Jen Restyle Fashion

Jen Restyle Fashion Personal stylist and fashion designer. Style inspiration for the woman over 40. Content posted daily. I’m self taught and I’ve been sewing for over 40 years. Jen
(6)

Hi my name is Jen and I am the owner of Urban Sewing Society based in Chicago, Illinois

I am a Master Seamstress. have been sewing for over 40 years and teaching sewing for over 25 years in Chicago and the DMV. I teach basic and beginning sewing to get students to the point they can sew and alter their own clothing. I also teach upcycling classes which will allow the student to create clothing fr

om preloved and thrifted items. I’m a certified trained sewing instructor through the Sewing & Craft Alliance. I have participated in fashion shows in Chicago and New York City during NYFW and Brooklyn Fashion week promoting Sustainable Fashion. I love to share my knowledge with students. I also love to teach beginners because the basics are so important. I offer private sewing lessons as well as group lessons. Happy to chat about what works best for you. Please DM me for more details on classes.

07/07/2026

One fabric. Two projects.

After making my tie top, I still had enough fabric left to create these Luca Tailored Barrel Leg Pants using the FREE pattern from Mood Designer Fabrics

One of my goals this year is to sew more from my fabric stash instead of letting beautiful fabrics sit on the shelf. This pinstripe had been waiting for years, and I’m so glad I finally gave it new life.

I even added a small detail using leftover tie scraps to make the pants feel a little more like my style.

A big thank you to for offering free sewing patterns that inspire sewists to keep creating. I’ll definitely be exploring more of their pattern collection as I continue this series.

What fabric have you been saving for “the perfect project?” Maybe this is your sign to start cutting into it!

07/06/2026

Stash to Style | Ep. 1: I Made the Viral Top… My Way ✂️

I’ve been seeing this viral top everywhere, but I wanted to create a version that felt like me.

Instead of buying one, I dug into my fabric stash and pulled out a pinstripe fabric I’ve been saving for over 10 years! Then I patchworked leftover tie scraps into the design to give it my own signature twist.

Welcome to Stash to Style, a new series where I’m finally sewing my way through my fabric stash—one project at a time.

The full DIY tutorial is coming soon on my YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe if you want to see exactly how I made it!

✨ Every Piece Has a Past—You Give It a Future.

07/05/2026

You voted… and we accepted the challenge! 👀🛍️

The poll was so close that Brenda and I decided to combine all three challenges into one thrift trip!

✨ We shopped for each other.
💰 Stayed under $50.
😱 Stepped outside our comfort zones.
❓ And threw in a mystery item for good measure!

The full thrifting adventure drops on YouTube today at 10am—you won’t want to miss what we picked for each other! 🎥
Watch here!
https://youtu.be/G8J1gqfoFh4?is=0XvaZtMfb_Fc8WED

Which challenge would have been the hardest for YOU?

07/03/2026

I restyle clothes. I’m not your tailor.

No, I will not take in your pants.

“I sew. I do not do alterations.” 🧵
This is genuinely one of the most asked questions I get and no, I promise it’s not personal — I just don’t do hems, darts, or taking in your pants. 😅
Upcycling ≠ tailoring. One is me turning a thrifted blazer into something new. The other is precision math I did not sign up for.
I create. I don’t fix. Big difference. 💅🏾
Drop a 🙋🏽‍♀️if you’ve ever asked you friend who is a Sewist to “just take this in real quick”

Anyway — who’s got fabric scraps and no judgment? That’s my documentary.”

06/28/2026

Help Me Pick Our Next Thrift Challenge! 👀

I’m teaming up with my friend Brenda for our next thrifting adventure, and we’re letting YOU decide the challenge!

What should we do?

👗 Pick outfits for each other
💰 Build outfits for under $50
😱 Shop completely outside our comfort zones

Leave your vote in the comments! We’ll take on the challenge that gets the most votes, and I can’t wait to share the results with you.

Cast your vote below!

06/25/2026

Pinterest Inspired → Upcycled by Me ✂️

Sometimes all it takes is one photo to spark an idea.

I spotted this open-back denim jacket on Pinterest and immediately knew I wanted to recreate it using a thrifted oversized denim jacket from my own closet.

With a few darts, grommets, and denim lacing made from recycled jeans, this forgotten jacket became one of my favorite upcycles yet.

Would you try this upcycle? The full tutorial is over on my YouTube channel. Check it out!

Every Piece Has a Past—You Give It a Future.














06/23/2026

The Denim Jacket Won—Here’s the DIY Behind It

The votes are in, and the denim jacket was the clear favorite for my Pickwick outfit.

Since so many people loved the jacket, I wanted to show how it came together.

This beginner-friendly upcycle starts with an oversized denim jacket and transforms it into a completely different silhouette with just a few simple sewing steps.

Sometimes the best projects come from looking at a garment from a completely different perspective.

Would you wear it?

Full tutorial on You Tube: https://youtu.be/3uQKZYzPB_k

06/21/2026

Help Me Decide My Pickwick Outfit!

I’m headed to the Pickwick Vintage Show at the Chicago Athletic Association this morning and I’m stuck between two jackets.

The outfit is:
✨ Handmade upcycled corset
✨ Akira pants
✨ Steve Madden shoes

Now I need your vote:

A.🖤 Vintage Track Jacket
B. 💙 Upcycled Denim Jacket

Leave your choice in the comments and then join me LIVE on YouTube around 10 a.m. to thrift with me at Pickwick Vintage!

06/19/2026

First Look Inside Chicago’s Newest Savers!

I was invited to preview the newest Savers location at 2928 North Ashland, in Chicago before it opened to the public, and of course I had to bring you along!

From connecting with fellow creators to checking out the inventory and exploring the store, it was a fun day of thrifting and community. I even ran into Brenda and Sarah while I was there!

Would you shop here? Let me know in the comments.

Stay tuned for the full store tour and thrift haul!

06/15/2026

A quick sneak peek from last Sunday’s Blck Solstice Fashion Show. ✨

Every look you see here started as something else—denim, men’s shirts, men’s ties, and thrifted pieces transformed through upcycling.

This was an incredible experience, and I’m still recovering from all the excitement! More to come on each design, the inspiration behind the collection, and the transformation process.

Which look would you like to see first?



The Blck Solstice

Address

Chicago, IL
60615

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jen Restyle Fashion posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Jen Restyle Fashion:

Shortcuts

Share

Category