Jane By Design Style Challenge #2: DIY Style Icon Tee

For my 2nd assignment of the Jane By Design Style Challenge, I was given a plain white t-shirt and told to use household items to create a design that embodied the spirit of one of my style icons.  Since my style is all about incorporating classic, feminine pieces, I’ve always been drawn to the fashions of the 1950s.  With her penchant for pink and distinct feminine flair, Dorothy Dandridge’s style perfectly embodies everything I love about that era.

For my t-shirt design, I began by opening up the neckline on my crewneck tee using a pair of scissors.  I then cut up an old bright pink t-shirt into 10 3-inch wide strips and broke out my sewing machine (it was getting a little dusty!) to create little ruffles to adorn my top*.  And since Ms. Dandridge often wore a flower in her hair, I added in an oversized flower pin that I picked up from H&M a couple years back.  For additional 50s flair, I paired the top with a swingy knee-length skirt to complete the look.

Et Voilà!

And now that I’ve shared one of my style icons, I’d love to hear about who you ladies look to for inspiration.  And while you’re at it, don’t forget to drop by the Jane By Design Facebook Page (and tell them I sent you).  A big part of this challenge is not only about me completing all of the assignments, but also showing how awesome and supportive you guys are.  And don’t forget, if I’m chosen as a winner, I also get to pick one lucky reader to be featured on the ABC.com website as the Trendsetter of the Week.

*For more detailed instructions on how to create a similar shirt of your own, check out this post from last year.