{ a second chance } to scarf-tan-ette

February 18, 2011
remember back in july, when i did a makeover of the forever21 dress below (replacing its original suede straps with shiny gold chain)?!?


if so, you may recall that before i was able to post about the project, the piece had sold out ~ so i followed up with a DIY version of it instead. well, thanks to the helpful tip-offs of several eagle-eyed readers, i’m happy to tell you that the original dress has recently been restocked online. this means you can finally buy it yourself and do your own easy-peasy chain-strap update!

of course, if you’d prefer to spend the day getting crafty, the DO-IT-YOURSELF PROJECT this dress inspired is surprisingly fun and easy to execute ~ and the full instructions are HERE. either way, enjoy!!
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17421347098225672822 Yasmeen

    What a coincidence! When I saw the dress was back in stock, I immediately though of your DIY. I think the altered dress is so much classier; very clever.

    Yasmeen
    Castle Fashion

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17421347098225672822 Yasmeen

    *thought (I'm a Grammar Fiend, it's true.)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17027183307099634705 Gabrielle Pascua

    Definitely admiring your DIY result better, I love the ingenuity. Not to say that your legs don't look gorgeous in the F21 dress! Envious!

    xx Gaby

    http://www.gabrielle-highfidelity.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13047852542523494336 princess lasertron

    so cute and simple. I love it lady!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07313400714301291801 gabrielle

    yours looks better.

    I'm a finalist to be @TheLevisGirl but I need all the votes I can get. Help me spread the word http://on.fb.me/LevisGaby

    http://www.paperplanesandmaryjanes.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07059499136811807327 CINCHED AT THE WAIST

    ooo those sunnies. dress is genius. amazing.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04761838893225065890 Masoom R. Minawala

    The clinched waist works wonders. And the gold chains0 LOVE!

    http://www.style-fiesta.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08654583829756474033 Marissa

    i like this dress, but your diy version is cuter.

    Girl Meets Bag

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05228257285374633000 bravegrrl

    you look absolutely stunning in that dress!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/15784130387081540515 Lace and Tulle

    gorgeous!! I love your heels

    http://www.theclassique.org

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00896638834590707229 Miss Molly

    oooh thanks for the heads up! will keep an eye out for it! i love your version of it with your gold chain straps! you look beautiful!

    http://missmollyfashions.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17471438330190029302 Gabby

    It looks much better on you than on the model! :)
    xxx

    http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479680957011473416 HUMANITYISBEAUTIFUL

    it's ridiculous how happy this outfit makes me :) )) i was just daydreaming about frilly, colorful summer dresses! oh, and you look divine! :) ))

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16208102183812777303 Absolutely Mrs. K

    Ooh a summer dress in the winter, but it doesn’t look like a tablecloth. The chains are a real improvement, it makes the dress a lot more elegant and exuberating (oh the little details can do the trick). Of course you are so well styled, it is perfectly combined with the colored shoes, the glasses and of course the jacket. The jacket transforms the dress from a beach look to a sophisticated city look. The belt is doing the same thing. So this look is so perfect because of the accessories

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/15110129229977718587 The Magic Mirror

    Yeay!!!!! I wanted that dress so badly after you showed it too!!!!

    Amber
    http://themagikmirror.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14876642970706930637 Mariel Villanueva

    Pure genius!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11228462301956425643 BobbieAustin27

    That dress is so cute & original!
    check me out & follow me :)
    http://www.bobbieaustinscloset.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16152895649723164590 BRAD

    OMG → Never mind that dress → That BODY!! W_O_W ☆

    http://www.sprezza2raw.com/

    baci ♥ Brad

  • http://www.fashionslap.me kate

    I like the dress, but I am in love with the shoes. I doubt I could ever afford them, but wow love the color and the straps.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17215702970818737863 Beautycountry

    That dress is soo cute!!! :D

    And your earrings…to die for!! :D

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09745311400371517940 Babo in the City!

    I orderd the dress YESTERDAY of course remembering your DIY!!! Unbelievable!!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04109523606383620093 TIMELESS IS MORE

    this dress and the shoes are very beautiful! You look superbe!

    http://timeless-is-more.blogspot.com/

  • http://thedanishgirl.wordpress.com the danish girl

    Such a cute look – good work on the dress :)

    http://thedanishgirl.wordpress.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01514627554329642237 Vasilieva

    adore that scarf dress, and your sunnies are amazing

    http://elenavasilieva.blogspot.com/
    x

  • https://profiles.google.com/101698924680399719681 k come karolina

    love how you upgraded it :) ))

    xoxo from rome
    K.
    http://kcomekarolina.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01142451652755518642 Anastasios

    You really made a good work with it. A little change but such a huge difference and improvement.
    You have a fine taste!
    Thanks for sharing!!!!
    xoxoxo

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568706137492396568 Violet

    wow i love the way you styled this dress because i wouldnt have thought it could look this good. the belt works perfect. love the shoes as well

    XX
    Vi from Cali

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09113056625709563735 ♥Run With Fashion♥

    OH WOW!! …The colors suit your very well!! Soo preetty!! ♥♥♥♥
    -Anna

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02792177465058975583 BIBAVIMH

    WOW Love this design, color and pattern! =)♥

  • http://the-dame.com The Dame

    Holy crap you look hot in this outfit! Who are those amazing shoes by!?

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10955116532345730478 RASPBERRY JAM
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16263377842988295961 ThE fAsHiOn WoRsHiPeR

    Loved your DIY version doll :)

    XoXO-Kelli K
    http://thefashionworshiper.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00076142953049556670 Reptilia

    You look fabolous!!

    http://justreptilia.blogspot.com

    xxxx

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01833953291419734182 KimChicSisters
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14227790770455857624 The Fancy Teacup

    The dress has a lovely exotic pattern, I love the remake on you. Super hot and chic!

    http://www.TheFancyTeacup.com
    much love.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/06580319239382263097 Wynn

    Ooh la la!!! Hotness alert! ;)

  • ClosetConfections

    Perfection! Needless to say, I will be purchasing this dress and doing my own DIY version asap. THanks for the heads up!

    Kendra
    Closet Confections – A Personal Style Blog

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17958366929399604669 Baby Budget Blog

    It is a super hot dress (the way you re-did it of course)…hmmmmm….

    http://www.plentyforpennies.com

  • Anonymous

    your hair is much more gorgeous in a short pixie – it has grown so much since July!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123583203601488166 Steffys Pros and Cons

    you are so creative in everything that you do, it never ceases to amaze me!

    <3 steffy
    http://www.steffysprosandcons.blogspot.com

  • http://wordbyjessie.com/ wordbyjessie.com

    what an awesome scarf dress. makes me think of spring and i am loving it. the glasses work perfectly.
    http://www.wordbyjessie.com
    xxjj

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08305312017474174284 hannah

    love the shoes! and what a great idea for a spring dress.

    X

    http://www.thefashionhash.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12024433132639497570 Sofia

    You look ridiculously amazing in this dress!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17307750287416918321 Closet Fashionista

    I think I prefer your version, you look amazing :D :D
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/15376356878120105071 Gina Michele

    I like your version even better than the Forever 21 one. It's a great way to make use of vintage scarves.

    http://www.crochetclouds.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13350521363643389727 annawithlove

    I remember when you first posted this! I was instantly hooked!
    x
    http://www.annawithlove.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12347329353442093349 Michelle Lee

    loveeed it so much back then and now im so inspired again :)

    http://pinklemonincrystal.blogspot.com
    (want to hear your opinion on my leopard wedge bootie from GoJane.com)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/15146254196475553207 TRAN Thu Hang

    I love your blog!!!!
    Thanks for posting these inspiring creations.
    All the best!

    http://poumlamode.blogspot.com

  • http://blog.hercatwalk.com/ herCatwalk

    Really cute dress! You make it look way more expensive than a Forever 21 find. Shows you how style doesn't necessarily mean expensive.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16093796160938189631 Botany’s Desire

    Wow, only you could pull off this look. Love your blog.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17595919418765706821 Ana

    I actually like your DIY version much better than the forever21 one! And you wear it so well!! Oh warm weather…if only spring would come already!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03600803645063472366 Sylvia

    i LOVEd this on you and have been looking for some inspiring scarves to make this happen for spring.

    so so lovely!

    xo
    i wander, i wonder

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09526932894195288411 Karolina

    That dress is amazing! Adn with the chains and belt – even better!

    http://carriesfashiondiary.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12264366590655266462 BECKY MAY

    This is a beautiful dress! I reckon I'll try a DIY version for fun! :)

    The Flower Girl

    thebohemiangoods.blogspot.com

  • http://therealmeangirl.com MG

    Love, love, love. I'm so doing this!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12162882122042197917 Meanz Chan (Koi Story)

    The chains are a fantastic replacement! The dress looks so much better, I can't wait to try it out for myself!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05823808096104755809 The student’s guide to affordable luxury

    I am loving it!! Looks gorgeous on you!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09629805023048822032 Britney

    Such pretty colors! The dress suits you very well :) .

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05801927128589178630 Natalya’s Closet

    You look GORGEOUS! as usual! XOXO, http://www.NatalyasCloset.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05359487128946293599 SAMANTHA

    no way this is amazing!! going to f21.com right now….

    xx
    http://www.dragonnfruit.com

  • http://lapoubelleverte.com Shabby

    This is absolutely stunning! It suits you so well.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01963111762011740806 Jerrica

    great DIY, you styled it wonderfully because lord knows that dress looks like a handkerchief. Giggles*

    dearest,
    http://fashionnostalgia.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09540225728283339596 Ana Agulló

    I discover your face now and I looove it! Your hairstyle, adn your attitude are awesome! Where are you from? I think that I saw photos of you in NYFW! xx

    Ana- TumeplaisCoco- xx

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/15649878695645806977 Julie (Little Pink Rain Boots)

    Fantastic, I love the gold chains straps it really took the dress to a whole new level.

    littlepinkrainboots.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05052792977181531741 La Petite Marmoset

    Ooo I saw that DIY a while back on your blog, didn't know it was inspired by this dress! So creative :)
    La Petite Marmoset

  • annikajames

    where did you find those amazing heels??? i love them!~ great pop of color that isn't too "matchy-matchy"

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17646719384900189966 Kayla

    You look beautiful, and I love your shoes!
    xx

    heydoll16.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/15107957870175968972 Ayanna Michelle

    It's a really great dress and you pull it off FABULOUSLY. Your style is exquisite!

    Quench Fab

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05257885604287956397 Mary Ann

    Wow, on that F21 model I would never think the dress could look that great, on but it's fabulous on you!!

  • http://rethinkingpink.wordpress.com Z

    Awesomely DIY-ed dress – it looks fabulous on you!

    I also love your blazer! May I ask who the designer is?

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12069426957408106950 Kimberly

    you look amazing in these photos! those legs!

    check out my blog
    http://kc-citystyle.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16724072516641888124 lindsey lowe

    this is such a fabulous idea! i must have this dress… with gold chain straps of course.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00151857033683848670 LUIZA

    so original!
    Love,
    Luiza from lifestyle philosophy

  • http://classiq.ro/ classiq

    I love your version of the dress better. And the way you styled it, this shows how important is the person wearing it and knowing how to wear it to truly represent you.
    Ada

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07455905476556522397 Miyan

    you rock it like a million times better than the model on the forever site. you really know how to alter things to fit your style, i think thats great. i would have never thought to interchange the fringed leather straps for gold chains, but love the idea and it looks better than the original!

    Miyan

    http://www.miyan-overseas.blogspot.com

  • Big Hug Studio

    I really like how you've wrapped the dress around. It really accentuates the colour and the design. I must say it looks much better than the original. Nice touch with the gold.

    Ella

    http://www.bighugstudio.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01590072543921975892 Giulia
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17393100812137382340 AlienBaby

    Wow, I think I'm definitely going to try the DIY project! I can't wait to go scarf hunting. Now, if it will only stop raining for some incentive. :)
    Thanks!
    http://www.alienbabyblog.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02650206078952067054 erin

    What a great outfit! And the shoes are killer!

    ~ Erin
    mysolesearching.blogspot.com

  • Anonymous

    PLEASE, what are those shoes??? i can't believe how hot they are.

    they might be in my top five fav shoe, ever!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11417537912283451971 THE GLAMOURAI:

    to everyone who asked, the shoes are ALBERTA FERRETTI ~ they are SO FUN for summer!

    XOKelly

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12165429734245023821 MissShiv

    Gorgeous outfit! And I don't know if anyone's ever told you, but you look like you could be Jessica Stroup's sister!

    http://www.beautybonza.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05257885604287956397 Mary Ann

    This is great, I picked mine up at the store today. I totally plan on chaining-out the straps!

  • Cris Michelle

    Although the Forever21 version is adorable, I absolutely adore your DIY! The idea of making this look my own is much more appealing. Keep us inspired!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00488853899360078329 Miss Oh’

    Really love what you did with the dress, but like your own 'total-DIY-dress' even more. I have tons of scarves, but none is large enough for my 188cm body .. Still searching for the right size ;)

    Thx for the idea!

    x
    Oh'

    blogbymissoh.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00625789250352636581 Rossella

    wow i love this diy
    let me know your thoughts on my new blog entry and follow me at:

    My Couture Diaries
    My Couture Diaries
    My Couture Diaries

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16785932483348756906 Sheena
  • http://bambisarmoire.blogspot.com Bambisarmoire

    You really do look great in dresses like this! You wear them so well!

  • Leslie

    I have this dress too! I took the straps off and wear it as a circle scarf in the winter months.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02813723110969211045 Laura

    What size did you purchase from F21: small or xs? Thanks!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11417537912283451971 THE GLAMOURAI:

    @ Laura: I honestly don't remember what size mine is. But I'd suggest you err on the larger side ~ the looser/drapier the better with this sort of garment. You don't want it to be too perfectly fitted.

    XOKelly

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02258670206080579523 Shell

    stunning!!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04519501329315402745 Anabel Vicente

    AMAZING!!

  • clc936@gmail.com

    I totally bought the dress and can't wait to add the chains! Thanks!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05257885604287956397 Mary Ann

    Okay, I got it, I did it and I posted it! ;-) Thanks so much for the ideas!

    http://thedapperbun.blogspot.com/2011/03/outfit-of-day-diy-style-colorful-silk.html

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/06294912745164430289 Drew {Coral Cafe}

    I found this dress yesterday, tried it on and concluded..looks way better on you than it did on me!
    I love those orange heels!! where did you get those!?

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09316116947613883300 Lauren

    I am so happy you did this DIY !
    I just bought a printed maxi dress that I love but the straps were cheap looking (the typical stretchy same color spaghetti strap…yuck) so I changed them with a bronze gold chain and braided the chains to add a unique touch and I'M IN LOOOVEEE! thank you so much for the inspiration!

  • maria d

    hi
    i live in the Uk and am desperate to find this dress – it appears to be out of stock online, can anyone help with finding one for me or even giving me the product code so I can ring some stores. Thank you so much.x

  • maria d

    my email is maria101@sky.com thanks x

  • http://www.itchair.com/seo-los-angeles/ Los Angeles SEO

    Hot way to recycle!

  • DC

    The tutorial page can’t be found :( I have this dress and I would love to add chains to it!

  • Evanny

    I know this is old, but do you still have a good link to the diy version of this dress?