I am pretty darn excited about today’s post because I was able to work with one of my favorite brands to put together a functional, stylish outfit AND give one of YOU a $250 gift card for ECCO shoes! Pretty great, right?!! One of the simplest things that we can do to change our clothes is to sew a new hem and I’m going to show you just how easy it is today. I paired my newly cropped jeans with a handmade blouse, a pair of casual ECCO flats, and the most scrumptious ECCO shoulder bag. The outfit is casual, but definitely put together, and I think it will work well for shopping, a lunch date, and skipping over to all of the kids’ school functions that tend to pop up this time of year.
I took a pair of jeans from my donate pile and decided instead to turn them into useable capri pants for the spring. The jeans fit just fine, but the style was bulky and heavy around my ankles, not to mention too long.
To hem your jeans into capris, you will need just a few supplies:
- pins or clips
- washable fabric marker
- scissors/rotary cutter
- pinking shears (optional)
- heavy duty/denim sewing needle
- thick thread appropriate for detail stitching on denim
- sewing machine
First try them the jeans on and mark where you want your new hem to be. I find it easiest to scrunch the leg up around your knee until you find the right length and then put a pin at that same height on the other pant leg.
Once you have the new finished length marked, the hemming is simple!
- Mark 1″ below the desired finish length and cut the bottom of the pant leg straight across through all layers. This will give you enough excess fabric to make a double-fold hem.
- If the pant leg is too wide, you can taper it in at this point. Figure out how much tapering you want to do by trying the cut pants on inside out. Pinch along the inside of the leg and mark the starting point of your taper (mine was 8″ above the bottom) and mark how far in (mine was 1/2″). Use a washable fabric marker to mark your taper line.
- Sew to taper the leg – work on the inside seam if possible. On these particular jeans, the inside seam was topstitched so I had to taper the outer seam, which turned out fine, too. Use pinking shears to cut down the seam allowance from your tapered side and reduce bulk to 1/4″.
- Fold and press up the bottom edge of the jeans by 1/2″. Fold and press another 1/2″ to create a double-fold hem. Pin or clip in place.
- Set your sewing machine to a bit longer stitch length (I lengthened the stitch to a 3). Working slowly, sew your new hem approximately 3/8″ from the edge. It may be easiest to sew with your jeans turned inside out and place the sewing needle inside the cuff to stitch on the right side of the hem. Add a second row of stitching if desired.
- Repeat for the second leg and you’re done!
I am thrilled with how my new capri jeans turned out – they’re lighter and easier to move around in – perfect for spring. Also, they go great with these adorable ECCO Ballerina Patch flats. The shoes feature soft leather uppers, a breathable full leather lining, and foam insole for added comfort. The outer patchwork design is sewn from a variety of rich leathers that are light and flexible. My ECCO boots that I wore daily this winter (including hours of touring through Paris last Fall) have proven comfortable and these flats seem to provide the same stylish comfort. I love a pair of shoes that I can wear throughout the day.
I also added this ECCO Sculptured Shoulder Bag to my outfit and let me tell you, it is divine! It’s made from cow leather and features water-repellant Baby Ottoman lining. The gunmetal hardware blends so nicely with this subtle Woodrose color and I kind of love that it will coordinate with lots of looks so that I can use it daily. Nice and big and ready to stash whatever this busy mom needs! The inside has a dedicated phone pocket, zip pocket, and key ring strap – nothing’s getting lost in the bottom of this baby, but I’m pretty sure it will fit all the things!! Dreamy!
My blouse was handmade by me. It is the top version from the Marigold Dress Pattern and I love the elastic waist and pretty neckline. I used gold buttons on this one to dress it up some and the big bow tied sash gives it some added style. Cap sleeves make it great for the warmer weather! The fabric is a polyester I picked up at Britex last Fall.
Alright, friends! It’s time to give away the most awesome prize!! $250 for some ECCO shoes of your very own! Can you already smell the sweet smell of that real, supple leather?? What’s your favorite spring shoe trend? Tell me below in the comments for a chance to win an ECCO shoe card worth up to $250!! Eek!
Entry Instructions:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
- Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
- Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
- Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
- For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 4/2/15 – 4/30/15.
Be sure to visit the ECCO brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Comments & Reviews
Sandra says
I’m loving that there are so many cute shoe options now that are actually comfortable! I have a stack of jeans in my donate pile, now I’m going to try and save them!
the cape on the corner says
i can’t wait for it to feel like spring, but for more than a day! i love a good peep toe, that’s how you know it’s spring, when i’m rocking the peep toe, lol.
b
Lindsay says
I love that blouse! I really like the lace ballet flats I have seen, but I tried on a pair of navy wedge sandals that were tempting, too. 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!
Liz j says
I love the ballet flats.. But I don’t like how wimpy the soles usually are. I am on the hunt for comfortable flats.
Jane says
Looks like Spring has officially hit Saint Louis. I love wearing bright Spring colors and sandals. Guess it us tine to paint my toenails.
Emily says
You look fabulous! What an improvement on those pants! I’m looking forward to leather sandals and maybe I’ll get around to a pedicure. 🙂
Charity says
I love the blouse! That’s really cute.. the gold buttons are perfect.
I love all of the laser-cut leather. Such a fun trend. =)
Tina says
I love your style!
looks comfy, but not SAHM style
(I sometimes have to kick myself in the tooshie to get out of my yoga-pants. But it’s so worth it!)
I love Ecco-Shoes. But I haven’t bought a pair in a long time….
Thanks for the give away
Tina
Colleen says
Such a wonderful spring idea! Love the step-by-step directions, too!
Rosellen says
Beautiful outfit. I love how your blouse looks with the capri’s.
Kelly D says
My favorite spring shoe trend is wedges.
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/583746769105920000
Em Mahr says
My favorite shoe trend is ballet flats – stylish and comfortable – love them!
angela kijauskas says
I’m loving all the sporty flats that give cushion and comfort. Beautiful outfit by the way.
Elena says
My favorite trend is shoes with bow ties
Elena says
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/583763550050459648
Julie says
Looks like something I need to try! And the shoes look so comfortable!
Julie says
https://twitter.com/juliepwood/status/583774528989302784
Wehaf says
I love wedge espadrilles – they feel so fun and freeing after a winter of boots!
Madeline says
My favorite shoe trend is lace-up shoes! But ballet flats are always great and so comfortable.
Madeline says
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/583794393582149632
Margaret says
I would like to have a chance at winning a new pair of spring shoes. The article was great to read. I need to get a start at my spring wardrobe. I really don’t have the funds at this time however I think I can remake a few items that don’t fit well and put them to good use.
Sharon says
I love all the pretty and colorful ballet flats out for spring. Yours are great!
Sharon says
https://twitter.com/rusthawk/status/583802167393292288
Sarah says
My favorite trend is colorful flats
Barbara P. says
Nice comfortable trendy flats with a lot of cushion for comfort. Thanks for the chance to win! Great outfit!
HilLesha says
I have always loved ballet flats. Ballet flats possess casual elegance, versatility, and style, making them the ideal all day, everyday shoes! It’s a staple that should be part of any woman’s wardrobe since they can easily be worn with jeans, a skirt, or dress. 🙂
Adrienne gordon says
I’m all about sandals
Julie Wood says
My favorite Spring shoe trend is called Bejeweled Flats and Pretty Pink Ballet flats that go with everything!
Julie Wood says
Tweet Entry
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/583966469479731201
Sandy Klocinski says
I don’t really have a favorite spring shoe trend. I practically live in athletic shoes (if I can’t be barefoot1) so I guess my favorite trend any time is comfort
Sandy Klocinski says
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/583974600754782208
Lanie says
I love this entire outfit. The blouse fabric is so cheery and glory. The flats are awesome. Let’s lunch soon.
Lanie says
Flowy not glory. 🙂
Caryn Reed-Hendon says
It’s nice to have an alternative to the jeans that I don’t quite wear any more but don’t want to give up. They just need a fashion refresh. I’m definitely going to try this out!
Caryn Reed-Hendon says
Twitter Entry
https://twitter.com/drcrh/status/584019408781234178
Cynthia C says
I usually wear sandals when the weather gets warm, but I am liking the look of the ballet flat trend is nice.
Cynthia C says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/584029798663593984
McKim says
I like the casual wedge shoes.
Natalie says
My favorite spring shoe trend is strappy sandals with bows on it. I like the bows to be pastel colored! I love your blouse btw.
Natalie says
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/584056977342537728
Nickie says
I love your outfit! The blouse is really cute.
Nickie says
tweet: https://twitter.com/NICKIEISIS3/status/584060790296182784
Kristi C says
My favorite trend is wedge sandals in a floral print.
nicole d says
I love anything with a floral print on it, like some floral printed flats, so digging these for spring this year.
nicole d says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/584202337150861312
Lauren E. says
My fave shoe trend in spring is canvas patterned flats
Heidi says
I love the ballet flats! And, anything pastel!
cathyv says
If I do not have to wear closed shoes until October, I am happy. That is my spring and summer mantra.
Jessie C. says
My favorite trend is the flat espadrille.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C. says
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/584457703071686657
Carla S says
I like leather sandals with flowers on them for spring.
Kate Burton says
I can’t sew a stitch so to me the changes you have made are practically MAGIC! Thanks for the giveaway
Kate Burton says
My favorite shoe is the Rivas sandals since it’s starting to warm up.
Kate Burton says
Tweet https://twitter.com/kathyskontests/status/584821424633806848
Dana Stargazer Truitt says
Tweet entry!! https://twitter.com/Dana_Stargazer/status/584878443529142272
Dana Stargazer Truitt says
I would love the gift card I am in dire need of clothing. See last month marked my goal of 40lbs lost!! I changed my life entirely by stopping eating certain foods, as well as giving up soda…wahhhh!! I walk 2 miles every morning and do 30mins of cardio every evening. Now there are plenty of great side effect to weight loss. The #1 being the wonderful self confidence, from completing such a monumental goal. I have been carrying that baby weight for years! Back down to 155 yipee!! The one bad side effect is that none of my clothes fit me any more!! Wahhh!! I’m happy about the shopping of course, but my wallet is not!! This gift card would be a great start, to a new fitting wardrobe.
I’ll be crossing my fingers!!
Rebecca says
I love mint and coral color shoes for spring!
heather says
My favorite Spring shoe trend is flats with cute little bows.
Julie Murphy says
I can’t wait to get out the flip flops
jessica w says
I love the birkenstock styles that are in as well as the wedges!
jessica w says
I tweeted too https://twitter.com/jessrwarfield/status/585062695503851520
Shannon says
I’m loving the bright bold colors!
Denise L says
I love floral flats for Spring!
Denise L says
tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/585136052714733569
Lauren says
I like the lace up sandal trend.
christine burd says
I think my favorite trend would be pretty bright colors.
soumya says
wish i could sew myself a blouse like that!
my favorite trend for this spring are the oxfords, especially floral ones! i just bought myself a pair!
Ashley C says
I love bright colored wedges for summer!
Jessie says
Can’t wait to put away my sturdy winter shoes and boots and get back to the light Mary Janes and ballet flats that I live in the rest of the year 🙂
rachel says
I’m with you on leather — loving it!!
Laura H says
I love floral wedges!!
Laura H says
https://twitter.com/LauraBessy/status/586265753369845760
Audrey says
Those super cute ballet flats are my new favorite spring shoe trend!
D Schmidt says
I love pastel ballet flats
Joy says
This season I’m trying on the nude patent leather…and loving it!
Sandra Watts says
I like the entire look and I have a few pants I would like to do that to.
Sandra Watts says
Shared on Twitter
https://twitter.com/saleago/status/587591296308682754
Sandra Watts says
My blog post link
http://saleago.tumblr.com/post/116291606502/hem-your-jeans-into-capris-and-250-ecco-giveaway
Teresa says
After months of snowy slush, I am loving anything lightweight, simple and comfortable: Sandals with a wedge and ballet flats to dress up jeans are two of my favorites.
BusyWorkingMama says
What a great tutorial! Capris look great on you! I love brightly colored sandals for spring. They add a nice pop of color to an outfit!
Chi Shannon says
My favorite shoe trend to look at are those Gladiator types that go up the leg 🙂 but to wear? I have to go with the flats / almost flats that are fancy with embellishments 🙂
Chi Shannon says
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/588385653148127232
Denise S says
I like clogs in the spring.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com
Lisa says
I like the soft sandals for spring.
Lisa says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/flowergirl523/status/588448500645437441
Kristen says
I love white slip on sandals.
Kristen says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/588462005603803136
Katherine says
I love the blinged out sandals
Katherine says
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/588797862873538560
paige chandler says
My favorite trend is peep toe spring boots.
Christine says
Need to do this with my girls’ pants!
Kimmy Ripley says
I really love the wedge style of shoes.
keshakeke says
I am loving sandals or peep toe flats right now! I love the tutorial on the capris! I will have to do this with jeans I am not wearing because they are way too long! (I am a shorty!)
keshakeke says
I tweeted https://twitter.com/GirlInspired1/status/583675294709460992
Fran Heeter says
Ecco shoes are the most comfortable and cute to boot.
maria cantu says
My favorite spring shoe trend is sandals in all of spring colors.
Jamika Jett says
Does ECCO have any cute wedges? Wedges usually look better than flats when wearing capri’s.
#SweepstakesEntry
Lauren Olivia Wood says
My favorite spring shoe trend are the grecian sandals with lots of bling!
MJ Moore says
I love all the florals and prints I’m seeing on shoes this spring!
Michelle H. says
I love wedges. I also love some of the prints I am seeing on pumps.
Kari says
I’m really loving colorful and patterned slip-on sneakers. So fun for spring!
Anna Pry says
i dont know, i dont follow trends but i love a comfy shoe! pryfamily5@gmail.com
Anna Pry says
i tweeted https://twitter.com/thepryfamily2/status/591700599936327680 pryfamily5@gmail.com
Rebecca Graham says
I like the colorful and blingy sandals I have been seeing in the stores.
sherri crawford says
im not ready to quit booties yet but also love sandals
Debbie B says
i love sandals! i like the slide on or slip on type and especially if they are embellished with a little bling!
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet: https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/592348535535771650
Kerry says
Wedges are my favorite spring trend!
Kerry says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/592399387126530048
Stefanie Gladden says
my favorite spring shoe trend is wedges! I love them!
Stefanie Gladden says
tweeted – https://twitter.com/stephcouponsxx/status/592408319572234240
Anne C says
Clogs! I’m loving all the new ones I’ve been seeing around.
Erica B. says
I like brightly colored flats.
Richard Hicks says
I kind of like the brightly colored Wedge sandals
Richard Hicks says
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/592651975000461314
Kaitlin says
These – ECCO Tabora 15 Sandal, they’re my favorite spring trend! lol
Kaitlin says
I tweeted – https://twitter.com/MarkKaitlin/status/592772499328335874
Kathy Pease says
I love save sandals they are the next best thing to being barefoot
Kathy Pease says
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/593116101275451392
Carolyn Daley says
I like spring colored flats and tennis shoes.
Carolyn Daley says
I tweeted. https://twitter.com/DarkMysticNight/status/593144692289642497
Amanda Sakovitz says
I like ballet flats
Amanda Sakovitz says
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/593396937568735232
Thomas Murphy says
I like sandals in the spring.
Thomas Murphy says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/593477339780091904
Ed says
I like the sandals!
Lisa V. says
I’ve noticed clogs are back and some are very cute.
Leela says
I’m loving the wooden clog heels with leather straps.
Dawn Monroe says
I like the colors, the flats and sadals and the color blocking
Tabathia B says
I like the wedge sandals with thick criss cross straps
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Betty C says
I love the look of the sandals with a small wedge. The ECCO Touch 25 Sandal is just right and the adjustable straps are a great feature.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/593642893841211392
Annette says
My favorite spring shoe trend is chic flats.
Annette says
https://twitter.com/ThatTuxedoCat/status/593665008925564929
Tracey byram says
I like gladiator style sandals
Heidi B says
I really love jeweled flats. The ballerina style is so timeless and classic too. The gladiator ones are fun with the right outfit too.
Heidi B says
Twitter Entry https://twitter.com/zanderbear/status/593782053679824896
Shannon says
My fave spring trend is lacey flats…I love anything lacey this spring!
Shannon says
https://twitter.com/shiebs24b/status/593790272913448961
Ellen Casper says
I like wearing ballet flats in the spring.
Ellen Casper says
https://twitter.com/usnamom2014/status/593849146353852416
erica best says
multi-strap cage heels
erica best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/593845046245330944
angie says
I really like all of the faux leathers coming out this year. It is so exciting, for a vegetarian like me, to see cool styles that are cruelty-free! Please don’t take this comment as an attack on your leather loving in this article. It is not intended that way. This is just an honest response to your question. 😀
angie says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/593857486089801728
Buddy Garrett says
Fancy Flats is my wife’s favorite.
Jerry Marquardt says
My favorite trend right now is the lighter materials and more raw looks in shoe wares.
Jerry Marquardt says
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: My favorite trend for spring is lighter materials and more versatile looks for shoe wares.
Kathryn C says
my favorite spring shoe trend is the wedge sandal
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
Kathryn C says
my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/593895333983330304
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
Sherry Conrad says
What a great idea with the jeans – whole new look. I am enjoying the wedges this spring.
Sherry Conrad says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/dddiva/status/593903145836646400
CharityS says
I really love wedge heels.
Stephanie Galbraith says
I love the ankle boots.