I am always looking for new ways to wear old clothes. Most times, that means a lot of stitching and seam ripping. That’s why when I saw this dress in the back of my closet I was overjoyed. With just a little paint and time, I had a brand new dress for less than a Starbucks coffee. This painted polka dot dress up-cycle only took about 2 hours. Additionally, it is the perfect piece for your summer patriotic plans!
My favorite part about this tutorial is that it is a great way to cover up a stain. Well loved clothing flaunts clumsiness. I felt awful throwing out this well fitting dress simply because I couldn’t remove a stain. In this case, it was pasta.
Sarah Vickers always inspired me. Her blog, her style, and her lifestyle were all things I coveted. However, the price tag of these things was a little out of my budget as a college student. One of the reasons I founded this blog was to make gorgeous ensembles a little easier on the wallet. Sarah, now a new mom, will always be my style icon and you should follow all her social channels here.
We recently went to Chatham during our stay at Cape so hard. So, we took advantage of the gorgeous sunset at Lighthouse Beach to shoot some patriotic and silly content.
Read our Cape Cod travel guide here
The deal with the flag – I found it at a thrift store and had NO idea how big it was until I got home. When I got to the register the cashier gave me a look and was like “um, you know this is $15 right?” As in, that is thrift store top dollar, ma’am. I was in a rush and desperately needed something to use as a prop for this dress. As soon as I got home I realized, this thing is HUGE. However, it is really gorgeous in person and in my opinion really made the shot. Not to mention, my family was had so much fun running around at the beach.
Materials for Polka Dot Dress
Fabric or textile paint
Round foam paint brush
old dress
Instructions
So easy right? you know I wouldn’t lie to you! Now, some funny photos of us at the beach enjoying our time together.
Anonymous says
Very nice but I wish you hadn’t let the flag touch the ground, It’s not where it belongs. Many of your photos are excellent
marissa says
As long as you kiss it , it’s a okay 😉 I checked with Uncle Sam first
LG says
Absolutely fantastic dress upcycle. Rime for a trip to a thrift store or resale shop as I don’t have one already in my closet, and LOVE this project. Please show more respect with the US flag and ot is NEVER ok let it touch the ground, especially in a posted photograph of such!! Kissing it does not make it better – it’s not a child’s boo-boo.
marissa says
Hi LG thank you for tour comment and concern! I’ll do better by the flag next time 🙂
Marissa
Cathi says
Such an easy upgrade to a simple dress! Well done. 🙂 And a huge flag like that is a nice thriftstore find and good to have on hand.
marissa says
Hi Cathi!
I totally agree. Such a good find. thank you so so much for stopping by and leaving your love.
best
marissa