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Before and After

Before: The Printed Pants

I don’t even know what to say about these. Other than that they were a “gift” from a friend who challenged me to turn these into something wearable.

printed-pants-pre-alterations

What is it that makes people give/challenge me with hideous pieces of clothing?

printed-pants-before

I don’t know, but I’m not complaining. That’s where two of The Anthology’s best before-and-afters came from: the granny nightie and the Hammer pants (thank you, Surina and Melissa!).

before-printed-pants

Man, I can’t wait to show you the “after” shots.

P.S. We pick a winner of the Justine Brooks Helicopter giveaway on Wednesday. Enter while there’s still time!

June 7, 2011 by

What a transformation!

I’m still in shock.

surinas-dress-after

This dress is the sartorial equivalent of the Biggest Loser. Because it used to look like this…

surinas-dress

How’d my tailor work that magic?

surina-detail

Well, she lopped off the sleeves, widened the collar and removed the old-lady lace and tie-dyed appliques. So now it’s pure country-chic.

bear-hunting

She also, of course, shortened the hem so it’s the appropriate length for chasing a Bear.

bear-bottom

Not that it helped me catch him. That yellow lab is quick.

P.S. I’m going to be lecturing at Simon Fraser University so from now on I’m only going to respond to “Professor”.

May 31, 2011 by

The worst “before” shot ever!

I’ve got to be honest with you — I didn’t think it was possible to out-ugly these “before” shots. But we’ve done it, friends! With this frilly floral frock we’ve crowned a new hideous-est “before” shot.

surinas-dress

This is worse than your Great Aunt Hilda’s nightie. Worse than a plaid potato sack. It’s so terrible, it’s fantastic.

This dress was actually a gift from my friend Surina who challenged me to make this little ditty wearable. (And by “me” she means “my tailors”.) So what do you think? Is it possible to turn this monstrosity into something stylin’? Stay tuned… my tailors may have met their match.

P.S. Just heard that the Fashionista’s Ball received many donations from you lovely Anthology readers in support of the United Way. You’re the BEST!

May 11, 2011 by

Ta da!

Even more fun than unflattering “before” shots are dogtastic “after” shots.

bear-face-shake

I shortened my vintage secretary dress (and by “I” I mean “my tailor”).

blue-vintage-dress-after

Wore it with a vintage jacket and Givenchy tights to a girlfriend’s baby shower (congratulations KJ!).

belt

And it looks so gosh-darned great, I’d be taking too much credit if I said I had anything to do with it — my sister bought it for me and my tailor did all the hard work.

blue-vintage-dress-after-bad-dog

But my pup’s poor manners? Those I can take full credit for.

P.S. Want to expand your music collection and help Japan? You’ll love this.

March 20, 2011 by

A recipe for a t-shirt vest

I’m not really one for DIYing. But once in a blue moon I have a hankering for some tinkering. So the other night I pulled out the scissors and transformed an old t-shirt into a vest.

t-shirt-vest-striped-dress

‘Tis easy. Trust me. You won’t even need to use a sewing needle. You’ll find a step-by-step guide after the jump.

Continue Reading

February 1, 2011 by

Colour! Colour everywhere!

It’s makeover season, so I’ve been putting on my Tim “the Toolman” Taylor belt quite a bit lately. My latest project? My dining room.

colour-dining-room

It all started with the chairs.

dining-room-chair-before

Because they used to look like this. And the table was the exact same yellowy pine. (Both were hand-me-downs from my in-laws.)

geometric-carpet

All they needed was a little paint (high gloss spray paint for the chairs and purply grey house paint for the table). They work. In fact, I’d even argue that they’re kind of funky. Almost as funky as that power carpet, which I found at a church thrift sale. (I don’t know where or when it’s from, but I’m obsessed with it.)

painted-room

With all that painting, my colour palette consisted of a dusty rose carpet, glossy black chairs, royal blue painting, and purply grey table. Would “Milk pail green” walls be too much? I started looking at the palettes that artist-turned-designer Julian Schnabel used at the Gramercy Park Hotel, and those that the glamourous Kelly Wearstler uses in everything she does. Which made me realize even a small space can be big on pattern and colour.

mirrors

So I pulled out the roller and went for it.

vintage-dress

The result? A room that is just shy of every colour in the rainbow. Dinner party, anyone?

P.S. Don’t be shy — add The Anthology on Facebook.

January 9, 2011 by

Where did 2010 go?

I mean honestly. Is it just me or did it fly by?

Since we’re now at the countdown to 2011, I thought it would be an appropriate time to recap some of the highlights of the past year. And just like last year, I’m going to scrap the whole “best and worst” thing and head straight for the most ridiculous. Over the next ten (week) days we’re going to revisit some of The Anthology’s most ridiculous moments. Starting with…

wedding-dress-after

10. There are several things that earn this a spot on the highlight reel. First, it’s someone else’s wedding dress (likely from the sixties). I had it altered (see the before shots here) and wore this wedding dress to The Marriage of Figaro, which is admittedly, a little ridiculous. But the most ridiculously spooky example of meant-to-be-ness? The initials sewn inside this dress — they were mine.

Anyone else get shivers down their spine?

P.S. The Anthology’s Facebook page is pretty ridiculous.

December 20, 2010 by

What would I do without my tailor?

Dress like your Great Aunt Helga? Wander around in a wedding dress from the sixties like some scorned bride?

vintage-ysl-scarf

Honestly, I’d be lost. Or at least I wouldn’t be buying so many vintage pieces and having them made over.

rose-wool-dress-after

Like this dress. Which was gorgeous, just not my style. A few snips here, a little sewing there, and it’s parfait for everyday.

gold-ruby-earrings-from-istanbul

Wore it with my gold and ruby earrings from Istanbul. (Confession: I bought them as a gift for my sister and then promptly stole them back. Please tell me I’m not the only one to de-gift like that.)

kenneth-cole-boots

And my leather lace-ups. Which begs the question: what would I do without my favourite boots? I shudder at the thought.

P.S. What would you do if you won a bottle of Marc Jacobs BANG?

November 17, 2010 by