$250 dress for 67 cents

[Jim]

I looked up this strapless dress I got recently from the thrift store on their 12 for $8 deal. It originally cost about $250.

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It did not stay up well enough when being active. I asked my online sewing group for advice. Some suggested straps, some body adhesive, some tape, some darts, or other ways of taking it in. Several suggested filling out the bust in various ways, including things I probably shouldn't mention here.

Here's what it looks like on the model on the ad.

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But what amazed me was all the women making positive comments on it. Here are some of them.

This dress is gorgeous.
That fit is perfect!! It looks so good on you!! Spaghetti straps would take away form the overall look of the dress. A halter type strap would look best.
Beautiful fabric!
The dress is gorgeous and I love the color but for you, this needs to be fitted to you, ...
The color and fabric is gorgeous. I am not a sewing expert, but I will say that the waist is bulging forward, and you might consider shapewear underneath.
You just need those silicone inserts to help fill out the boob area. That will help keep it up.
That's a great dress! I think it would look really sharp if the top were tailored to your shape using darts to bring in the fabric between the boned panels.
I’m here learning from the wonderful suggestions on your post. I’m very much a novice, but I did want to say that that dress looks fantastic on you! Great color and style. Just wanted to be a positive note of encouragement. You are doing amazing!

So far I just added elastic under the lining on top and filled in the bust area a little. So far, so good, but I'm not sure I want friends to see it with the bust filled out!

[denimini]

Onsell it on eBay to finance some other garments (that don't need bust filling)

Envious that you get deals like 12 for $8.

[Myopic Bookworm]

... what amazed me was all the women making positive comments on it.

That is a great dress: I would love to wear that kind of thing. I did order a strapless dress from Thrift+ once, but they really do need serious adaptation to the boobless figure. I had concluded that a halter neck might work best, but I really can't sew myself.
I now have a dress on order with narrow shoulder straps, to see how that works.

[Barleymower]

... what amazed me was all the women making positive comments on it.

That is a great dress: I would love to wear that kind of thing. I did order a strapless dress from Thrift+ once, but they really do need serious adaptation to the boobless figure. I had concluded that a halter neck might work best, but I really can't sew myself.
I now have a dress on order with narrow shoulder straps, to see how that works.

Jim it is a great dress. Sometimes things just fall in your lap.
MB
I can't sew to save my life but accidents will happen and I also have a constant eye on the next skirt. So i have not minded having a go with a needle and thread. Nothing lost, nothing gained.