DIY Applique Top (instructions below!)
Gap Polka Dot Shirt | on Poshmark
Kut from the Kloth Bridgette Jeans | on eBay
BC Mary Janes | similar
BedStü clutch | similar
On my nightstand you can always find a rather large pile of J. Crew catalogs, dating back quite a few years, as I seldom have the heart to send them to the recycle bin. They are well loved and contain many dog-eared pages, usually marked for outfit inspiration (no one does pattern mixing better than J. Crew!) but sometimes a piece catches my eye and I mark it in hopes of eventually purchasing it. Such was the case for this floral appliqué herringbone sweater, which I knew needed to come live in my closet! Unfortunately it was priced at $198 (yikes!) and I knew my wine budget would take a serious hit if I splurged on the sweater. And since a girl has to have her priorities, I opted for the pinot grigio!
Then one day while putting away laundry in our linen closet, I spied an old floral pillowcase and inspiration hit. I could make my very own version of the J. Crew sweater! I found a heather gray top at Ross with great details - the buttoned sides and patch elbows - and then used flowers cut from the old pillowcases to adorn it. (Here's a similar top!) I added some embroidered stitches (easily done while enjoying a few episodes of This is Us) and I had my finished shirt.
The process is really simple, I promise! Here's a quick step-by-step:
- Roughly cut out the floral shapes you want to use (you'll cut it out more precisely later). Adhere the fabric (right side up) to a fusible web using a dry iron. Once cool, use sharp scissors to cut out the detailed flower.
- Remove the paper backing from the fabric and position on garment. Use a dry iron to adhere.
- Add hand stitching with various colors of embroidery thread, if desired.
I only spent about $18 making my version of this top. (OK, $27 if you count the bottle of wine I drank while making it!) But when I can get both my fashion AND wine fix for less than $30? That, my friends, is a happy day!
