11.01.2011

DIY {Stella McCartney Inspired} Bow Blouse



After spotting the below image of Alexa Chung wearing a bow covered Stella McCartney Resort 2012 dress, I instantly wanted to re-create it. I turned an old Zara blouse into a toned down version of this mid-length dress. The outcome is pretty adorable if I say so myself. My only regret: wishing I had used thicker (and preferably velvet) ribbon; if I find some I may have to re-do it!

Here's what you'll need:

Ribbon
Needle 
Thread 
Scissors
Blouse* 


*The top I used happened to be a similar cut and style as the Stella McCartney dress, but I think this DIY would be just as cute on a simple tee in various colors.


Cut ribbon into 6 inch pieces and knot bows (for an easy bow tutorial click here - this one is Martha's Favorite). Make sure to trim the ends of the bows at a diagonal for a refined and pretty finish. 


Start sewing the bows on the blouse (no rhyme or reason necessary) and don't forget the sleeves and back! 

Inspiration images via: Style.com and Teen Vogue.

41 comments:

sharon lei said...

What an adorable DIY. And quite easy too. I may need to try this. Thanks for sharing, hun!

xx Love & Aloha

la reina cotilla said...

I love it. I like it very much. Thanks.
I made a Studded boots diy, maybe you want to see it. I guess is the last time I make such a Diy, my hands are injured because of the spikes.
Caprichos de Ana

Chelsea said...

I NEED to do this right now! I have a wedding shower coming up and this would be so sweet. Always love your DIYs. xo

Jaclyn said...

Such a cute idea and it looks so easy. I never would have thought to sew little bows on, but the finished look is great

Closet Fashionista said...

Oh wow, that's such a great idea!!! Such a cute dress/top :)
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Kate said...

This is SUCH a cute diy!! So creative of you, and it looked absolutely darling in the instagram of you wearing it!

Steffys Pros and Cons said...

you always have the best DIYs!!

<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons

Collections said...

Great DIY. Absolutely love it!

Adia Kibur Necklace Giveaway

The Fancy Teacup said...

Always wanting to stock up on bow topped items...this DIY is simply my favorite!

www.TheFancyTeacup.com

RocquelleIsLovely said...

As a lover of bows, I'm beyond smitten with this and can't wait to give it a try!!

CessOviedo said...

So cute and easy! Love love bows!

Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries

MONYALE said...

I like a lot all of your DIYs this one is really cute :)

Xx,
www.casualuxe.blogspot.com

Kristina said...

Absolutely brilliant, you DIY fiend! I'd love to see more of these runway-to-DIY posts, Alicia! very inspirational <3

Lia said...

Gorgeous and killer job! Now I'm off to find a white blouse!!
xx
Lia

Alicia said...

@Kristina - Thanks so much - this one was particularly fun so I will have to do other runway-inspired projects. ;))

Grace - Stripes and Sequins said...

so cute! you did a great job!!

Erika @ ~TiptoeButterfly~ said...

u go girl - this is awesome!

Crystalin said...

One of my favorite DIY you've done! Great job lady!

signature mix said...

Can't wait to try this DIY. I really like the simple ribbon you used but I'm sure it would look great in velvet too!

Victoria said...

You are so creative! I'm sure it will look great on...no regrets on the smaller bows, I think it will look cute and feminine and maybe less "costume-y?" Nevertheless, very cute idea!

xoxo,
Victoria
http://thestylistadiaries.blogspot.com

la petite coquine said...

What a darling idea-I can't wait to see how you wear it!

Noelani said...

Love this! You should post a photo of yourself wearing it!! :)

-Noelani
http://www.modeandthelike.com

Sarah said...

This is amazingly crafty! I need to start doing more DIY. The bow top is so cute =)

bridgette said...

Very creative and easy to replicate. Awesome idea for a DIY project.

http://whichmewillibetoday.wordpress.com

Katrina said...

Love this idea! I think I might need to try this. Love the idea of using velvet ribbon.

xx, Katrina
Sparkle is a Color

Fi said...

Great idea! :)

Kisses from Portugal

http://fi-fashionandimagination.blogspot.com/

Rosa | Red Velvet + Leopard said...

This is a great DIY! Very cute!

xo,
Rosa

http://redvelvetandleopard.blogspot.com

Natalie Brooke said...

Oh my goodness!! You've done it again!! I loved your instagram pic on twitter and couldn't wait for the DIY - I soo need to do this. I'm a sucker for bows, thanks so much for sharing! Keep smiling!

Josie said...

CUTE! I love the size of the bows.
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com

a Sequin Dress at Breakfast said...

is it bad that i don't think i could handle the sewing part of it? i can hardly handle putting a new button on something! but this is motivation to try - it's so darling!

kiley

http://asequindressatbreakfast.net

Whitney Soup said...

aahh!! love this!!

sugarhoneybaby said...

Great idea!So cute!:)

Erica said...

sooo cute!!!

Sara B said...

So cute Alicia!!! I really might try this!! Thank you xoxo

April said...

Love this idea! You've been providing lots of great diys recently! ; )

The Doctor's Closet said...

I LOVE THAT IDEA!!!

I think i'll have to do this one!!

Mon xo

thedoctorscloset.com
shopbfrend.com

smalltownbigwardrobe said...

This is so cute and simple! What a difference little black bows make to that top! I love tutorials like this that aren't intimidating. I think I could actually do that myself!

jessie @ the concrete catwalk said...

you. are. a. GENIUS!!!

totally trying this! :) XOXO

BelaSabela said...

♥ Lovely!!

ebev said...

I love this! The concept would be adorable for a blouse as well :) Perfect for the holidays!!! Love your blog!

Erin
http://www.fablifeincalifornia.blogspot.com/

Olga de Lamo said...

Lovely! I made a Stella McCartney's embroidery inspired DIY sweater. You can get it at www.thediysigner.blogspot.com