Guest Curator: Altered Couture

blivesay

Story by blivesay

Published on Nov 11, 2009 in Shop

Photo by clairelafaye. Photo of Beth Livesay by Johanna Love

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Beth Livesay’s main thrill in life is to shop. Luckily for her, managing Altered Couture magazine entails a lot of browsing on Etsy, where she sources the most stylish upcycled clothing and accessories. Not only do these items leave her inspired, but she also enjoys sharing her finds with readers around the world, so that other people can shop, create, and be happy too.

Altered Couture prides itself on remaining at the cutting edge of artistic fashion. Nothing exudes personal style more than taking something mainstream and altering it to become a one-of-a-kind item, or accessorizing with a unique piece to make a fashionably green statement. The following pieces caught my eye for their execution and wearability. It’s hard to believe these items were once something else. They definitely make you look and think twice.

 

 

 

Superlarge Red Pull Tab Tote

Green never looked so gorgeous! Red is not only in fashion right now, but the sparkle from PopTopLady’s pull tab tote (1500 tabs, to be exact) makes this festive enough for the holidays. $80.

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The Opulent Satin Dress

I love dresses, particularly those with volume and a corset bodice. gaudycouture is anything but overdone. Their frocks offer playfulness à la Betsey Johnson, with upcycled and sourced vintage silks. Accessorize with the perfect necklace and you have party perfection. $200.

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It’s Only Rock and Roll But I Like It….

As I said, I love dresses, and this piece by clairelafaye is glamorously bedecked. Draped with vintage lace and tulle, it’s contemporary and girly with an added edge. This is the ideal New Year’s Eve dress. And did you see the back? $1025.

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Drop shoulder, over-sized sweatshirt fleece hoodie with crochet details

kaylim is a rising star in the altered fashion world. I love pieces that are cozy, a tad slouchy and loaded with detail. This sweater is perfect for layering and will definitely garner attention and adoration from fall to winter. $92.

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The Tell Me Truly Dress / Skirt

Maybe it’s the romantic picture, maybe it’s the name, or maybe it’s because I’ve been a fan of ArmoursansAnguish for over a year now, but the Tell Me Truly Dress evokes tiers of joy. This ethereal garment is 100% recycled, reclaimed, and cannot be duplicated exactly: words fashionistas love to hear. The best part? It can be worn as a dress or a skirt, which provides more options for the wearer, and is truly altered couture. $88.

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Tulip Dress

If I had a million dollars I would blow a huge wad of it in sarahseven‘s shop. It’s hard to play favorites when it comes to her line, but the Tulip Dress is straight from heaven. I especially love that Sarah uses recycled bustiers to make her confections. The color, the details, the possibilities: this lovely is couture craftsmanship at its finest. $475.

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Blooming Lemon meringue (( fabric bib necklace ))

One of my favorite shopping addictions is florabond. I love statement jewelry — and more so when it’s repurposed with added bling. Upcycled petticoat netting, fabrics from the 1950s, and the yummy color make this sunny stunner unforgettable. This necklace brightens my day every time I see it.

Another reason that I love shopping from Flora is that you get to choose your rhinestones and placement. I get compliments every time I wear her jewelry. $79.

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Crazyquilt Travelling Coat – Rainbow stripedelic – Upcycled-Recycled-Elf Couture

The embodiment of altered couture is katwise’s recycled sweaters. The colors and concept are so amazing; I’ve never seen anything else like it. $188.

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Cherry Blossom Felted Booties

Shoes can be altered too! Crafttastrophe has the funkiest shoe shop on Etsy, offering all varieties of altered shoes, from stamped wedges to painted pumps. $80.

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Peplum Evening Top

This top takes my breath away every time I see it. It’s the perfect winter look, complete with shine, silk, tulle, and a necklace clasp for a closure. The contrast between the different textures is what makes this piece extra luxe. Plus, it’s made from a 1920s flapper dress — my favorite fashion era. By brightpirate, $155.

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Nerdy Birdie In Blue Poly Blend Blazer Bag

There are a lot of bags out there right now, but this plaid print is on point. This is the perfect fall accessory, especially when paired with PineBlossoms‘ leafy skinny scarf and your favorite pair of boots. $62.

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ANGEL FOOD CUFF CAKE PAIR BY BOUDOIR QUEEN

BoudoirQueen’s cuff cakes are pure genius — I want to eat them up! All BQ accessories are made from vintage dresses and embellishments. Imagine these peeking out from beneath a blazer, or wear with your favorite dress for a night out. $126.

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If you love innovative clothing and repurposed fashion, be sure to check out Altered Couture. To glance at upcoming and past issues, submit, or learn where to purchase a copy, visit Stampington & Company. For more on Altered Couture, follow Stampington & Company on Twitter or Facebook.

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