Wednesday, December 22, 2010

diy: feather skirts

While I was checking my email today I found this amazing DIY number from WHOWHATWEAR.COM

I figured why not re-post this since it goes along with my DIY feather mohawk shoes post from yesterday.  Now I wouldn't wear these two together but I am tempted to make this skirt.  I have re-posted the whole page from their website with instructions.  Have fun and fly away little birdies!


D.I.Y.: Feather Skirts
Historically speaking, it's really quite incredible how many noteworthy fashion moments involve feathers. From Pocahontas' quill-bedecked headpiece to flappers' glamorous boas to Bjork's infamous swan dress, plumage-accented pieces always garner plenty of attention, which is why they're perfect for this time of year. After all, while sequins are merry and metallics look major, there's something so frivolously fun about feathers! It's no wonder we've found ourselves migrating towards these festive pieces—especially feathered mini skirts—as they're sure to make a sartorial statement at all of the season's many parties!

Now, if you agree that a feathered skirt is an absolute wardrobe must-have, you can take one of two paths to procure said item. Your first option is to purchase your feathered skirt: there are a slew of gorgeous styles on the market right now. Of all the many iterations available, we suggest checking out Tory Burch's stunning Fawn Skirt ($525) from her F/W 10 collection. Boasting a subtle silhouette, the ostrich-feathered skirt—shown above in both violet and black—embodies an eclectic and playful spirit that's ideal for an after-hours soiree.

Of course, if you've got some time on your hands, a budget to stick to, or simply prefer to wear one-of-a-kind items, you can always make a feathered skirt yourself. Thought it might seem seriously complicated, we've got a secret weapon to help get you through this project: D.I.Y. guru Erica Domesek of P.S. I Made This! Today she's sharing all the secrets you need to know about how to fashion a feathered skirt, so read on for Domesek's always-simple step-by-step instructions and have fun!

INGREDIENTS
-Black Skirt
(We used American Apparel's California Fleece Tulip Skirt ($32) in black.)
-Ostrich Feather Trim
(Please note: the exact length of trim needed is directly related to the size of the skirt you are using.)
Small Skirt: 4+ yards
Medium Skirt: 5+ yards
Large Skirt: 6+ yards
-Fabric Glue
(Aleene's Original Tacky Glue ($5) is one good option)
-Scissors

DIRECTIONS
1. Lay skirt on a flat surface and glue the feather trim to the hem, starting at the bottom edge on the far left side.

2. Make sure you use a generous layer of glue on the feather trim (but not so much that it seeps over the trim's edges) and be sure to position the trim so that it lies flat along the hem.

3. Once glued in place, cut the trim on the far right edge of the skirt.

4. Glue the second row of trim to the skirt, again starting on the far left side. The second row should be spaced approximately 2 to 3 inches above the first row. (NOTE: Do one entire side of the skirt first, then flip it and do the other side.)

5. Continue to glue rows of the feather trim up the skirt, leaving approximately 2 to 3 inches between each row.

6. Let the skirt partially dry—approximately 10 to 15 minutes—then flip it over and do the other side.

7. Once you're finished with both sides, be sure to let the fabric glue completely set (approximately 24 hours) before wearing it out on the town!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

diy: mohawk pumps (aka: yves saint laurent)

SOOOOO what does one do when they see this picture and realize that these are the most amazing shoes of the season?

Yves Saint Laurent Palais Mohawk Suede Pumps
Photo from style.com

The ANSWER my friends ... you make your own.  As tempting as it is to spend $935 (on sale for $654.50) who really has that kind cash to spend a pair of shoes that you will maybe wear twice?

My friend Beth and I decided to make them ourselves and they turned out even better than we could have hoped. We ordered a cheap pair of black faux suede shoes from ??? I don't even know the site but they were cheap.  We went to Mood Fabric in LA and decided to go with black feather trim.

Voila!!!!








Wednesday, December 15, 2010

as white as snow

So I woke up today and did my whole what would Alexa Chung wear deal (which I have to admit really helped me when choosing my outfit).  I decided to go with an oldie but goodie cream H&M dress. Threw on some tights and a little sweater and added my favorite vintage gold chain belt.  PLUS I finally got to wear my new vintage earrings AND it's already Wednesday.  Now if only I wasn't so pale white?????


H&M cream dress
Bird by Juicy Couture sweater
Very Volatile brown ankle boots
Vintage earrings and belt
 

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

sheer genius

What do you do on a Monday evening?  Well first you dig through your closet until you find that sheer skirt you bought a month ago and have yet to wear.  After you find it you grab your roommate and make her take pictures of you in different combinations with the same awesome sheer skirt.  Ta-da!!!! 

Thank you Devika (my personal photographer)!

Urban Outfitter's Sheer Skirt



Vintage Sequin Top
Dollhouse Booties



Jeffrey Campbell Lita Booties
Vintage Necklace
H&M Poncho
Handmade Bracelet (by my sister Ann)


Anthropologie Velvet Jacket
Guess Necklace

Gap Shirt and Jacket
Ralph Lauren Clogs

Jeffrey Campbell Lita Booties
Anthropologie Tank
Vintage Necklace

Monday, December 13, 2010

jewelry project ... done

So I did it. I reorganized my jewelry. I originally planned to just frame a few of my necklaces but I quickly realized that I have A LOT of necklaces.
The wooden frame is from Michael's and the hooks are just picture hanging hooks.  I decorated them with buttons to make it look a little more classy.  Since I didn't have any more hooks or buttons I decided to use a couple hangers to turn the wall behind my bedroom door into an area to hang more necklaces.  This allowed me to clean out my dresser.  Now I have one whole drawer for bracelets and another for more necklaces that I don't wear very often. I was able to put all my earrings and rings into jewelry boxes.

Next project ... shoes.

Wall Before

Dresser Before
Wooden Frame from Michael's
Hooks are just picture hanging hooks
Covers are just buttons







 
Dresser AFTER


Friday, December 10, 2010

whoo whoo wants to help me reorganize my jewelry?

I have been saying this for a long time but I really need to reorganize my jewelry.  Right now it is all over my dresser and in three drawers.  I forget what fun accessories I actually own. Like my fun vintage owl necklace.

This weekend I am going to tackle this project. I am hoping to use the frame I bought to display some of my favorite pieces.  My one problem is the lack of space I have in my bedroom. So this will be interesting.  Let me know if you have any ideas (AND NO I AM NOT THROWING ANYTHING OUT so don't even suggest it). 

It's casual Friday at work so yee-haw we get to wear jeans. Happy Friday!

Anthropologie - Shirt
AG -Jeans
Urban Outfitter - Boots
Vintage - Necklace and rings



This is what I am hoping to do with my favorite necklaces

Now if only I had space I would love to display my jewelry like this

photos from Apartment Therapy

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

uniform project

Back in July I stumbled upon this blog/website The Uniform Project

The Uniform Project™ started in 2009 when a young woman realized she was drowning in the doldrums of an advertising career. To counter the uninspired demands of the corporate world, she came up with an unusual creative challenge; to wear the same dress for an entire year – but, and this is where the real challenge came in, she'd have to make it look unique every single day and do so without buying anything new. The challenge was also designed to be an online fundraiser, raising money to send underprivileged kids to school.

I loved the concept and eventually they made the same dress for people to buy.  Of course I had to have it. After months and months of waiting it finally arrived!!!!  I am going to get my creative juices flowing and try and wear this dress differently at least once a week. 

Check out her website The Uniform Project


Another fun packaged arrived last week from PICKY GIRL in St. Paul, MN. They sell Nicole Richie's jewelry line House of Harlow. I love love love this necklace and stackable rings below!  They are very affordable too.

On the little more adventurous side I purchased this killer two finger Lego ring below from LSD FASHION LAB at an event a couple weeks ago.  The designer is one cool chic and has amazing pieces.  Check her out.
 



Dress: Uniform Project
Necklace & Rings: House of Harlow (gifted from Picky Girl)

Kick Ass Lego Ring: LSD Fashion Lab

CHECK OUT PICKY GIRL AND LSD FASHION LAB

Picky Girl:

LSD Fashion Lab:

 

Friday, December 3, 2010

no need to break the bank

It's holiday season and that means buying useless gifts for family members you hardly know and HOLIDAY parties. Since you have to spend your hard earned cash on gifts that leaves you with little money for yourself and we all know you cannot go to a holiday party in an old dress.  Well guess what you are in luck.  The website modcloth.com has a ton of cute dresses and at decent prices so you will still be able to buy those gifts for ... for ... for the dog.  Happy Friday!!