I used to throw catalogs away when they would fill my mailbox. To me, they were evil and filled with temptation. If I would succumb to the lure of the beautiful clothes inside and order something, the excitement would usually fade and reality would set in when the package would arrive filled with an ill-fitting, too expensive item. Buyer’s remorse would set in and back to the store it would almost always go.
But, not anymore.
Nope, not anymore!
Catalogs have quickly become my friend and a wonderful source of inspiration instead of a nuisance. Now when I get a catalog, I linger over each cute outfit and visions of making one for myself dance in my head. No more guilt and condemnation. Just inspiration and fun!
Take this top selling Anthropologie swing top that costs $98 for instance.
I knew I had a plain button-down gingham shirt and a roll of matching fabric in my thrift store stash that would be perfect to make this shirt at a fraction of the cost.
To see the entire how to, click here.
For more refashion inspiration:
The Renegade Seamstress 
This is how I now use catalogs too -for inspiration!
So many inspiration images, so little time. 🙂
WOW! I had to take a second look, at first glance I thought yours was the more expensive one. Well done!
Awwwwwwww….. Thanks, Karen!
Wow, I too thought yours was the more expensive one, fabulous!
Well, that certainly made my day! Thanks Tracey!
It turned out great!
Thanks, Sarah!
So much fun, especially knowing yours is the better product! Love your original blouse; princess seams make everyone look wonderful. Full-length plackets? Woe, woe, button mending woes!
Really neat!! Love it!
Thank you Margaret!
That’s beautiful! And that’s what I do too, with magazines & catalogues… they’re the stuff of daydreams 🙂
Daydream Believer!
Hi, I do the same thing with the coupons I get from local stores and their flyers. It helps me know what is trendy so it can make similar fashion. Have a great weekend! Kim
Thanks, Kim. Enjoy your day!!!
I really like your version much better with the front seam and yoke. Great to wear alone or with a long sleeve T underneath. I may have to steal this one, too! Thanks.
Steal away!!!!
Great idea. I had the same feeling about the fall Boden catalogue. They had a wool blend button-front skirt for $120. I am going to make it for a heck of a lot less.
Oh, I’d LOVE to see your skirt when you finish it. 🙂
Your version is Bette than the catalog blouse. Fantastic. You are inspiring!
Awwwwww, thanks for brightening my day!
That looks great!! Love it!
Thanks so much!!!
Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing!
Thank YOU for your nice comment, Rebecca!
It’s so cute!!! I need to start thinking of catalogs and online window shopping as ides for future handmade things!
Thanks Britney!
Much prefer your version. It looks like so much better quality.
That’s quite a compliment. Thanks so much!!!!