DIY - Blah to Bad Ass Blazer

I've had this idea in my head for some time to add elbow patches to a thrift store blazer. Specifically, skull elbow patches. I spotted a few sweaters last winter with skulls at the elbows. I went searching for a blazer with skull elbow patches and couldn't find one. This DIY has taken so long because I couldn't find skull patches that I thought were perfect. Then I found these beauties. I'm not a fan of the cutesy skull. I want a realistic looking, bad ass skull. The patch was perfect and of course I ordered two. Then I set out to find the blazer. It had to be either black or gray, in a heavy fabric. I wanted wool but I would have accepted other options. The thrift store gods smiled down on me. I found it, a classic gray wool blazer, by a brand I love! I scored it at the Goodwill Store close to me. Here is the blazer, before.

The gold buttons just wouldn't work with the gray, silver black color scheme. I pictured a blazer looked sedate school girl from the front and girl who skips school from the back. I looked online and briefly considered skull buttons but I didn't want it to look like a costume. Only a crest button in silver would work for what I had in mind. I found several at my local sewing store but ending up splurging on the most expensive option. They were perfect. Since I'd only spent $5 on my blazer and $12 on my patches,  I could afford a little button splurge. Plus I found two coupons and ended up cutting my button cost down by about 40%! Yay for coupons!

I started by removing all of the buttons and finding thread that would work. I chose dark gray thread that I already own. You just need thread that is close to the color of the blazer. The patches were iron on. I also made sure I had thread for stitching on the patches. Elbow patches get wear and tear and must bend a bit. I thought the adhesive might not stay tight. After attaching all of the buttons, I ironed on the elbow patches. I decided after my first wear to stitch around the edges. The patches had already started to lift a bit after only one day. A few stitches helped me feel confident that they would wear well, long term.

It turned out even better than I had hoped it would. It's exactly what I pictured. Business in the front and Bad Ass in the back!

Inspiration - Halloween Party

We're hosting a small Halloween party this Saturday.  I've always wanted to throw a Halloween party but have never managed to pull it off.  This year I was determined. I'm definitely more of a skulls and macabre Halloween girl.  I knew I wanted elegant and spooky decor but frankly it took me a long time to come up with my costume and even longer to come up with {msL's} costume. I've worked hard at refining the decor, my costume and the menu. I can't wait for Saturday. Since I don't want to spoil the surprise for our guest (who read RGR), I won't reveal anything here, but I will have lots of photos next week. Many of these photos served as my Halloween inspiration.

 

Inspiration - Halloween Decorating and Party Ideas

For years now, {msL} and I have thought about hosting a Halloween party. It never seemed to work out, due to schedules or other obligations. This year we have worked things out early and we'll be hosting a small evening. I've already started thinking about my costume but I want to have some great decorations. A spooky, Gothic, Victorian vibe will be the aesthetic.

 

While shopping at Target the other day, I found bleeding skull candles. They will be the perfect compliment to candelabras and candle holders. I'm planning to repaint some of the candle holders I've used in my holiday decor from years past. I have black glitter skulls that I used in decor last year and cake stands from our wedding that can be used for decor and to display food. I love the idea of using cleavers and large knives to accent and cut food. I could create some vintage looking labels for bottles. I'll also be checking local thrift stores for bird cages.

I think with some planning, I will be able to reuse or upcycle many items for the decor. I'll use candles and simple items like apples for impact.

Do you decorate for Halloween?

Springtime Wishes

Another busy week full of work and wedding.  I'm pulling together posts about our amazing wedding ring DIY and about a fun fashion event I attended on Sunday.  I'll have them up soon. In the meantime I thought I'd share a few of the items on my spring wish list.

The week before our wedding {msL} and I will be going to the courthouse in DC to get a legal marriage license and take our vows in front of the Justice of the Peace.  You see we live in Virginia where our marriage will not be legally recognized.  Luckily for us we live close to DC and Maryland where marriage equality is in place. Laws and minds have come so far but there is still a long way to go. Please support marriage equality in your state.  Hopefully one day soon our marriage will be recognized in every state. I want a pretty dress to wear to the courthouse and I love this polka dot dress from Coldwater Creek.

I've been waiting until after the wedding to make any changes to my hair.  This is killing me. I change my hair often and I'm sure I'll be doing something like adding an ombre look or cutting it shorter.

I wear my flats much more than my heels.  My flats are starting to look a bit old so I'm on the hunt for fun new flats I can wear all spring and summer. These mirror silver flats from ASOS are great. I love the pointed toe and the ankle strap.

A leather skirt has been on my list for some time.  Leather is hot this spring and I'm going to get myself a great skirt.  Pencil skirts just don't work on my curvy body. This full style is perfect.

Crystals, pearls and skulls, FANTASTIC!  One of my favorite things is to mix tough with pretty.  This statement necklace is a dream for me in that department.  I definitely need this one on my wish list.

My handbag collection is a bit nuts.  This spring I'm planning a closet clean out. I'll be purging the bags I never use and replacing a few of them with classics that I'll use often. This tan tote from Zara is the perfect replacement. It's large enough for work but sleek and polished.  The tan color will go with everything this spring.

What items are on your wish list?

DIY - Some of my favorites

I've spent the last few days getting things ready for our big wedding DIY weekend. I realized late last night that I didn't have a blog post for today.  Instead of not posting, I decided to give you all a post showing you some of my personal favorite DIY projects. 

Chain Detail Jacket - I love that just some craft store chain can elevate a jacket.  It was one of my early DIY projects and one of my favorites. I wear this jacket often.

Duck Tape Clutch - The reason I love this DIY is because you can use any color or style of duct tape you like.  You can make it your own.

Rock Lyric Tee - Inexpensive t-shirt, stick on letters, spray paint, and your favorite rock lyric are all you need to create this t-shirt. It's a fun and cool addition to your casual wardrobe.

Silver Oxfords - If you have a pair of old oxfords or can grab a pair at the thrift store, you can create these shoes in just a few hours. I used silver but you could use any color you like. Neon pink would be fantastic.

Minty Shades - Nail polish as paint? Yes! The mint green polish elevated these shades from boring to wow and this entire project was finished in about an hour.

Safety Pin Necklace - I love DIY because I can create a designer style necklace for $900 less than the original.  Maybe it's my life long love of punk rock looks but safety pins as jewelry are fantastic.

Metallic Skull - Home decor DIYs are the best.  I get bored easily and love changing up the accents in our home.  A $1 plastic Halloween skull becomes a cool home accent with a little spray paint.

I hope these favorites of mine inspire you to get creative.  I'd love to hear about any projects you create.

DIY Inspiration - feathers, tulle and skulls OH MY!

I warned you it was a DIY week. I'm always collecting DIY inspiration. I pull images from magazines, save photos on my phone and pin ideas on Pinterest. Creativity is always running through my veins and my head. It's impossible to turn it off. Lately I've been inspired by all sorts of things.

 An easy and amazing way to update vintage clip earrings.  The soft fabric gives already dramatic earrings even more pop.

 Because we are using lots of peacock feathers in our wedding, I've been collecting ideas for boutonnieres and bouquets. Curling the feathers makes them even more striking, if that's possible.  I found this tutorial with tips on curling feathers.

A fun, easy and inexpensive sweatshirt idea.  I just need a cheap sweatshirt, stencil or a stamp and some paint.  You know I'm obsessed with skulls.

We're incorporating lots of music and rock n' roll touches into our wedding.  I've been collecting lyrics to incorporate into the wedding decor.

A tulle skirt has been on my list for ages.  I definitely need to make one immediately.  This post by Cotton and Curls even has a pattern! Now I have no excuses, except time.

As part of my new year, new exercise, I've started taking yoga classes.  This upcycled yoga mat carrier is genius.  I definitely have both of the things I need for this project!  I need to get rid of my old bras anyway.

Have you had any creative inspirations lately?

Moment of Lust - Alexander McQueen Union Jack Skull Clutch

My skull obsession continues.  I love this clutch from Alexander McQueen.  It's both quintessential McQueen and British. The colors are great and the skull adds something special. The McQueen version costs $1545!  Definitely not doable.  We could take a big chunk out of our wedding catering budget with that money. So of course I went in search of a less expensive alternative.

I found the solution by doing a bit of searching.  One of the retailers on Amazon.com is selling a clutch that is almost identical for only $50!  That's a savings of $1495.  Well not really a savings seeing that I would either find a budget friendly alternative or I'd go without.

I'm thrilled!

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Skulls

The punk, rock n' roll vibe has always been something I've loved.  Lately, I'm more obsessed with skulls than ever.  I can't help it. They are fun and creepy all at the same time. You can incorporate them in unexpected ways without looking like you are going to a Misfits show.  I wear my skull ring and bracelet to work with my pencils skirts and blazers.  I know that wouldn't work in every office but honestly, most people don't notice and I love wearing them.

There are lots of budget options but I had to throw in some Alexander McQueen shoes and my favorite Wendy Brandes ring.  Click on the pictures above to get all of the details. I'm in love with the Butler & Wilson clutch.  They have an amazing collection of crystal skull pieces.  There was no way to include them all. The DIY skull cut out t-shirt is on my to do list.  Such an easy way to wear a skull.  I'm sure people will do lots of double takes.

What's your latest obsession?

Inspiration - Silver Accents

My love for all things silver is pretty obvious.  I've done many posts with silver jewelry.  I always gravitate toward silver over gold. I just love the way it sparkles.  Here are just a few of my silver loves and inspirations.

Thrifted Watch Band Turned Bracelet

DIY Upcycled Tray, Spray Painted Silver

My Stella & Dot Alexandria Necklace

DIY Silver Skull

ASOS Paris Metallic Pointed Heels only $20.44!

Coolest DIY Silver Leaf lampshade from Design Sponge

DIY Silver Leaf Chest from Little Green Notebook

ASOS Spike Stretch Bracelet

My thrifted tray and after Halloween sale, skull became great home accents.  A thrifted watch band has become one of my favorite bracelets. I'm in love with my Stella & Dot Alexandria necklace (c/o). It's in regular rotation and I get compliments every time I wear it. A pair of silver pumps are on my list and these are on sale for only $20.44 at ASOS!  I love simple DIY projects and this black and silver shade just that. Some silver leaf will transform a blah black shade. There is a brown buffet sitting in our dining that I bought via work list serve many years ago.  I've been debating about what to do with it and couldn't decide. Then I spied this silver leaf DIY on Pinterest and I knew I'd found the solution. DIY here I come! I can't resist a spiked bracelet. The gunmetal version is one of my favorites and I definitely need to snatch up the silver one too.

What's your favorite accent color?

Inspired By Pinterest - Saw Pinned Conquered Link Up

I love a good DIY and get inspiration from all sorts of places. Last week I got an email from Amy of At the Pink of Perfection and fellow CapFABB member. She said she was going to be hosting a new link up for folks who make things from Pinterest called Saw Pinned Conquered. Well you know I had to join in.  This week I thought I'd show a recap of the items inspired by Pinterest, that I have created. To be honest, I didn't have time for a new project this week. In the coming weeks, I'll show you new items during the link up.

Minty Shades - Made using nail polish

A Gold Cup/Derby Hat - Inspired by British fascinators from Pinterest

Glitter Mani

Mercury Glass Candle Holders for Our Wedding - Using spray paint and thrift store glass

Metallic Skull - dupe for a $349 skull

I'm constantly finding new items to create and fun ideas on Pinterest. Pinning is addictive and my idea wish list far outweighs the items I've created.  I'm sure I'll be making more soon.  Be sure to check out the items that Amy and the other ladies have created on At the Pink of Perfection.

DIY - Metallic Skull

Oh Pinterest, what did I ever do before you came along?  About two weeks ago I pinned a brass skull to my DIY Pinterest board.  I love skulls to wear, for decoration, in photos, and on and on.  I just love them.  When I spied the brass skull I just knew it would be my next DIY.  As luck would have it, I bought a bunch of plastic skulls from Target after Halloween last year. I wanted the skull to be silver instead of brass.  So I grabbed one plastic skull and the can of Krylon Chrome spray paint and went to work. 

Inspiration - HomeMint Brass Skull $349.99

At $349.99 I would not be buying this skull.  It looks amazing, but not for that price.  I knew I could get a similar look with my plastic skull and a little spray paint. Check out all the details after the jump.

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#8)

"I think there is beauty in everything. What ‘normal’ people would perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it." — Alexander McQueen

 

 

The world lost an amazing talent and visionary when Alexander McQueen took his own life on February 11, 2010.  His thinking that you can see beauty in things that many find ugly or strange is a great lesson.  I think beauty can be found in all sorts of places. I have long been in love with his Gothic style and use of skulls in his designs. I've been trying to recreate his knuckle clutch and I'm still working on it.
 

The coolest cuff links ever!

Feathers and more feathers, WOW!

The details in this ruffle dress are amazing.

You might recognize the peacock dress above from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Fleur Delacour wore it as her wedding dress when she married William Weasley.  I personally love this dress.  I think it would be an amazing wedding dress and I may have to take some cues from it when making my own.

Lest you think that McQueen only designs gowns and red carpet attire, here is a dress a Real Girl could wear to an event.  A Real Girl with a huge fashion budget, I might add.

 

The house of McQueen also created Kate Middleton's dress for the royal wedding. Sarah Burton from the house of McQueen and protege of Alexander was the designer. 

 

 

Do you love McQueen? 

Virtual Shopping - ASOS Weekend Outfit

One of my favorite past times is virtual shopping.  I look over my favorite sites and create outfits and my virtual orders. Sometimes I have the money to spend but most times I don't.  Earlier this week I was doing a little virtual shopping on one of my favorite sites, ASOS.  The site has items in all sizes and since they are based in the UK the items are fashion forward. When shopping I came across this great comfy sweater and built an outfit around it.

Sweater, $25
ASOS reversible pants, $29
ASOS metallic shoes, $27
ASOS clutch handbag, $31
ASOS skull earrings, $9.85
Asos Oversized Plaited Cord Wristband With Pleated Metal Fastening, $14

The skinny burgundy pants balance out the chunky sweater.  The loafers are flat and my pick for a weekend of errands but you could throw on a pair of heels for dinner out. The chord bracelet and skull earrings funk up the basic sweater and pants.  The clutch gives it all an extra pop of color. This looks like the perfect weekend outfit to me.

If I did decide to buy this outfit, I could score everything for $116!  Even on a budget that's pretty great.