Working in the same building as DownEast's warehouse store can be a problem at times. A problem because there are so many inexpensive basics. DownEast's basic tops fit fabulously, so I thought I'd use a couple of tops for a refashion. Ruffles are in vogue these days. Very. and they've swept me off my feet. I saw this top at anthro, and instantly started brainstorming how I could make something similar (but different, of course). Predictably, a month after I got the idea and supplies I finally started working on my little project.

The shirt that I bought had a neckline that was uncomfortably high, so I chopped it off and sewed my own collar from the coordinating t-shirt. I believe this was what helped the ruffles and the tee come together the way it did. After I finished the collar (which surprisingly took about 10-15 minutes), I cut out the fabric for the ruffles and started gathering my fabric. I laid the ruffles in the desired order, making sure the ruffles covered up any wonky sewing. I was very worried this would come out looking stupid; like a pirate shirt or an elementary craft project gone awry. Fortunately, I don't think it did. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Side note: I wore this to work on Friday. I felt super fancy walking around in my high-waisted skirt, 80's suede boots and ruffle shirt. My confidence in my outfit was boosted even more when a guy in the warehouse mistook me for one of the DownEast models.