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DIY Fashionista
Outfit details:
- Sweater - thrifted
- Skirt - thrifted & diy (see below)
- Scarf & tights - Old Navy
- Booties - Payless
- Socks - Steve Madden
- Earrings - c/o Sahara Jewelry, via etsy
- Rings - Forever21
- Nails - diy caviar manicure
DIY Fishtail Skirt
Recreate the look with Kym's DIY Fishtail Skirt tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
This question is always a toughie because I don't define my style by any one category. It's a rather eclectic mix that can be defined as relaxed, undone, and effortlessly chic, with a bit of whimsey thrown in for good measure.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
Right now I'm mildly obsessed with my light denim chambray button up shirt. It's so versatile that I can usually figure out a way to work it into just about any outfit. Suffice it to say that I probably wear it more times between washings than is hygienically acceptable. I might even give it an update soon by adding some metal studs & large rhinestones to the collar!
Who are your style icons?
I have a pretty major girl crush on Zooey Deschanel. Her style is impeccable, from her clothing to her hair to her makeup; even right down to her beautiful singing voice. I totally want to be her.
Do you have any favourite designers?
This is going to sound crazy coming from a style blogger, but I actually don't pay much attention to designers (#shameful). I'm just not down with $8,000 dresses; it all seems a bit excessive to me.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
Francesca's Collections and Anthropologie always seem to have shops filled with irresistible dresses, and I love to look for trendy pieces at Forever21. When I want to feel really cool, I shop at Urban Outfitters. Also on the favorite list: Target, Old Navy, & Gap for affordable wardrobe staples, with the occasional fun piece thrown in - all at great prices.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I've tried my hand at sewing, but after a rocky 10 year relationship with my sewing machine, I have finally accepted that I'll have to leave the creation of clothing to the pros. Instead, I customize my outfits by adding pieces that reflect my personality, be it a scarf I knitted myself, a pair of handmade earrings, or even on the laziest of days - a simple swipe of bright lipstick.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
My best piece of advice is to incorporate a little something unexpected into your outfits. Maybe your sweater has elbow patches; maybe you throw a cargo vest over a dainty lace dress to toughen it up a bit; maybe you mix flannel with sequins; or maybe you wear some patterned tights underneath your shorts...you get the idea. Try to do something slightly outside of the norm. To really personalize your outfit, add little bits of you into it. Do you love vintage? Add a cluster of vintage brooches to your jacket or sweater. Do you love bright colors? Throw on some purple tights or add a bold, yellow handbag to an otherwise neutral outfit. Any little detail that would cause someone to go, "hmm, that's interesting," is basically the goal.
By
Seonaid R.
Outfit details:
- Tartan scarf - H&M
- High-waist black jeans - H&M
- White t-shirt - H&M
Small bag - H&M - Chain bracelet - H&M
- Jacket - French Connection
- Heels - New Look
DIY Statement Lip
Recreate the look with Seonaid's Statement Lip make-up tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Ever changing. I like basic, classic pieces in navy, white and black, but I also like splashes of colour. I am also frequently enchanted by glitter, sequins and studs.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
I have a couple of pieces I really love,mostly for sentimental reasons; my Issey Miyake Pleats Please coral minidress, that I wore to my mum's wedding; my white and blue sealife print Zara silk summer dress. I also love my practical, well-made basics - white t-shirts, skinny jeans, little black dresses.
Who are your style icons?
Julia Sarr-Samois. She is so effortlessly cool, without looking to try hard. She really knows how to dress up the simplest seeming of outfits, and knows how to wear colour well.
Do you have any favourite designers?
Alexander Wang, Mary Katrantzou, Elie Saab.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
H&M for basics, Zara for classics, Whistles, Cos, sometimes Topshop.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
Only in the sense that I will cut things up to see how they look - cutting tshirts shorter or changing the neckline, hemming skirts, cutting jeans into shorts. The occasional studding. I wish I had more time and better craft shops nearby, there are lots of things I want to try!
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Buy only what your feel comfortable in - if you're spending 10 minutes in the shop convincing yourself, it's not worth it. Pick colours, patterns, fabrics you like - just buy what you really want, rather than what you think other people do. Feeling confident and comfortable in your clothes looks ten times better and more individual than forcing yourself into trends you hate.
You can check out Seonaid's blog at Beauty & Baggage »
By
Auna K.
Today's DIY Fashionista is Auna from La Vie En Rose, who's also been taking part in the Pick Your DIY collaboration, where seven bloggers used Pinterest to find Spring/Summer 2013 inspired looks to turn in to their own DIY projects. Auna was inspired by a discontinued cross back shirt from the Social Butterfly House and you can see how she made it below:
Outfit details:
Day:- Tomato Ankle Skinnies - American Rag for Macy's
- Mustard Empire Top - Forever 21
- Jacket - Max Studio
- Heels - American Rag for Macy's
- Necklace - Aldo
- Tomato Tank - Mossimo for Target
- Striped Skirt - Charlotte Russe
- Jacket - Max Studio
- Heels - American Rag
- Necklace - Custom made on Etsy
- Slouchy hat - Mossimo for Target
- Tomato tank - Mossimo for Target
- Jeans - Seven For All Mankind
- Heels - American Rag for Macy's
- Jacket - Max Studio
- Bow Necklace - Juicy Couture
DIY Cross Back Shirt
Recreate the look with Auna's Cross Back Shirt tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Hippie Hepburn! I love classic pieces that are timeless and elegant. They're brilliant for photography, especially since one doesn't have to worry about looking as dated in them as more trendy fashion choices. They're always chic. I also tend to add a little bit of hippie/boho in there- loose fitting dresses + tunics, messy buns and slightly tousled hair + curls, minimal makeup.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
That's like asking me to choose a favorite food! Probably my brown fold over boots or my leather jacket. I have about 15 pairs of boots; a pair of great boots can bring the most basic, boring outfit up several notches. I also *love* the black wedges in the photos- they can be dressed up or down and are very comfortable. I try not to wear heels because of ballet, so these are the only ones I'll wear.
Who are your style icons?
Audrey Hepburn, as mentioned above. The 50's + 60's were such a great time for fashion. People just always seemed put together, right down to the hats + white gloves. Also Coco Chanel- she revolutionized women's clothing for decades. For someone more current day- Rachel Zoe. Slightly predictable, but she has been dressing the rich and famous as boho-chic babes for years.
Do you have any favourite designers?
All of the French + Italian greats. I can't choose a favorite. They're all brilliant.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
The hippie side of me struggles with fair labor practices, so I prefer socially conscious companies like Fair Indigo- the ethos paris collection has cute dresses. Fair trade clothing tends to be very basic so that's a great option for classic staples. For more mainstream clothing I go to places like Macy's + Target (admit it, you love their designer collections!) because they require all clothing lines they carry to enforce and follow strict labor laws.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I very rarely make an entire piece from scratch, I'm much more likely to customize something through refashioning. It's a lot of fun to imagine old clothes in a totally new way, just by removing sleeves, making pants fitted or shirts loose, changing a neckline, raising a hemline or even sewing pants into pencil skirts!
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
I don't like to leave anything alone. Everything that comes home gets customized. You don't need to sew! Add studs or use fabric paint to change jeans- even just the pockets! Iron on patches for elbows or a use great applique. Easily put on new buttons to make a cardigan or jacket look more expensive. Use embroidery, or just contrasting fabric + a hot glue gun to add a monogram. That way you can be sure that you're the only person wearing your item- no matter where it came from.
By
Carmen R.
Outfit details:
- Blazer - H&M
- Top - Antipodium
- Shorts - Monki
- Socks - Urban Outfitters
- Shoes - Deandri
DIY Exaggerated Eyes
Recreate the look with Carmen's Exaggerated Eyes Tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Little girl who never grew up aha. I say that because it seems like I dress very indecisively, I don't stick to one particular style :)
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
My favourite piece in my wardrobe are definitely my shoes, specifically my Deandri's and my Hellbounds. My feet wouldn't feel the same without them!
Who are your style icons?
My style icons are ClothesEncounters, PaleDivision, Kate Bosworth, Gemma Arterton and my mum!
Do you have any favourite designers?
Not really, though I like Jonathon Saunders, Mark Fast and House of Holland.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
I love, love Nastygal ~ I could live in most of their clothes! I also love ASOS, Mink Pink, Evil Twin and UNIF. But there are loads of great online shops I love looking through such as Theory of Seven, The Scarlet Room and Yesstyle.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I used to when I was younger but I've grown a bit more lazy since then aha. If I customize anything I generally crop it. Cropped tops are just great!
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Go on how you feel on the day and don't be scared to wear anything. As long as you think it looks great ~ it will! Personalising an outfit can come from doing something as little as wearing a ring or changing the colour of your nails :) I tend to add feathers or bows to my hair!
By
Cat Morley
Outfit details:
- Dress - New Look
- 50p Necklace - Hairy Growler Jewellery
- Bow Belt - ASOS
- Clutch - DIY (see below)
- Watch - Mondaine
- Bracelet - Vivienne Westwood
- Ring - Tiffany
- Shoes - Irregular Choice
DIY Bow Clutch
Recreate the look with Cat's Bow Clutch tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Little old lady meets cat lover with a touch of British eccentricity. I love anything with a Peter Pan collar, tartan, tweed or adorable animal print, especially if it has cats on. Anything with added functionality also gets my ticket, such as my 3D glasses necklace by Tatty Devine which I'm sure will come in super handy when I step back in time and go to a retro cinema one day.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
My Burberry trench. I'd wanted one for such a long time and finally found a mac I loved and could afford during the Christmas sales. I also love my crystal cat ear headband, though there are far too few occasions to wear it throughout the year.
Who are your style icons?
Superheroes and supervillains always have the coolest outfits and accessories. I wish it was okay to dress like Catwoman and wear animal ears everyday but instead, I'll settle for my homemade Harley Quinn pyjamas that I get to wear to bed. I'd also love to raid Jess from the New Girl's wardrobe.
Do you have any favourite designers?
Vivienne Westwood has been my favourite designer since high school. She can add a twist to absolutely anything and make it beautiful. I have a terrible habit of never buying clothes because I feel I could make them at home but I never have that problem with her intricate and technical designs. There's also an amazing designer in Edinburgh called Joey D who recycles old military wear in to fantastic jackets and accessories. I have several of his bags including one with bullets in the strap and another made from neckties.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
Shopping on the high street terrifies me, so I avoid the crowds and tiny changing rooms by going online to places like Modcloth, ASOS and Dorothy Perkins. I bookmark items I love throughout the year and check back on them during the sales, to see if the price is right.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I make a lot of jewellery and accessories but one day I'd love to have a wardrobe entirely filled with clothes I've made. It's actually my new year's resolution to learn how to sew clothes properly with the ambition of sewing my own wedding dress.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
If you're new to crafting, creating your own piece of jewellery or hair accessory is a great project to start with. Also, there's nothing better than being complimented on an item you've made and asked where you bought it.
By
Chelsea C.
Outfit details:
- Tuxedo blazer - American Eagle Outfitters
- T-shirt - Marshalls
- Jeans - Forever 21 (they're $11 and they're amazing!)
- Booties - Matisse
- Chunky necklace - Forever 21 (no longer available)
- Bar necklace - Upper Metal Class
- Watch - Fossil (similar)
DIY Screenprinted Bulldog Tee
Recreate the look with Chelsea's Screenprinted Bulldog Tee tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
That's so tricky! I love so many different styles and part of the fun is to make them all fit together. I guess if I had to name it, I would make up something like "Preppy Clean Bohemian." Haha! Sort of what would happen if J.Crew and Anthropologie had a baby who really loved sparkly things.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
My current fave is a new acquisition -- it's a white and gold chevron sheath dress from White House Black Market. It sounds simple, but the kicker is that it's entirely made of sequins.
Who are your style icons?
I always love a woman who is quietly confident, and I tend to look to older generations for inspiration. Young Liza Minnelli and Audrey Hepburn were always so fabulous in very different ways. As far as our generation goes, Emma Watson and Marion Cotillard can do no wrong by me.
Do you have any favourite designers?
I don't really stick to one particular designer or another, but I'm loyal to certain shops. As previously mentioned, I could walk into J.Crew or Anthropologie any day of the week and find a zillion favorites. Other loves are Madewell, C. Wonder, Kate Spade, and Topshop.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
My other not-so-well-kept secret shopping place is Forever 21. I know it's kind of in the "fast fashion" vein, but the truth is you can find so many great things there! I go there when I don't have a ton of money but I'm looking for something super-stylish. And my tip is to always go early in the day, before it gets crazy and crowded.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I really do love to try to have something mixed into my outfit that I've made, especially as a DIY blogger. It's sort of like wearing your own brand. And if someone asks where you got that particular piece, it's a great conversation starter!
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Accessories can change the look of an entire outfit. They can take you from day to night, from casual to dressy, and anything in between. They're also the perfect way to make your look your own. I love that you could give two girls the same jeans and black tee and they could create two entirely different, personalized looks by switching up things like bags, jewelry, shoes, and the like. That's my favorite fashion game!
