Not Your Average Men's Dress Shirt.

So the idea to use men's dress shirts came about because I needed something more budget friendly. Fabric is expensive, and I am a college student so I am not rolling around in money. If that were the case, let me tell you; I would have blown you away with a 10 piece collection. I am totally kidding, but I would have made completely different designs. However, I am not regretful at all! Using the shirts and nothing but the shirts was a really fun challenge. I knew what I wanted out of the shirts but the problem was, did I have enough fabric to do so.

For the Kennedy look; model on the right. The most challenging was keeping the skirt's length long enough cause, girl has a big booty. Which meant less fabric for the top.  I honestly put off making this top for weeks because I didn't know exactly what kind of top I could make with such little fabric. I had half the top of the shirt and the sleeves. Sounds like I had more than enough but you try doing it yourself...

Finally since the front of the shirt was not enough I decided to only use the back part of the shirt and make it a backless top. Then I had to come up with a way to make the straps because cutting the sleeves into strips was not long enough. I almost gave in and used other fabric until I had the BRILLIANT idea of sewing the sleeves together to make longer straps...and it worked marvelously.

Now the Becca look; model on the left. It didn't feel as difficult to make; I mean look I barely used any fabric to cover the girl...kidding, it was intentional. I knew exactly what I wanted out of this shirt and all went well until the fittings days before the show. Originally I had planned on having the skirt have minimal pleats but had to change it, in the end to make it fit her waist better. The top ended up being more challenging because I may or may have not underestimated her size... sorry Becca, but we made it work! As before I used the bottom half of the men's shirt for the skirt, and the top of the shirt was well for the top. The straps on this top were also made from the sleeves and the bottom band was actually made from one of the cuffs .I don't know why I am so proud about that, but I am.

 Overall, I am really happy with these two projects and the opportunity I had to showcase this to my peers here.

I want to give a big shout out to FMA at Texas State for giving me that opportunity.

To my friends for walking half naked in 50 degree weather, and taking the time to model my designs.

To all my friends and family, for your never ending support with this crazy dream of mine.

Thank you.

xoxo, Stef