There are several ways to preserve relics, memorabilia, vintage fashion, and artifacts. While some believe vintage items should be left in their original state, others lean more towards a little tweak and switch-up. A TikTok creator with the handle Kelley Heyer faced quite a dilemma on the short-form video app after documenting how she switched up the style on a 1970s dress to suit her glam choice for her birthday. There was a clash of opinions as Heyer’s action sparked outrage among TikTokers.

Heyer built her social media brand as a content creator who displays unique style creations and vintage modifications. On March 2, 2023, Heyer documented how she tweaked a vintage find into her desired birthday dress. On a series of clips, netizens followed through with the process as she posted each step.

Heyer started by showing off the floor-length blue dress with long sleeves and wide trimmings around the hem and sleeves. The sleeves were styled into little puffs across her shoulder, arms, and down to her wrists. The puffs were sectioned with blue embroidery, which also featured around her waist.

The media creator could be seen twirling and giving an up-close look at the classic style. All the while, she played a voice-over sound letting other TikTokers know she intended to modify the 70s vintage dress into something that suited her sense of style.

The actor noted that because she was a Pisces, she intended to channel a look inspired by her zodiac sign. She informed viewers:

“I really wanted to lean into some watery mermaid core vibes, but I also wanted to keep the vintage feel of the dress.”

She said, “Please remember that this is my birthday dress, and I’m really happy with the result.”

To achieve the desired look, Kelley Heyer noted that she sought inspiration from vintage nightgowns, 60 style, and regency era costumes for the neckline.” She stated that she felt her ideas were quite contrasting, but she was determined to make it work.

Heyer got to work by trimming off the dress’s frilly bottom, while the video’s progression showed her measuring the preferred length and getting to work on her sewing machine. In her follow-up video, she sewed in mermaid-inspired pearls, chunky beads, and sparkly gems.

She ultimately flaunted the result: a knee-length outfit with puffy sleeves intact and large pearls adorning her midriff. However, the feeling was different in the comment section. Many frowned at how she altered the original style. One TikTok user uttered, “It’s beautiful, but I will never forgive you for cutting it short.”

Another person wrote, “Went from a beautiful vintage work of art to something you’d find at Shein.” Someone chimed, “Moment of silence for the original lace trim.”

After the myriads of disapproval she received, Heyer decided to address the uproar. The fashion lover replied to one of the comments with a video. The comment read, “I’m glad you liked it, but why ruin a gorgeous vintage dress.”

Heyer noted that she was aware of the debate on whether to keep vintage dresses intact or modify them. “Some of y’all are acting like I personally went into your home and burned your grandmother’s wedding dress,” Heyer said. She shared the image of another dress, noting that she wouldn’t change it due to its intricate details. Despite the reactions, Heyer affirmed that she was glad she achieved her birthday look.

Do you agree with how the TikToker chose to achieve her style choice? Do you believe vintage dresses should be left intact or given a facelift? Let us know, and share this piece with others.