Features
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.
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