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 - Neon Clutch

As you know a fun day clutch has been the object of my desire for some time now.  All of the neon color combos have been calling to me.  The other day, as I was crawling home in traffic, I got a DIY brainstorm.  I love it when that happens!  It struck me that I already had the makings of a great neon clutch.  I just needed a few additional supplies.

Supplies
Two rolls of neon Duck Tape (I chose Neon Pink and Blaze Orange)  $3.49 each  (with tons left over)
                                                                                                          $2.00 used less than 1/3 of each roll
Zipper envelope (Up from Target)                                                       $3.24
Gold chain                                                                                          $2.24
Jewelry Findings (gold lobster clasp, jump rings)                                  $2.24  (more left for other projects)
                                                                                                           $  .50  used one clasp, 5 jump rings
                                                                                                           $7.98
                                                                                                       

I measured the envelope and then cut pieces of tape to cover each side.  I trimmed them on the edges and folded them into the seams.

Once the first side was covered, I took the piece at the bottom of the clutch and folded it over to the other side of the clutch.

I continued on side two but also added a handle on the second side.  I created the handle by cutting three pieces of tape of equal length. I folded each piece in thirds creating a smooth, sticky free strip.  Then I braided them together.  I placed the ends under the tape on the clutch base.  Then secured them with an extra piece of tape on the top.

I also decided to add a chain handle to create a hands free option for this fun clutch.  I attached a chain to the inside of the clutch. I also created a hook on the outside at the seam. I cut a tiny slit on the seam and secured the chain by feeding it through and taping it down.

The chain can be dropped inside the clutch when not in use and pulled out and attached when I need a shoulder strap.

The clutch turned out better than I'd hoped.  I love the side handle that I decided to add.  The addition makes it easy to carry. I wore it to the NOVA Fashion Week Luxe Lifestyle event.  A few ladies asked if I'd make them one. The beauty is, this DIY is so easy, anyone can do it.

Weekend Casual

This weekend I was thrilled to attend my first plus size clothing swap. Thanks to my blogging buddy, Curvy CEO for hosting such a wonderful day. As you know I love going to clothing swaps.  Unfortunately, many times, my choices are limited.  I think most curvy girls stay away because they think they may be the only girl bringing plus size clothing. It was a treat to have so much to choose from.  I'll be posting my great finds later and I'm sure I'll be wearing items in future posts. When I picked out my outfit, I wanted something chic, comfortable but easy to shed if I needed to try on something. I picked one of my favorite weekend casual outfits, a tweed blazer, cargo pants, a gray t-shirt, flats, and my trusty Coach Willis (cross body bag).  I added my tiniest cubic zirconia studs, a chunky chain necklace and my silver monogram necklace.  I also threw on a couple of rings for good measure. I took a few photos with my camera phone but as you can see the quality (due to lighting) isn't the best.

Jacket - Kasper, T-Shirt - Target, Cargo Pants - Avenue, Shoes - Marc Jacobs via Saks off 5th, Bag - Coach, Earrings - ??, Necklaces - gifts

I wanted to add pictures of some of my blogger friends from the swap but I only took three photos. They went like this.  First one Bisi looks great, I look drunk.  Second photo, I look pretty good and Vivi has her eyes closed. Third photo, Vivi looks great and I have my eyes closed.  It's an unwritten fashion girl rule that you don't post "not so great photos" of your girls.  But you can see photos of the beautiful Bisi and Vivi in the Curvy CEO post. Bisi blog is Fatshion and Fattitude.  Vivi's blog is Heart, Print & Style. She won the Goodwill giveaway I ran a while back.


Many of the items I'm wearing are no longer available but you can wear similar items. I pulled together this little collage on Polyvore for your viewing pleasure.

J Crew crew shirt, $39
Tweed jacket, $59
Jessica London cropped tweed jacket, $31
Cargo Pants, $69
Flats, $70
Coach Willis bag, $298 (I paid $40 at Goodwill)
Monogrammed jewelry, $210
Cubic Zirconia earrings, $12
Chain necklace, $5.80

If $298 is out of your price range for a Coach Willis bag, never fear.  I found mine at a Goodwill store in NYC.  I've found several Coach bags at Goodwill stores in the DC area.  You can also search on ebay.  There are lots available in every price and quality. It's a great investment bag. I use mine often on the weekends and love that it has a shoulder strap and a top handle. The monogram necklace is also a pricey piece but I found it in lots of sizes and price points. Mine is sterling silver but I've seen them in other metals.

I love this outfit combo because it's easy and chic.  The tweed jacket and jewelry elevate the casual cargo pants and t-shirt.  The flats make shopping and errands comfortable and the bag keeps your hands free.

What's your favorite weekend casual outfit?

Moment of Lust - B-Low the Belt Curb Chain Belt

I spotted this chain belt on Project Runway and fell in love. It's simple but tough. I could picture it with an LBD or dressing up a plain sweater or shirt.

B-Low the Belt Curb-Chain Belt $195

$195 is just way too much for a belt.  I can't do it. A DIY could be in order but I also did a little searching and found this one from Calvin Klein for only $19.99 on clearance.

Calvin Klein Gunmetal Chain Belt $19.99

Admittedly I like the thicker chains of the $195 Curb Chain belt best.  This DIY is calling my name.  I'm sure I could find some cool chains at the craft or the hardware store.

DIY Contest - DC Goodwill Fashionista

I have a little favor to ask you my readers...

Yours truly has made it to the finals of the DC Goodwill Fashionista DIY Contest! 

My chain detail jacket is a finalist. Please click on this link to the picture of my jacket, on the DC Goodwill Fashionista facebook page and Like it.  While you are there check out the DCGF page. It's GREAT!

Moment of Lust - Chanel Maxi Flap Bag

The Chanel Maxi Flap Bag is a true classic.  It's timeless and beautiful.  The details, like the inner flap pocket and the beautiful stitching are quality. It could be carried for a lifetime and looks as chic on a 20 year old as it does on the arm of an 80 year old. I wish I could afford one but I don't think I'll ever be able to bring myself to spend the $3,500 or more that one would cost.

I don't really believe that there is a good substitute for this bag. However, if you're looking for similar styling and details, this one is a decent option. At a cost of $49.99, you'll save about $3,450.

Sharing in the DIY

Lots of thanks to fellow blogger, Jenni of I Spy DIY. Not only is she adorable, she has amazing style, and a great blog where she posted a link to my DIY chain detail jacket in her DIY Roundup! 

Check out Jenni's blog. She has fantastic ideas and also writes a monthly column for In Style.

photo credit: I Spy DIY

DIY - Chain Detail Jacket

While looking through the September fashion magazines, I couldn't help but notice that tweed jackets with chain detail were popping up in all of them. I've loved tweed and boucle jackets for a long time and the idea of making them more tough and rock n' roll with chains was interesting.

I scanned the magazine pages and found two styles I liked. On the left is a jacket by Temperley London, $995 and center is by Plastic Island for $216. I searched the web and found the jacket on the right at Ann Taylor LOFT for $148.

I happen to own a black boucle jacket with fringe detail. I don't wear it often because it isn't very interesting. I decided to create my own chain detail jacket. Using the jacket I own, a few extra supplies, and some time,I thought I could get the magazine, high style look for much less.

You can do the same, you'll just need a few supplies. If you don't have a jacket, you can find one at a thrift or discount store for a bargain. I purchased mine at a discount store for around $30. Don't worry if sewing isn't your strong suit. You don't need to be a seamstress. If you can sew on a button, you can do this.

Supply List

1. Jacket
2. Needle and thread (matching the jacket)
3. Ruler
4. Chalk pencil, chalk or a sliver of soap for marking (if needed)
5. Chain of your choice
6. Wire cutters or pliers

First you should determine where you'll want to place your chain. Then you'll need to measure your jacket at those points to calculate the amount of chain you'll need. It is sold in inches, usually in prepackaged links from a local craft store. There are lots of chain options. I selected a heavy, chunky style for the look I wanted.

Measure the area where you are placing the first section of chain. I started with the pockets.

Cut the chain based on your measurements, to fit the section. I didn't cut all of my chain before I started sewing, I did it as I went along.

Stitch the chain on, using a looping stitch. You don't need to attach each link. I ran my thread under the fabric and chain, only attaching every third link.


In order to ensure that the chain is even, you may want to measure and mark about every half inch.

Using a jacket I already owned, a few supplies, and some chain I purchased from a local craft store (for $7.50), I have a great "new" jacket. If you don't already own a needle and thread, you can also get that at a craft store. You need a basic sewing needle and all purpose thread to match your jacket.

I now own one of the trend items for fall, a boucle jacket with chain detail. My grand total: $37.50. If I don't count, the jacket I already owned and rarely wore, only $7.50!