Inspiration - Zanna Roberts Rassi

Zanna Roberts Rassi is the Senior Fashion Editor for Marie Claire USA. She is also a television host and stylist. I lover her chic and effortless style. It's a trait that many of us American ladies try to emulate and it's something that European ladies seem to be born with. I love Zanna's mix of high end items with denim and t-shirts. She also has a great way of combining tough items like leather with soft items like silk and chiffon.

She even has amazing and stylish friends (l to r: Taylor Tomasi Hill, Zanna, Joanna Hillman).

photo credits - 1 / 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9/ 10

DIY - Super Easy Tutu

I promised you a tutu DIY from my New Years Eve Madonna outfit and here it is! If you didn't catch the earlier post, on New Years Ever we hosted an 80's inspired costume party.  I chose Madonna. I look nothing like her but I love her 80's style and it's easy to replicate.  I decided to create an outfit using a tutu.  Initially my plan was to create a tulle skirt (a grown up tutu) that I could wear at other times.  This didn't work out too well because my time was very limited.  Instead I decided to create a quick and easy version with minimal sewing. I'm sure I'll be able to use it again for another costume.

SUPPLIES
Tulle - I used 10 yards (69 cents per yard at Hobby Lobby) because I wanted a really full tutu.
Elastic - 3/8 inch no roll elastic (any width up to 1/2 inch will do)
thread (or just tie in a knot)
scissors

I started by cutting my tulle unto 6 inch strips.  I didn't measure, I just eyeballed.  I also didn't worry if the edges were a bit ragged.  Since the tutu would be very full, the jagged edges wouldn't be noticed.

I measured the elastic to my waist size and then cut it about an inch shorter.  This ensured my tutu would be tight enough to stay put.  Then I overlapped the elastic and stitched it together making a circle.  Stitching is more secure than other methods. Your stitches don't need to be precise, they just need to be tight and secure. You could also tie your elastic in a knot if it's more narrow.  Just make sure your knot is tight.

Fold one strip of fabric in half and make a loop.  

 Slide the loop under the elastic.

Feed the two end of the strip through the loop. 

 Pull the ends to tighten the loop on the elastic.

Repeat this process until you have used all of the fabric.  You can make the loops tighter if you want a really full tutu.

I am sure I'll be making more of these tutus for the little princesses in my life.  You can use any color tulle you like or lots of different colors.  The options are endless. It's an easy and inexpensive way to create a costume or a play outfit (for a little friend).

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.

Floridays

When I was packing for the warm weather I knew this dress was going in my suitcase. It fun, colorful, and easy to wear. It is everything I love about dressing for a beach vacation.

Dress - Kohl's (no longer available), Shoes - MIA via DSW, Bag - vintage Coach via Goodwill, Necklace - gift, Bracelets - gift, vintage, Until There's A Cure, Watch - TIMEX gift, Rings - JewelMint and VMFA, Nails - Revlon ColorStay Longwear in Provence, Lips - Maybelline Fuchsia Fever

My favorite Jimmy Buffett album is Floridays. There are so many great songs on that album. When the weather is cold and nasty, it always makes me think of the beach.

DIY Preview - Duck Tape Clutch

I did a little DIY project recently for a guest post on another blog.  I'm going to post a link to that blog post soon as well as some outfit photos.  I thought I'd give you all a little preview of this fun project. It was so easy and inexpensive that I  know you'll want to try it for yourselves!

More details soon!  Sorry, I'm such a tease. :)

Frugal Fashion Friday (Make that Monday) - One Summer Dress Two Ways

I didn't get a chance to Post Frugal Fashion Friday this past Friday. So here it is on Monday.

All summer I've been wearing lots of dresses and skirts. The crazy heat has forced my outfits into simple and cool silhouettes. I also love easy dresses that you can dress up or down depending on the occasion.  This dress from Asos is easy but colorful for summer and a similar style is available in sizes 2-14 (as well as petite).

The yellow skirt gives great color and I jazzed it up even more with some colorful accessories. Best of all both of these looks cost less than $115!

Asos dress, $29
LLBean Tote handbag, $19
Sandals $41.40
Necklace, $11
Curved Metal Cuff, $3.80

TOTAL: $104.20



Just change up the accessories and shoes for work or a night out.

ASOS a line dress, $29
Stiletto high heels, $25
ASOS oversized clutch, $31
Forever21 bangle bracelet, $3.80
Forever21 sunglasses, $2.80
Simply Vera Vera Wang Silver Tone Bead Cluster Necklace, $21

TOTAL: $112.60

Quick Style: Just a Cluster

I love quick and easy ways to make an outfit special, different or fun. I can't take credit for this trick (I read it in a magazine at some point). However, I employed this trick during my teen years in the 80s. Back then I used my denim jacket and concert buttons but it's the same idea.

Just take a few different pins and cluster them on the shoulder of your cardigan or the lapel of your jacket.

Isn't that simple?  The beauty is that you don't even have to give thought to the size or color. It's brainless. Mismatching is the key. That's what makes it interesting. If you'd like to try this and don't have any pins or brooches, you can pick some up at the thrift or vintage store. I love the grab bins where you can get them for $1. Mix it up, to your hearts content.