Crafted Couture: Instant Chanel with buttons

Good evening all

I have just returned from a wonderful weekend with my big sister, her husband, my niece Susie (7) and nephew Paddy (5).  It was spent trailing the thrift stores, reading both bedtime stories and craft magazines and giving my sister a tutorial on how to make childrens dresses.  A big highlight of the weekend was a visit to the V&A museum 'Hollywood Costume' exhibition.  More about that later. Best thing about big sisters is that they donate hand-me-downs and I came home with a new pair of boots and a black wool jacket....which I decided to customise.

Heres what it looked like before...

 

I had found a book on Chanel in the charity shop before Christmas and its been so inspirational!...

 

 

What would Coco do?

 

 

I replaced the black with gold buttons in varying sizes shape and design and added buttons to the cuffs and the front pockets where previously there had been none.

 

Throw on strings of beads with flowers that are crocheted by my mum Katie and hey presto...instant Chanel for a fraction of the price. 

 

Accessories shoes £4, hat £6.  Look a million dollars.

Buttons are one of the easiest ways to update and change a garment completely. 

 

Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel

 

Thanks sister!  I love my new jacket.