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Help: How to Save These Items

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have two items that I LOVE, but aren't wearable as they are anymore:

1. Dotty Blouse (it has a fun striped back)

The buttons have disintegrated. They should be easy to replace. Where can I get small black replacement buttons? (See pic).

2. Navy Lace Dress:

It's a beautiful old dress that fits perfectly. It's A-line so I can move freely, and the neckline and sleeves are sooooo pretty and unique. It's ombré navy lace and quite the work of art. It's WOW to me, and I hate to let it go. But I won't wear the above-the-knee length anymore. It needs a good 8 to 10 inches of extra length for me wear it again (20 to 25cm). How can I add length to it in a chic and deliberate way? I thought of a slip with tulle, or something like that - a la Deborah and Brooklyn - but I don't sew, and can't find anything suitable. Hard colour match too, and it must look professional, IYKWIM.

(Wearing it with hosiery at the shorter length is not something I want to do either).

If you have any creative thoughts, let me know! Thank you. xo

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Stella McCartney Polka-Dot Silk Blouse w/Striped Back, Black

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Ophelia Short-Sleeve Lace Sheath Dress

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72 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Anonymous

The buttons should be available at JoAnn Fabrics or sometimes even big department stores have small sewing sections! On the dress, even though I sew, adding to such a sentimental item myself would make me nervous. I would probably take to a tailor to add a layer of lace or a ruffle to the hem to extend it.

Edit to add: a tailor could also whip up a lace or ruffle him slip, and then you could even swap out different versions if you wanted! I’m picturing different colors, just for fun.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Could the dress by shortened to tunic length to wear over tailored trousers?

Phoebe1

Regarding the dress: it looks like it's lined under the lace? If so, you might consider having the entire dress re-lined, with the new lining extending below the lace. You'd lose the see-through cut-out effect at the hem, of course. This would be a job for an expert, but worth it since you love it so.

JAileen

Veteran

Re buttons, Gillian is right - Joann’s should have what you need. We have a locally owned store that I go to first. Maybe you have something like that in your area. If you would rather not go to a store, check Amazon. They really do have everything. I have bought lots of weird stuff this past year from them.

Anonymous

JoAnn Fabrics, Etsy, or Amazon for the buttons.
I just saw a couple days ago on Etsy these slips with interesting hems, called slip extenders.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/9.....nder-ivory

unfrumped

Veteran

I also found buttons at our local JoAnnes to salvage a dotty burgundy silk AT blouse- changed buttons from gold” ball” types to same type in a pearl white. I’m sure there are buttons online too, but I like to look at them IRL. I took my items with me to the store.
For the dress I think it might be hard to add that much length in matchy fashion- though not ruling it out, something that might be like mermaid- style. Or opening the bottom side seam and inserting a gusset- skirt extension, making it look like the dress intentionally flows into another layer/ underskirt.
Might be more feasible to add ~ 4 in of lace under-border. Though I don’t always like the contrast of open lace at hem- so might be lsbld to use a backing.
But professionals/ experts should weigh it.
With the dress, it may be as much finding the right material to add, as the technical expertise, so once you have a target design, you might have to track down your own fabric.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I like Phoebe1’s idea of replacing the dress lining with a longer one. Maybe an iridescent fabric?

Anonymous

MJ Trimming in NYC if you can't find what you like at JoAnn's.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the ideas, everyone!

I will order the buttons asap

RoseandJoan, the lace hem is at a fixed length, IYKWIM.

As for the dress, I would need to find a tailor and supply the fabric for the extension - is that the right way to do things?

Runcarla

Veteran

Do a consult with a seamstress about making a slip that you can wear under the dress. I bet it can be whipped up quickly. You might want a silky half slip with a wide trim, or a pleated treatment like in the photos below. (3rd photo is a Chanel dress from the ‘30’s) You would want to bring your lace dress, so you could have the slip custom made to your specifications and to work with your dress.

I would suggest calling some wedding dress stores. Their seamstresses might not be getting a lot of work during the pandemic and they are used to working with lace and other delicate fabrics. They might welcome a small commission. They might also provide advice on where/how to source fabric and trim.

If you or Greg have a shirt that is on the way out, you can always cannibalize the buttons. You could replace the buttons with coloured buttons for a fun look.

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SarahD8

Veteran

Pacific Fabrics has a great selection of buttons -- their SoDo store is open by appointment.

Drygoods Design (in Pioneer Square) also has in-person shopping by appointment but I'm not sure how extensive their selection of buttons is.

Both stores might have information about local tailors/seamstresses who could help you with the dress -- maybe you could take the dress with you and ask for their recommendation.

unfrumped

Veteran

Depending on your existing tailor, you might have to find more of a “ dressmaker “ or shop that makes garments. Several good places I’ve used for alterations don’t really get into more design elements. Maybe such a shop would have some fabrics - not what you need for the dress, but maybe to demonstrate options. Seems like some kind of brainstorming session would help, and even advice on sourcing, or someone who knows what would work, has sources and gets it for you.
I wonder if you could also do a pretend/ what if session at home ( carry tgd dress in your tote, to a store) and try it on over slip, or a flouncy skirt, and get an idea of whether you'd actually like it.
I keep thinking of revisions that actually change the silhouette, starting above where it now tapers, elsewise you’d not be able to walk in it( as opposed to some stretchy tube skirts).

Sal

Veteran

I am sure the buttons will be an easy fix.

The dress is stunning - beautiful.

I would do one of three things:
- got to a dressmaker/tailor and be prepared to pay for a stunning alternation or slip. I think there could be stunning options.
- donate to someone who may love this as much as you do (the right person may come up)
- hold on for sentimental reasons and see if your style direction shifts.

I am off this length too. I am not sure if it is my age, trends to longer skirts, or a permanent shift. I am still wearing two dresses above the knee but they do feel a bit off, and I am passing one on.

Anonymous

A professional tailor ( usually menswear people) have linings and fabric available for purchase or swatches to order from . They’d have lining choices for sure , but would have to order the lace for you if you can’t source it yourself . I admire you for having the wherewithal to deal with a project like this , as I sure don’t . It will be $$ and there’s no guarantee it will turn out the way you envision . And that all assumes you can find lace that’s an exact match . Good luck ! I personally like the idea of shortening it to tunic length and wearing it with a navy or black tuxedo pant .

Echo

Veteran

First, I would find a VERY good tailor. The buttons should be an easy fix. Then I'd see if a bridal salon could match the lace and color or dye it to match the dress. Then I'd extend the lining to fill the open lace section and add new lace (either lined or unlined, depending on what you would prefer). Any addition would likely be almost unnoticeable if the lining extended past the transition due to the dark color.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You're full of great ideas and knowledge - thank you

Brooklyn

Veteran

I think the dress is going to be a hard one.

I was thinking along the same lines as lisap, going shorter rather than longer. But I was thinking even shorter than a tunic. It would make a lovely top to wear with jeans or a denim skirt. Of course you have to discard the skirt part then. But you could then use the skirt part to make a slip that could then be used under another skirt or dress. Or a scarf. So you’d end up with 2 items, not one.

Another possibility might be to open the dress out at the waistline and insert another fabric at the waist to get more length out of the skirt. I saw Trinny Woodall do this to good effect.

I’m in the same place as you with skirt lengths and I think about these things a lot. I tend to weigh up the joy I think someone else is likely to get out of the item “as is” against the joy I am likely to continue to get out of the item “as renovated”. There is a risk factor with renovations. So I do a lot of playing around with it at home to make sure I’m confident I’ll be happy with the outcome.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Brooklyn, that's wise advice - thanks!

cat2

Veteran

On the dress, what about having a top made of the top, and trimming a silk fabric scarf with some of the lace from the skirt? I don’t think the risk/reward is there for more complicated alternations. Is Sue Wong up your alley? She had gorgeous embroidery and beading.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

If you go for lengthening the skirt instead of layering under, I agree with putting the extra fabric in up at the waist. But then are you adding a yoke, which would seriously change the style of the dress and the way it hangs?

cat2

Veteran

Oops, looks like Sue Wong went under. Tadashi Shoji?

Runcarla

Veteran

Like this?

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the ideas, everyone.

Carla, I saw that dress, actually. Not quite. Was thinking more of a type of tulle. Also, my dress is A-line - not pencil. It would all have to flare out, IYKWIM.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I guess what I really want is a flared navy tulle midi skirt with a lace top

Isn' this pretty! Ignore the price ....

Maison Common Tulle-Embroidered Floral Applique Tea Length Skirt

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Jonesy

Veteran

That's a gorgeous skirt!

Replacing buttons is an easy thing to do--I do it frequently, even with new shirts sometimes when I love the shirt but can't abide the buttons. I remember that dress and it's beautiful! Everyone has given such thoughtful advice about altering; I guess I would lean toward turning it into a top, unless you can find a talented seamstress and the right lace match (seems like a tall order?).

unfrumped

Veteran

Navy tulle! Wouldn’t that be lovely!
Then you could dress up/ dress down, wear shortsleeved top or a cashmere sweater.
With the existing ( beautiful) dress, you wind doing extensive ( maybe) alterations to lengthen a short-sleeved dress, and you know you run cold....

gryffin

Veteran

What about a skinny satin, velvet or very fine ponte legging or cigarette pant? VB has navy scuba pants and leggings. I’m seeing something w a sheen and a pretty shoe of course.

ETA: spanx looks like a skinny with the back seam and little ankle slit, doesn't look bulky. Instant tunic dress. Cheaper than alteration. I have both the VB scuba pants and leggings (more like full length cigarette pants) I like them both very much and again they come in navy

Last idea, see if you can find another dress on ebay and canabalize the lace but to create a slip to wear under the dress adding more lace to the bottom. You would not change the original and possibly get a navy skirt with lace trim to add to your wardrobe.

Spanx The Perfect Back Seam Skinny Pants

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Veronica Beard Back Zip Scuba Pants

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Veronica Beard Scuba Leggings

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Anonymous

I don’t have much to add to everyone’s wonderful suggestions. I maintain a button jar which houses extra buttons. It looks really cool and comes in handy

Joy

Veteran

You have some excellent advice. My favorite place for nice buttons is a thrift shop on a top, dress, or even a man’s shirt. For the dress, instead of trying to match the navy, have you thought of adding tulle or fabric in black or another color. You could wear the dress with a black silk jacket or with black jewelry to make the change look deliberate.

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