AFD IDIM Adventures: Red Suede Skirt, post-surgery.

Blouse: T.Babaton by Aritzia Silk Georgette Bow Blouse (Ivory, size XS)(similar).

Blazer: Talula Babaton by Aritizia Blazer (Black, size 0).

Shoes: Ann Taylor Factory Signature Pumps (Black patent, size 6)(similar).

Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag (Dark Brown).

Skirt: Danier, thrifted (Red suede).

Ring: Le Chateau.

Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch (Silver).

Before photo:

    I thrifted this tomato red suede skirt last year (Danier needs to bring back their colored suede skirts!). It was actually this skirt and another that pushed me to purchase my own sewing machine. This skirt didn't fit initially, so I took it to my tailor for some alterations. It needed some slimming and a bit of shortening, nothing too complex. But when I got it back, I was terribly disappointed even after making the seamstress do it again. The cost of alterations wasn't cheap either. After that frustrating experience, I decided I was going to try and do my alterations myself. The end result after a countless number of tries, is now *almost* perfect. The difficulty in altering the skirt was mostly due to my inexperience in trying to "shape" a skirt around the body, but now that I have a few projects under my belt getting to the end result became much easier. The one imperfection is probably only noticed by me, so I'm going to try and ignore it. You can't see it, can you? Wait...don't tell me! Otherwise I'll forever be trying to re-work this skirt.

    Working with suede and leather isn't easy. They are extremely unforgiving (leather more so than suede) because if you make a mistake, you inevitably have holes punched into the material that will not disappear. If you are going to attempt to work with leather, all you really need is a needle made for leather or suede and some leather glue for the hem and you are good to go. Take your time and remember, you can always make it smaller, but you can't make it bigger...at least not without leaving a lasting mark on the material. 

    Despite not having a great place to thrift, leather and suede have been my best finds. I also have an electric blue suede skirt just waiting to be altered. It seems like a bit too much work for me right now, but I'm hoping to make it into a beautiful pencil skirt one of these days.

   Jean from Extra Petite altered this great leather thrift find for Elle from FastFoodandFastFashion. It looks amazing!