Labels: Charity Shop Finds, DIY, TopshopCurrently listening to:Ellie Goulding - This Love Today is.. cold, boring, it's 3.44pm and I'm still in my Pj's. What better is there to do on a Sunday then look at all the things you want, can't afford and would never buy because of the price tag. To be honest - It's what I spend the majority of my time doing, not just Sundays. I came across this gorgeous Topshop Dress for £36.00. Not such a bad price, but compared to £4.40 - I know which I'd rather pick. I went into town with my friend Lily, we had Starbucks and Subway (we do it every Friday after college), and then nipped into Cancer Research. I didn't expect to really find anything, and with only £7.22 on my card, didn't expect to be able to afford anything, either. Until I came across this green polka-dot dress - it's a size 18, incredibly long and very baggy. I really liked the colour green - perfect for this summer (planning a little in advance, I know). It's supposed to be the other way around to the picture, it has a really low-cut neck, but switched around, I liked the shift style square neck. I wanted to adjust it, make it shorter, maybe add a collar. So, I had a shot at it, I'm quite pleased with the outcome.Sorry about the crappy lighting! By the time I'd taken the finished dress it had done dark Before - leftAfter - rightThe lace and buttons I used are from a market stall were I live. Bag of 4 buttons - £12m of lace - 50pVintage headscarf - £4, LushDenim jacket - £13, PrimarkHorse-studded belt - £3, PrimarkKnee-highs - £1.50 - PrimarkBrogues - £28, TopshopLipstick - £5, Coral Queen by Rimmel Sorry about the horrific pictures of me. I couldn't be bothered to put loads of makeup on, so just put a bit of lipstick on. The bag is one I haven't yet shown any of you! My boyfriend bought it me for Christmas, it's a reworked vintage bag by Alice Takes a Trip. I love love love it! I'm really pleased with the dress, what do you think? It's so much cheaper than the Topshop one. Who said you can't get 50's style polka-dot peter pan collar dresses for under a fiver?Love,Ruth xo
By 
, at 30 January 2011 at 17:54
Adorable dress! Thank you for the comment. x
http://loveisdeer.blogspot.com
By 
X, at 30 January 2011 at 19:31
This is so lovely! can't go wrong at all with lace, polka dots AND a peter pan collar :) looks great on too :) oh how i miss doing things like this, university work seems to be taking up all my hours at the moment... your post makes me want to get back at it again!
p.s, your blog is wonnnderful! x
Well aren't you a clever thing! Love the dress - rather jealous of your skills there missus!
It's lovely to see you posting a bit more regularly :) You're one of my faves too!
www.heart-shaped-bruise.blogspot.com
What you have done with that dress is fantastic. It was pretty to start with but you've made it totally fresh and a great fit for you. x
Oh my gosh you are so talented! That dress is so adorable, thanks to your creativity! It looks so pretty on you. And that bag is AMAZING. :)
PS. Following you too. xoxo
Arrr clever diy :) That dress is gorgeous! Very expensive-looking. I had to comment because Ruth, 'This love' by ellie goulding is AMAZING, literally one of my favourite songs EVER. It describes how i felt about my ex before i broke up with him about 3 months ago, luckily i'm with someone a lot better for me now.
Love Georgia
x<3
Love these! I would kill for your to make a dress for me. x hivennn. p.s enter my vintage double camera giveaway?
hi :) i got that topshop dress in store but it is also available online. it's from the rare collection. thank you for following my blog. i'm following you too - i just love what you did to that dress. i'm starting to get creative like that so thank you for giving me ideas and inspiration :)
By , at 31 January 2011 at 12:05
WOW! Awesome DIY job!! You look fabulous! xx
By Unknown, at 31 January 2011 at 12:29
awesome job Ruth!! I love what you did with it.
Amber
Ambersmouthwash
Beautiful dress. You look great. I love the cute little buttons and that's likely my favorite shade of green.
Btw, your boyfriend has good taste in choosing gifts.
By Jessica, at 31 January 2011 at 18:27
this dress is adorable! Thank you for your lovely comment. Following :) Hope you visit back ♥
You are so creative!! I love how you've customised this dress, it looks amazing xx
You look so amazing sweetie,love the peter pan collar!
By , at 4 February 2011 at 11:39
November 2009
I wish I had as much skill and drive as you do. I have always wanted to make my own thing's, and this has encouraged me to do so, Thankyou :)!