Re-purposing in Red

Re-purposing items I have owned for some time that tend to linger in my closet taking up space is always an ongoing project , albeit sometimes a challenge for a non-sewer like me.
Today I had some fun re-purposing this red cocktail dress into something more my style today.

I still loved the colour , my orange red so hard to find, but frankly it was too small these days and even if that weren’t an issue it was too short with a scoopy neck and way too low at the front. So an
over dress or vest was born and I must admit to being pleased with the result.

My black and silver Moyuru skirt billows underneath , along with a plain black Paula Ryan top .
Red silk espadrilles from many Summers past , bangles and black and white necklace are today’s
accessories. My little bejeweled and tasell hat is from Tasmanian milliner Susan McMahon who
creates some of the most beautiful millinery .

Another example of re-purposing discovered recently was this early stone building , built about 1820,
that was part of our states convict history. It is on an early property named Sommercotes , that now grows and sells the most beautiful cherries . This building is now a cafe and cherry shop , re-purposing at its delicious best.

Linking with Patti for Visible Monday

Catherine for #iwillwearwhatIlike

and

Jess at Turning Heads Tuesday

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18 Comments

  1. Olga Rani
    January 24, 2017 / 12:05 pm

    Simply stunning, Jill! This re-purposed red overdress looks so interesting and so very YOU. Well done! I love the extravagant-ness of the hat and those glasses – they add yet more interest to the whole look.

    • Jill James
      January 25, 2017 / 9:28 am

      Thank you for your generous comments Olga, I must admit to how this outfit came together.

  2. Patti
    January 24, 2017 / 1:24 pm

    Loving the way you re-purposed this dress, and the end result is brilliant! xo-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Jill James
      January 25, 2017 / 9:29 am

      Many thanks to you Patti for taking time to comment and for hosting Visible Monday, it is much appreciated.

  3. Laurie Duncan
    January 24, 2017 / 3:20 pm

    What a clever idea! That is a wonderful new outfit and I would never know that it wasn't meant to be a vest! 🙂

    • Jill James
      January 25, 2017 / 9:31 am

      Thank you so much Laurie , I was pleased this dress can be pressed into service again.

  4. Jessica Jannenga
    January 24, 2017 / 5:10 pm

    Wow, what a great idea Jill! Very creative, I would have never thought to do that and it looks fantastic.Love the mix with black and your hat is lovely with the tassel detail. Wish I looked good in hats! Have a great week!Thanks for linking up !jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Jill James
      January 25, 2017 / 9:36 am

      Thank you Jess I always enjoy Turning Heads Tuesday. I do love this little hat by a local milliner.I am sure it is just a matter of finding the right hat for you.

  5. diaryofapennypincher
    January 24, 2017 / 5:39 pm

    Clever you! Your new longline vest looks brilliant!

    • Jill James
      January 25, 2017 / 9:37 am

      Thankyou Claire , I know you are rather clever with recycling and repurposing so a great compliment.

  6. Anna Parkes
    January 24, 2017 / 8:50 pm

    Jill, this vest is really eye catching and I would never have guessed that it was a cocktail dress in another life. What a clever idea. I shall now scour my closet for something that would benefit from this kind of makeover. Thanks for some wonderfully fresh inspiration!Have a fab week xAnnawww.annasislandstyle.com

    • Jill James
      January 25, 2017 / 9:39 am

      My pleasure Anna, I will look forward to seeing the result of a play in your closet, quite sure it will be spectacular.

  7. Marea Dotz
    January 26, 2017 / 4:35 pm

    Your beautiful and creative outfit assures me that you will absolutely love Japan and the fashion there. So happy you are going. You will love shopping there. The women are so nice and helpful. Don't be afraid of public transportation. It's fast and efficient and cheap. If I could figure it out, anyone can!

    • Jill James
      January 27, 2017 / 6:49 am

      Thank you so much Marea, I am looking forward both to touring Japan and of course seeing Japanese fashion. I hope we will also find the transport easy to use as we are travelling round by train.I so appreciate your advice Marea.

  8. Natalia Lialina
    January 27, 2017 / 1:36 am

    It's a stunner!! I am always amazed with your uique creativity, and this is one of the most wonderful examples. I have a linen dress that I've been thinking to use as a duster, very similarly to what you've done here. I think it is a brilliant idea!

    • Jill James
      January 27, 2017 / 6:51 am

      Thank you for your kind comments Natalia, I was pleased to wear this dress again.I will be interested to see how you restyle your linen dress.

  9. Elizabeth g. Arthur
    January 29, 2017 / 3:59 am

    And here you are, dressed fabulously in red – and cherries! (You must have wonderful cherries at Christmas…) After a month away from the blogging world, I have caught up with you, Jill (although I have seen you on Instagram over the last couple of weeks). Your planned trip to Japan sounds exciting, enjoy all the preparations. xx

    • Jill James
      January 29, 2017 / 11:40 pm

      I hope you had a wonderful Christmas /New Year break Elizabeth and have enjoyed your Summer, although I know you have experienced extreme heat this year.The cherries were a little late this year due to a wet Winter and Spring but are really delicious. Nice to have you back in blogging land and many thanks for your always kind comments.

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