PS. I Made This

Have you ever seen something and thought to yourself, “I could totally make that rather than paying a ridiculous amount for it.” Well, so has Erica Domesek. And she has built a successful blog, book, enterprise out of her love of crafting. She includes inspiration boards with easy step-by-step instructions. Visit her blog here and hear more about her here.

Fur Booties

Making a statement with each stride is a must…so be brave, bold, and confident when you strut your stuff. Inspired by the luscious and luxe furs gracing this season’s runways and real-ways,  these booties pay homage to the furry, the fuzzy and the faux real!  Take a walk on the wild side!I hit up my favorite fabric store Mood for faux fur.  You only need a little, so get a half yard, and save the leftovers for a future DIY.  Cut into rectangles that will measure around your ankles.  Use a hot glue gun to secure onto a sock tube (which is made by snipping off the footies).  Slip on, and slide a bootie on your paws for a ferocious combo!

Knit Circle Scarf

Fashion, art, and creativity make the world go ‘round.  When all are combined, endless and innovative magic happens.  The never-ending cycle of a circle is something that is sought after.  This season, set your sights not only on infinite possibilities, but also scarves!  The circle scarf has become a staple in everyones’ wardrobe.  Infuse the essential chunky knit to stay cozy and au currant.  Continuous knit circle scarves can be worn long and loose or wrapped up right.  Either way you style it,  circle gets the square! To create your own DIY circle scarf, simply cut off the bottom half of your sweater, hem the raw edge with Gorilla Tape by sticking halfway down, and folding over to seal.  After completely “hemmed”, roll underneath several times to hide the tape and create a soft edge.

Peplum Skirt

Put a little PEP in your step and a WOW in your wardrobe with a refined, sophisticated, and slightly sultry peplum skirt! These classic styles that were once on hiatus are premiering on the runways and back on television.  AMC’s Mad Men is in one word J’AMAZING! Take style notes from Joan Holloway who proves that pencil (skirts) and pen (necklaces) are a must.  Banana Republic is having a Casting Call for Mad Men… I wonder if Don Draper is judging? To create a retro-inspired skirt, reach for a curtain panel (use a panel with a skirted top).  Gather, and pin top (front) to create a slight pleat every few inches.  Sew and reinforce with stitching where pins are holding material in place. Flip material to the backside.  Cut to desired length and hem by stitching. To finish off the back, use kilt pins to connected material. Cinch and style with a bold belt and you’ve got a perfect peplum! P.S.- Click here to submit your best Mad Men style and enter for a walk-on role on the show.  I think my friend Jessica from What I Wore is spot on!

Bow Heels

Bow down to the bow trend, which the Who What Wear team and I j’adore beaucoup! (translation… we’re crazy over bow heels).  Inspired by the sophisticated Isabel Marant and Louis Vuitton versions, we wanted to do our own take on an chic baby bow that will twinkle your toes with a touch of talent- via Designer DIY.   Grab some textured leather ribbon from M&J Trim and a sheet of Momi Paper (avail at any fine art store, (fabric with a dense weight will also work for the knotted bow). Have your glue gun, scissors, and Velcro on hand and you’re good to bow it up!  P.S.- CLICK HERE for my step-by-step directions! Make all sorts of flirty and fun bows, velcro to just about any pair of shoes (add dabs of glue to secure the velcro)!

Boxy Bag

Slap on an apron, it’s time to stir up your fashion croc pot for a super chic ‘n classy case.  Boxy silhouette bags are making a huge comeback for Fall/Winter 2010.  Louis Vuitton is bringing the sexy lady back, while Ralph Lauren continues to knock us out with versions of his famously luxe Ricky bag (yes! Named for RL’s knock-out wifey). To make a faux croc carryall of your own, purchase or re-purpose a lunchbox.  Use tools to punch two holes in each side.  Thread chain (test out a desired length before cutting) through one side, and connect with pliers after threading through the other side.  Add dome nail heads onto the bottom corners for “feet” by pushing and bending back sharp pronged corners.  Finish off with a j’amazing brooch that’s DIYing for a reinvention.  P.S.- I love all things wild and animal-eque… a la Kieselstein-Cord! 

 

 

In Court

photographer: Alexi Lubomirski, stylist: Ekaterina Mukhina, model: Constance Jablonski for Vogue Russia March 2011 via DJA

The Shoes of Paris Fashion Week

Mugler

Miu Miu

Alexander McQueen

Dries Van Noten

Christian Dior

Felipe Oliveira Baptista

Balenciaga

Nina Ricci

Gareth Pugh

Giambattista Valli

Viktor & Rolf

Louis Vuitton

Yves Saint Laurent

All photos via The Cut

 

 

Weekend Party!

It’s the weekend! Bust out the champagne!

Photographer: Mario Sierra via DJA

White on White

 

I’ve always loved the look of an all-white ensemble. It’s so chic. My favorite version is Elin Kling, shown. A classic white tee and high-waisted white pants. Of course a white t-shirt is pretty easy to find ( little boys section at Target or Old Navy) but the perfect high waisted *white* pants are not.

I’ve scoured the internet for you and found several affordable options! Happy shopping!

 

High-Waisted Wide Leg Pant

Rachel Roy $108

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Vanessa Bruno The Outnet, $100

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Calvin Klein, The Outnet $138

BCBG $148

DVF $298

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Twenty8Twelve The Outnet $90

PS have you ever used shopstyle.com? It’s so helpful.

Mademoiselle

So French. Chic suites, Ballgowns, Jewelry dripping from everywhere….

Photographer: Karl Lagerfeld Magazine: Vogue Paris June 04 Model: Daria Werbowy

via DJA

On Display



Many of us who love fashion often have a hard time finding storage for (much less getting rid of) our treasures. If you’re short on space and proud of your beautiful things, why not display them? When your beloved items are visible they will be enjoyed by friends that visit and you’ll be reminded to wear them more often.

the-coveted3the-coveted4

I love the look of shoes in bookcases or shelves. I’m so proud of my shoes and if I hide them away, I will occasionally forget an old favorite. I also die for the hat display.

Jewelry is another prized possession that can be neglected when one accrues more than a few favorite pieces. Who needs artwork when you have baubles strung about?

jewelry-storage

Storing clothes and bags in an open space can be a bit tricky. I think it’s important to play up the organized chaos rather than organized or chaotic. Also, play up the femininity with the color palette and furniture. Case in point: chandeliers and pastels.

papered-closet

Site Meter

As much as we shouldn’t, we often judge beauty products by their appearance. Because don’t you feel more beautiful when surrounded by beautiful things? Especially Chanel…

All of this glorious inspiration is from my favorite blog: {this is glamorous}

Have a lovely weekend!

-P

Love in Bloom

I love these pictures. They have such a honeymoon vibe, don’t you think? In addition to the lovely clothing and adorable couple, this editorial makes me want three things: shorts season, vintage luggage and a macaroon.

Photographer Nick Scott. Models Millicent Lambert and Tyler Atkins. Stylist: Sarah Bonett. Cosmo AU, August 2010 via DJA.