In an effort to add new content to this blog without having to dress up and wear a cursed wig, here is a tutorial of how I remade an old white purse to something gyaru-inspired! Note, this is a somewhat image heavy post.
Here is the purse, purchased for like $5 at Ross in the girl's section, made of textured fake leather. I brightened the photo too much, but you can see faint blue/grey stains all over the front and yellowing handles. I barely used this purse but it somehow got dirtied, as white purses will. I was going to donate it, but I never got around to it due the pandemic, so I decided to see if I can remake it into something I might even carry around.
Step 1: taking off the front bow with sharp scissors and repainting the front and sides and handles with a thin layer of white acrylic paint using a sponge brush. I did not paint the back in case I do use it, I don't want the paint flaking off onto my clothes. Already looks much better. While the paint dried (I gave it a few hours), it was time to gather materials and brainstorm ideas and take a nap.
Step 2: I looked at a bunch of gyaru and hime purses online and also found this tutorial by Magic Pearl Heart for inspiration. I gathered a bunch of materials I might need (note, I did not use most of these) and decided the main thing is replacing the front bow with the rose, then using the pearl beads to make a chain for decoration. I wasn't as sure about the lace, as white lace on white tends to make things look bridal and I would rather avoid that. Unfortunately, I did not have any white shiny fabric that wasn't obviously off-white and clashing with the pure white color, so no big Jesus Diamante style bow for me this time.
Step 3: while waiting for paint to dry, I started making the pearl chain using gold eye pins and wire cutters. I decided I wanted to use the acrylic heart pendant, so added a jump ring to that. I also sewed tiny iridescent glass beads leftover from other bead strings to the white rose to mimic dew drops, and added a big shiny plastic bead to the center.
Step 4: I decided I couldn't risk the white on white bride accessory look, so I went bold and decided to paint a leopard print with gold and silver paint! Leopard print is another gyaru trademark, so I felt confident on this decision. Also, the print would hide any defects or scuffs. I just dabbed gold paint with a sponge brush randomly over the front and sides.
Step 5: A detail shot of using silver + black paint with a wide brush to accentuate the leopard spots, after letting the gold dry first.. I referenced some leopard print from my wardrobe for this and some online tutorials, too. I let the finished paint job dry overnight, I sprayed a thin layer of acrylic gloss sealant over the surface to help protect the paint from flaking. Although I don't intend to use this purse much, I wanted to use the sealant up, lol.
Step 6: the finished product (sorry, I didn't take photos of the steps in between lol). I glued some cheap rhinestones I got as a free gift with nail supplies I purchased onto some of the leopard spots, though I may need to reglue them later. I sewed the rose on where the bow used to be, then sewed chunky crystal beads to either side to hang the pearl chain from. I didn't want the plastic heart to get bumped, so I attached it to a gold chain on the handle, and attached more crystal beads to the zipper pull.
Overall, I love how delightfully tacky this purse is, it is not overboard at all. If I could change some things, I would add more rhinestones and pearls to the bag itself, but I was lazy and didn't want to pull out the hot glue gun or use a stronger glue than what I had at my desk. The rose is too floppy for my taste, but it was all I had, and I think with the ruffle flap pushing it forward, the impression of a flower is enough. If I come across more white roses, I might add them, but for functionality and how lazy I am, this is a good stopping point. I'm glad I didn't throw this purse out! I just... don't have a matching outfit... yet...
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