How I Upcycled Kmart Shirt into Bespoke Piece

If you believe that trees and plants have souls, I’m a person who believes that there is still life from discarded and second-hand clothes.

Japanese called it ‘osagari’ which literally means ‘pass down’ or ‘hand-me-downs’. The tradition of osagari is part of the mottainai philosophy.

I’ve been practicing osagari for many years, and I always take pride in each item that I received. My old Auntie in California used to send us a huge balikbayan box of second-hand dresses, that I used over years and then pass down to my sister. It is not just the clothes, but the story of each item of clothing and the giver makes the whole clothes more valuable.

So normally you can see in my work room piles of second-hand clothes, textiles, and other materials that I collected over the years. I couldn’t have the heart of throwing something that I believe will still be useful to me in other ways.

Just like when my husband has given me the old button-down shirt that he only used on one occasion.

The shirt is from the local Kmart shop and is made of cotton material. This kind of textile is quite easier for me to upcycle, and I know that I could give this old shirt a new life.

Using some old lace textile that I’ve got from an op shop, I started looking for inspiration such as the works of Simone Rocha and stylish Tokyo fashionistas to name a few, to redesign this shirt.

FACT: Did you know that every year, Australians buy 27kg of clothing and toss 23kg into landfills. That is equivalent to one suitcase of clothes!

After a couple of days of planning and testing, I managed to finish this upcycled piece!

…except my shoes and tights which are not second-hand.

@blair.villanueva #upcycledfashion #upcycling #dopaminesdressing #outfitinspo #fashion #warragul #australiatiktok #fashiontiktok #kmarthacks #kmartaus #diytiktok #maximalist #pinoytiktok #diy ♬ original sound - Elika Boen

From a boring shirt to a whimsical dress. I manage to uplift the value of the old shirt and now became part of my growing collection of upcycled fashionable pieces.

Winter is the best season to work on my other upcycling projects. I recently got some second-hand duvet covers from charity shops, and I am excited to turn them into fashionable pieces.

What do you think of this dress?

WendyJune 15, 2022 at 7:22 PM
shucks, you are so creative! i love the lacey items you added. the ordinary-looking shirt now looks whimsical.
Lizel Tejares PurciaJune 17, 2022 at 9:47 AM
Wow ang galing niyo naman po napaka creative bagay na bagay sainyo😍ang ganda ng color sarap sa mata
Apart CyJune 17, 2022 at 10:01 AM
Agree , there is still life in a second hand clothes ,i love the way how you upcyled kmart shirt into bekspoke piece!! 💯 Ang ganda talaga at bagay na bagay din sayo Ms.blair,great job and keep up the good work 🥰
Owen PonceJune 17, 2022 at 10:25 AM
Oh lala , hearing music and how whimsical your creation was ! A bespoke tailor! You made my day to be more appreciative on new projects of yours
Joaquin Eli BacodJune 17, 2022 at 10:30 AM
Omg wow ang galing galing niyo po sa mga ganito . Npka creative niyo po and nakakatuwa tlgang bagay na bagay po sainyo ung nga gawa niyo 😍
KYLA MAE BAUTISTAJune 17, 2022 at 5:30 PM
I'm really impressed with your talent Ms blair,your creativity is so inspiring and unique, I love it🤗💖
MichaelJune 22, 2022 at 3:41 PM
Very creative! not all minds can think that AND even do it a reality! You are bringing it well!
MayJune 23, 2022 at 11:27 AM
23 kgs of clothes??? Whoa, that's a lot of clothes to toss out!
You know, I'm actually starting to feel encouraged to learn how to sew. I bought a couple of dresses that are so ill-fitted and I just don't have the heart to throw them away. I'm just not sure I can learn it. Is it too hard? I used to redesign/repurpose my clothes, too, but I just design them but bring them to a professional to do the sewing.
GoldenIslandSenorita.NetJune 23, 2022 at 7:49 PM
Hey Blair, you've got a good eye for design, but this time you really outdid yourself. I love the 'Carebear' and 'Maximalist' outfits (they were my faves), but this one is oh la la!
Ivan | Daddy Blogger PHJune 24, 2022 at 12:51 AM
Wow, ang galing. You are super creative, Blair. I like how you turned that shirt into a high fashion material.
Mumshie NicaJune 24, 2022 at 2:40 AM
I really love your creativity! You never run out of ideas. I like the laces you put on. A simple shirt turned into an amazing dress. Good job!
www.wanderwomom.comJune 24, 2022 at 11:55 AM
wow! it looked more gorgeous now! i liked how it became longer kasi medyo naalangan ako sa short kung si polo nga lang. but i love it! perfect!
Mommy SigridJune 25, 2022 at 6:39 PM
Ang saya neto sis! Love the embellishments. I wish I am as handy as you with the sewing machine. That's my weakness. huhuhu
TerisaJuly 1, 2022 at 6:05 AM
Aye, you look so cute in this skirt. Your pictures reminds me of Elsa from Frozen! Loving it.