DIY: Louis Vuitton “Shine” Inspired Bracelets

Nautical was the theme for Louis Vuitton’s 2010 Cruise Collection and also a key trend for summer.  So naturally we couldn’t help but fall in love with their Shine Bracelets.  But with the accessories setting us back over $2000, who has money to go on a cruise?  Instead, DIY.

You will need :

To get started:

Apply two coats of acrylic paint letting each coat dry before applying the next.  Once both coats have completely dried then spray a coat of gloss making sure it is evenly applied.  Let coat dry and repeat.  After your gloss sets use smallest bit and drill a hole on either side of the cuff for the drapery tack to later be placed.  We recommend marking where you want to drill to ensure the tacks are evenly placed.

Next, cut your rope in half creating two equal pieces for each bracelet.  Using the glue, paint a coat on the end of the rope creating a seal to prevent unraveling.  Begin wrapping the rope around the bracelet covering your drilled holes, using a little bit of glue to secure the rope as you go.  Once you finish wrapping, cut the excess rope off again painting glue on the end to create a seal.  Attach the two ends together on the inside using a layer of glue.  Let dry.

After your glue has hardened cut the ends down on your drapery tacks using the flat nose pliers, then place tacks around the top and bottom of the bracelet where you drilled your holes. (Optional: dip your tacks in glue before inserting for extra security.) 

This entry was posted on Friday, July 23rd, 2010 at 11:00 am and is filed under D.I.Y., Fashion, Style.

DIY: Fringe T-Shirt

In a previous Trend Alert we talked we talked about how fringe was a big trend for the season.  It’s everywhere from the runway to shoes and accessories to this week’s DIY.  We will show you how to create the fringe trend with a few t-shirts from home.

You Will Need:

To Get Started:

Evenly cut both sides of the t-shirt you want to put the fringe on.  Using the other t-shirt measure (2)6″ panels (starting from the side seams).  Make sure the panels are long enough to fit your t-shirt. (Measure length from under arm to the end of shirt)  Cut out your panels.

Turning your t-shirt inside out, place the panels between the front and back layers of your shirt, making sure the sides match up.  Stitch 1/2″ seam and finish raw edges to prevent shredding.  Repeat on other side.

Finally turn t-shirt right side out and create fringe.  Cut 1/2″ strips all the way down both panels making sure you have a small amount of uncut room close to the seam.

*Once you wash t-shirt the fringe will roll and shrink*

*T-shirt is  size med*

This entry was posted on Monday, June 28th, 2010 at 7:14 pm and is filed under D.I.Y..

DIY: Roger Viver Inspired Enamel Necklace

We fell in love with Roger Viver’s enamel and python necklace in April’s edition if Elle, but not it’s $2,385 price tag.  So we decided to DIY!

You will need:

To Get Started:

Remove the lobster clasps on the leather necklace keeping the jump rings in tact.  Attach metal key rings on both ends of the necklace.  Next attach a neon green split ring , medium silver chain link, and large neon patterned chain link to the key chain.  Then attach another neon split ring ti the previous one.  Hook two more medium silver chain links to the large patterned one and interlock with the second split ring and first medium silver chain link.  Add black split ring and black wooden teardrop pendant to the large patterned chain link and let it dangle.  Next link another black split ring to the pink.  Attach two silver links in between  the pink and black and let dangle.  Finally, attach large patterned chain link to the black split ring and complete necklace bu closing the link in the key chain.

Enter to Win the “Roger Viver Enamel Necklace!  **No Purchase Necessary**

Just send your:

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 at 4:14 pm and is filed under D.I.Y..

DIY: Studded Moccasins

Captured by the studded trend and lusting over a comfy pair of moccasins from Urban Outfitters, our inspiration for this weeks DIY was born!

You will need the following items for this project:

To get started:

Puncture the studs through  the moccasin one by one using the pattern below:

Make sure as each stud is pierced you take the pliers and bend the prongs back, securing them in place.  Repeat this process for each stud. Once your pattern is complete you are ready to wear your studded moccasins.

**Note we decided after this DIY was complete, that it need more, so we continued adding the studs around the top sides of the moccasins, you can opt to add this on your project or not!**

Moccasins are a size Medium (7/8)

Enter to Win the Studded Moccasins!  **No Purchase Necessary**

Just send your:

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at 12:35 pm and is filed under D.I.Y., Style.

DIY: Bib Necklace

Bib necklaces have been a hot item the past few years.  In this weeks DIY we will show you how to re-create a tribal bib necklace that was inspired by Fendi.

You will need the following items for this project:

To get started:

Map out the pattern for your necklace  on the felt (you can be creative and use the same as ours and be creative with your own).  Once you have done that, take the marking pencil or chalk and trace around the pattern.   Then cut your pattern out.  Next glue your stone and/or mirror pieces in place on the felt.  Set to dry.

Using the necklace pattern, you will want to trace the same pattern on the leather creating a back supporting piece.   After  tracing, cut it out.  Then you will want to cut your desired length of ribbon to place on either ends of the necklace.  Glue the ribbon on the ends of the leather.  Next apply a layer of glue on the back of the felt piece and attach the back leather piece.  Set to dry and you have your very own bib necklace!

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 14th, 2010 at 7:45 pm and is filed under D.I.Y., Style.

DIY: Hipster Headbands

Headbands have been a key accessory trend especially in the past few years.  More specifically, the hipster headband, a throwback to the 1960’s hippie headbands. Whether single or multiple bands, the hipster headband is worn lower wrapping around the head, not over it.  This weeks DIY is dedicated to showing you how to save money and customize your own at home.

 You will need the following items for this project:

To get started:

Measure out the amount of trim  and the amout of elastic cord needed to make the headband fit comfortably around your head, giving it a little stretch to make adjustable.  One you have cut both the trim and elastic in the appropriate amounts, tie the elastic in a tight secure knot around the end of the trim on one side.  Cut off  the excess  trim and elastic.  Then thread the gold cone bead onto the elastic with the larger opening first.  Apply a small amount of glue on the end of the gold trim and feed it into the cone bead creating a secure finished end.

Next you will want to take another cone bead and this time thread it onto the elastic with the smaller opening first.  Once the bead is on, tie the elastic to the remaining end of the trim.  Cut off the excess trim and elastic.  To complete your Hipster Headband,  apply a small amount of glue on the end of the gold trim and feed it into the cone bead creating a secure finished end on the other side.

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 2:29 pm and is filed under D.I.Y., Fashion, Style.

DIY: Lanvin Inspired Hardware Necklace

This week’s DIY comes from a post on Chicsteals.  We are going to re-create a Lanvin “Hardware” Necklace using plumbing parts from a hardware store.

You will need the following items for this project:

- 1 pack of 3/4 x 3/4 straight coupling (5 to a pack)
- 2 packs of 1/2′ compression nuts (3 to a pack)
- 1 pack of 5/8″ compression nuts (3 to a pack)
- 2 yards of satin 5/8″ ribbon
- 2 extra large jumprings (or D-rings)
- 2 12mm jumprings
- large lobster or toggle clasp
- sewing machine or needle and thread

To get started:

Fold the end of the ribbon over the extra large jumpring creating a finished edge and stitch the ribbon in place. 

Then begin threading the plumbing pieces onto the necklace using the following pattern:

1 – 3/4 x 3/4 straight coupling
2- 1/2″ compression nuts
1- 3/4 x 3/4 straight coupling
1- 1/2″ compression nuts
3- 5/8″ compression nuts
1- 1/2″ compression nuts
1- 3/4 x 3/4 straight coupling
2- 1/2″ compression nuts
1 – 3/4 x 3/4 straight coupling

Once you are complete, fold the ribbon over the other extra large jumpring and stitch in place.  Next use the 12mm jumprings to attach the lobster or toggle clasp to complete your necklace.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 2:22 pm and is filed under D.I.Y., Style.

DIY: Moschino Inspired Safety Pin Sweater

This week’s DIY was inspired by a Moschino safety pin embellished jacket.  Safety pins are coming back this season and being used in detailing as well as jewelry.

 You will need the following items for this project:

To Get Started:

Simply take your first safety pin and fasten it head up vertically alongside the collar.  The evenly space out your second safety pin and secure it next to the first.  We spaced ours out according to the knit “ribbed” texture of the sweater.  Continue securing the pins until you have five.  Then take a safety pin and place it horizontally at the top, securing it through the vertical pins.  Take a second safety pin and place it horizontally at the bottom, securing it through the vertical pins.  This should create a “woven” pattern. 

Once you have completed your first set.  Repeat the above steps until your collar is complete.

Use the same pattern to embellish the pockets.  Feel free to add more or less detail to your project!  The ideas are limitless!

This entry was posted on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 4:09 pm and is filed under D.I.Y..

DIY: Cutout Skull T-shirt

This weeks DIY actually came from one of my favorite blogs, Chicsteals.  The Cutout Skull T-Shirt is a super easy way to take an old white t to an edgier level.

 

To get started:

Right click and save the two images above for the skull pattern.  Print them on two 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper.  Then tape them together so that the teeth fit together.  Once you have done this turn your t-shirt inside out and place it on a table front side down.  Now you are ready to insert your skull pattern inside the t-shirt making sure it is centered. 

Now taking a pencil or fabric marker, trace your pattern.

Once you are complete, take your scissors and carefully trim out the details from your skull pattern.   Finally turn your t-shirt right side out and you have your very own cutout skull T-shirt!! You can get creative and pair it with colored, striped, or patterned tees!  Remember you don’t have to limit yourself to just the skull pattern.  Have fun and come up with you own patterns too! (Tip: try getting ideas from pumpkin carving patterns)

This entry was posted on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 4:05 pm and is filed under D.I.Y..

DIY: Studded Boots

We absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the studded trend.  Especially when it come to shoes!   In this weeks DIY we are going to show you how to create your own studded boot “accessories” that are interchangeable and can instantly update last seasons boots/booties!

 To get started:

Measure out the length of the belt you need to wrap around your boot.  We recommend half the length of a size large belt (or approx. 22 studs).  Cut the belt between the studs.  Make sure you are working with the buckle sides and start to remove the studs in the center to make room for hole punches.  You will have to measure to determine how many studs to remove remembering  to make it adjustable.  We removed approx. 6-10 studs off ours. 

Finally take your leather hole punch an begin to punch holes, spreading them approx 1/2″ apart (again you may have to adjust depending on how tight or loose you want to make them).  Now you can wrap and buckle the boot “accessory” around any pair of boots or booties!

This entry was posted on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 9:28 am and is filed under D.I.Y..