Features
By
carlyjcais
Welcome to DIY Fashionista, a brand new feature where we'll be bringing you outfits, style tips and tutorials from the most fashionable crafters on the internet. We start with the chicest crafter of all, Carly J Cais from Chic Steals who's going to teach us how to make an adorable kitty beret.
Outfit details:
- Cute Kitty Beret: DIY (see below)
- Tweed Boucle Belted Cape: DIY
- Puffball Spore Sweater: DIY
- Ruffle Bag: Steve Madden
- Stretch Tank Top (worn as skirt): Victoria's Secret
- Reversible Opaque Tights: SPANX
- Studded Suede Loafers: Forever 21
DIY Cute Kitty Berret
Recreate the look with Carly's DIY Cute Kitty Beret tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
My style is a mix of ladylike chic with edgy rocker. Sometimes I go more buttoned-up lady, sometimes the all-black and shredded route.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
Ooh, it's so hard to pick a fave! Usually what I love most comes from my yearly trips to Tokyo: my silk apron dress by As Know As (seen here), my convertible double-layered zip-up overalls dress by Jelly Garcia (now The Dress & Co. by Hideaki Sakaguchi (seen here), and my DIY's, like my rhinestone and chiffon-embellished tunic (seen here) or my draped skirt from a curtain valance (seen here).
Who are your style icons?
Kate Lamphear, Alexa Chung, Tilda Swinton, Marilyn Monroe, Susie Bubble.
Do you have any favourite designers?
So many! Alexander McQueen, Hideaki Sakaguchi, Alexander Wang, Rad Hourani, Balenciaga, FURFUR [Sugiru Furubashi], Romantic Standard Clothing, Vivienne Westwood...
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
I love shopping online, or in Tokyo. Online I frequent ASOS.com, Topshop.com, Lulus.com, ChloelovesCharlie.com, Modcloth.com, and Choies.com. In Tokyo I'll always hit up Shibuya-109 and Parco Shibuya, make trips out to the As Know As flagship store in Shibuya and mocha, and spend time in LaForet Harajuku. Of course I'll check out Beams but the prices always scare me away!
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I make and customize at least half or more of what I wear. I hate paying full price for something, especially something trendy, and so even though I want to play with trends and have fun, I don't want to drop a lot of money on them. Making my clothes, or customizing and DIY'ing them, allows me to dabble in trends and be creative, without too much financial commitment. Plus it's fun and so rewarding to be able to put my personal stamp on what I wear!
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Take inspiration from all sources around you: magazines, TV, the internet, other girls you see. Take it, mix it up, and make it your own. Wear a top as a skirt, a dress as a top, be silly, be fun, and don't ever be too afraid of what others think to enjoy yourself with fashion!
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