Upstyling is the buzz word of the moment, as is sustainable fashion. They go hand in hand, I suppose. Some people are very good at upstyling. I was not one of them, but I have been converted.
The stylist daughter Courtney (you can follow her on Instagram @courtneysmithstyle) is an avid upstyler. From a young age, she was cutting up, re-modelling and re-styling clothes that she found in the attic. The bodysuit she is wearing below was one of mine from the ’80s.
Then she started raiding my wardrobe and when she was sixteen ‘upstyled’ my very expensive pair of designer leather trousers. She told me that I was too old to be wearing them…I was 45 at the time! In truth, they were a little too tight. And yes, she did convert them into a beautiful jacket. Naturally, she went on to study fashion design in college. She later designed two hugely successful boot collections in collaboration with Buffalo a few years ago (see two below).
Now she is considered to be one of Ireland’s leading Fashion Stylists, although currently in lockdown, with all her jobs cancelled. Her ‘Closet Confidential‘ series on Instagram is garnering a huge following.
Before Covid, she brought many items (both pre-loved and new) into The Zip Yard for upstyling. Below you can see one of her creations made from a dress she found in a second-hand shop. Yes, she has a wonderful eye. She has built up a wonderful relationship with the branch in South Anne Street, Dublin, and often does collaborations with them.
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MARIE’S CHALLENGE
My friend Marie had a lovely, expensive wool coat belonging to her mother, who had passed away last year. Her Mum had worked in fashion for many years and always loved style and this coat had been a present from Marie and her sister. She was keen to get the coat altered so that she could wear it.
Marie has quite a quirky style (see below) and she realised that it would need some radical work. First of all, the coat was too big and secondly, the style was too traditional and sedate for Marie.
Enter Courtney and The Zip Yard, for whom she had offered to upstyle/revamp selected items of clothing for use on its social media platforms.
Below you can see the end product. Marie was delighted with the transformation, knows that she will get lots of use out of her new jacket and, of course, the added bonus is that she is wearing something that belonged to her mother.
MY DRESS TRANSFORMATION
My offering was a Zara dress over 2 years old of which I had grown tired, possibly because it had a very striking print. I had worn the dress for a collaboration I did with Marshes Shopping Centre in Dundalk. Also, it was not a forgiving dress and if I put on a few pounds it was very noticeable.
Courtney’s solution was to make it into a top and skirt and I would get far more wear out of the two items. She was right. I have two very versatile separates, lots of possible combinations now and yes it no longer gapes in the bust and tummy!
REASONS TO UPSTYLE
- We have become more aware of the damage that fast fashion causes to the environment and cutting back on our purchase of clothes can only be good for it.
- Revamping clothes from our wardrobe is one way to work on having a more sustainable wardrobe.
- Buying second-hand is also good. Courtney advises going up a size as it is easier to alter.
- We cut down on the staggering amount of clothes that ends up in landfill.
- We have something new and we feel good about it.
So, take a second look at that coat that you think is a little old-fashioned or the dress that is too big. Is it possible to upstyle or revamp it?
You might be able to get an entirely new wardrobe that way.
Stay safe my friends.
Hilda xx
Fantastic transformations! It’s really worth investing in alterations but not many people seem to do it. I really want to learn how to do some basic sewing with a machine – my mother in law gave me hers but it’s been sitting in the cupboard for years.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
I can’t sew at all. Wish I could, but it is worth paying to get it done properly. I would only make a mess of it…
Hilda,
I love your upstyle outfit!
I even like Marie’s coat made into a hi-lo jacket!
I love reusing clothes in my closet but I haven’t taken anything to the tailor’s since they are still closed.
If something is made of quality it can live on transformed and updated!
Great transformations on all the outfits!
Hugs,
Robin
Thanks Robin. You are an inspiration in all you do.. xx
as a fellow upcycler, I completely appreciate all these transformations!
the coat turned out amazingly beautiful!
and like yours i just Upcycled a Zara dress myself….I have not posted it yet, it will be coming out my most current 1980’s dress Upcycle into a high-low skirt!
xoEva
Eva looking forward to seeing it. Thanks for commenting.
Sometimes just a change of buttons works wonders for a jacket or blouse! Remove a bulky collar or turn up or down cuffs…… Love the coat- into-jacket makeover!
You are obviously talented at it. I can just about sew on a button and turn up a hem….
Oh I can be jealous of such fabulous talent. Marys coat has become very modern and stylish and I love your skirt!
I would love that vision too Nancy. My daughter and Marie both are artistic…
First, you are both stunning ladies. Second, wow! Your daughter can really see something in a garment. I love the camel jacket she remade! Your dress looks wonderful as separate! Times like these I wish I could sew!
Jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Jess you are not the only one. But I don’t have the vision either…xx
I love this concept!! I wish I could sew I have so many ideas but I can follow through with them. I wish I lived closer.
You need a friend or dressmaker with a good eye xxx
I love this idea of upstyling and what you can make out of clothes you don’t love anymore. I would need someone to give me ideas and saw it for me, Hilda, as I don’t have any idea when it comes to clothes.
My daughter is the savvy one ..not me. Thanks Heike xx
I just love this post Hilda, and it’s exactly what my mom likes to do (and I’m trying to learn). That transformation of the coat was fabulous. And i can’t wait to see all the times you wear that top and skirt now.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Ah you are good at this already. I am hopeless at sewing, but I am determined to be more sustainable. Thanks for commenting. xxx
I love the idea of upcycling but I am hopeless at sewing. Courtney is so talented, how lucky you are! The jacket and Zara dress transformations are amazing. Thansk for linking up at #WowOnWednesday.
I certainly am lucky. She is a huge asset..XX
Wow! Such talent and an eye for creativity! I love these upcycles and it just amazes me when people can see something and see what is possible. Love the “new” coat!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I don’t have the creativity either. Luckily my daughter does…. xx
Wow, what a great way to take something you once loved and revamp it! I used to sew, but I can’t imagine being as talented as this lady! The coat remake is SO cute!! Thanks for sharing. We are hearing a lot about “Upstyling” these days and it’s nice to see it in action.
xx Darlene
Thanks so much Darlene. I hope to do a lot more of it.