remix | Frocks & Frou Frou

Top: Remixed, Uniqlo

One of the very first remix projects I did on Frocks and Frou Frou was a big red heart tee way back in 2010. And here I am 6 years later, still putting whopping great red hearts on things. The more things change, the more etc etc…!

In fact, I was actually kind of inspired by the It’s Mutual Tee, which I saw on Modcloth a few weeks ago. At $30 it’s perfectly affordable for US customers, but the Australian dollar’s not being on online-shopper’s friend right now, and I was baulking at the postage charge when I realised what an easy remix project it would be.

I bought a drapey white tee from Uniqlo, some red fabric paint, and some adhesive foam sheets (though to be honest, that was probably overkill, and you could just use cardboard!)

First step is to make your heart shape. I always use a piece of paper folded in half to ensure that it’s symmetrical. One you have the size and shape you’re happy with put your top on, and position the heart. Make sure you mark the position with a pin!

Now you need to transfer that heart shape onto something that the paint won’t seep through. I used adhesive foam, but as long it’s relatively waterproof (and you’re confident you can stop it from slipping around) you could use anything. Plastic contact paper could be good, and VERY easy to source, what with all the kids going back to school! Trace around the heart shape and cut the middle out.

Slip a layer of cardboard into the top, and pin the extra fabric to the back so it won’t wriggle about. Position your heart cut-out where you’ve marked, then pour some of your fabric paint into a little bowl.

A make-up sponge is a good choice for applying the paint. Start with the edges, then cover off the rest. You’ll have to let it dry for 48 hours, but after that the paint won’t budge. Wash, and you’re ready to wear!

And here’s the finished product!

I wore it with this fabulous pleated tulle skirt from NZ label Sera Lilly Curve. It’s like a tutu, but a little more appropriate for day-wear. I sized up because I hate tight elasticised waistbands and it’s perfect. I’m a bit nervous about washing it for the first time because the pleats would be a total pain-in-the-ass to iron, but I wore it the other day and did a lot of lolling about on couches and it didn’t crush, so the pleats could very well be permanent.

And if you love the heart tee, but just don’t really have the time or inclination to make it yourself there’s plenty of options to buy ready made!

1. Heart Slouchy tee / 2. Red Heart Tee Oversized / 3. It’s Mutual Tee / 4. Heart Shirt

Jumpsuit (remixed): Missguided

Shoes: Steve Madden

Necklace: Modcloth

I like to think that I’m not really into following trends – or maybe it’s just that I find that so few trends actually suit me. Entire seasons will pass me by while I hit “refresh” on the new items button of all my favourite websites without seeing anything that tempts me. It’s usually when I start doing a lot of sewing, so it’ll probably come as no surprise to discover that the trends of the past season or so have left me a bit cold.

I don’t wear jumpsuits, and I DEFINITELY don’t wear culottes, so when I saw this culotte jumpsuit at Missguided (though also available through Asos) I was surprised to discover how much I wanted it in my wardrobe.

I remember my first pair of culottes when I was a kid. They were a Christmas present, and I remember being first really pleased with this pretty skirt, then a bit disappointed to discover that they were actually shorts masquerading as a pretty skirt. (Remember, I was the kind of girly-girl whose favourite colour was pink, and who would throw tantrums if Mum tried to dress me in trousers). I don’t think I wore them very often to be honest, but I think I’ve finally cottoned on to their popularity.

This jumpsuit is a dress that I can wear on a hot windy day without worrying that I’m going to flash my shorts up and down the street (I’ve got a couple of new recommendations on the short front, BTW. Stay tuned). In fact, I don’t need to wear shorts underneath it at all. Because LEGS.

I’ll be honest: I still hate culotte pants – they can cut you off at the most unflattering place and unless you’re some magical culotte-wearing-genie (and they DO exist, and it’s nothing to do with size) they’ll invariably make you look a bit dumpy and short legged. But there’s something about the streamlined lines of a jumpsuit that kind of works OK.

I’ve tried jumpsuits before as well. I like the idea of them: all the convenience of a maxi-dress with none of the chafing; but I don’t have the height to pull them off and I always seem to end up looking like a Teletubby.

I ended up buying this one from Missguided, and if you decide to follow suit, I’d strongly recommend sticking to the size chart (I ended up having to send my first one back because I couldn’t get it zipped up over my boobs) and if you’re between sizes, size up. The jumpsuit style isn’t forgiving to curvy bellies when it’s snug.

The jumpsuit comes with “boning”, which are stabby little plastic strips inserted in the bodice to keep the thing up. They’re beyond useless, and sharp edged to boot, so I’d recommend doing the same hack that I did and removing them in favour of straps that you can make with a bit of ribbon. (Just make a little incision at the bottom of the lining where they’ve been inserted and they’ll slide right out).

I made sure that straps that I was attaching were in the perfect position to hide my bra-straps, and the whole effect is (IMHO) even nicer than the original.

Necklace: Modcloth

If you’re looking for something a little bit higher quality (or if you can’t be bothered attaching your own straps) you can get a very similar jumpsuit from Dream Diva. The fabric’s considerably heavier and it has a shiny formal feel to it, but I’ve tried it on in-store, and can definitely vouch for the quality.

Honestly, I’m pretty happy with this one from Missguided though. It’s breezy, and super comfortable, and I feel pretty trendy wearing it.

Frocks & Frou Frou

Tag Archives: remix

Remix: Heart to Heart

Trend-y