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While I was digging through my closets doing some much needed purging, I found an old garment bag containing a navy blue wool coat that had been given to me by my grandmother. I took it out and gave it the once over wondering what in the world I was ever going to do with it. I didn’t want to donate it since it was one of two items she had given me before she passed away but it was quite large for me and the shoulder pads made me look like I was wearing football pads underneath it. I put the coat back in the garment bag and forgot about it. Over the holiday I thought again about the coat and decided I would re-construct it into something I could wear and enjoy.

The Coat "Before"

I began by removing the velvet collar and shoulder pads, I kept the collar because I thought it might be useful for another project but the shoulder pads went straight into the trash!

I measured the coat to mid thigh length, marked it and began to seperate the lining and cut away the excess fabric from the bottom. Once the basic disassembly was complete I put it back on “Sophia” my lovely dress form and began marking the inner seams to tailor the coat to my size.

I re-used the fabric that had been cut from the bottom of the coat to create a large collar that could be pulled up around the neck. I love dramatic collars and they are great for keeping out the wind if you happen to forget your scarf.

While shopping this year I picked up two great pair of long winter gloves so I simply had to create a three quarter length sleeve. I love vintage inspired fashion so shortening the sleeves seemed to be a perfect fit for my new gloves.

The "New" Re-Styled Coat

Since I still had the velvet collar left I thought it might be a fun idea to make it into an accessory. First I machine stitched a left over fleur di lis that I had screen printed onto a piece of green vinyl and then hand stitched the open seam where it had been removed from the neckline of the coat.

After digging through the piles of vintage jewelry pieces, chains and buttons I collect from every place imaginable I found a few accents I thought might work. (It is after all a complete matter of personal taste when creating such an accessory.) I wanted something that looked a bit military inspired so I chose some gold buttons with chain accents and a few charms.

Re-Styled Coat Collar Neck Accessory

Re-Styled Coat Collar Neck Accessory

There is something very satisfying about turning something old into something new, it’s a great feeling to put it on and wear it out knowing that in it’s former life it belonged to my grandmother.

And I’m not exactly sure how or when I’ll bust out the new collar accessory, but I’m sure I’ll find the perfect opportunity to wear it!

Cotton Candy Fairy Princess

After the past few days of seriously gloomy Chicago weather I decided to head to Yellow Jacket Vintage located at 2959 N. Lincoln Ave. for a little “vintage therapy” I can’t say that I’ve ever been there before but after doing my usual research and read so many good reviews I just had to see what all the fuss was about. In my experience with some vintage boutiques they seem to either be very picked over or they have a limited selection of quality items. That I was so thrilled to discover was not the case at Yellow Jacket.

I made a b-line for the accessories and found some really fantastic shoes, belts and handbags which are always a favorite then something on a nearby dress rack caught my eye. A stunning full length leopard print Lycra gown for $22.00! Now I know what your thinking…really Lycra leopard print, how absolutely horribly tacky, borderline trashy. Take into consideration for one moment that I do so love over-the-top everything and it’s definitely not something that everyone would wear but I was in fact shopping for myself. The cut was flawless and fit as if were were soul mates. I think it will look smashing with a very simple pair of strappy black stilettos, some layered chain medallions (since it has a plunging neckline) one of my black vintage fur jackets and a great “fashionjenn” clutch.

Okay, I know I just got way off track but the dress really is fabulous.

After pinching myself for a third time I scored a killer white woven bucket hat decorated with silk flowers, I totally plan on taking them off and replacing them with some huge vintage brooches I’ve collected add in a pair of huge old school sunglasses and you’ve got yourself one heck of a shopping trip!

I would also be amiss not to mention the wonderful girl who was working, she was so helpful! She seemed to size up my style right away and pulled all kinds of great outfits for me to try on.

Oh So Pretty in Pink

I left the store feeling like I had just found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and I can say without a doubt that they have made me a loyal shopper for life.

The next time you are in the neighborhood stop by…you never know what you might find!

You can also find Yellow Jacket Vintage in Milwaukee, WI at 1237 E. Brady Street or at:http://www.myspace.com/yellowjacketvintage