I've been collecting files in my "inspiration" folder forever, and I thought it would be nice to share a few of my all time and recent favorites. I'm the worst for keeping track of where things came from so I can't really give photo credit. It's safe to assume many are from coute que coute, the fashionisto, and fuck yeah goths, among others. I've also thrown in a few of the songs I've been into recently.
I recently saw this image in an editorial from lord knows where (I've got to start keeping track of these things) and it got the DIY cranks in my head turning. I put this one together this afternoon and it was totally trail and error, but I'm quite happy with how it came out. Smaller than the one in the editorial but I like it like that. I might try to some more now that I've got the steps all worked out. I thought I would try to do a step by step for you guys. I hope it's not too hard to follow, I'm pretty bad at explaining! Comment and let me know if you need any clarification. What you'll need: Material, scissors, iron, sewing machine
I chose to use the selvage edge for the bottom hem, just to reduce bulk by not having to fold under the bottom edge.
When cutting out your piece there are a few things to consider. Make sure you're cutting your fabric width wise at least double the size you want your finished product to be. I wasn't too particular with the size I wanted to I just followed the lines of the plaid in a size that looked appropriate. Also consider how long you will be making it, as you'll be folding under the top to make a belt loop in a later step.
Turn over both left and right sides of your piece and press, hiding the raw edges.
Make your first fold. I just guesstimated how large I wanted my pleats. (total trial and error but it worked) If you like to be accurate I'd encourage measuring but if you trust your eye, go with that! Press.
Continue your folds. Make sure you're making them consistent in size. The sizes of the pleats is totally personal preference but just make sure they're the same throughout. Make sure you're pressing very well at ever fold.
Continue until you've reached the end of your fabric piece. Give it a hard press on both sides now. Pin down at the top as you will be sewing in the next step.
Sew from the raw edge at the top about 1/3 of the way down. Depending how long your pleats are this will vary. Just make sure you sew far enough that when you fold your fabric over to create the belt loop, the entire thing will be sewed down and laying flat. Sew each pleat as close to the fold as possible.
Fold over top to back, leaving enough room for a belt to pass through when completed. You can either do a blind stitch if you prefer to not see the stitching from the right side. You can also just run it through the machine as I did. I figure a machine stitch will hold up longer after wear than a hand stitch would. Again, total personal preference.
Here it is after sewing! My stitch is a little sloppy but you get the idea!
There you have it! Your very own... pleated belt piece? I don't even know what to call this thing! I hope some of you are interested enough to try this for yourselves! It's super simple and only took me about 40 minutes to do. If anyone does try it I'd love to see it!
I've really liked the House of Holland x Levis jeans ever since they were in his S/S 09 collection, but I never gave a thought about actually owning a pair. But for some reason recently I felt like I just neeeeded them. Obviously, my mind immediately went to what it knows best.. DIY!! These came together in one night, and pretty seamlessly! (unlike most of my other DIY projects) I thought I would give some step by step instructions for anyone who is wanting to try this out. It really is inexpensive (I spent a total of $8) nor time consuming. Give it a try!!
What you'll need:
A pair of jeans (mine are second hand Levi's, lighter the wash the better)
Two sharpies (as thick as you can find as well as regular size)
Round object to trace (mine was 6cm)
Exact-o knife
Ruler
Thin cardboard or poster paper
Tape (optional)
Trace the circle you want and very carefully cut it with your exacto knife. Be sure to take your time because having a good stencil will really help you in the long run. After cutting mine out, I lined the edges with regular scotch tape, just to make it a little more durable for when I was tracing.
Decide where you want your first line of polka dots to begin. Measure your circle before choosing your size and make sure it is very close to a regular measurement. (ie 6 cm) It's really going to help you in the long run with measuring out your polka dots. On the jeans, start marking dots every 6 inches (or however big your dots are), These will be the top and bottom of your circle. I would recommend doing an entire row of dots before starting to draw in your circles. I suggested having two sharpies because it's hard to trace and accurate circle with a thick one, but when you're coloring it in you'll really enjoy having a thicker one.
Once you've done your first line, you'll have to decide how far apart you want your polka dots to be. For me, I placed my ruler halfway through my current line of circles and it worked out to be the perfect spacing me. All you'll have to do is transfer the dots (which will now be the top and bottom of your drawn in circles) on your new line. If you did your first one properly you're circles should be equal distances apart, the same size as your circles, leaving the perfect amount of space for your new dots. Figuring out how far apart you want them is tough the first but you'll be able to get the hang of it.
From then on, it's pretty redundant. You'll start to get the hang of it and figure out what works for you. I ended up tracing out all the circles and coloring them in after. And there you have it! Your very own House of Holland x Levis jeans for about 1% of the price.
And, as a special bonus, I recorded a VIDEO! I've never worked with video and it is pretty overwhelming but I like my little project I threw together. I've been interested in venturing into ~film~ after seeing Lady Gaga's Monster Ball to be honest, so many cool videos! So inspiring. (see the opening number here, so cool!)
Wearing sweatshirt from ebay, Second hand suit jacket, tank top from Walmart, DIY polka dot jeans, and Doc Martens. Song is Glitter Pills by Kap Bambino
Sitting at my friend Emma's house trying to decide what to do for New Years Eve, we came up with the most logical solution. Go to 711 and buy a disposible camera and ring in the new year there. So, that's what we did. I can tell this decade is going to be a good one, if this is any indication.
Wearing the beautiful shoulder epilette I purchased from Kylie of Nice and Shiny! God I love this thing
I love getting mail! It's almost worth all the money I waste online to come home from a long day of work to see a package waiting for you. Today, along with the new VMAN, I got a big box with my latest Ebay purchase.
Face pattern Doc Martens! Worn here with Jeremy Scott for Ksubi jeans. I love the idea of mixing black and white patterns. This combo is a bit extreme but I'm sure I'll find an appropriate occasion sooner or later (Lady Gaga concert? No.. not crazy enough) I'll leave you with a few shots I saved in my "Runway / Street Fashion / Inspiration" folder. Don't know the sources but WHY DON'T I OWN BOTH OUTFITS?! WHYYYYY?!
Also, can I just give myself some credit here? Three blog posts in the last four days. I'm on a roll! I'm not really sure yet if this is a good thing or a bad thing. We'll just say good for now :P
EDIT
By far my favorite blog on the internet, Coute que Coute, was running a contest for the coveted YSL Manifesto A/W 2009 magazine and bag. LOOK HOW PRETTY...
Like any sane fashion lover would I entered with my hopes high but my expectations somewhat low. My expectations were even lower when I watched the VERY dramatic video revealing the winner. Over 1000 people entered for this prize! You should really go to the entry and watch the video, but, I'm going to ruin the ending for you :P
There better as HELL not be another Andrew C in Winnipeg. AHHHHH!!! I nearly died when I saw it. I was literally shaking! And what are the chances that it fits along perfectly with my black and white post. TRUE DESTINY! That's what I say. And I'm doing this because I want to, not because I have to. GO READ COUTE QUE COUTE. It is honestly the best fashion (especially mens fashion) blog I read.
Thus beings probably my most random post ever. But before I start i would like to send a big thanks and huge love to Discotheque Confusion who did a very flattering shout out to me (it includes a collage, lets just say that). Check out her blog. A cool UK girl with cool blog, very fitting. I don't visit her enough, this girl is sweet.
Anywho, here is me climbing/sitting in/holding parts of a tree...
My photographers and photo assistants for the day, Jen & Riel Wearing: Thrifted plaid shirt & boots, Gap jacket, Polo sweater, Cheap Monday jeans
And to make this post much more random, here are the many hair styles of yours truly. I'm trying to grow it out to put it in a bun (no one supports me, can I get a little backing here) and we straightened my hair so I would look like a Scene King.. I think it worked.
And here's (sort of) regular old me. Huge terrible zit and all.
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