Inspiration: Hoods and Capes

The recent heatwave has finally subsided, and though it's still far from cold, the 60-70 degree days have been enough to spur thoughts of outerwear DIYs.  Last year, I played with faux leather accents and an A-line houndstooth shape.

This year, hoods and capes have been occupying my mind:

Givenchy Hooded Cape - my Pinterest link pointed here, but the pictures were dead, I *think* the blogger is Chicmuse here.  If you know the real source, please do let me know and I will fix!

Hooded Coat - sourced from TheHunt here

Street style photo - cape dress - sourced from Harper's Bazaar here

It, of course, remains to be seen whether I can successfully create my version of one of these, but I'll definitely try!

DIY Ruffled Hem Shirt Tutorial

When I saw Wendy wear this ruffled cami, I fell in love with the romantic cascade of fabric and decided to attempt my own.  I went for a more casual look with a shorter ruffle and stripes for visual interest under solid tops.  You can also certainly wear it on its own.  The concept is simply a peplum top with a dropped waist.  The peplum is also modified into a hi-lo type of hem.

Difficulty: Easy

Time: ~1.5 hrs

Pattern:

• Basic Tank Tutorial for the sleeveless top
• Peplum instructions below

Materials:

• 1 yard knit fabric

Steps:
A peplum is essentially composed of circles.  The outer circle is the peplum ruffle while the inner circle is cut out to fit your torso.

• Use the Basic Tank Tutorial from above to create your top.  You may need to shorten the length to slightly below your belly button in order for your ruffle to hit where you want it.
• Measure the hem of your top and divide it by 6.28 (this is essentially 2 * pi) to get your radius and then determine how long you want your peplum to be.
• My radius was 6".  I wanted the longest part of my peplum to be 9" and the shortest to be 6".
• Add your radius to your peplum length to get your circle size.  Mine was 15".  Using your measurement, cut out a square (mine was 15x15").
• Fold your square in half and in half once more.  Using a ruler, measure out your desired radius from your center point (where all the folds connect) and mark with chalk all around until you get the semblance of a quarter circle.  Do the same thing for your peplum length.  Cut out the inner circle and outer circle.

• If you were making a normal peplum, you'd be finished.  In order to create the hi-lo hem, you'll shorten the peplum length of one side.  To do this, fold your peplum in half once.  Using the same method as above, mark 6", 7",  and 8" to gradually meet back up to your 9" length.  Cut.

•  You'll wind up with kind of an oblong donut:

• Connect your peplum to the hem of your tank and then finish your edges.  I folded mine inwards and sewed.

Side view

You're finished!

Striped Tulle Skirt DIY Tutorial

I fell in love with the striped tulle skirt on Jenny of CrazyStyleLove in last week's preview post and decided to make my own rendition.  If you'd like to make your own, please see tutorial below :)

Difficulty: Easy

Time: ~1.5 - 2 hours

Materials:

• ~3/4 yard base fabric (the navy blue underskirt and waist band - I used satin for relative weight and stiffness to give me some volume)
• ~1/3 yard contrast stripe fabric (teal stripes - also used satin) or less if you use more than 1 type of contrast like Jenny's skirt
• I used one contrast since I couldn't find any other satin color that I wanted to incorporate
• ~3/4 yard tulle fabric 

Steps:
1. Cut out your pieces - all are easy rectangles.

• Skirt Base = I went with a 1-seam skirt and used my desired length x fabric width for my skirt rectangle.  
• In this case, 22 x 56"
• Skirt Waistband = Use your waist size + 2" in your desired width * 2 + 0.5" for seam allowance. 
• I like a 2" band, so my rectangle was 4.5 x 29"
• Tulle Stripes = Depending on your # of stripes, your width will vary, but your length should be the same as your skirt base.  
• I had 3 stripes.  Two stripes were 12 x 56" and the other was 2.5 x 56"
• Contrast Stripes = As with the tulle, the width will vary on your # of stripes and desired end result.  The length will be the same as the skirt base.
• I originally went with one stripe at 12 x 56", but felt like the tulle wasn't noticeable enough, so then went with two stripes at 6 x 56"

2. Sew your stripes together by placing the right sides together (note: tulle is the same on both sides) and sew along the long side of each piece.

Another note on tulle, it stretches quite easily, so be sure not to pull it during sewing, otherwise your lengths will be mismatched.

3.  Due to the sheerness of the tulle, you'll see some unsightly stripe connections.  To mitigate, fold your contrast stripe inwards and topstitch it down.

4.  Place the right sides of your skirt base with your newly striped tulle panel and sew along the long side with a long stitch for gathering.

5.  Fold your skirt in half on the long side and mark the center point.  Fold in half again on the long side to mark your quarter points.  Do the same thing for your waistband.  Line up your marks and pin them right sides together.  These reference points will help you gather your skirt evenly.

6. Tug on your bobbin thread to gather between all of your markings so that the gathered length of your skirt now matches your waistband.  With the pins still in place, sew along the length.  This will join your base skirt and striped tulle overlay to your waistband.

7.  Insert zipper using this tutorial and hem the base skirt to your desired length.  The tulle does not need to be hemmed, so if you'd like it shorter, simply cut it to your desired length.  I kept mine longer than the base skirt for a little bit of a peek-a-boo effect.

You're finished!

In Progress: Striped Tulle Skirt

This week's project was inspired by Jenny of Crazy Style Love.

More details and a full tutorial coming soon!

J. Crew Inspired Tweed-Front Merino DIY Tutorial

Continued from this post, I had fit issues with the J. Crew Tweed-Front Merino Sweater and decided to make my own version.  See details below on how to create your own.

Original J. Crew version here

and my DIY version

 Difficulty: Intermediate

Time: ~2-3 hrs (I wound up making 2, so it took me 5 hours total)

Materials:

• ~1/2 yard of tweed, 
• ~1 yard of knit fabric (stretchier is better!)
• Bias tape in a matching color to bind your collar
• Existing raglan sleeve top that fits you well 

Due to the number of photos, please see the rest of the tutorial after the jump.

J. Crew Inspired Jewel Collar DIY Mini Tutorial

How could I look at this J. Crew sweater (here) and not fall head over heels in love?  A DIY version is actually very easy!

Difficulty: Very Easy, no sewing necessary
Time: 5 min for existing items, 10 min to make your own
Materials: Collared shirt and earrings / pins / brooches

I bought some pretty earring multi-packs at F21 and poked them right through a regular collared shirt.  I love reversible DIYs:

Alternatively, you can make your own earrings / pins by gluing the appropriate backs to ornate beads or buttons:

Since my beads were so large, I opted to do only 2 right at the collar tips.

Easy right?  :)

Kate Spade Carolyn Inspired Dress DIY

I first saw this dress on Blair of Atlantic Pacific and pinned it as a future project.  When I saw P of Phiphi's blog wear it, I knew it had to be my very next DIY :)  I just couldn't help myself, it looks so gorgeous on these ladies and this really satisfies my stripe obsession.

Fabric: Fabrics R Us in San Jose, 2 yards of ~55" satin

Pattern: Bodice via McCall M5972 (modified this way) with a self-drafted skirt

Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate

 

Kate Spade Carolyn Inspired Dress DIY

I made the dress a little more "me" with pleats instead of gathers and a narrow navy waistband combined with the narrow white stripe above for some visual interest.  I also matched the stripes the best I could at the sides for continuity. 

Accessories: 

Kate Spade Hinge Bangle, Blue

Hermes Clic H, Red (see my shopping research for it here)

Coldwater Creek Chandelier Necklace

The hardest part of making this dress was finding a wide-striped fabric.  You really wouldn't think it would be so hard considering what a classic "print" it is.  But, I finally did in a shiny / satin-y fabric.  I usually avoid shiny fabrics like the plague - they tend to show every little pucker / imperfection.  I figured I'd cross my fingers and hope it wasn't too noticeable.  It mostly behaved, but you can see some little puckers on the waistband.  I'm thankful for warm CA weather because I can wear this dress now :)

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

J. Crew Inspired Crystal Collar Herringbone Sweater DIY

I've long admired the J. Crew Crystal Collar Herringbone sweater, but only just now had some time to try making an inspiration piece.

I actually went about this making 2 pieces - the top and a corresponding necklace.  I didn't have the patience to hand-sew all of the crystals onto the collar and then worry about how it'd do in the washing machine, so took the easy way out.

I made the top using a heavy weight cream-colored knit and a silk-blend herringbone fabric.  I modified Butterick's B5520 pattern to become a tee-like top (with slimmed sleeves and chest), rather than a dress bodice.  If you are sleeves-phobic, this is a VERY good pattern because all of the seaming is straight and you don't have to fiddle with easing a sleeve into an armscye (something I am TERRIBLE at).  The peter pan collar was hand drafted.

The necklace is made from crystals woven into a collar pattern (trial & error) using Beadalon as the stringing material.

I've also been using my serger for narrow hemming some scarves, so be on the lookout for a scarf giveaway soon!

LOFT Inspired Bow & Rhinestone Sweater DIY Tutorial

I originally tried this on a few weeks ago and have still been thinking about it.  A clue to either buy it or DIY it.  I chose the cheaper route ;)

Inspiration and DIY'ed Version

LOFT Striped Bow Necklace 3/4 Sleeve Sweater (link)

I know I made the bow a little too big, but I'm hoping to also use this as a neck tie like this:

Asos top

Want to make one too?  See the full tutorial after the jump.

Gone Dotty: Kate Spade Inspired Dress

Ever since going back to work 4 weeks ago, I haven't DIY'ed anything.  Between work, the kids, and the impending move, the SPG household is quite hectic.  Thankfully, I DIY'ed so many garments during the summer, I still have some items to post during this crazy period.

To my favorite bloggers - I am very behind on visiting most of your blogs and I apologize!  I hope to come by soon. :)  I'm also behind on responding to comments, but I want to thank everyone for your birthday wishes to "Baby" E and your kind words on the recent PFC post!

This DIY is inspired by Kate Spade's Jillian dress, but it went awry in 2 main ways.  One, I got distracted while I was cutting my fabric and wound up making the bodice way too short (hence the bow is directly under my bust rather than at my waist).  Two, this print is too busy to really see the bow detail from afar.  It's not my best work and definitely not very close to the inspiration, but fortunately (whew!), it's still wearable.

My cutting mistake did allow for enough leftover fabric to create a top so stay tuned for Part 2 on Wednesday :)

DIY'ed Kate Spade Jillian Inspired Dress in Polka Dots

Tesselate Inspired Necklace (eBay)

Jeweled Giraffe Bracelet (eBay)

I've been buying a lot of jewelry on eBay lately.  The prices are phenomenal and I love having the option of buying something inexpensively when it's trendy, I can't DIY it, or both.

Inspiration: Kate Spade Jillian Dress

Only 2 more weeks until the movers come!  Once we get unpacked and settled, I'd like to give the Jillian dress another shot.  This time with the waist at the appropriate height and hopefully, better visibility of the bow and it's side construction.

Do you have any fun projects waiting in your queue?

J. Crew Inspired DIY Peter Pan Collar Mini Tutorial

I first saw this top on Gigi and loved the way it looked on her.  I knew I already had a gray sweater so decided to make a separate Peter Pan collar to pop on and off when I felt like it.

Left: J. Crew Peter Pan Collar Tee inspiration (buy here)

Right: DIY Peter Pan Collar worn over a gray sweater

There are a quite a few tutorials out there with printable patterns for you to follow, so I'm not really going to go in depth here.  I will admit that I was too lazy to hook up the printer to use one of those aforementioned tutorials, so I decided to wing it like I usually do.

The diagram doesn't show this well, but make sure you either sew a little overlap in the center front or don't cut through it completely.  You don't want 2 separate flopping pieces of collar.  Also, you can go ahead and cut through the center back.  This is where you'll attach a snap / clasp / hook / button / whatever you prefer to allow you to get in and out of your collar.

If you use something that doesn't fray and has structure (i.e. felt, vinyl, leather, etc.), you're done!  I used regular white cotton fabric so cut out 2 duplicate collar pieces, sewed the wrong sides together, flipped the right sides out, and sewed a snap at the back for a closure.  

Now you can wear it atop whatever you want :)

How do you feel about Peter Pan collars this season?

J. Crew Inspired Knotted Crescent Necklace DIY Video Tutorial

I like a good DIY challenge.  So when Jen asked if the J. Crew OGJM Hyacinth Necklace was DIY-able, I gave it a shot.

J. Crew Inspiration ($150) ----> DIY Creation ($6 in materials)

Don't be scared off by crochet, there are no hard maneuvers in this tutorial.  The crescent is created with a series of repeated stitches.

Diagram of Crocheted Crescent

Want a more dramatic / thicker necklace?  Just increase the # of loops added.

Then I went a little crazy and made more colors.  Next up, yellow :)

Jen had also asked if this could be made by hand.  Technically, yes, but it looked horrendous when I tried.  Kelly found this tutorial if you'd like to try it by hand.

Yay or nay on these colorful necklaces?

Hearts Aflutter DIY Tie-Neck Blouse

Today's DIY was inspired by Wendy and her J. Crew silk shirt in Heart Throb.  I used to associate hearts with being a little girl, but then saw how chic it could be.  Not sure I pulled it off here, but doesn't hurt to try!  I made this sleeveless in preparation for summer with a little tie-neck for visual interest.  Unfortunately, you can't really see that detail since the print is so busy.  Just shows I didn't learn my lesson from here.

DIY Hearts Aflutter Tie-Neck Blouse

DIY Striped Belt

LOFT Marisa Cuffed Crop Pants (buy here)

Gucci Magenta Wedges

Leather Horsebit Bracelet

Gold Bangles

DIY Pearl Bracelet

Timex + J. Crew Strap

I used Butterick B5464 as the basis for the blouse, but cut the front on the fold and added a small slit.  Blouse is fully lined with a rolled hem.

How do you feel about hearts?

J. Crew Natasha Inspired DIY Top

Polka dots, gingham, anchors, stripes...they've been in constant replay in my mind.  Today's DIY was inspired by J. Crew's Natasha top.  I loved the dots and ruffles combination so decided to give it a shot.

I typically don't line my tops (too much of a pain) but a cami underneath the chiffon just wouldn't have the same effect.  I think the extra effort paid off in this case.

Inspiration:  J. Crew Natasha Top in Polka Dot, $80 (buy here)

DIY:  Polka Dot Top w/ Ruffled Placket & Collar, $10 in materials

DIY Polka Dot Top

Macy's Black Skirt (old)

The Limited Leopard Belt (old)

Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps

J. Crew Crystal Stripe Link Bracelet

Kate Spade Take a Bow Ring (avail in Kate Spade Outlet for $28)

H&M Black and White Bangles

Hermes Clic H

What kinds of prints have you been in love with lately?

5 Minute Lace Collar DIY Tutorial

After seeing Kourtney Kardashian wear a lace bib underneath her collar, I was inspired to try to re-create the look with some lace trim I had on hand.  I think it adds a cute, vintage-y look to a plain button-down shirt.

(Sorry the photos are so low res - I couldn't find a larger Kourtney one)

L: Kourtney Kardashian wearing Ani dress with lace bib

R: My version with lace trim and cameo

For this particular piece of lace trim, I think it looks better scrunched together than spread out but I will be on the lookout for other lace options the next time I go to a fabric store.

Easy Steps:

1.  Cut lace trim to the length that will extend around your collar

2.  Thread ribbon through lace (enough to tie in a bow around your neck)

3.  Add a decorative pendant to the ribbon OR pin a brooch to it

That's it!  Now just tie around your neck underneath your collar.  Wear spread out or scrunched as you prefer!  :)

Gettin' Tweedy: DIY Chanel-Inspired Jacket

Ah, the classic Chanel jacket.  I've admired them from afar for a long time but it wasn't until I saw Jean wear her Uniqueen version (as well as Wendy and Tiffany) that I felt inspired to try to sew one.

Jacket:  DIY Chanel-Inspired

Shirt:  LOFT, Peach (old)

Jeans:  Gap Always Skinny (old)

Shoes:  Ann Taylor Suede Pumps, Granite

Bag:  Balenciaga Twiggy, Anthracite

It was a good thing I was very inspired because the construction of this jacket drove me absolutely batty.  The shell came together easily (kind of - the pattern sleeve opening did not match the sleeve width) and I thought I'd have this post ready last Sunday.  Then came the trim.  I had been debating whether I wanted to do regular contrast trim or a fringed trim.  I decided to do contrasting fringe trim and this complicated things since I couldn't make this from a bias strip.  Instead, I used the selvage so it lays a little funny at the collar.  This is far from a perfect jacket but it's good enough (and finished) for now.  I'll have to do some more seam ripping this weekend :)

J. Crew Merino Cambon Cardigan Inspired DIY

When I first saw the Merino Cambon Cardigan, I was drawn to the contrast detailing as well as the color combination of black and tan.  I tried it on in store (see post here) but the fit wasn't ideal and the price wasn't good enough to justify buying it.  I remembered that I had an old tan sweater at home so I decided to try DIY'ing my own.

J. Crew Merino Cambon Cardigan and my DIY version

Overall, I think I captured the general look but there are 2 fails on my part.  

1. The original sleeves on this sweater are very long and have a slight flare at the opening.  When looking at this picture, I think I need to shorten or slim (maybe both) the sleeve.  The problem would be how to bind it afterwards if shortening.  Adding more black trim seems overkill.  So maybe just slim the flare?  Any thoughts here?
2. I trimmed the opening very closely when I should have tried to extend the placket.  Since the original sweater was fitted, cutting it open and trimming it automatically means I've made it much smaller and unable to button.  Whoops!  Live and learn.  This will have to be worn open.

Sweater Refashion: from turtleneck to cardigan.

What I did: Lopped off turtleneck, cut down the middle, trimmed neck and center with the "wrong" side of black satin fabric (didn't want the shine but did want the structure / firmness of this fabric), and then added non-functional "pockets."

If you decide to try this, all you really need is an old sweater and some fabric.  It gives you a nice, new look for free.  I'd recommend using the trim to extend your placket unless your sweater is large enough for a closable overlapping placket. 

What do you think I should do with the sleeves?  

45 Min. Colorblocked T-Shirt Dress DIY Tutorial

After seeing this Petit Bateau t-shirt dress in the pages of In Style, I became inspired to do a variation of my colorblocked maxi dress.  And this one went by much quicker, only 45 minutes from beginning to end!  The great thing about this is that you don't have to do any hemming / making sleeves / finishing the collar because you're using all pre-existing materials that come with these components finished!

Petit Bateau Short-Sleeved Tee Dress (currently sold out, but see link here)	My DIY version - Aqua, Pink Coral, and Black

See tutorial after the jump: