Friday, November 6, 2009

j.crew knock-off

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, my husband Michael took me to Asheville, NC to see Ingrid Michaelson in concert (she was great!). Before the show we went to visit my Michael's youngest brother, Andrew, at the J.Crew store where he works. Andrew doesn't work at just any J.Crew store he works at the J.Crew clearance center. This is the last stop for unsold J.Crew merchandise. Super cheap prices, for J.Crew clothes anyway. This is a dangerous place to be, especially with Andrew playing salesman (he's good!). He tried to convince me to buy an $85 cardigan. $85 sounds like a lot, I know but this sweater is part of the "J.Crew Collection" which means that only 10-15 of the sweaters were made, practically one of a kind for a mass produced company like J.Crew and the original price was more than $200. The cardigan was simple with an embellished trim around the front. I loved the winter white color and it was 100% cashmere. It felt LOVELY but it was $85 and if you have read this blog for more than 2 seconds you know I am cheap! So naturally, I passed on buying the cardigan but not before snapping a picture so I could re-create something similar.

the J.Crew cardigan:


I went to the thrift store and found a sweater in perfect condition- $2. With $3 worth of chiffon I made ruffles because I like them better. The original had kind of odd silk triangles and circles trim.

the before:
I wish I had taken a picture of me wearing it so you could see how big and boxy it was.

my version:

i added a hook and eye so i could also wear it closed.

the ruffles

It's not cashmere but I think I actually prefer my version. Who needs cashmere anyway? I would always be worried that my kids would smear something on it. Total cost $5. Sweet!

27 comments:

Lise said...

Wow--great job! I think I like yours better, too. I have to admit I've become a cashmere snob--I want to wear it every day!--but my cashmere sweaters all come from the thrift shop and cost no more than $8. Then I don't have to worry about the kid-smudge too much.

Mama Thompson said...

OK...I totally like yours better too! Amazing job!

MMM said...

WOW~ great job! I agree, yours looks better! :)

Heather J said...

i love a good diy and yours turned out great! it's a good feeling when something you make is even better {to you} than the original!

Steph said...

First off, Ingrid Michaelson? I'm SO jealous!

But more importantly, I love love love what you did to that sweater. Eat your heart out j. crew!

I especially love the shortened sleeves-- that length is very flattering on you.

I'm curious, did you do anything to finish the cut edge, or did you leave it raw? I've got a short sleeved navy blue sweater that I never wear. I think I'm going to have to copy you...

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

I do love yours better - and cashmere is something to be enjoyed sans kiddos.

Erin said...

thank you, thank you. you're all too kind!

steph- yes, to finish the cut edge of the sweater i took a strip of light weight fusible interfacing (about 1"x the length of the cut edge) wrapped/folded it over the cut edge and ironed it on- similar to bias tape only ironing it on instead of sewing. (i'm a little tired-- does this make any sense??) it worked perfectly especially since i had an almost white sweater. i am not sure how it would look on a darker color but give it a try. i do hope you copy this one Steph. Then we will be even because I am SO copying your most recent t-shirt redo!

Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog said...

Wow, your version looks amazing!

jen said...

i saw this in person and it certainly looks beautiful! Certainly not something that would only cost $5, but I'm constantly in awe of what you are able to create anyway. i like your version better than J.Crew - both in style and price!

granma and papa said...

Erin, wow! Wish I could take the credit for teaching you how to sew.
love you,
mom

The Kerr Family said...

Love what you did! It looks great.

Mauri said...

Lovely!

Jenn Bennett said...

Fabulous! You are so talented. And I like yours better than the J Crew version.

Joel said...

I like yours SO much better than the J Crew version as well! You did such a great Job! WOW! Go You!

City Grace said...

Oh I love this!! I am so going to try it! I've been looking for cardigan to ruffle, but what a great idea to just cut a sweater! You are awesome!

Shanda McKeehan said...

I like yours better too! That J Crew one is crap!

Susan@Success/Fail DIY Projects said...

I'm always looking for something soft and sweet enough to wear in to the kids school when I have to go there. Seems I never have the right "visiting the school" outfit. (vs. workout attire, t-shirt/jeans, going out clothes, or church clothes). Something in between...

Kim said...

That looks AWESOME! I am a JCrack fan and that looks better than theirs. You are so talented! And, I love your gorgeous, curly hair.

Kristen said...

You.are.a.genius!! Will you post directions on how to do this?

Unknown said...

What a fantastic job and for an amazingly low price.

Erin said...

You are amazing. Your sweater looks great!

MAJ Bryen said...

Love your version, I second the request for directions if you don't mind!

RachelDenbow said...

Totally impressed by this! I would have never known it was a DIY because you did such a great job with those ruffles!

Creative Craft Ideas said...

So cute... I absolutely love the alteration. I need to get brave and cut some shirts up and practice changing them up. It makes me nervous...don't know why--
literally SO cute!

Anne

Jamie Garlick said...

No WAY!!!! You are amazing! Please let me be you someday!

Robin said...

this is fabulous! I was doing a google search and found you......Now I have to go find something else to embellish!
Robin

Sam said...

Wow, I am so getting a thrift store sweater so I can try that! I'm pinning it...

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