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DIY Fashionista
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!
By
Rachel F.
Outfit details:
- Shows - Primark
- Skirt - Charity shop
- T-shirt - Primark (Men's) & DIY (see below)
DIY Customised T-Shirt
Recreate the look with Rachel's Customised T-Shirt tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
I guess I'd say I was glamour, grunge and goth-inspired so I'm so happy about the fact all of those things were all over this season's catwalks! I love dark colours: black, grey, navy, blood red, purples, but I keep it from looking too drab by experimenting with different textures, like lace or leather. I love to dress up but I love casual dress too. On a night out where I live in East London, people don't really 'dress up' in a glamorous way anyway. I like to wear an evening dress with combat boots because, as much as I love heels, I'd rather be able to dance than complain about my feet all night. So, yeah, I would describe my style as grunge-goth meets occasional doses of glamour meets whatever-is-on-my-bedroom-floor.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
I have this oversized leather jacket I got from Primark when I was 16 which I've worn to death. It's cheap, goes with anything and looks better the more you wear it. I'm obsessed with jackets; I must have at least twenty of them.
Who are your style icons?
I don't have any direct style icons, because I think the best style is something you create yourself. It can't be copied. That being said I really like Alice Dellal's and Pixie Geldof's style. Even Miley Cyrus is looking pretty cool since she shed her wholesome Disney image and got that crop.
Do you have any favourite designers?
I mostly blog on the off-schedule or fringe fashion circuits which means I've been exposed to a massive range of independent and underground designers. It's exciting to see shows that are out of the mainstream and aren't afraid to experiment. I often fall in love with designers I wouldn't actually wear myself simply for the artwork of their design, like McQueen. I got to see an Alexander McQueen dress up close at an exhibition earlier this year and the minute details of it are incredible - unwearable unless you happen to be rich and famous - but still absolutely stunning. I love vintage-inspired lingerie designers like Kiss Me Deadly and Sex Trash NYC. I love Religion, The Ragged Priest...oh, and does Topshop count as a 'designer'?
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
As much as I'd like to, I don't own any high-end designer pieces because I'm a student. I think cheese is expensive, let alone a pair of Louboutins. I tend to mix high street like Topshop, Urban Outfitters, H&M and River Island with vintage or thrift pieces from eBay or charity shops. Some high street stores try and sell 'vintage looking' pieces for ridiculous prices when, if you're lucky enough, you can get the original in a charity store for a couple of quid, so I'd rather do that.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
When a pair of jeans becomes faded or doesn't fit any more, I cut them up to make shorts and fray the edges for a distressed look. I sometimes buy men's shirts and cut off the sleeves to make an oversized vest. This 'distressed' look you get sold on the high street is something is often you could easily do yourself, so I think about that before I buy anything like that.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
Remember that personal style is always more important than fashion. You can still look great without importing your entire look off a catwalk. I'm sure most of the things I wear aren't technically 'in fashion' but I've learned that being individual and comfortable with the way you dress is so much better than copying the catwalk entirely. Look at the runway to inspire, but take that and add your own touch. Fashion is full of enough clones anyway, so don't be one!
By
Delf
Outfit details:
- French beret: Vintage
- Blazer jacket: Fervente
- Leather gloves: Martina Style
- Maxi skirt: DIY (see below)
DIY Dream Maxy Skirt
Recreate the look with Dijana's Dream Maxy Skirt tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Classic with an edge. My style usually depends on my mood, but I always like to look sleek.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
I don't have just one favourite piece, but I do love my collection of scarves and hats.
Who are your style icons?
My mum, although we have completely different styles. Thanks to her, I was always surrounded by so many beautiful clothes and accessorizes. When it comes to famous people, I admire the style of Gwen Stefani, Johnny Depp, Karl Lagerfeld, Audrey Hepburn, Victoria Beckham, Garance Doré, Giovanna Battaglia...
Do you have any favourite designers?
John Galliano (regardless of the incident).
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
High street stores mostly, H&M being my favourite. I'm especially fond of buying new clothes when I travel because I like to be reminded of the country where the piece was bought. In a way, every piece becomes a wearable souvenir.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
Rarely. As an interior designer, I'm more drawn to art/home decor DIY projects.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
I was always more interested in style rather than fashion. I like to see it as an extension of our character, something that non-verbally defines us. In my opinion, a good way to personalize an outfit would be feeling comfortable and confident in what you're wearing and not following trends just for the sake of it. Discover what are your best features and accent them. Add a little bit of YOU in everything you wear and make it your signature.
By
kittenhood
Outfit details:
- Shirt - my sister's
- Sweater - DIY (see below)
- Skirt - H&M kids
- tights - Primark
- Booties - local shop
- Hat - vintage, my grandma's
DIY French Hen Sweater
Recreate the look with Daria's DIY French Hen Sweater tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
My style is still changing and evolving, but in the past years it's been very feminine. I like girly things - I even wear kids clothes sometimes, since I'm petite - and vintage fashion inspires me.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
I'd say all of my dresses are my favorites. From the girl who would only wear jeans, I've turned into the girl who only wears dresses - so I value each dress equally, and I often associate them with past events. Vintage pieces that belonged to my grandmother are also very important for me.
Who are your style icons?
I love Alexa Chung from the celebrities bunch, and then there's a number of fashion bloggers that I adore, like The Clothes Horse, Calivintage, Rosaspina Vintage or All This Happiness.
Do you have any favourite designers?
I love every collection by Carven, and there are a number of high fashion designers that rarely fail to make me swoon. Out of the more affordable ones, I love Dear Creatures, Twentysevennames, Vivetta or Swedish Hasbeens.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
I buy from the high street stores like H&M or Zara, and I do a lot of thrifting. We have quite a variety of second hand shops here! Sometimes I shop online, but it's the high shipping fees that prevent me from going crazy on e-commerce.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I've always liked making my own things, but I've mostly made accessories so far. My dream is to be able to make my own clothes, and although I have a sewing machine, I haven't perfected the skill yet. The day I make a dress from scratch will be one happy day.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
One thing I like to do is wear handmade accessories - whether they're by local artists or DIY projects. Pins are especially versatile, since you can wear them on anything, from coat to bag. You can also find lovely, unique pieces at flea markets and vintage shops!
By
Jo F.
Outfit details:
- Shorts - Vintage
- Jacket - Vintage
- Blouse - Vintage
- Shoes - Vintage & DIY (See below)
- Bag - gift from Golden Ponies.
DIY Galaxy Shoes
Recreate the look with Jo's How-To Make Galaxy Shoes tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
My style is vintage influenced with a touch of silliness! I love quirky clothing, and just feel that fashion doesn't need to be taken too seriously. I love cute prints and sweet little touches on clothing.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
It's a terribly biased answer - but I am completely in love with the first dress that I've created under my own brand. It's called the Apple a Day Dress and shaped like - you guessed it, an apple! It has super sweet pan collar and pocket detail and is very me, right down to a tee!
Who are your style icons?
I am so so so influenced by Brigitte Bardot and Edie Sedgwick. I love winged eye liner, short hemlines, big (big big!) hair, and the reddest lipstick possible.
Do you have any favourite designers?
I really love Italian brand, Vivetta. They designed the infamous cat skirt, which is my most coveted piece ever!
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
Most of my shopping is done either online or in vintage stores. I adore ASOS and Modcloth. Modcloth has some of the cutest dresses, with the sweetest collars you've ever seen!
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I often change the hemlines of dresses. That is probably my most regular customizing. I also love to create cute collars and attach them to dresses and tops that I'd otherwise consider plain.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
When in doubt, add a collar! That's my motto!
By
Jenifer M.
Outfit details:- Playsuit - Topshop via eBay.
- Shirt - Primark & DIY (see below)
- Shoes - New Look
- Belt - Primark
- Ring - Primark
DIY Chiffon Shirt
Recreate the look with Jennie's DIY Chiffon Shirt tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
I'd say I try to stay on trend but add an alternative twist by adding a band tee or a leather jacket to any outfit. I love patterns and fabrics, my favourites at the moment being tartan and leather. I also love layering items and pairing fitted with oversized to add a feminine twist to a oversized cut.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
Probably, my leather jacket. I bought it years ago from Miss Sefridge but didn't really like the way it fitted. So instead of spending £50 or more on the perfect jacket I customised it myself. Adding studs, zips and removing the elasticated bottom created my perfect jacket!
Who are your style icons?
Celebrity inspired I love Jamela Jamil, Fearne Cotton and Miley Cyrus. They all keep on trend but make it look so effortless and not overdone, which I love. But more than anything i love streetstyle and think the everyday girls in England have great style. That's why i love blogging, it's the most inspiring place.
Do you have any favourite designers?
I love the work of marchesa and Elie Saab, their work is just sensational to look at. But obviously that's way out of my price range. I also adore Burberry, a trench coat will one day be in my closet, i promise!
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
I love bargain hunting, so i'm a big ebay addict. I never look at an item how it's sold, i always consider how i can alter it or style it. I do love H&M for cheap knitwear, Missguided is great for dresses, and obviously Topshop and Primark.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
Yes, I love making new things, it just feels so much nicer knowing it's unique and you spent time making it how you love. I'm no fashion designer so I tend to stick to customising things such as adding embellishment or my new favourite thing is to stud everything.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
The best thing i've learnt is to dress how you want to. For years i'd spend money on lovely items but never had the confidence to wear them if noone else was. But now i don't care, and i love it! There's nothing wrong with taking inspiration from others, it's not copying if their look made a light bulb go off in your head. At the moment a great way to add to an outfit is to add a cute collar, some studs to the shoulders or add some cute socks.
By
Sabrina W.
Outfit details:
- Jacket - Gina Tricot
- Skirt - H&M (sold out)
- Boots - H&M
- Belt - DIY (see below)
- Earrings - Asos
DIY Cross Belt
Recreate the look with Sabrina's DIY Cross Belt tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
Hm,I think my style is always a bit girly as I love dresses and skirts (I don´t own proper trousers).At the moment I love to add a bit of "gothic chic",it can change the whole look and makes it a bit more edgy.I guess,this is my style now.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
I would say that my favourite piece is definitely my little black lace dress,it is so versatile and I just love to wear it.
Who are your style icons?
Kate Moss! She has a great style and even when she wears something super simple it looks gorgeous.
Do you have any favourite designers?
Actually no, but I like Karl Lagerfeld.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
H&M (I have an addiction),Gina Tricot,New Look oh and Ebay, I found amazing pieces there.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
No,not yet. I am really bad at sewing :)
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
I like to mix lace with everything and I have a nice collection of jewellery (it always changes a look if you want to)..Otherwise just wear what makes you feel comfortable-that´s the best personalised outfit, I guess.