It’s no secret that we love fashion! Thrifted fashion in particular offers so many benefits. It’s sustainable for the planet and it gives folks from all walks of life the opportunity to build their personal style affordably. Searching through the brightly colored aisles of clothing is an adventure and there is so much to discover! Everything from a vintage pair of culottes shorts, to designer brands, and even bridal and evening gowns. It’s a great place for style inspiration too. You can even find something and alter it to make a completely different look so there is truly no limit to what can be created from a simple find.
We’re back this June with Cassidy Burel for Stitched Up: Goodwill Alterations. Cassidy is a fabulously talented Fashion Designer, and Owner of CassB By Design. She is our inspiration and our guide to exploring what can be done with some selective alterations of thrifted finds! She starts with a concept, shops our stores, and creates beautifully crafted fashion masterpieces. This month she has brought us a gorgeous, vintage inspired look just in time for Summer!
Can you describe your process for selecting Goodwill items for this piece?
I was immediately drawn to this look because of the fabulous hot pink. When my stylist and I pulled it from the rack we were originally thinking of having some sort of vintage theme to go with it someday but never arrived at it. Eutasha had the idea to do separates and with her creative suggestions, I created a sketch that was exciting and a new creative wearability for this outfit.
What was your process for altering this piece?
Our intention was to separate the pieces and also add an accessory. The first step, as seen in the images, was to clip the bottom of the dress completely off, being careful to leaveÂ
enough length to turn it into a skirt. It was then draped on the dress form, a few pleats were added, and ultimately, a closure finishing at the top of a dramatic high slit. After the skirt was completed, I set into clipping the desired length for the cropped blazer. It was our intention to have it set just under the bust point. I pressed the center front edge outwards creating a lapel and hand sewed it in place.Â
The front was finally finished with a hook and eye underneath and topped with one of the original buttons from the dress. The excess fabric was cut on a bias in a triangular shape and worn as a bandana.Â
What was your inspiration for the finished piece?
Myself and my stylist were inspired both by the vibrancy of the hot pink as well as the cropped and miniskirt trends blending into the suit world. Today, a matching pants suit is one of the most fashionable ways to class up your look for a girls night out, a shopping spree, or even for a day on the job. We’ve taken it one step further by taking the trendy matching suit and making our look club appropriate and geared more towards a night out with the girls.Â
It’s one thing to be on trend, but it’s another to take a trend and make it your own. Never stop striving to express yourself through dress.
Cassidy shows of this look in the glowing summer sun. You can find her designs @cassb_by_designs & modeling @cassidy.burel on Instagram
She works closely with her stylist and creative director, Eutasha Harewood @eutashastylesharewood on Instagram, to complete the retro summer look
And the super talented photographer, Jewan, owner of Truvision Media, @truvisionmedia on Instagram, makes the vision come alive!
So there you have it! Cassidy has taken a simple Triad Goodwill thrift store find and created an absolute look. We are so honored that we have the chance to work with her and her amazingly creative, talented team! Stay tuned each month for Stitched Up: Goodwill Alterations, to see what beautiful creations they come up with next.Â
Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram for the latest on Stitched Up and everything else we do! And remember 85 cents of every dollar you spend at Triad Goodwill goes towards our mission of improving lives and enriching communities through the power of work! Want to upcycle some looks of your own? visit one of our stores and see what you can create!
Credits:
Photographer:Â Jewan Taylor (@truvisionmedia)
Creative director/stylist:Â Eutasha Harewood (@eutashastylesharewood)
Designer:Â Cassidy Burel (@cassb_by_design)
Model:Â Cassidy Burel (@cassidy.burel)