent them from making the CUT from my closet. I didn't regret anything I did… and neither should you!
Kelley~
These both look sooooo cute on you. I need to make me over first and then I have a ton to wear. Just gotta get this weight off. Hugs, Marty
Both the jackets are so sweet and lovely…just like you!!
chris
Oh Absolutely Laura!! I have to look and see if I gave my white linen to my Mother (which is fine) I love the butterfly you put on the back; a little surprise. On the black tweed, those buttons just do it!! They really elevate the look!
You are so very creative!
xoxo
Karena
2013 Artists Series
What a great update! I'm checking my closet now for a “candidate”!
Thank you so much, Laura, for these wonderful tips! I love how you update your “house” uniform to run errands, and the details you add to blazers is fabulous!
xoxo
Karen
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gorgeous! Love the update! You are one stylish woman Laura – even with a quick upate, you look polished! Yes, I do, I think everyone does. The problem is, I don't sew. 🙂
Perfect!
No, my closet only has what I really wear… what I don't or haven't for long I give away.
But the other day I was looking to some sweaters and thinking in adding some colorful crochet rosettes… I still might.
Thank you for sharing the tips and bit.
Teresa
Love love love love what you did with those blazers!! Just BEAUTIFUL!!! And loving all the adorable photos of you!! Tooooooooo cute!!! Thanks for the prayers for Emma's family my friend … you are a wonderful friend, and I so appreciate it!
A girl after my heart! I love to update, recreate and avoid waste whenever possible. Great, great job!!!
Well you clever gal, you've entertained and inspired me. Thank you. Wishing you a happy day, msk
You've got to be kidding?
This is what I'm going to do.
Way to go!
Love it.
I knew when I stopped by here I would be all kinds of inspiration (again!!!) and I am. You do make me smile and look at everything in a different light. Blessings.
You are a whiz, Laura! They look great.
First of all, you're gorgeous in these photos! 🙂 The blazers are awesome! I have been intrigued by the idea of updating some of my clothing this way–adding new details and all. You've inspired me to finally do it!
You rock my socks, Miss Fabulous! As always, you have come up with ways to transform the simplest of things. And I LOOOOVEDY LOVE your pretty new curtains!!
Laura, how creative you are! Your jackets looks great! You've inspired me to see what I can find to “snazzy up”!!
Hello Laura
I found your blog at WIWW, I clicked and I was amazed by your creativity!
I especially like the ruffle apron and the brooch made with doily and lace.
I decided to follow you so I could see your other wonderful creations.
Here is my blog in case you'll wanna come and say Hi!.
Carmen (from Italy)
http://marnero.blogspot.it
Cute updates! I love the ribbon flower. I'll have to go give a few things a look with a new eye. 🙂
Great makeovers!
Love it! I am co-hosting a link party called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop and would love to have you share this and any other posts with everyone. It runs from Wednesday through midnight Sunday. Here is the link to the party.
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2013/01/week-in-review-and-wednesdays-adorned.html
Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above
Bethany @ Whistle and Ivy
I absolutly love the simple little touches you added to your blazers to make them so unique and personal! I would love to start doing this with my own clothes. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration!
Great ideas, Laura, for updating those blazers! We actually needed those kinds of extra layers here over the past week of frigid weather!
Carol
You are so cute!!!!! Great job, good finds!
Hugs,
Mags
xx