So I got this distressed denim Uniqlo pencil skirt right after the holidays because it was a solid staple and also WAS ON SALE FOR $17.
I actually got it online without trying it on. Rare for me. Took a chance.
When it arrived, it was as cute as pictured – but my frame, unlike the tall and straight model featured on the website, is petite and curvy. It was fine but kind of blahhhhh.
I kept trying it on with different things hoping to find inspiration in expected and unexpected pairings. Nada.
The skirt sort of hit me right below the knee, which is usually a great length on all 5 feet 0 inches of me (seriously), but since the skirt doesn’t have much stretch or give, it didn’t follow my silhouette and ended up looking kind of boxy and (gasp!!!!) maybe even a touch matronly. Which is just NOT HAPPENING, friends.
So I let it collect dust. Was not about to ship it back or take a trip over to Uniqlo in Soho for a skirt that costs less than the cab ride there.
I also was still sort of hanging on to its potential.
I shared the dilemma with my boyfriend. And we decided we’d beat up this pure blue Japanese-inspired denim as best we could, not in hopes of ruining it but in hopes of salvaging it. And if it did get ruined in the process, ehhhhhhhhh, I’d be $17 poorer. (Which my boyfriend reminded me is typically the cost of the last drink I always order but never finish.)
Chop, chop!!!
First I cut off a few inches so it would hit right above the knee at my narrowest point. That would showcase some curves!
Next he bleached the lower half of it. He went to town with that bleach and it needed a few tries to actually make a dent in the denim. This took a few consecutive nights of bleaching, washing and drying.
Finally we got it to where we wanted it color-wise and he finished the job with a razor, slicing and scratching some more areas for a rough-&-tumble lived-in feel.
And now, just in time for warmer weather, the skirt is everything I want it to be and more. [**cue the choir singing**]
Since we had the scissors, the bleach, the razor and the washer/dryer in our apartment, it was also at no additional cost. #SCORE
Cannot wait to wear it and share pics with my DIY Divas <3
XOLC
Note: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts are unbiased and my own. All photos are property of DIVAlicious.
Lauren Cosenza is the creator and editor-in-chief of DIVAlicious, a trusted beauty/fashion expert, an on-camera personality and spokesperson, a leading NYC-based professional makeup artist, a published contributor and writer, a brand consultant, a product junkie and an insatiable style seeker.
Serving up style with a side of attitude, DIVAlicious gives women (and men) the confidence and permission to be fabulous. The site is filled with must-have products, pro tips and tricks, how-to DIY tutorials, makeovers, style inspiration and insider access.