Luxuries for New Year's Eve - Etsy Treasury

MarquiseDePompadour was kind enough to feature our piece When Deco Met Pearl.. in the Etsy treasury Luxuries for New Year's Eve.

Click on the image to be taken to the treasury featuring enchanting vintage and handmade statement pieces perfect for new years eve!

When Deco Met Pearl is available HERE on Holiday Special for $90.

Thanks again to MarquiseDePompadour for featuring our piece!

Isabel Marant Fall 2010: Wear it Now + styling tips

Isabel Marant was named the designer every woman can wear by Elle UK and its no surprise.

This line is appealing to me is because it takes basic pieces and with a little styling turns them to sophisticated looks. Aside from sequin pants, you can create this look by freshening up items you already have in your closet and then if needed, do some side shopping to supplement missing items. Here are my favorite looks from this line + how you can create the look yourself.

Clothes for Cool Girls - Glamour Magazine October 2010

You can get a similar look at J.Crew:

J.Crew -Vintage Bateau Top and Sequined Slouch Pant

Iselin Steiro &Toni Garrn -Vogue Spain November 2010

Isabel Marant Fall 2010 Runway

Cropped Pants. Super flattering cigarette and slim leg cropped pants and jeans. Grab a pair of your favorite slim leg pants and roll the cuff until 2-4 inches below mid calf. This length is the most flattering and lengthening. If you don't have any slim leg/cigarette pants here are a few- 3 of which are under $50.

Top Row- Left: ASOS Tailored Slim Cropped Pant $48.27

Right: Express Crop Zelda Jean Legging $49.50

Bottom Row- Left: Kenneth Cole Ponte Zip Pocket Pant $89

Right: Gap Slim Cropped Pants $49

Shop Bop put together their own Isabel Marant Inspired Lookbook: DL1961 Denim Goes Lady Like

You can view the lookbook HERE 

In this look the model is wearing Emma Legging Jeans

To create this look you could also try this Striped Boatneck Sweater

from Ann Taylor $78

Another look from the Shop Bop DL1961 Denim Goes Lady Like Lookbook. In this look the model is wearing Kim Skinny Jeans and Kate Spade Pumps.

Isabel Marant Red and Black Suede Bow Pumps (photo credit) streetfsn.com

Pointy Toe Suede Pumps . The shoes are what make this whole look incredible. The height the pump makes your calf appear leaner, taking the cropped pants to a whole new level of posh.

Dig out some older pairs of pointy toed shoes from years past, some ribbon, and glue a bow to the side of pumps or check out these pointy toe pumps - 3 of which are under $100.

Top Row- Left: Calvin Klien Dolly Pump $89

Right: Jimmy Choo Lewis Suede Pumps $495

Bottom Row- Left: Nina Paladin Satin Pump $82.95

Right: Jones New York Mirinesse Suede Pump $49.95

You can wear this look all year round as it is seasonless.

Here are some photos of Isabel Marant's spring line:

 

To get this look you don't have to buy new clothes- Shop your closet instead. Put on your slim pants, roll the cuffs and pull out your mirror. Use these Runway and fashion editorial photos as inspiration and start trying on different layering options:  olives, taupes and other neutrals, shimmery pieces, sequin, cropped tops, long and short layers, over sized jackets, even cable knits, etc.  Tuck tops into the pants, and try on a belt and pair sequin pants with longer layers. Add Some Liquid Eyeliner, and chandelier earrings. Then pile on some bracelets.

Have a lovely day everyone!

DIY Tutorial: Nina Ricci Inspired Flower Sash

 Here's a really quick tutorial on how to make a Nina Ricci Inspired Flower Sash!

Its an easy way to make your outfit more romantic and feminine and liven up any dress or pair it with a high waisted pencil skirt and feminine blouse.

Marion Cottliard in Nina Ricci Dress and Flower Sash -Vogue July

Supplies

• Remnants of 5 different shades of fabric ranging from peach, champagne, purple, and magenta, to violet and cream.  I used silkessense.
• Ribbon
• Aleens Fabric Glue
• Needle and Thread
• Rubber band
• This template from Martha Stewart: TEMPLATE (use largest flower)

  

1. Asos Coast Palais Corset Bandeau Dress $162.06

2. The Lovely Flower Sash you just made :)

3. Charlotte Russe Suede Toe Bow Pumps $25.50

You can make variations of this with whatever colors you like. It not only looks great with satin but also with dark gray wool and tweed.

If your running late and need an even faster sash, pin 1 or 2 flower brooches to a ribbon and your ready to go!

Have a lovely day everyone!

Fall Sweaters: Styling, Inspiration, Tips, and Picks

Sweaters are the one thing I am truly picky about. I love them so but I think its important to keep in mind that a sweater should not just be warm but be just as flattering and fitted as any other piece of clothing you own. Some sweaters can be so adorable on the hanger but that doesn't guarentee a great fit. Consider the fit and how flattering the piece is before you purchase it and once you get home, start thinking about how to style your sweater. Here are some of my favorite fall sweaters and including some styling inspirations, themes and pieces I'll be purchasing.

Guinevere van Seenus in Marc Jacobs- Vogue UK September 2010

Styling: pair sweaters with skirts this season. Try a runway inspired retro updo. Pair with a belt if sweater is not fitted enough.

Marie Claire September 2009

Louis Vuitton Sweater (Glamour Magazine November 2010: Clothes for Cool girls)
Styling: strong eye makeup & thin belt keep the chunky sweater young & fashion forward not frumpy.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 Runway:

Styling: More sweaters with skirts, groomed pony tail, bow pumps.

Kate Beckinsale Line's Crochet Loop Cardigan
Styling: Chunky bracelets, dark red nail polish

Vogue Knitting - Spring Summer 2010 - Gorgeous isn't it? -you can buy the issue with all the instructions and make your very own shawl HERE.

Rashida Jones -Lucky November 2010 -Season of Sweaters:

Styling: Romantic oversized sweater with delicate necklace and rich lips.

Robbi and Nikki Sequin-Sleeve Cardigan

Clare Tough Sequin Shoulder wool Cardigan

On to the Nordic/ Fair Isle Sweater: This Forever 21 Cozy Sweater Cardigan is a steal

Styling: looks fresh when paired with a colorful berry lips and a white tee.

Megan Fox in an Aritzia Sweater Cardigan

Styling: White tee, aviators, soft waves.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fairisle Sequin Sweater

This sweater's shimmery take on fair isle moved it to the top of my wishlist.

 Zara Sweater - Pair this perfect basic with a midcalf skirt, rolled cuff cropped pants, or jeans.

Sasha Pivovarova - Vogue Paris November 2010

Styling: Silk Paisely scarf  (wear in your hair) with long drop /dangle earrings. Silk scarf creates nice constrast in textures but is similar color of sweater.

J.Crew Nov Catalog
Styling: Add a statement necklace and some bright lips and nails to step up any basic sweater

ASOS Bobble Stitch Jumper

This is my go-to Louis Vuitton inspired sweater. Not quite cropped, this short sweter is the perfect length to wear with skirts.

Louis Vuitton Fall Runway 2010

Scarlett Johansen in Mango Sweater
Styling: voluminous hair countering the bulkiness of the sweater, and smudged eye makeup.

My last pick: J.Crew  Merino and mohair shawl-collar cardigan

 J.Crew has great styling ideas for sweaters in their November Catalog. You can view it HERE.

So when it comes to styling your sweaters take time to do some styling. Consider your:

• Hair: make it glamourously voluminous or in an updo to counter bulky sweater, take time with your pony tail for the louis vuitton look, or make it wavy and feminine for nordic / fair isle
• Lips: any shock of color: rich berry for romantic looks, plums and reds look fantastic with grey, and red in general brightens any look (if you can't find a good red lipstick try NARS matte lip pencils)
• Nails: try some berrys, plums, and reds
• Eyes: smudged eyes, and liquid eyeliner can add sophistication to a sweater, making it more than essentially a blanket with sleeves. ;)
• Jewelry: pile on bracelets if you want to add some edge to your look. Try a statement necklace for a quick look upgrade, try pairing with interesting drop and dangle earrings.
• Fit: If you have a sweater that doesn't fit quite the way you like, add a thin belt or a satin ribbon.

That's all for now! Have a lovely day :)

DIY Tutorial: Miu Miu Fall 2010 Runway Inspired Tank

Gracing 3 August covers and being featured in fall spreads, I was inspired by this Miu Miu dress.

I wanted to make it wearable and to me the the bodice of the dress was the most captivating part of the look, so I decided to make a Miu Miu inspired tank.

Ruby Mines DIY Miu Miu Inspired Flower Tank

Left: Lilly Allen, August Vogue UK Cover, Right: DIY Miu Miu Inspired Tank

You can see that there are slight differences, but considering that the original Miu Miu dress costs $2,300 - $4,900, I thought our DIY version using an old tank and ~$6 of supplies embodied a similar style at a very, very, very small fraction of the cost!

Now on to the tutorial!

Supplies:
Other supplies:

• 1 yard of matching basic cotton fabric ~ $3-$4
• Silver sequin: small and large (1 pack ea - 79 cents each)
• Black satin ribbon
• Aleen's Fabric Fusion Permanent Adhesive (find at most craft/fabric stores)
• Either black fabric for flowers or ready made flowers from another top, dress, etc.

1. Cut a strip of black ribbon and make a long bow. Hand sew to center of tank.

2. Cut 4 of the front panels, you will use a pair for each side.

Panel Measurements:

• 11 1/2 inches long
• 3 1/2 wide at flat end
• 4 1/8 wide at widest point (near curved bottom)

3. Pin each pair together, with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Pin perimeter for sewing, leaving flat end open.

4. Sew, then turn inside out.5. Using your fingers bring the seam to the edge. Pin entire perimeter. Press then remove pins.
6. The length of the front panel depends on your frame. Figuring out this measurement is easy : simply try on the tank and put panel on your shoulder. Position it just behind the shoulder seam on the tank (like the picture in step 7). The end of the strips should sit on both sides with the end about 3 inches below the center of the tank. Fold excess seam inside strip and press.

**Example, when I tried mine on the panel was ~ 1/2 inch too long, so I folded the 1/2 inch excess inside the panel.
7. Now Pin the tank just pas the tank's shoulder seam and top-stitch with a regular stitch.
Do for both front panels.

Flowers

• 2 Large Flowers
  • Petals: Oval 1 7/8" long x 1 3/4 inches wide with bottom cut off slightly (see pic below)
  • Center: Circle with 3/4" diameter
  • Base/Stay: Circle with 7/8" diameter
• 10 Small Flowers
  • Petals: Oval 1 7/8" long x 1 3/4 inches wide with bottom cut off slightly (see pic below)
  • Center: Circle with 3/4" diameter
  • Base/Stay: Circle with 7/8" diameter

For both large and small flowers you will need the following:

Cut 5 petals, 1 stay (bottom of flower), 1 flower center

The large and small flowers are made the same way so I will just show you how to make the large flower.

8. Sew on a #4 or gathering stitch across bottom of petals. Slightly overlap petals while sewing.
9. Separate front and back threads from the line you just sewed.
10. Gently pull the top thread and the petals will begin to gather. Gently distribute the gathering as you gather until you have a flower. Once done, clip ends of thread.
11. Using the fabric glue, apply a ring of glue on the stay (base) of flower. Gently place and position the gathered flower. Let glue dry for at least 5 minutes.

Then apply a little more glue in the center of the flower and gently place the center of the flower in place.
You will need 2 large flowers, and 10 small flowers. If you cut them all first and do each step for all of them it will go really fast. I promise! ;-)

Silver / Black Focal Flowers

For this part you can either make 2 large flowers out of black fabric or ready made flowers from another top, dress, etc. (I used 2 black flowers from another top).

12. Fold the large sequins in half. Don't completely fold them in half- only the bottom half is really folded- this makes them look like silver petals.

13. Hand sew the large sequins into the flower center. The sequins will have a small hole at the bottom perfect for a needle to pass through!

14. Glue flowers to the tank panels using the fabric glue and then reinforce with hand sewing, hand sewing the flower through the panel AND the tank. 15. Just like the last step Glue the large and small flowers to the tank panels using the fabric glue and then reinforce with hand sewing, hand sewing each flower's center through the panel AND the tank.

16. Apply a thin circle of fabric glue in the center of each flower and gentle add sequin. Tip: don't pour them like glitter, sprinkle!!

Then just let them dry!
How lovely!

Lovely flowers with delicate sparkling centers, runway inspired with contrasting black and lilac, but still very wearable and feminine!

Left: Lilly Allen, August Vogue UK Cover, Right: the DIY Miu Miu inspired tank YOU just made! ;)

Additional Inspiration /Other color options:

Make this in yellow or orange like Eva Mendes and Freja on the August covers of W and Vogue UK magazine or black as seen on the runway and on Drew Berrymore in her spread for the August issue of Elle magazine. Or, choose any color you like!

Care: As with all clothing with delicate petals (like J.crew flower & petal tops, etc) hand wash gently with care!

I hope that you all enjoyed this tutorial. I will have another one up shortly.

Also: Welcome to all my new subscribers, followers and google readers! I'm so happy to see that people are looking at my site. :-)

Thanks to Refinery 29, Budget Babe, and The Look for Less for featuring my last tutorial!

Have a lovely lovely day everyone!