Feelspiration™: Something Old, Something New...

It's 12.20am in London and I am SO tired as I write this so please excuse any unexpected bluntness!
To be honest, I think this will be my most 'candid' post to date as it has a bit more va-va-voom - all in aid of offering the best styling tips of course ;)

This Feelspiration™ is centered around what can be the bane of any social-media savvy person's life: recycling clothes. If, like me, it's time to ~~sort out that heaving wardrobe full of unnecessary purchases~~ be more responsible with your money this is the post for you. I've taken three simple, but classic, ways you can revamp your wardrobe without breaking the bank, cutting a whole in our heart as well as your clothing or, most important, pulling a total faux pas.

All revealed after the cut...

1. PLAY AROUND WITH YOUR DESIGNS
Case: Harness crop top with sheer panels - ASOS (similar here)

Sometimes, it's the smallest things, like wearing an outfit back to front, which completely changes the fitting of a dress, top or skirt. Now it's definitely not everything you can reverse into relevance (can you say label exposure?!) but wherever you can, I will always encourage others to experiment with their clothes. Something the more intricate, and engaging, parts can be found at the back of clothing but there is no rule to not give that detail a front row seat. I love the high neck cut of this crop top to bits but the opportunity to try something a little bit more risque enticed me to try the look below.

Sidenote: I will openly admit I am not entirely comfortable with copious amounts of cleavage on display, nor did I intend to show as much, but try telling that to a self-timing DSLR that refuses to focus unless you run to a certain spot, at which point your zip has a 'moment' - cannot wait for my remote to come! Plus, the great thing for you guys is zips = adjustability!

Crop bralet (seen underneath)- Ann Summers (old)
Shirt - custom made
Jeans - Dorothy Perkins
Earrings - & Other Stories (old)
Rings -
black: H&M (old)
gold: The Gold Collection - Opulence

2. CHANGE HOW YOUR ITEM IS WORN
Case: Cross-neck draped dress - BCBG Runway

Ladies, we've all been through it. When a dress just isn't appropriate to be worn as a dress anymore as your hips, thighs and bum suddenly decide to play tag-team 'let's give everyone a view up her dress'. The pain. Fear not! On the off-chance you've never thought it before or just aren't too sure, it IS okay to turn that dress into a top, layer that miniskirt to create a fuller bodied midi or, if you're brave, create a bandeau peplum. The possibilities are endless!

I bought this dress for my 23rd but, as you can see from the picture above, I just about fit it all in! As mentioned in tip 1, I first wore this back-to-front to get my modesty a fighting chance but upon recent wear I knew it was time to let the dream go :(. I turned the dress into a top and was pleasantly surprised as to how well it worked, given the length of the bottom half. The trick is to buy roomy trousers (go a size up if you have a small waist: hip ratio or aim for stretch if you have a more streamline figure) so you can accommodate for the extra material of the ex-dress. I didn't wear one in the picture but a belt will finish the look off to perfection, especially in keeping a waistline.

Jeans - ASOS
Clutch - Michael Kors
Shoes - Miss Selfridge (similar on ASOS)
Cuff - The Gold Collection - Opulence

3. GET SNIP-SNAP HAPPY!

Case: Black & Gold strapless dress - H&M

Never be afraid to be creative! I am the biggest advocate of trying to make things work even if you fail at times; it's all an experience. If you're not a natural sower but would love to try something new I would recommend John Lewis' extra strong hemming tape - it is a God send!

I always find it hard to find bodies that fit me without becoming trapped between my....ahem, buttcheeks so when this dress' ~~hem~~ ~~wiggled its way to embarrassing lengths one time too many~~ expiry date came up I dove straight in and cut it up like a dancefloor! What I love about the end result is that there is enough material to make a few mistakes before you get the width you want for your hips and you already have the majority of the structure. Voila et voila, line your hem and add some buttons and hello new body!

Thanks for reading this post - I know it's a topic I've discussed numerous time between friends so I hope it has helped a lady somewhere! As always, feel free to comment, share and subscribe :)

SB xx

**THIS WAS WRITTEN AS PART OF GUSH, GOSSIP, BLOG, MY PREVIOUS BLOG **