Fashion DIY: Exercise Your Closet

That is right...I said exercise your closet, don't throw it away! If you are anything like me my dears, you have a closet and maybe dressers and storage boxes full of clothes! Do you wear them all? Yeah, me neither. That is where Fashion DIY becomes crucial!

Every season I try and weed through my addiction to pare down the fat which is a pretty daunting task...especially since I own many clothes that are too good to part with (from before I lost weight in France...and yes, I realize this is a good problem to have). Now that I find myself sans sewing machine in NYC (a fact that is killing me btdub) I can't actually fix these items, so they just sit there taking up very valuable Manhattan square footage. So what is Fashion DIY well its creating ways to upcycle your clothing, or shop in your own closet if you will!

Here's an easy fix that does not involve sewing skills or any real seamstress tools:

Color Dyeing

I recently bought a corset top from Forever 21 that I later gave me buyer's remorse (which is a sickness I almost never get). Of course when I tried to return said top...Forever 21 with their non-existent customer service policy, how very un-American, would not allow the brand new frock (that had not even left the bag) to be exchanged. So what was I to do? Dye it!!

Totally cute corset top...but in peach...which I later realize that under the my sheer summer tops, just looked like I was naked because it was the same color as my skin. Whoa! was I ever uncomfortable!

 1. Find the classic RIT dye at your pharmacy, in a color your choice (I happen to be a sucker for teal)

2. Mix (following package instructions) with water and bring to boil. 
3. Soak garment for instructed time. Note: more or less time should be altered for desired color. Looking for a pastel? Less. Deep jewel tone? More.

4. Thoroughly rinse and wash garment and allow to dry.

5. Style accordingly! 

And Voila! Fashion DIY at it's finest! Now my once bare-all corset top is a cute pop of color under my sheer summer pieces. Je l'adore! There is always a way to re-work your closet, you just have to get creative. Don't be afraid to play around with old pieces..try and wear them in unconventional ways, or dye them in the latest hot color. That Fashion DIY may just be the little CPR revival your wardrobe needed!

Go try your own Fashion DIY 

and report back!

Bonne chance mes cheris!

Funny Fashion Friday

As much as I love fashion...and I mean REALLY LOOOOVE fashion, sometimes I do catch myself laughing out loud at some of the funny fashion that wind up on the racks or in the glossy spreads..ahem fun fur! I am a big believer in never taking oneself too seriously, life is meant to be enjoyed n'est-ce pas? This is one of the reasons I am a die hard groupie of Miss Leandra and her Man Repeller blog, anyone who has such a stellar sense of humor about fashion and can still embrace it all the more I tip my hat too...and add in a dramatic curtsy!

Today I got a big kick out of Jenine's post on the funny fashion of Gaga boots over at The Coveted!
It picked up my Friday and I wanted to spread the love...so enjoy her attempt at walking in these crazy heels and head on over to her lovely blog and be sure to say hello!

So what is your vote? 

Will you be sporting this funny fashion?

Birthday Girl Glamour

It's a grand ol day for the birthday girl as I adventure around 

and enjoy New York celebrating... ME! 

Just wanted to quickly share with you the most beautiful dress I have ever tried on...it is certainly the perfect birthday dress if I've ever seen one! Farah Khan does amazing work and this dress twirls and sparkles and makes me feel like an old Hollywood starlet...now if only I had an event to wear it to!

Have you felt like a princess lately?

Pourquoi Pas?

Why not take a load off today mes cheris? I know this fashionista has been prancing circles around this city and needs to book some major R&R time ASAP! Today I'm sleeping in, lunching in Madison Square Park, maybe going for a run in Central Park and around Columbia University...either way, catching up on  my zzz's and my serenity will be To Do list priority Tres Importante!

{merci Lynne}

How will you give yourself a break today?

Memorial Day Travels & Giveaway Winners

Happy Memorial Day mes cheris! Today I am actually in transit back to New York City and am hoping to do something lovely after my Memorial Day Travels! What weekend holiday fun have you participated in? I will tell you my trip to Savannah was perfect. It was great to spend some quality time with the fam and also great to be in such a beautiful southern city, even if its hard for me to live at such a slow pace, but I had a very happy Memorial Day vacation nonetheless!

{Thanks Katie}

Thanks so much for bearing with me as I took said much needed vacay, I got some sun, and plenty of sleep, and lots o' shopping done ;)  And I am SOOO sorry to delay your giveaway results! Therefore without any more rambling or further ado, I give you the invitation-only Pinterest Giveaway winners!!!

1) Karena of Art by Karena

2) Fuchsia and Viscaria

3) Rosalyn of The Intrigue

4) ATTrio

5) Lauri

6) April of A.Liz Adventures

*Congratulations on your Wedding Day deary*

7) Tara of Haute Lunch

8) Stephanie

9) Andrea

10) Emily

CONGRATULATIONS!

I will be in contact with each of you this week 

with your special invitation to join Pinterest my dears!

May the Yellow Bring the Sunshine

As New York has still somehow managed to play hide and seek with the warm weather, I am hoping to create a yellow, sunshine inspiration board and maybe the result will provide some warm sunshine and a shift in seasons! I hope you warm up from the cheery pictures and don't forget to enter the giveaway...PS these pictures were all taken from Pinterest which IS the giveaway! Good luck!

Have a sunshine bright and cheery Monday 

full of Giveaways and fun!

Work Hard, Play Hard: USA Networks

I'm hopelessly tired from working 36 hours the last 3 days...on my feet! Work hard, play hard is definitely New York City's motto, BUT at least I was outside, talking to trendy people, and this was my office for the weekend...

{merci Highline Blog}

So hey, Meatpacking District? I really can't complain! USA Networks is touring an event nationally that started in NYC on short films. Tony & Ridley Scott chose 8 up and coming directors to put together a piece, celebrating the diversity of the American character. The outcome of each piece is really great! Check them out if you have a few, by going to USA Networks Character Project. And BTW my absolute fav from the set was Perfect by Amie Steir, it takes an unexpected turn...that is hilarious!

BEST STORY - Duck by Jakob Deschek

Most creatively shot -The Fickle by Bryan Poyser 

this entire film was done in one continuous shot. Seriously!

So work hard, play hard, and see great films in the process.
Thanks USA Networks!

Blogger Emergency & NYC Digs

So sorry I haven't posted the last couple days darlings, horror of all horrors, Blogger has been down! I wasn't even sure what to do with this Blogger emergency?? I mean, what is a blogger to do without her avenue to share information? I have been quite busy working which has helped for sure! Spoiler Alert:: I have a Diary of a Fashion Intern post coming soon about our awesome Sample Sale going on!

In the meantime, I'm working a Promo Event with the USA Networks: Character Project. Be sure to stop by the Gansevoort Hotel (Note the amazing view of my office the next few days) in The Meatpacking District, to view some great short films produced by some fabulous directors. They are short and super super sweet. See them on location from 10am-10pm Saturday and Sunday...viewings are also at the Flatiron and the South Street Seaport...but those won't have Yours Truly!

BONUS: If you stop by the live viewing location and Tweet your Foursquare Check-In you will be entered to win very cool prizes each day! Apple TVs, Fandango Tickets, and a $350 B&H Photo Gift Card! Good luck mes cheris and I hope to see you this weekend!

Pourquoi Pas?

It's finally hot!!! It took some time, but I'm enjoying feeling the sun on my skin. So why not run through a sprinkler mes cheris? I may be hard pressed to find one here in the city, but if you can...do it! Dance in some fresh water and enjoy being a kid if only for a moment.

{merci weheartit}

I personally may search for a kiddie pool to blow up and put on my terrace!

Fashionspiration: Easter Sunday Fashion

Mes cheris I had the greatest Easter Sunday, chocked  full of adventures, and my Easter Sunday Fashion was decided the morning of, and shaped up for a home run. Early morning the roomies and I grabbed a delish breakfast at Alice's Tea Cup...a.mazing! I ordered the Eggs Benny with smoked salmon on a buttermilk scone and oh wow it was divine. Not to mention the pumpkin scone I had later with leftovers!

After Breakfast, we walked in Central Park and enjoyed a leisurely stroll in beautiful warm weather. We danced around Bethesda Fountain, one of my favorite NYC spots, took lots of pictures...and probably blended in with the tourists...except for the cute outfits and heels.

Layered racerback tanks from Target and Buffalo Exhange started my Easter Sunday fashion. Buffalo Exchange also provided the finds for the sling purse and the cute Steve Madden platforms. The circle skirt I made myself with upcycled 70's fabric.

Although not totally bursting with color, I did make sure to pop some pastel into my outfit for a nod to traditional Easter Sunday fashion. It turned out to mimic the sky which did not stay this overcast all day. It actually shined brightly enough to give me a good dosage of color after laying out on my terrace when we got home.

I had no idea until writing this blog post that Buffalo Exchange had furnished 70% of my outfit! I am obsessed with this store filled with fashionable goodies from vintage to designer (and so much fun for those into the thrill of the hunt)!

After a fun filled day, I attended a wonderful and moving Easter Sunday service at my church. Then explored different areas of New York after, from Union Square to my neighborhood, the Upper West Side! I love that I live in a city where the day can take me any and everywhere!

I hope your Easter Sunday, as well as your Easter Sunday fashion was inspired and phenomenal...

What did you wear mes cheris?

Pourquoi Pas?

Why not have a rockin day? The weather is a steady on again, off again pattern of: one day of sun to three days of dreary. This grey chilly drizzle is a bit disconcerting so here is a photo that made me instantly smile! And I hope it gets you smiling through hump day!

{photo pinned on Pinterest! join the party!}

Remember no matter how gloomy you may feel, you're just one push away from being on top again!

Spread the smiles today!!

Guest Blogger: London Shopping from BritGirlBondi

With all the Spring in the air, it is certainly the time when we are all thinking of shopping! And what could be better than traveling and shopping? So I have a guest blogger for you today to bring you the know how of the Brits! Here is some London Shopping pointers straight from the expert BritGirlBondi.

So straight from Notting Hill, Helen of BritGirlBondi...

So, Vintage.

There is a lot of blah around Vintage at the moment. I don’t know what it is like in your town, but London ?! Let’s just say this is a bandwagon everyone (including me, I must say) has jumped on. There is “Vintage” everywhere. Got an old T-shirt?! Vintage. Some 1990’s Topshop?! Vintage. What I’m here to do is it say STOP! Say no to bad vintage.

Because, Mon amis, there is so much GOOD STUFF OUT THERE! And here I am, thanks to the lovely Jessica, to tell you where to find it.

I think, like many people, what I love about vintage clothing is the real history around the items that you wear. I love it when you buy a bag and find a dry cleaning ticket from the 60’s. I love it when you buy a military coat and it has Dieppe the French soldier’s name written into the lining.

I lived in London for the last 8 years; Shoreditch, Oval, Clapham, Dulwich, Hackney….. the list goes on. I now live in Sydney, and trust me, if you are lucky enough to be in London then do go on this fabulous trail because I believe there is no place like it for treasure hunting in the world!

1. Spitalfields Antiques

Address: Brushfield and Commercial Street

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East

Online at: visitspitalfields.com

Thursdays at Spitalfields is home to the wondrous antique market. Now, I hear you cry, this is not vintage. On the contrary, I think this is the very best of vintage. Old military wares, scarves, postcards, furniture….. When I move back to the UK the first thing I will buy is a 1800’s Union Jack Flag to frame to hang next to some vintage suitcases filled with books.

2. Absolute Vintage

Address: 15 Hanbury Street

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East

Online at: absolutevintage.co.uk

Just around the corner from Spitalfields market is the Topshop of vintage. Seriously, anything you need, you can get here. It was voted one of the 100 best stores in the world, and I would have to agree, it’s pretty awesome! It is slightly overpriced, but if you are need of a vintage hit, like NOW, this place makes it so easy it’s unreal. Weirdly though, the website is rather pants, so no great pics to be shared. Luckily I have this picture of this dress I once got this awesome dress from AV…. for $60. Wow wow wow!

3. Sunday Upmarket

Address: The Old Truman Brewery, Ely’s Yard

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East

http://www.sundayupmarket.co.uk/index.html

There are many reasons I love Sunday Upmarket. Firstly is because I used to have a stall here, where I basically just put my wardrobe on sale before I moved to Sydney . What I love about this place is because many of the stalls are casual (especially on the higher levels…), there is a huge buzz and excitement about the place. People bring their dogs in, and have their friends to their stalls like it’s a social gathering (Well, I did anyway, see pics below of me and stall friends!). There is a specific vintage section to the market on the upper levels, but don’t let that distract you from the rest of the market, especially the cheaper stalls at the bottom!

Oh, and get your money out before you get there, then go for a curry on the famous Brick Lane after!

4. Rokit

Address: 42 Shelton Street

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden/Leicester Square

Online at: rokit.co.uk

I’m listing this place, basically, because it was the place that started the whole Vintage thing off in London , and started my obsession when I was only a wee 18 year London student. This place has a great central location, right in the midst of Covent Garden . What I always found Rokit best at was the Denim; rows and rows of skirts, jeans, and jackets all very well size labelled means its great for an organisation freak like me. Also I knew the staff in there at one point, they are so darned friendly. They really live and breathe what they do.

5. Portobello Road

Address: Portobello Road

Nearest Tube: Notting Hill gate

Online at: pretaportabello.com

{all photo rights to respective stores, EuropeCloseup and Helen Buchan at BritGirlBondi}

I am quite unfamiliar with Portobello Road , as I must say its rather prim compared to my get down and dirty approach to shopping. Also, I find it a bit cluttered with food stalls, and the usual trappings of a tourist destination. However, the small stores around Portobello are just gorgeous, and, if you are feeling lazy, you can just pop online to pretaportobello.com/shop/vintage.aspx. So you can have the real Portobello experience, minus the tourists, at home with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Mmmmm.

So now you know where to go….. I’ll let you in on some top tips:  

1. Haggle at stalls, you’ll always get a bit of money off if you are just super nice, or buy a few items.
2. If you like a stall, compliment it! It means a lot to the stall holder, they’ve been up since 5am making it beautiful, just for you. And you’ll probably get a discount. And if you want to take a photo, ask first.
3. Remember that most stall holders get their items from EBay. So if you can be patient, or know what you want, take the gamble.
4. Remember that Vintage is NOT NEW! Instead of worry about what is wrong with the item, think about how nice the history of it is. I promise you it will make you appreciate it much more!
5. If you can, travel for the Vintage….. the fur and old military ware of the Parisian Markets of Cliagncourt is to die for (excuse the pun on both accounts…) and apparently South America is amazing (all the old school Americana …).

I cannot wait to visit London again now that I have the local's perspec on shopping! I'll just have to really save up...that British Pound really doesn't mess around! 

Be sure to follow Helen's adventures now that she's in the land down under on her blog BritGirlBondi and on Twitter @Helen_Buchan !!

Clothing DIY: Upcycle Your Tshirt

After waiting far too long for Spring to arrive, I had a clothing DIY weekend! Over the years I have acquired a large amount of fitted tees and rather than throw things away I was inspired to upcycle my tshirt. Fun as well as reducing my need to spend money shopping...win, win!

Here is a casual baseball long sleeve tee that was a gift of love...but it is just not my style. Here are some simple step by step rules for a clothing DIY overhaul for you:

1. Cut

Being scissor happy is Clothing DIY Guideline numero uno! Cut off the sleeves and sew the hem back (I decided to lave a trim of the navy blue along edge). From the sleeves, cut out as many ping pong ball sized circles as possible, then slit the circles all the way around. When you upcycle your tshirt you always want to try and use as much of the fabric as possible...hello? free fabric!

2. Embellish

Stack 3-4 circles at a time and hand sew them onto the shirt, place them close together so they gather. I placed mine strategically over the insignia branding the shirt, and then went from there.

Once all pieces are in place, ruffle them up by finger-combing them. Get them to stand up and look messy, this will create the wild flourish effect.

Et voila! Upcycle that tshirt into a clothing DIY dream! For either a casual look paired with these Anthropologie pants I've had waiting in my closet for Spring to arrive, or a flirty look like this Leifsdotter maxi skirt from Neiman Marcus.

Have you ever Clothing DIYed 

your wardrobe mes cheris?

Music Friday: Brighten Your Weekend

Here are some videos of the latest songs running through my head. I hope they brighten your weekend and keep you moving through your rockin' Friday!

Lenka - Heart Skips a Beat

Adele - Rumor Has It

Have a bright weekend!

NYC Digs: This Weekend: International Pillow Fight & Japan Auction

This weekend held a smorgasbord of festivities here in NYC. The International Pillow Fight took place in Union Square along with an Art Auction Fundraiser for Japan in the Lower East Side. I hopped around to many things here and there from the Gansevoort Hotel in the Meatpacking District to a wonderful walk along the Hudson River on Sunday, capping off a perfect start to the first real Spring weekend NYC has yet to see for 2011.

Feathers rained from the ground up as crazy pillow fighters went all out. My friends got very into the fun as you can see...camo-check, double pillows-check, game face-check-check!

The Art Auction for Japan was in a random hole in the Lower East Side, as most things are, and super cool. Hip music provided the perfect setting for this broad range of art for a cause. I loved that there was an artist creating his piece on-site.

 My favorite was the painting of the blonde it emitted so much emotion. The 3D mixed media piece of a city building was by far the most interesting and intricate. Every detail was accounted for from tiny trash bags to the interior spaces in each window...and it was all from recycled material!

Did you have a great weekend mes cheries?