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DIY Fashionista
By
Sonya N.
Outfit details:- Jumpsuit Vintage - French-Martinique
- Vintage handmade cross-stitched purse - I have no idea who BYB is
- Scarf - DIY (See below)
- Shoes - Cynthia Vincent
- Sunglasses - Dita
DIY Boho Patchwork Scarf
Recreate the look with Sonya's Boho Patchwork Scarf tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic. I get lots of hand me downs and people give me all sorts of things- I wear it all! I love clothing swaps and try on new styles all the time.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
I live in this 80's jumpsuit my husband's step-mother gave me. It's from French-Martinique and so comfortable.
Who are your style icons?
Audrey Hepburn's elegance but I also Gwen Stefani's over-the top looks too. I like feminine. No menswear for me!
Do you have any favourite designers?
I love everything that Cynthia Vincent designs. Most of my clothes are from her. Vivian Westwood and Sonia Rykiel make me swoon but I only have a few of their pieces.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
I love sample sales, they have great one of a kind handmade pieces that never make it to production. I avoid the mall at all costs. I have a weird quirk where if I see someone else wearing something I own, I can't wear it again.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
Mostly, I take vintage pieces and alter them. I love taking apart different dresses and merging them together to make something new.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Don't be afraid of mixing patterns and textures. It's fun, colorful, and unexpected. If you've never been to one, go to or host a clothing swap. Try some looks you wouldn't normally wear. It's always good to keep your look fresh!
Check out Sonya's blog to see more of her outfits & crafts »
By
Sophie L.
Outfit details:- Top - Ross $17
- Skirt - co/eShakti (& DIY - see technique below)
- Necklace - Kohls $8
- Flats - Old Navy $11
Diy Heart Patterned Jeans
Recreate the look with Sam's Diy Heart Patterned Jeans Tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
We are all about real-world style. We have no desire to wear anything that is dysfunctional, impractical, or unattainable. We are just normal girls, living normal lives, with normal/small budgets. But we believe strongly that if you look good, you feel good, so it's important to find a good balance with style and clothing.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
Dark-wash skinny jeans with a little bit of stretch are our whole world. They can be dressed up when paired with a flowy blouse and heels, or dressed down with a t-shirt and flats. We love the Diva jeans from Old Navy, or our new favorite are Vera Wang jeans from Kohls.
Who are your style icons?
We are inspired by so many people! We love Lauren Conrad and Olivia Palermo, but we find so much inspiration from other bloggers with real-world style. People like Kendi at Kendeveryday.com who puts together outfits that are fashionable, but are actually wearable. We also get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest, and look for outfits that we can be creative with and recreate with smaller budgets and greater function.
Do you have any favourite designers?
Designer clothing is usually far out of our realm, but we do love Lauren Conrad and Vera Wang's lines for Kohl's because they are wearable, affordable, and so so so cute.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
We love Target, Old Navy, and Kohl's, as well as discount stores like TJ Maxx and Ross. We also really love thrift shopping because you can find so many hidden treasures at amazing prices.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
Yes! We love DIY projects. Neither of us are gifted at sewing, but we can handle simple alterations to thrifted clothing. And currently, we are obsessed with making customized graphic t-shirts with iron-on transfer paper, or adding patterns to pants or leggings using fabric paint.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Accessories! They are the best way to mix up a basic outfit. A statement necklace can make a simple t-shirt bold; a belt at your waist can add shape to a square blouse; a scarf can add color and pattern to simple pieces. Accessories are the best, and are very affordable, if you know where to look.
Outfit details:
- Dress - DIY
- Shirt - Thrifted
- Bag - DIY (see below)
- Shoes - Audrey Brooke from DSW
DIY Lace Panel Purse
Recreate the look with Kirsten's Lace Panel Purse tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Edgy, but a bit girly. Or the other way around, perhaps? I love to mix fabrics such as leather and lace.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
My denim and leather jacket that I made for a Studs and Pearls project, in 2011.
Who are your style icons?
Drew Barrymore and Alexa Chung.
Do you have any favourite designers?
Rebecca Taylor, Kate Spade, Alexander Wang and Rag & Bone are some of my favorites.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
Thrift stores..always!
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I do, often. A majority of the items in my closet are embellished or handmade.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone with different combinations or outfits. You never know what you might come up with!
By
Misfit Isle
Outfit details:
- Dress - Old Navy
- Shrug - Fairweather
- Belt - Le Chateau
- Leggings - Old Navy
- Ring - DIY (see below)
DIY Glitter And Gold Starburst Ring:
Recreate the look with Alli's Glitter And Gold Starburst Ring tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
Who are your style icons?
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I love making my own jewelry and fascinators to add little personal touches to my outfits.
When I am feeling stagnant in my style I don't allow myself to wear any of my stand bys for a week, I set aside my favorite cardigans and dresses for a week and force myself to utilize the rest of my wardrobe.?
By
Stacie G.
Outfit details:- Pants - Forever21 & DIY (see below)
- Shoes - Urban Outfitters
- Shirt - Kohl's
- Jacket - Wilson's Leather Outlet shop
- Purse - Thrift shop
- Scarf - Etsy
DIY Two Tone Pants
Recreate the look with Stacie's Two Tone Pants tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Bohemian, pops of black and white, textured, handmade, cowboy boots
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
I could never give up my dad's old boyscout shirt. It goes with everything!
Who are your style icons?
Iris Apfel, Bri Emery from DesignLoveFest, and so many style bloggers. The Internet is a wonderful place.
Do you have any favourite designers?
Miu Miu, Orla Kiely, Kate Spade New York
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
Secondhand shops, Anthropologie, antique stores
Do you make or customise your outfits?
Oh yes! My mom is a seamstress so she (tried) to teach me many of her skills. She is a very detail-oriented person and I am not, so some sewing skills stuck better than others. I love to alter clothes as opposed to making them from scratch. I love adding over-the-top embellishments or funky alterations.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
I love accessories way too much. I've learned that when you get ready in the morning and you're ready to walk out the door, take one accessory off. You probably don't need to wear a head scarf and a neck scarf at the same time. ;)
Outfit details:- Collar - Retooled from a thrifted vintage blouse (see below)
- Dress - ASOS Maternity
- Hat & Socks - Urban Outfitter
- Bag & Shoes - Thrifted Vintage
DIY Collar from a Blouse
Recreate the look with Marisa's Retooling A Collar Off An Old Blouse tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
If I have to sum it up, I would say my style is a concoction of vintage and playful and definitely very feminine. I love wearing color - lots of it and am a sucker for whimsy little accessories and headwear. In fact, I never leave the house with some kind of accessory on my head whether it be a vintage scarf, a floral crown, bow, or hat. I mostly wear dresses and am most smitten by ones from the 1960s.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
I have this little vintage buttercup yellow babydoll dress that I picked up at a local antique mall - it has the sweetest peter pan collar and lavender embroidered birds on the two front pockets. I'm pretty sure I'll hold onto it forever. Other than that - these vintage oxblood colored booties and a tan retro starburst sweater are each pieces from my grandmothers that I will always cherish the most.
Who are your style icons?
My oma (grandmother) is my style icon. She was elegant and graceful (think Ava Gardner) and had her own unique style. She loved colorful, bold prints and leopard and was always adorned in some of the prettiest jewelry I've ever seen. As she made the majority of her own clothing, her closet was full of unique creations that could make you swoon for days.
Do you have any favourite designers?
I really don't. Designer brands are certainly not in my budget so I don't pay too much attention to them. However I will admit that I can be caught swooning over Lauren Moffatt and Orla Kiely dresses every once in a while.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
The antique mall and thrift store are my go-to places to shop, especially when it comes to vintage, but every now and again I'll treat myself by snagging up a pretty dress from Modcloth, Asos, or Anthropologie.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I only wish I had more advanced sewing skills! Customizing my outfits usually means taking up a hem and turning a dowdy grandma maxi dress into a cute little mini shift or babydoll dress.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Don't shy away from color. In fact, mix together different colors that you normally think would not go together. I always create some of my favorite outfits my doing this. Of course I'm always one for adding a vintage brooch and hat or hair accessory just to top everything off and really make my style my own.
By
lisa b.
Outfit details:- Dress - vintage
- Tights - F21
- Shoes - Ruche
- Necklace - DIY
- Belt - thrifted
DIY Collar Necklace
Recreate the look with Lisa's Collar Necklace tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
My style always seems to be changing, but it remains colorful and vintage inspired. I like to have fun with my clothes and I think that's always been my favorite way of expressing myself.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
A few of my vintage dresses are pretty priceless to me, but my most worn pieces right now are my moss-green cardigan and Minnetonka Moccasins. They go with everything from vintage dresses to skinny jeans.
Who are your style icons?
The past few years I have mostly been inspired by style bloggers because of their creative yet approachable looks.
Do you have any favourite designers?
I'm pretty out of the designer loop, but I do love the vintage inspired looks of Orla Kiely and Rachel Antonoff. I also love the beautiful prints of vintage Vera Neumann scarves.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
I really try to avoid buying new clothes, but every few months I pick up a few new pieces at Forever 21 or H&M. I also like to splurge on the occasional ModCloth dress :)
I love to customize my outfits and make accessories. It is always rewarding to turn a frumpy, thrifted find into something that fits :) I don't make many clothes from scratch, but that's something I would like to change!
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
My favorite way to personalize my outfits is to mix vintage and new. If I'm wearing something new and trendy, I like to mix it up with some vintage so it looks more unique. Also, I love to wear contrasting colors and patterns together.
By
Katy A.
Outfit details:
- Dress - Zara
- Necklace - DIY (see below)
- Bag - Chanel
- Sunglasses - Chanel
- Shoes - Guiseppe Zanotti
DIY Chanel Inspired Chain Ribbon Necklace
Recreate the look with Katy's Chanel Inspired Chain Ribbon Necklace Tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Easy and elegant, but still on trend. I love mixing high and low pieces, and bold, bright colors!
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
My Chanel quilted bag -- it was a birthday and anniversary present a year and a half ago!
Who are your style icons?
Rachel Bilson, Blake Lively, and Kate Middleton
Do you have any favourite designers?
Too many to name!
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
The Galleria in Houston has so many amazing stores, and Houston's consignment stores are amazing! I've found really high-end designer pieces for a tiny fraction of what they cost initially!
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I have a sewing machine that I break out for the occasional DIY project, and I love making small pieces like jewelry and accessories!
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Think about your closet and what pieces you gravitate to, and develop them into your signature style! You don't have to wear every trend, but pick one or two that speak to you and interpret them your own way!
By
Midge B.
Outfit details:- Top - Gap
- Skirt - Thrifted
- Tights - H&M
- Shoes - Rocketdog
- Sweater - Modcloth
- Brooches - DIY (see below)
DIY Fashionista Brooches
Recreate the look with Midge's Fashionista Brooches tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Quirky and retro and lotes of cat eye glasses, and very thrifty. Second hand chic.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
A silk dress that has a pattern of different cute dogs on it. From far away it looks like flowers, but once you get up close to it you notice adorable portraits of boston terriers and chiwawas.
Who are your style icons?
Enid Coleslaw from Ghost World, Audrey Horne from Twin Peaks. Lots of fictional characters. Carrie Brownstein, too, who is a real person.
Do you have any favourite designers?
Betsey Johnson!
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
Thrift stores, with out a doubt. You can find ANYTHING in those places.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I don't make any of my clothes, but I do love to customize them with different pins and brooches. Things that are easy to add on.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Mix and experiment with different colors and patterns, you'll be surprised what kind of un expected combinations you come up with and swoon over!
By
Sherri B.
Outfit details:
- Wavy Hair - DIY (See below)
- Shirt - By Epique Moi, purchased at S.Y.L.K
- Jeans - By Hudson (Krista Super Skinny)
- Shoes - Christian Louboutian
- Bracelet - Urban Outfitters
DIY Sexy Wavy Hair
Recreate the look with Sherri's Sexy Wavy Hair tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
My style tends to be on the casual side though I love throwing in some effortless chic touches. Think V neck tee shirt, skinny jeans, and a pair of Louboutin pumps ;)
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
I recently bought a James Perse long sleeved blue shirt. It's pretty casual, but can easily be dressed up. It is the softest and coziest shirt I own. Worth the hefty price tag.
Who are your style icons?
Love Rachel Bilson and pretty much always admire her style. I'm also often inspired by wardrobe and styles from the 70's. Love me some Farrah Fawcett.
Do you have any favourite designers?
No designer in particular. I love buying bits and pieces from all over and generally don't care about the name on the tag.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
I find THE BEST stuff at Urban Outfitters. People are always shocked when I tell them that, but my eyes see random pieces when shopping there and you can create really fun and unique outfits there. They also have great accessories for an affordable price too.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I wish I was talented enough to make my clothes! The closest I get to customizing is wearing pieces that shouldn't be worn together, but somehow making them work. Sometimes a hat, belt, or a pair of shoes can really transform a potentially not cute outfit.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
For starters, you need to bring your confidence to the table when personalizing an outfit. People get timid and too afraid to try something different, and then admire the others who dared to do it! Almost every time I wear colored skinny jeans or funky hats someone tells me they wish they could "pull that off". I believe anyone can rock this stuff, you just have to do it!
Follow Sherri on CO+K to keep up with her projects and check out her website, Sherri Does Hot Hair »