Goodwill Alterations with Chanté Gibbs
My goal was to find a cute button up and two men’s ties to create a restyled professional top with a laced up back. I figured it’d be easier for me to find a matching tie than a matching top, so I went to the women’s long sleeve section first.
I wanted the shirt to have a slightly oversized fit with an interesting element or pattern. Ultimately I found a plaid button up with a pretty brown color scheme. I also really liked the gold vintage buttons on it. After deciding to use it for this month’s Stitched Up, I went to the men’s section and searched for ties that complement the shirt. Luckily, I found two ties with nice unique patterns and colors that paired well with the top.
How do I make it?
- After washing the button up, first I tried it on again to remind myself how it fit on me.
- Then I turned it inside out and found the center of the back. Using my ruler, I made small vertical lines where each of the safety pins would go. This created three rows of two lines on each side of the center.
- Next, I attached a safety pin onto each of the lines I made.
- I grabbed the two ties I purchased earlier and pinned the small ends together to make one long tie.
- With the top turned back onto its normal side out, I inserted one end of the tie through the opening on the top left safety pin. I did the same thing with the other end of the tie but across the top right safety pin. I repeated these steps on each row, crisscrossing the connected ties like shoelaces.
- This last part is optional, but I tied the remaining end of the tie into a draped bow. 🎀
What was your inspiration?
While on Pinterest, I saw someone restyle their blazer using a ribbon and safety pins. This inspired me to do this for this month’s Stitched Up, but with my own style – a button up and ties!
By the way, Happy New Year! It’s time to declutter and clean out your closet. Here are some tips:
- Evaluate Your Closet: Make a list of what’s currently in your closet and how often you wear certain items.
- Repair/Upcycle: Determine whether it can be repaired or upcycled into something else.
- Donate: Give unwanted items to nonprofit thrift stores like Goodwill.
Chanté is a local thrift blogger and sustainable designer. She is our inspiration and guide to exploring what can be done with some creative alterations and updates of thrifted finds. Each month she starts with a concept, shops our stores, and reworks her thrift finds into high-fashion pieces. She takes us on a thrift journey from start to finish, and it’s a great ride every month!