DIY: Turn Your Thrift-Find into High Fashion.

Believe it or not, I AM A BIG FAN of thrift shops or what we called the Ukay-ukay stores. I can even tell you every thrift store in the metro. There you can find fabulous finds from bags, accessories, to beautiful clothing pieces. And if you are lucky, you can find designers-items like Prada shoes, LV bag, esprit clothes etc.

However, have you ever found something at a thrift shop that fit, was flattering but wasn't quite in fashion? And, have you ever experience that “instant light bulb above your head” when you figure out how to solve that simple defect?  Learn how to DIY (Do-It-Yourslf)  or camouflage  that problem:

DO IT YOURSELF:

I bought this Ukay-ukay bag a year ago.
and it's still good. I did some fraying on the strap.
http://lookbook.nu/look/1099923-Turquoise-Monday

1.) If the item is too large, has dated buttons, rusted zipper, or torned hem line. You can be a fairy god mother of fashion and give a fashion lift to this thrift find. If the hem is too long, cut it to your desired length and do the running stitch on it. Or if its too short simply find an interesting lace or trim at a sewing supply store (take a trip to Divisoria).

2.) Parts that show fraying such as button holes, hems can be treated one of two ways. For a more traditional look, put a clear plastic nail polish and laid upon the fraying area and gently turning the threads in the same direction as it dries can flatten the threads. A second treatment is to modernize the look by fraying the item more dramatically to make the "worn" look a part of the fashion statement. Replace buttons, look to magazines or internet to search the latest fashion and match your buttons, be it Nautical, or military inspired buttons. Replace deformed zippers with a sleek contemporary zipper.

3.) You can also add some patches or beadings to your thrift-finds for a modern twist. Find the manufacturer's label like the wash care label to see the washing instructions on the underside.

Your garment is now customized as a new-retro fashion statement.

Your Designer 101

Anthony