$20 WEDDING DRESS MAKEOVER | Thrifted Transformations

I let my Instagram followers decide how I should transform this $20 wedding dress! Be sure to follow me on Instagram @coolirpa #weddingdress #makeover #sewing
Additional materials purchased was about $30 or less! I didn't need much to replace the organza, and for the lining but it all depends on the size you need.
END SONG: Heaven Til Dawn by Aiyo Ft. Robin Oman
Video where I explained horsehair braid: • Thrifted Transformatio...
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[@katieB170]

Now can you try and make a dress with all the lowest votes! Would love to see how it turns out

[@shmwmlam3953]

Omg! What a great idea!

[@Crystalfav17]

Yes it would be so different looking.😂🤣😂

[@infinitedragonbellyx.x]

Please

[@NickiSchmicki]

Yes please!!

[@totalrandomness4543]

But without telling us first,so we still vote for what we want

[@lachouapor]

My jaw literally dropped at the final result - you work SO HARD!!! 🥺🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@aishajasmine8236]

me too

[@pisamaiackley5008]

Who will wearing that on a wedding?

[@pamp7171]

So did mine! She is so talented.

[@pixychx2418]

same!

[@kathia8582]

she speaks to us like we’re gonna make it

[@vanggg7908]

That's the whole point. LOL

[@waadab9704]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@madebydaj]

Wellll it is a tutorial 😂

[@sjane7229]

😂

[@Mkasia5]

😂😂😂

[@Littleladyduck]

Is it just me or does everyone on Instagram have basic taste... like that's a combo of every wedding dress in this season... like come on people! Even April was like "this too similar to what I've already done" but besides my rant, good on you April for work with what you got and trying something new like beading 😊

[@raraavis7782]

MachaMissy Well, if you make a decision by ‚popular vote‘ individual tastes will average out and you’ll (likely) get a fairly average design as a result. Doesn’t mean, everyone who participated has ‚basic‘ taste. That’s why we have famous designers. Because it takes a very creative individual with a lot of leeway in their design choices, to create something truly outstanding.

[@eleanorjacobo9818]

I was thinking the same thing the dresser a great 1960s vibe that totally got destroyed :/

[@lestranged]

@@eleanorjacobo9818 I don't think it was vintage. I think it is contemporary but made for the "modest" religious market- specifically Mormon. The awkward sleeve length and high neck look a lot like some dresses from a specialty Mormon wedding dress site I once saw. 1960's 3/4 length sleeves would go past the elbow and look much more elegant because they stop at a flattering spot. This sleeve was like it couldn't decide if it wanted to be a short sleeve or a 3/4 sleeve, so it split the difference and ends in a very awkward spot.

[@Littleladyduck]

@@lestranged what really... well that explains why my Nonna had to wear a similar dress at her first wedding ( my grate-grandparents we're hardcore conservative Jewish , and why my family isnt Jewish anyone )

[@sweetpea0746]

Well.... People like to follow what's trending because it's what society puts forth for us. I personally enjoy vintage clothing and vintage inspired outfits. I do enjoy some modern trends but I feel my best when I'm wearing something seemingly outdated.

[@coolirpa]

Thank you to everyone that participated on Instagram! And for those wondering, this is NOT going to be my wedding dress but I learned a lot from working on it. I hope you enjoyed this video and don’t forget to follow me on IG for the next IG Designs 😁UPDATE: the additional materials purchased was around $20-30. I already owned the horsehair braid. I only needed 1 yard of the organza to replace the one I cut, and I only needed 1.5 yards of lining. Look forward to my blog post on my website for more details and FAQ from this video.

[@alinavang6805]

Omg!! I can’t believe you’re almost at 2M subscribers now!! I haven’t watched very much since high school, but I’ve been following you since you were at probably only a few thousand. You even still follow me on tumblr (lol). So proud of your accomplishments and appreciate that you still make AMAZING videos! Have a nice day April! ❤️ much love.

[@thatonegirlfrank5639]

OMG. you are so talented 😍😍😍😍

[@DeterminedDIYer]

Well of course it's not lol your fiance is your photographer, so you can't let him see it! ;)

[@brittianica]

What do you do with the dress transformations you finish? I think there's 3 now?

[@fawnwolfe7355]

coolirpa m

[@kamilaferens682]

I actually liked the vintege shape of the original one and would love to see it stay that way and just refreshed and with some delicate modern touches. But your final dress is beautiful as well, very delicate and flattering :)

[@MM-iu8fk]

The vintage original looked like better quality fabric as the cut worked well with it. The new result is a lill bulky aand yea so different one should simply have gotten new fabric and spared the beautiful vintage dress.(:

[@plannedbyGod]

I thought so too. The vintage dress is quite lovely on its own, and could have been touched up, just a wee bit. The final result is meh - and that's not a criticism of April's work - just the end design.

[@donnaji]

Thank you! I thought I was the only one who liked the original design! A few modern touches would have been perfect in my opinion.. Love her work, but I was cringing during the whole vid 😫

[@briggyb]

Absolutely agree!!

[@goodmorning4498]

I agree with all the points said so far. 😁

[@yeppeogeu2828]

i feel like the slit made it look a bit more garden party-y instead of bridal but its still super pretty.. and the beading,,, yes

[@DiscoInfernal999]

yeppeogeu Yeah the slit made it look more like a prom dress

[@daniellemhall1358]

Maybe a garden party wedding??

[@shantel7107]

@@daniellemhall1358 - That's what I was thinking too. Simple, elegant, small wedding.

[@rosestewart1606]

@@DiscoInfernal999 and it would be an awesome design for a prom dress.

[@GwenPidgeon]

Twenty dollar dress, two thousand dollars worth of alterations. Absolutely lovely! Beautiful craftsmanship!

[@suviowens6799]

Gwen Pidgeon i wonder if the difference is made from the money she makes from her youtube vids

[@belindacoba5158]

I think the placement of the pleats is very clever and it was a good desicion to cut the apliques into smaller pieces to fit the bodice's new shape.

[@piretsharinghousen9118]

Wow, this is insane! I personally would have skipped the bow, but wow you did such a good job. I volunteer at a charity shop and we got a really nice dress donated this past weekend too and I literally cried out cause I got married a month ago. 😂

[@AshHeaven]

You should get the dress anyway! XD

[@chandlerwhitchurch9984]

April obviously did an amazing job, but wow her followers are terrible at design

[@jazziered142]

The slit was a bad choice and I liked the sleeves.

[@keke5577]

I don't think they were considering what the piece would look like all together 🤦🏾‍♀️... it could have been worse though lol

[@novarae2592]

I agree. The bodice was perfect - flowy would have been better for the bottom though, it also would have worked better with the slit if it was flowy

[@MereRR]

I thought that the Flowey skirt would have worked with the bodice, and for the skirt that she went with a long sleeve bodice would have looked better.

[@0kieD0kiee]

Yeah it looks like pretty much every basic prom dress you can find in Ross. She did a fantastic job as always but I agree about the design 😭

[@anna-lisagirling7424]

I love thrift store transformations! And I was reminded of seeing a dress made from silk parachute material by a young bride during WWII in England. She "rescued" the parachute that had been cut free by a soldier who'd landed and needed to get away from sniper fire. (YIKES!). Her marriage to a young soldier was coming up and neither of them had any money for a more usual dress. I loved her imagination and creativity!

[@Bexinmo]

Looks much nicer. I think I would have either done a slit OR a pleated skirt rather than both.

[@zgts4u]

I agree, also i would have left out the bow it made the dress look bridesmaid rather than bride. With the bow material i would have made something for the hair.

[@batya7]

Hated the slit.

[@goodmorning4498]

@@batya7 Same. I personally avoid most types of slits at all costs.

[@TigerOfTheMist]

I agree. I also think the pleats in the back are rather unflattering, but that's probably just my personal taste.

[@emaliehendel2309]

You’re soooo good. You should honestly design a line of thrifted items that you transform.

[@joleenphillips2415]

It's a nice idea but in most thrift stores you only find just one of any kind of dress or outfit. So they'd all be one of a kind items in only 1 size. From experience I know that's not the best selling point

[@storytellingsnek5255]

When an up-cycled thrifted dress has better design and execution than most red carpet designer gowns....

[@esejsnake1503]

We live in a beautifull world Yeah we do, yeah we do

[@shellsisacoolpear]

Wow I love everything about the dress. It seems a lot of people have a concrete idea of what a wedding dress should look like, and think this doesn't fit the bill. I like the slit, the bow, the back, the neckline, the waistline. Looks amazing. So many women would kill to walk down the aisle in that.

[@tamekamccain5594]

I love that dress!!.. it would be pretty as a your reception/party dress after the wedding

[@grandy2875]

I was going to say the exact same thing :)...great minds think alike...

[@DiScoHiPPiEChiCK]

No I say it is spectacular & not to be relegated to AFTER!

[@tamekamccain5594]

@@DiScoHiPPiEChiCK April already this is not her wedding dress.. calm down.. it's okay.. I promise

[@maryapatterson]

You could just dye it.....

[@Moist_Plinth]

Imagine watching this and realising that you owned that dress beforehand😱❤️

[@margaretmetcalfe9380]

Love everything about it except the split at the front, thought it took away from it being a wedding dress.

[@YourDailyDoseofJillish]

Yeah, almost seemed like a bridesmaids dress

[@Embernie101]

WOW it is a completely different dress. I would have never believed it was the same dress if I hadn't watched the video! Great work! It is stunning to look at.

[@baileynorval5938]

Oh my god this is my $1800 wedding dress but with the bow I never got! 🥰 I had a pink liner tho 💖 amazing job!!!!!

[@coolirpa]

Bailey Norval wow $1800! And no bow?! Thank you!

[@denaleesdreams]

Great transformation of the wedding dress from the past! I love the fact that you do a lot of basting and hand sewing in your transformations! Keep up the good work, you make it look so easy! God bless!

[@shelbyriggs6909]

I bought my wedding dress for $23 from a thrift store. It was an Oleg Cassini ball gown, strapless with a sweetheart neckline and a train for days - originally priced around $1200 from David's Bridal - not to mention the fact that it was in a preservation box! The problem? It was a size 4 while I needed a size 8... sewing in a corset back fixed that problem very quickly! I love that you demonstrate how a quick fix can make all the difference in the world. This video, however, was a breathtaking transformation that showcased your many skills and undeniable talent! Amazing April!

[@Crochetaway]

I have never subscribed and hit the notification bell after watching one video of a KZbin who is brand new to me until today.

[@christinegallo4983]

You look positively radiant in that gown, you did an amazing job on it

[@rawanrawan2274]

Omg you are amazing the dress was so ugly you transform it so well good job girl like it

[@versol6581]

i thought the dress was really pretty at the beginning. just because it's more vintage doesn't make it ugly

[@frankiepsd5722]

I dont know what to dislike about videos like that. Even if someone dont like the design of that dress. Its an inspo

[@raragrace5040]

It’s a beautiful dress! The design is very youthful and gives a kind of relaxed, beach wedding vibe

[@jeanetteli661]

Damn this is the most impressive thrifted transformation I've seen I love it. I really hope I can make my wedding dress when I get married

[@janinemara]

the dress is so beautiful. it took alot of hard work . thats y people dont skip ads... lets support April!

[@GirlNext111]

I think this is your best wedding dress transformation yet

[@poneyfeathersart1442]

Thanks for making upcycles less scarey!! No limits once youve tackled a wedding dress. 💕

[@sweetdutchgirl1]

This is my favorite transformation yet! Way to go April!

[@sylviedabee]

This was such a beautiful transformation!! And I LOVE how you kept the design aspect of the bow in the back, it leaves a little memory of the old dress and it’s sweet😊👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@butterflypooo]

Whoa!!! You could make some big money thrifting and reselling wedding dresses. This looks sOoooOooooo awesome.

[@kimberleyrish4890]

How beautiful it turned out so very modern.

[@jramielle]

My goodness, you're a sewing wizard. Amazing!

[@alisonjin4481]

I can't wait to see your actual wedding dress!! This one is already so good so that one's gonna be PHENOMENAL

[@adriannegentleman83]

Awesome April, I gasped at the final result. you will make a stunning bride

[@rynb4868]

When you were walking and the sun was setting and the dress was billowing a lil omg, so beautiful. So much talent.

[@kri5ta1au]

You’re incredible April! I’ve been following you for a few years and your videos never fail to amaze me!

[@joycewhite7673]

I’ve never been this early before, I love you April! I’m so happy for the success of your channel!

[@kristinafowler5544]

Wow! The transformation is stunning. I can't believe the change.

[@evabryan1209]

You can be very happy ! Your dress is lovely. You are amazing !

[@ar-ardee3369]

I loved what you did with the applique!!!! Awesome work april aS always!!

[@edithistaken]

So excited for this transformation!! I was just a bridesmaids a few days ago 😆❤️

[@sandraaslanoglu5596]

WoW.... what a transformation. Wonderful result. Unbelievable.

[@evelynferrer1322]

I love the way you transformed old garments. Very nice

[@LaineyBug2020]

Sew very beautiful! I loved the footage that looked like a beach, this would be a great beach gown!

[@Crystalfav17]

I would love to a very different looking wedding dress design than the two you have already done. I love the way this one came out

[@hannahturpin8381]

I loved this one! Wedding dress transformations are one of my favorites you do! I am always so sad to see a wedding dress in the thrift store, and I know most of them have so much potential! I love these!

[@jeskeepinitreal]

Really love how the bow integrates with the shape of bodice. Work of art.

[@MrsLeBlanc14]

Such a beautiful transformation! Seeing this makes me wish so badly that I made my own wedding dress!! Maybe for my 10 year wedding anniversary I’ll upcycle my dress

[@itsjhemmabeyb]

Wow You turn the plain wedding dress in to Amazing dress. Goodjob as always.

[@testruelove2530]

Good job!!! And thank you for sweeing a correct linning material to a gown makes it more polish! Well made !

[@happycommuter3523]

Love the end result! Very fresh and summery. The amount of skill that went into this is mind-boggling.

[@meisheet]

So beautiful!! Id say that you could definitely wear this as a wedding dress, but as its not, i cant wait to see the amazing product of your hard work and creativity in the future!

[@xanthe117]

This is so stunning from frumpy it became a completely new one. Would you consider doing a dress transformation for a deserving bride to be?

[@keke5577]

That's a fun idea!

[@misstaytay9694]

Maybe if she can have a giveaway for brides to be and help make them a dress??? Just a recommendation.

[@sophia910]

So cool how you kept the Idea of the original dress with the beads and the bow😍

[@SassyMa_]

I'm blown away it's better than I thought it would be!!! Your amazing thank for sharing your talent with us!!

[@charlations]

Oh wow!! That dress looks so different!!!!! (And awesome too!!!!) Great job!!!!

[@Mykasan]

it looked like a really old dress :O if it wasn't for the applique placement, the dress was pretty. I liked it. I'm not a fan of deep v but the result is really beautiful

[@Pntngbrn]

That was amazing. I love to see clever creative people do their thing

[@emmanuelpantoja1014]

Love this transformation of the dress, love your creativity too...

[@lachouapor]

I’ve been following and contributing on Instagram! So excited to watch to see the final results!!💞

[@coolirpa]

Paj Tsua awesome! Hope you had fun. 😊

[@dianaandino3177]

Like before it started jaja just because I participated in every question!!! excited for the results

[@maritzadominguez2071]

Thank you, I am going to start my journey in sewing wedding dresses best way to start.

[@maunarose]

Your talent is an inspiration. I’ve been sewing for 35 years, and I still learn from you. Excellent work, April!

[@tiffaneymartinez2473]

How are you so talented!!!??? This is probably the best one yet!!!!

[@CurrentlyAmber]

Yay!! I've been waiting for this one!

[@coolirpa]

Currently Amber wooo glad to see you over here in the comments!

[@0halibut0]

I do believe this is my FAVORITE transformation! You looked great in this btw.

[@lindarfleete4443]

Excellent, excellent work. You are a wonderful designer. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@TheFashionWHT]

Okay the before I was like, “omg she’s so cute and so young can’t believe she’s getting married 😭😭😭😭”...but then the after look: “DAAAAYYYYYUUUUMMMM! Get it girl!!” Getting some grown woman Beyoncé vibes 🤣🤣🤣 This was amazing! And I should try the Instagram challenge too!

[@shilakayastha2167]

I can't believe my eyes 😅 How can you make that dress so elegant and sexy 😍

[@c.hillis8901]

Wow wow WOWWWW. AMAZING transformation! Beautiful work! Stunning dress!

[@dianeolson8449]

Wow! That was abeautiful dress to start with and super- beautiful after the transformation!

[@aimeeilavayou]

The finished dress looks so good! 😍 definitely a style I’d want to wear

[@MoaOde]

Super cute! But dont really feel like a weddingdress anymore 😅 i really love the back 😍😍

[@patyrockstar41]

You can really turn any piece of fabric into a piece of art. I really love the dress

[@mariehawkins]

Great Job! Beautiful dress transformation. Thanks for sharing.

[@janusquiamco7128]

You did a really good job with the dress. I just wish people didn‘t always go for the skin-baring option :/

[@feliciastrobhert6220]

Absolutely on trend. I just saw an article that said side-slits are going to be popular this year. And puffy sleeves. (Yuck)

[@fishstew2573]

Felicia Strobhert I love puff sleeves. Interesting silhouettes are so much fun!

[@aliveslice]

Yes to puff sleeves, no to slits and a big fuck you to trends in general

[@saliharehanaz8475]

This is honestly such a beautiful transformation! From seeing you make your first prom dress, to know making wedding dresses! I'm so glad to have been part of this process!

[@repairtech9320]

I love the high speed video editing. We get to see all your hard work and learn more from your amazing talent.

[@rosielrosie]

if she looks this good in a wedding dress, just wait until her real wedding in her real wedding dress 😭

[@greenlotusssc4570]

Yeah. I wonder what is her weeding dress looks like. She probably will make her own at peofession.

[@StephanieHWLS]

@@greenlotusssc4570 She did an elopement dress some time ago so you'll have to search yoytube for it.

[@hannahgray1730]

The before dress looked like a modern Vietnamese Ao Dai wedding dress

[@larklazuli2677]

This is so sleek and modern and stunning!

[@bookworm2005]

I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these projects. Thank you so much!

[@xXPeaceForeverrXx]

i had my doubts since at the beginning, your polls showed the usual templates for regular projects you've made. but the bodice came out super nice. the skirt with pleats was also an excellent choice, but slit kind of ruined it tbh, and the bow too.

[@grannysquareswagonwheels2604]

How much did you end up spending on the dress? I know It was $20 for the dress but then you bought more material to finish it, that information would be nice to know too.

[@saskiasteyn8412]

She commented how much she spent at the end. See hers at the top of the comments.

[@venesameses284]

Wow so beautiful..... I cant believe the transformation.....

[@LayAnn]

The dress looks AMAZING!!! LOVE IT.

[@themajesticwierdo2193]

Can I commission you to help me make my wedding dress whenever I meet mr. Right? Lol cuz this is GORGEOUS. I'm not trying to spend ridiculous amounts of money on a dress and this is answer 😍😍😍

[@GodsOath_com]

Do you wash or launder the original garment before you transform it or do you launder it afterward?

[@crazypanda9170]

Tuxedo Cat She probably washes the original garment so that she doesn’t damage or ruin the final product

[@lovedabunny]

April, You are such a clever girl! Beautiful job! I do enjoy watching you and your process.

[@peadar-o]

Much more special and imaginative than what I’ve seen on ‘Yes!, to the dress’, and without the rude entourages.

[@tanlan9212]

"Oh, wow. That dress is amazing! How much was it?" April: $20

[@Hyorin94]

"It's so confusing for me to explain but I hope the video makes sense." Girl, nothing in what you say or in the video makes sense. What makes sense is the dress you transformed into!

[@julsjewels3185]

From ho-hum to Yowza!!! Fresh and new look to the previous look.

[@LadyPhoenixAsher]

That would be perfect for a beach wedding. Good job!