Made By Lex

Upgrading a Black Blazer

I 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!

Valentino Inspired Ruffle Clutch

I’m super excited to show you this tutorial! I was inspired to do this because my husband and I go on a date every 10 days, or so. And every time we go out I carry my big mom purse with us and I wanted something smaller to take out. Then I saw Valentino’s Spring/Summer  collection and was blown away buy the texture and movement of all of the line. You should check it out.

So I thought I’d do a clutch inspired by the collection.

Here’s how!

Start out with two pieces of jersey, like an old shirt or sweatpants or any other thick flexible material you have, each cut 17 x 27.

Lay them on top of one another.

For all the detailing, I used some leftover silk chiffon I had. You really could use anything, but I wanted a dressier look so I went for it! You’re gonna need  a lot!

Find the center of your clutch, where it will be folded on the bottom. You can mark it with a pen or pins. Begin sewing from down there. Make sure your jersey is doubled and you’re sewing through both layers.

What I started doing is one of row of heavy pleats.

With each row I alternated techniques. I would do ruffles, then more pleats, then heavy stitching over fabric, a few braids, some rosettes, etc… You want it to be random and full. Don’t skimp on the fabric or else it will look really homemade. I also didn’t go in straight lines, necessarily. I worked in different motions.

Don’t worry about making anything look symmetrical. I think there’s so  much beauty in the randomness. Do both sides of the jersey piece. When you’re done, you’ll have one large, flat piece that looks like, your won version, of this.

Fold it inside out, in half. Then sew the two side together.

Turn it right side out again.

Now for the liner. I used this fun peacock blue satin. Cut it the same size as your original piece.

Fold it in half and sew the sides toghether.

Insert it into your clutch. 

Get some of your extra fabric and make some bias tape.

Pin it all the way around the clutch, making sure that the outside and the liner are in the tape.  Stitch it closed.

Thanks to my sister, Ana for some great modeling!! If you do a clutch inspired by this tutorial, PLEASE go add it to the Flickr Group. I love being inspired by seeing what you do and I’m sure others do, too! Have a great day!

Welcome to the New Me!!

Welcome to my new site, Madebylex!!! I originally wanted to keep “my mama made it” but sadly someone already had it So after lots of review I came to my new domain name. I miss my old one, but I feel a new love for this new name and site. I hope you all like it. I can’t wait to tell you about all the wonderful people that have helped me get here because I don’t have a gift (nor any patience) for all this computer stuff. Anyhow, I’m glad you’re here!

You’ll also notice I two lovely button choices!

So please feel free to grab one and show your love for Made By Lex!!

Next, here is another new creation I’ve done.It’s a giant dupioni silk bow. That just sounds funny. But that’s what it is

Here I have it on my sister, Clare, on a white T-shirt paired with a plaid skirt (not my own creation). Read more »

My Stillwater Outfit

We had an absolutely wonderful Christmas as a family. We got to spend a lot of time with my family and my husband’s family and we enjoyed every moment of it.

Last night we went to Pebble Beach Lodge to one of their restaurants, Stillwater.

(from left to right: my husband, Zach, myself,sister Ana, my Mom Valjean, my dad Rob, sister Antonia, sister Clare, brother Joe. missing one sister, Francesca)

I wanted to make an outfit for it since I don’t dress up much anymore. I’ve been doing a lot of designing lately, which I’ve really enjoyed.
And I need to do a preface. These pictures are so hard to post because I am the most awkward ‘model’. I hate taking these. I just had to say that. It’s hard for me to be this serious. I’d have loved to take these in good lighting, but it’s what I’ve got.

That being said, here it is. My Stillwater ensemble.

The back I pulled off to the side with more of the ‘gathers’ then made another strap pulling the off the shoulder one tightly so it wouldn’t fall off my shoulder.

Here’s a full back detail.

I made the skirt from a sapphie colored silk cotton blend. It has kangaroo pockets and a side zip.

I wanted a pop of color so I made this rose colored hair pin.

Or just buttoned. From the front…

… and the back.

Chanel Ruffle Cuff-I love you.

I love these ruffled detailed from Chanel’s recent runway. But they’re a little unwearable for my mommy daily life.
So I’ve been churning in my head- how can I make these functional??
(Disney from Ruffles and Stuff made a cute version seen here)?

Get a dollar bangle at Target. Just like yesterday’s post!! Cover it in black fabric. I used a dupioni silk.

Get long layers of white fabric. I used chiffon. Fray check the edges so it doesn’t fray too much. You could fold it over, but I like how Chanel’s are slightly frayed.

Glue them to the inside of the bangle so they are sticking out.

After I finished gluing the ruffles to each side of the bangle, I got a piece of lack fabric and glued it on the inside of the bangle to make it look nice and clean.

Voila! Wearable Chanel inspired bangles.

So chic!!