Going JUCCI with GUCCI

Chopping up a dress and turning it into a top is exciting – creating matching bags takes it to a whole new level.

This preowned Gucci dress was a looker but it just wasn’t getting the wears it deserved and was begging for an upcycled makeover.

Every single garment has the potential to become something else (and actually even better!). You could easily do this conversion yourself using a dress or long coat you’ve got stashed at the back of your closet.

So buckle up and find out how this dress stepped into it’s new life as a top, with two totally unique Gucci baby belt-bags designed to be worn around your waist or cross-body.

HOW TO TURN A DRESS INTO A TOP

1. Decide how long you want the top to be, add an inch or so hem allowance, chop off the skirt section and set aside
2. Create an elasticated hem and cuffs on your new top to cinch in for a more flattering silhouette. You can always change the sleeve lengths if you want to – or even remove them altogether.
3. Consider replacing zips or buttons with alternative fastenings to up the ante and make the top more ‘you’ (obviously I upgraded to ziptastic bling). Check out Etsy or eBay for some great fastenings.

HOW TO CREATE BELT BAGS 

1. Look for inspiration on Pinterest – there are plenty of pouch bags, simply find the shape you like and copy it or, if you can’t sew, show the photo to a local tailor so they can create it for you.
2. Contrasting shapes add interest. For this conversion, the bigger bag worked well with the vertical phone shape (and allowed for the repeated mega zip-joy).
3. Choose the belt you’ll slide the bags onto and measure the width. Create belt loops to fit and place them towards the top of the bags so they sit correctly when on the belt.
4. Use any leftover fabric from this, or another, conversion to create the bag linings. You could even add a trim or piping to give them that extra finishing touch. If you’re using a dress with thinner fabric, just line the bags with stiff fabric such as organza to give it shape – you can easily find this on ebay or in a thrift shop.

If you’re going to a tailor you’ll need to invest a little in creating this but it’ll be worthwhile. You’ve just got yourself a completely ‘new’, original top with stunning matching belt-bags at a fraction of the cost of buying new – and you are going to LOVE wearing it all because you designed it. High personal value guarantees we love and wear things for longer – this is how we can all play a really chunky part in saving our planet and building a more sustainable closet.