One of my favorite things to do is to thrift old things. It sounds simple, but it seems like magic to me when some material thing from long ago receives a new and exciting purpose. It becomes useful again, and doesn't end up in a landfill somewhere.
It's a certain kind of mojo when you can find something special. I also needed a pick me up, and making something fun for less than $15 dollars is pretty great.
I had the pleasure to work behind a bar for a Britney Spears themed burlesque show. The show had been produced by Maggie Maraschino at OBERON right before the pandemic (forever...awww) shut down. I was looking forward to it coming back, and was thinking I could reprise my Baby, One More time sweater, skirt, and pigtail poofs.
HOWEVER.
I happened to be at a thrift/resale store looking for a corning wear type baking dish. I arrived about 30 minutes before the store closed.
I WALKED BY THIS....blue dress with poofy sleeves. It was glorious. It would fit me. And it just screamed the Toxic flight attendant. I also thought it was appropriate as I would be bartending. It was pretty close to perfect; it was definitely perfect for the idea it generated. That's thrift store magic.
I already had a blue A line dress that was more silhouette appropriate in the skirt, and would be easier to work in. I decided to layer them, I adjusted the neck line of the sleeved dress, and shortened the length.
I added some gold trim via hand stitching , and the dress was good to go!
The hat is the focal piece of the ensemble. Not only is it featured heavily in the close ups of Britney Spears in the music video, but it really completes the whole "flight attendant" aspect of the costume. It was crucial to have.
I took the opportunity to see if some of the materials I already had would work for making the hat.
I drafted the pattern, stiffened some felt, sewed in some wire, added some batting, and sewed the hat fabric onto the base.
I didn't have a lot of time to make it perfect, and I also was aware of the fact it could get dirty wearing it to work. I accepted it as a great addition, even though the frayed end on the gold trim was frustrating.
I am still super thrilled at how it came out. The dress took maybe and hour to modify, and every step of the hat took maybe 3 hours. So much fun!!!
I had so much fun, in fact, that I didn't take a picture!!! The bar was super busy, and the show was popping. I wish I could have watched more of it!! I guess a photo from the end of the night, after arriving back home, will have to do :) *see above*
Happy Thrifting & till next time,
~Jackie Olivia
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