Even though I still have two finals left before I can head home for the holidays (I always seem to get stuck with a final on the very last day), I’ve already started planning what I’m going to do over winter break. Between bouts of sledding, skating, and last minute Christmas shopping, I hope to spend a good amount of time getting crafty with fashion DIY projects!
What exactly is DIY?
DIY, or “do it yourself,” is a term used to describe a project in which an item is made using supplies on-hand instead of purchasing a brand new item. In the past, DIY projects were mostly about home improvement, but in recent years the DIY movement has expanded to home decor, fashion and more. DIY projects are fun, let you be creative, and allow you to create new things on the cheap! Can’t stop obsessing over Christian Louboutin’s Spiked Metallic Leather Pumps? Instead of bemoaning the steep price tag, DIY them with cheap pumps from a thrift store, studs from your local craft store, and silver and red paint. It’s that simple!
Here are a few of my favorite sites for fashion DIY’s:
http://www.ispy-diy.com
http://psimadethis.com
http://apair-andaspare.blogspot.com
http://www.thanksimadeitblog.com
http://honestlywtf.com
http://www.stripesandsequins.com
http://glitternglue.com
http://www.dismountcreative.com
Another great way to get DIY inspiration is to create a Pinterest account. If you haven’t jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon yet, don’t waste another second! Not only is Pinterest full of DIY ideas, it also has a plethora of recipes, pictures for style inspiration, and helpful hints on just about anything. Warning: Pinterest is addictive (but so worth it!).
Here are a few of the fashion DIY’s I hope to do over break!
Honestly WTF’s Braided Hex Nut Bracelet
Image from http://honestlywtf.com
A few posts ago, I wrote about arm parties and how to create them. What’s great about the arm party trend is that there are many bracelet DIY’s floating around on the internet. I love that in this tutorial, hex nuts were used in a creative way to create a gorgeous bracelet. DIY is all about taking items out of their normal context and using them to create something amazing.
Style Scrapbook’s Leather Clutch
Image from http://www.stylescrapbook.com
I have been lusting over American Apparel’s Medium Leather Carry-All Pouches for months now, but was hesitant to shell out $50 for one. Now I don’t have to, thanks to this tutorial! All you need is a sewing machine, a piece of leather or faux leather, and a zipper. I’m sure you could also hand–stitch this if you don’t have access to a sewing machine.
I Spy DIY’s Tribal Necklaces
Image from http://www.ispy-diy.com
Tribal necklaces have been trending since Yves Saint Laurent featured them in their S/S 2011 collection. Thanks to this tutorial, you can make your own! Think of how cute these would look tucked under the collar of a menswear shirt.
What’s great about DIY projects is that the possibilities are endless. See an amazing piece on the runway that you absolutely have to have? Simply search around the internet for a tutorial made by someone else, or better yet, make your own! If you are extremely motivated before Christmas this year, you could even DIY gifts for your friends or family.
So break out the glitter, glue, studs, etc., and stay fashionable, St. Olaf!