Upgrading a Black Blazer
October 14, 2010 6:15 amI love the look of a black blazer. It’s a timeless look that can be dressed up or down. It’s perfectly versatile.
I got this black blazer at Forever 21.
Since it was from F21 it lacked any details, but I knew I could spruce it up.
I wanted to add some trip to the lapel and pockets. I chose dupioni silk because I didn’t want it too shiny. But you could use anything you prefer.
Sew it inside out then turn it inside out and press it so you have a nice flat piece with no exposed edges, about 1/2 in inch wide.
Begin pinning it on the inside of the lapel.
Do the same on the pockets.
Then just stitch it on. Try to just ‘stitch in the ditch’ of the preexisting topstitch.
I think it’s those subtle differences that make somethin much nicer.
I love the black blazer!
I have LOTS of new tutorials I’m doing!
Stay tuned for them and for Friday Fall Fashion Puzzle tomorrow!
Tags: black blazer, refashion, silk, tutorial
Posted in refashions, Uncategorized, women's clothing | 8 Comments »
Gold Runway Inspired Bracelet Tutorial
September 22, 2010 8:34 amI was really inspired by this bracelet I saw in October’s edition of Vogue. It was not only heavily layered, but it had small flyaway pieces. I love loud jewelry like this.
Then I realized how many random pieces of jewelry I have laying around. I decided to try my hand at my own piece.
Get a piece of flesh-toned fabric, whatever length you need. I made mine about 2.5 inches wide. I sewed it together so the edges would be clean.
The next thing I did was mark where I wanted the pieces to be. Since it would be curved, I knew I wanted larger pieces a the top of my wrist. I used an invisible ink pen and marked the center of the top of my wrist, and where the jewelry needed to stop at the ends to have room for my clasps.
Then start gathering! You could stitch them on or use jewelry wire, but that was way too much for me for a project like this. So I relied on my best friend, hot glue.
Get a toilet or paper towel roll to place your on. You want to glue the pieces on to it while it’s on here since it will give you a curved surface. Glue away!!
Go BIG here!! Don’t skimp. Just layer and fill every space you can. Use old chains, buttons, jewels, buttons, crosses, unmatched earrings, etc…
Here’s my completed piece!!
For a closure, I used snaps. You could use a zipper, eye/hooks, buttons… And in retrospect, I would have added the closure at step 1.
Here’s my bracelet all opened up so you can see each piece. I wore it the other night with black pants, an army green silk tank and just this. It was a great statement piece.
I wore it here with a batwig sleeve top.
Have fun with this one! I’d love to see your own renditions!
Tags: bracelet, jewelry, refashion, tutorial
Posted in jewelry | 19 Comments »
Wardrobe Staples- Denim Cutoff Shorts
August 17, 2010 10:17 amDenim cut off shorts. I’ve always loved them. I had them when I was a kid and I still have some now. (not the same pair 
) You can have longer length ones or short ones. You can roll the hem or have them frayed. Almost anyway, they look great and they’ll be around forever.
I love them with a flowy top and heels.
I love them with plain old sandals.
But now that summer’s coming to and end, here’s some other ways to wear them. I love this way with thights, boots and a big, warm sweater.
Knee high stockings are huge this season and they look great with Wellies and a button up.
And here’s one more way with tights and heels (don’t like these giant boots, but think great black heels). I love it with this loosely fitted T.
Make your own!
-What I did was go to the thrift store and got a pair of jeans for $3.
-I cut them off about an inch and a half below where I wanted the hem to fit. They’ll fray, remember.
-Then I used my denim distressing techniques to distress them at the pockets and hems a little.
-Wash them a couple times for the ultimate look before you wear them.
Just don’t wear them with iceskates. It looks white trash. ( I learned the hard way)
Tags: denim cut off shorts, jean shorts, refashion, shorts, tutorial
Posted in refashions, women's clothing | 9 Comments »
Recycled T-shirt Clutch Tutorial
August 13, 2010 7:53 amI used this clutch tutorial for the Delish issue I was a part of. But I wanted to re-share it here on my blog because it’s one of my favorite clutches to use and it’s a totally “green” project.
Grab an old or new t-shirt. I thought this newsprint one would be cool.
Cut the part that you want to use for the front of your clutch into randomly sized strips.
Tags: clutch, green, purse, recycled, refashion, t shirt, tutorial, upcycled
Posted in Original Designs, other, refashions | 10 Comments »
Refitting a Leather Jacket
July 1, 2010 7:36 amI’ve ALWAYS wanted a cool leather jacket. Always. But I could never bring myself to pay for one. So while I was out thrifting, I got this leather jacket at the thrift store for $7. I loved the look of the leather, the great zippers and the overall shape.(It had sleeves. I just cut them off before I took the pictures. oops!) It was in great condition, but it was a little too big. So I thought I’d try to make it my size! For those of you that are freaking out right now, thinking leather is hard to work with- IT”S NOT! It doesn’t even move like a cotton or stretch. I’m telling you- DO NOT BE AFRAID!!
Before you begin:
I recommend using a heavy needle. They make leather needles, but I actually used a denim needle because it’s what I had. I have a button that automatically changes my tension and stitching for leather. ( I know. Thank you Husqvarna:) ) But you can check your machine for the recommendations.
Also, good leather jackets also have a lining. Don’t let that intimidate you! All you have to do is remember that whatever you do to the leather, do to the lining. It’s just on the inside.
Let us begin…
First what I did is cut off the sleeves at the seam. I needed to bring the shoulder line in.
Tags: etsy, leather, leather jacket, refashion, repurpose
Posted in refashions, women's clothing | 12 Comments »
